This week in Worcestershire:

Police Budget Decisions Loom: Will Council Tax Rise to Fund Services?

The West Mercia Police and Crime Panel convened on Friday, 6 February 2026, to scrutinize the proposed budget and precept for the upcoming financial year. The core of the discussion revolved around the Police and Crime Commissioner's (PCC) plan to increase the police precept, a portion of your council tax, by £15 for an average household. This 5.2% uplift is presented as essential to maintain policing services amidst rising costs and complex demand.

The PCC, along with the Chief Constable, outlined the challenging financial landscape. They highlighted that while the Home Office grant has increased, it hasn't kept pace with inflation and pay awards for officers and staff. This means a greater reliance on local taxpayers to fund policing. The PCC stressed that maximizing the precept flexibility is no longer a choice but a necessity to keep pace with cost pressures.

The implications for residents are significant. While the PCC stated that the proposed precept increase is necessary to avoid cuts to services, the panel expressed concerns about the impact on frontline policing and the overall sustainability of the budget. Councillor Liz Harvey, speaking on behalf of the budget task group, noted that the savings that are needing to be sought now are not going to happen without there being some kind of impact at community level. The panel ultimately recommended supporting the PCC's proposal, but with a strong emphasis on understanding the precise impact on service delivery.

• The Stakes: A proposed £15 increase in the police precept (council tax) for the average household.
• The Justification: Rising costs, increased demand, and insufficient central government funding.
• The Concern: Potential impact on frontline policing and community services.
• The Decision: The panel recommended supporting the PCC's proposal, but with a call for clarity on service impacts.

Read the full meeting details of the West Mercia Police and Crime Panel.

Council Cabinet Grapples with £71 Million Budget Black Hole

Worcestershire County Council's Cabinet met on Thursday, 5 February 2026, facing stark realities about the council's financial health. The meeting was dominated by discussions around the draft budget and Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP), revealing a staggering projected budget gap of £71.9 million for 2026/27. This immense shortfall means the council is seriously considering requesting Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from the government and is contemplating a Council Tax increase significantly above the 5% referendum limit.

The Chief Financial Officer, Phil Rook, delivered a sobering assessment, stating that the council is very, very close to being the precipitate of a section one on full notice. This refers to a formal declaration that a council cannot meet its financial obligations, a situation that would have severe consequences for service delivery. The report highlights relentless demand and cost pressures in Adult Social Care and Children's Services, which are already straining resources to breaking point. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for high needs is also a major concern, with a cumulative deficit projected to reach £194.1 million by the end of 2026/27. This could directly impact the support available to children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), potentially leading to longer waits for assessments, reduced services, and increased strain on families.

The council's financial strategy relies heavily on the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement, which has been described as providing less funding than anticipated. To bridge the gap, the council is proposing savings of £9.1 million, but these may not be enough to avert the need for EFS, a temporary measure to provide time for radical change. The report also notes that Worcestershire's Council Tax is currently among the lowest for county councils, and while an increase is being considered, it could still place an additional burden on households, particularly those on lower incomes.

• The Crisis: A projected £71.9 million budget gap for 2026/27.
• The Risk: Potential for a Section 114 notice, severely impacting services.
• The Impact: Increased pressure on Adult Social Care, Children's Services, and SEND provision, with potential for higher Council Tax bills.
• The Hope: Requesting Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) and awaiting the final Local Government Finance Settlement.

Read the full meeting details of the Cabinet meeting.

Children's Services Under Scrutiny: Sufficiency of School Places and SEND Support

The Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Panel met on Monday, 2 February 2026, to review critical updates on education sufficiency and school organisation. The panel examined reports detailing the availability of childcare, mainstream school places, and provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). These discussions are vital for ensuring that all children in Worcestershire have access to appropriate education and support.

The reports highlighted that while there is currently sufficient childcare available for children aged 0-14, projected housing growth means demand is likely to increase, potentially reducing parental choice. For mainstream school places, the picture is mixed. Falling birth rates are leading to surplus places in some areas, while significant housing development in others, such as Worcester City and Bromsgrove, is creating a need for additional secondary school places. The council is working with schools to expand capacity, but the scale of development presents ongoing challenges.

The situation for SEND provision remains a significant concern. Demand for specialist provision continues to outweigh supply, with an increasing number of Worcestershire children and young people placed in out-of-county and independent settings. This is not only costly but also means children may be educated far from their families and support networks. The council is committed to increasing its own state-funded specialist provision, including the proposed Enterprise Academy in Malvern, to reduce reliance on expensive independent placements and improve outcomes for SEND pupils.

• The Challenge: Ensuring sufficient school places and specialist SEND provision amidst demographic shifts and housing development.
• The Impact: Potential for reduced parental choice in childcare, the need for new school places in growing areas, and the high cost and potential disruption of out-of-county SEND placements.
• The Plan: Expanding state-funded specialist provision and working with schools to meet demand.

Read the full meeting details of the Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Panel.

Other Matters

• The Planning and Regulatory Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 3 February 2026, was cancelled.

Upcoming meetings in the next 7 days are listed below. These are included to help you inform readers about what is coming up.

• Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Monday 09 February 2026. (This meeting has been cancelled).
• Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Wednesday 11 February 2026.
• Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Authority on Wednesday 18 February 2026.
• Council on Thursday 19 February 2026. (This meeting has been cancelled).

This week in Worcestershire:

Children in Care Face Health Assessment Delays Amidst Service Pressures

Worcestershire's looked-after children are facing potential delays in crucial health assessments due to ongoing workforce pressures within health services. The Corporate Parenting Board met on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, to discuss the health and wellbeing of children in care, highlighting that while initial health assessments are largely meeting statutory timescales, review health assessments are experiencing breaches.

This situation could mean that the ongoing health needs of children in care are not being identified and addressed as promptly as they should be. The report indicates that workforce capacity and increased workloads are significant challenges for the Specialist Nursing Team for Children in Care, community paediatricians, and allied health professionals. These professionals are vital in ensuring that children in care receive the necessary medical and emotional support.

Despite these challenges, the council is working to improve the situation. An improvement plan includes moving to a caseload basis for nurses, which aims to provide greater continuity of care. Furthermore, plans are in place for care leavers aged 18-25 to receive free prescriptions, dental care, and eye care, aligning with recent government announcements. The meeting also discussed the ANCHOR service, which provides specialist support for the emotional health and wellbeing of looked-after children, and feedback from young people and carers highlighted its positive impact.

The discussions also touched upon the broader challenges faced by care-experienced young people, including housing instability and mental ill-health. The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill proposes extending corporate parenting duties to public bodies to prioritize access to services and promote wellbeing for these vulnerable individuals.

• The Concern: Review health assessments for children in care are breaching statutory timescales due to workforce pressures.
• The Impact: Potential delays in identifying and addressing the ongoing health needs of vulnerable children.
• The Efforts: An improvement plan is underway, including a move to a caseload basis for nurses and enhanced support for care leavers.

Read the full meeting details of the Corporate Parenting Board.

Council Grapples with Budgetary Pressures as Scrutiny Panels Review Draft Plans

Worcestershire County Council's Overview and Scrutiny Performance Board met on Monday, 26 January 2026, to begin scrutinizing the council's draft budget for the upcoming financial year and to review the board's work programme. This meeting is a crucial step in the council's financial planning process, allowing scrutiny panels to provide feedback before the Cabinet makes its final decisions.

The board was scheduled to consider feedback from various scrutiny panels on the draft budget and the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP). This process involves panels reviewing financial information throughout the year to identify budget pressures and challenges. The aim is to ensure that the council's financial plans are robust and that services can continue to be delivered effectively, particularly to vulnerable residents.

The discussions also covered the Cabinet's forward plan, outlining upcoming key decisions. This ensures that scrutiny panels can proactively consider issues that will require their attention. The scrutiny process is vital for holding the executive to account and ensuring that decisions are made in the best interests of the community.

• The Process: Scrutiny panels are reviewing the draft budget and MTFP to provide feedback.
• The Goal: To ensure sound financial planning and the continued delivery of essential services.
• Key Documents: The Cabinet's forward plan, which outlines upcoming key decisions.

Read the full meeting details of the Overview and Scrutiny Performance Board.

Other Matters

• The Pensions Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, 28 January 2026, was cancelled.

Upcoming meetings in the next 7 days are listed below. These are included to help you inform readers about what is coming up.

• Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Panel on Monday 02 February 2026.
• Planning and Regulatory Committee on Tuesday 03 February 2026. (This meeting has been cancelled).
• Cabinet on Thursday 05 February 2026.
• West Mercia Police and Crime Panel on Friday 06 February 2026.
• Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Monday 09 February 2026. (This meeting has been cancelled).
• Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Wednesday 11 February 2026.

This week in Worcestershire:

Council Faces Critical Budget Decisions Amidst Growing Financial Pressures

Worcestershire County Council is at a critical juncture as it prepares to finalize its budget for 2026/27 and its Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) for the following three years. The Overview and Scrutiny Performance Board met on Monday, 26 January 2026, to scrutinize the draft budget, highlighting a projected budget gap of £71.9 million for 2026/27. This significant shortfall, even after proposed savings and anticipated funding increases, means the council is considering requesting Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from the government and is contemplating an increase in Council Tax above the 5% referendum limit.

The implications for residents are substantial. A failure to secure adequate funding or a significant Council Tax hike could impact the delivery of essential services, particularly for vulnerable groups. The report details that the council is facing relentless demand and cost pressures in Adult Social Care and Children's Services, which are already straining resources. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) also presents a major challenge, with a cumulative deficit projected to reach £194.1 million by the end of 2026/27. This could mean reduced support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), potentially affecting their educational outcomes and overall well-being.

The council's financial strategy relies heavily on the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement, which has been described as providing less funding than anticipated. To bridge the gap, the council is proposing savings of £9.1 million, but these may not be enough to avert the need for EFS, a temporary measure to provide time for radical change. The report also notes that Worcestershire's Council Tax is currently among the lowest for county councils, and while an increase is being considered, it could still place an additional burden on households.

The Cabinet will discuss these critical budget proposals on 5 February 2026, with the Full Council set to make the final decision on 15 January 2026. The decisions made in these upcoming meetings will shape the council's ability to deliver services and support its residents for years to come.

• The Challenge: A projected £71.9 million budget gap for 2026/27.
• Potential Solutions: Requesting Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) and considering a Council Tax increase above 5%.
• Impact on Services: Increased pressure on Adult Social Care, Children's Services, and SEND provision.
• Key Meetings: Cabinet on 5 February 2026, and Full Council on 15 January 2026.

Read the full meeting details of the Overview and Scrutiny Performance Board.

SEND Services Under Intense Scrutiny Amidst Growing Deficit

The Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Panel is set to examine the progress of the SEND Local Area Partnership's action and improvement plans on Monday, 2 February 2026. This comes after a joint Ofsted and Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection in April 2024, which identified significant concerns regarding the experiences and outcomes for children and young people with SEND. The panel will also scrutinize the draft budget for 2026/27, with a particular focus on the financial pressures within children's services.

The report highlights a concerning increase in waiting times for essential health services, including community paediatrics, neurodevelopmental assessments, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy. This backlog is exacerbated by high referral numbers for ADHD and Autism services. The council is investing in strategies to increase capacity, including outsourcing assessments and developing new support services, but the scale of the challenge is immense.

The financial situation is equally worrying. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for high needs is facing a substantial deficit, projected to reach £194.1 million by March 2027. This deficit could directly impact the support available to children with SEND, potentially leading to longer waits for assessments, reduced services, and increased strain on families. The panel will also consider the council's overall financial position, which is described as challenging, with a reliance on reserves and EFS.

The panel's discussions will be crucial in understanding the effectiveness of current improvement plans and the financial sustainability of SEND services. The outcome of these discussions will inform recommendations to the Cabinet, aiming to ensure that children and young people with SEND receive the support they need.

• The Problem: Significant concerns identified in SEND services following a joint Ofsted/CQC inspection.
• The Impact: Long waiting times for assessments and treatments, and a growing deficit in SEND funding.
• The Focus: Reviewing improvement plans and scrutinizing the 2026/27 budget for children's services.

Read the full meeting details of the Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Panel.

Councillor Conduct and Standards Under Review

The Standards and Ethics Committee met on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, to review arrangements for handling complaints against councillors and to discuss guidance on social media use and councillor safety. These discussions are particularly important as they aim to uphold public trust and ensure councillors adhere to high ethical standards.

The committee considered proposed changes to the process for handling complaints made against councillors under the Members Code of Conduct. These changes include introducing stricter timescales for complaint handling, requiring consultation with an independent person at the filtering stage, and outlining clear criteria for formal investigations. For example, a complaint must not be tit-for-tat or politically motivated to warrant a full investigation. These measures are designed to ensure a fair and efficient process, protecting both the public and councillors from vexatious claims.

The committee also discussed guidance for councillors on responsible social media use. This guidance emphasizes that councillors are personally responsible for their online activity and must adhere to the Members Code of Conduct, treating others with respect and avoiding the disclosure of confidential information. This is crucial in an era where online communication can quickly escalate and have significant real-world consequences.

Furthermore, a Councillor Safety Protocol was developed to support councillors in protecting themselves while carrying out their duties. This protocol provides information on useful contacts and general personal safety guidance, acknowledging the potential for harassment, intimidation, or abuse that councillors may face.

These discussions are vital for maintaining public confidence in local government and ensuring that councillors can perform their roles effectively and ethically.

• Key Focus: Improving the complaints process for councillors and providing guidance on conduct.
• Impact: Aims to enhance accountability, transparency, and safety for councillors and the public.
• Relevant Legislation: Section 27 of the Localism Act 2011 requires councils to promote high standards of ethical behaviour.

Read the full meeting details of the Standards and Ethics Committee.

Adult Social Care Faces Budgetary Scrutiny Amidst Rising Demand

The Adult Care and Well-Being Overview and Scrutiny Panel met on Thursday, 22 January 2026, to scrutinize the council's draft budget for 2026/27 and review the Adult Social Care Local Account for 2024/25. The discussions highlighted the significant financial pressures on adult social care services, driven by an increasing and aging population, rising costs, and workforce pressures.

The panel examined the draft budget for Adult Social Care, noting projected increases in demand and complexity for older people, adults with learning disabilities, mental health conditions, and physical disabilities. The council's overall financial position is challenging, with a projected gap of £71.937 million to be addressed for 2026/27. This situation could mean difficult choices regarding service provision and potential impacts on the quality and accessibility of care for vulnerable adults.

The Adult Social Care Local Account provided an overview of the council's activities, priorities, and areas for improvement. It detailed statutory duties under the Care Act 2014, which include promoting wellbeing, preventing the need for care, and protecting adults from abuse. The report highlighted achievements in early intervention and prevention, such as reducing loneliness and social isolation, and provided case studies illustrating the council's approach to providing personalized support. However, the ongoing financial challenges cast a shadow over the sustainability of these vital services.

• Key Concern: Rising demand and costs in adult social care services.
• Potential Impact: Risks to the quality and accessibility of care for vulnerable residents.
• Legal Framework: The Care Act 2014 sets out the council's responsibilities for adult social care.

Read the full meeting details of the Adult Care and Well-Being Overview and Scrutiny Panel.

Small Towns and Economic Development Under the Microscope

The Economy Overview and Scrutiny Panel met on Friday, 23 January 2026, to review the draft budget for 2026/27, discuss the economic challenges faced by small towns across Worcestershire, and examine the panel's work programme. The discussions underscored the importance of supporting local economies and ensuring that all communities benefit from development.

The panel scrutinized the draft budget for economic services, noting the council's challenging financial position, including a projected gap of £71.937 million for 2026/27. This financial context will inevitably influence the council's ability to invest in economic development initiatives.

A significant focus was placed on the economic challenges faced by small towns, defined as those with populations between 5,000 and 25,000 residents. Towns such as Droitwich, Pershore, and Evesham were highlighted, with discussions on metrics like median pay, economic inactivity, and house prices. The report identified specific opportunities and challenges for these towns, such as the evening economy in Droitwich and the Riverside Shopping Centre redevelopment in Evesham. The panel's scrutiny of these issues is vital to ensure that economic growth is inclusive and benefits all parts of the county.

• Focus Areas: Budgetary pressures and the economic health of Worcestershire's small towns.
• Impact: Decisions made will affect local businesses, employment opportunities, and community vitality.
• Key Towns Discussed: Droitwich, Pershore, Evesham, Upton upon Severn, Tenbury, Bewdley, and Stourport-on-Severn.

Read the full meeting details of the Economy Overview and Scrutiny Panel.

Other Matters

• The Corporate and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel met on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, to review the draft budget for 2026/27, focusing on corporate and community services, and to discuss its work programme. See the meeting details.

Upcoming meetings in the next 7 days are listed below. These are included to help you inform readers about what is coming up.

• Overview and Scrutiny Performance Board on Monday 26 January 2026.
• Corporate Parenting Board on Tuesday 27 January 2026.
• Pensions Committee on Wednesday 28 January 2026. (This meeting has been cancelled).
• Planning and Regulatory Committee on Tuesday 03 February 2026. (This meeting has been cancelled).
• Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Panel on Monday 02 February 2026.
• Cabinet on Thursday 05 February 2026.
• West Mercia Police and Crime Panel on Friday 06 February 2026.

This week in Worcestershire:

Council Faces Critical Budget Decisions Amidst Growing Financial Pressures

Worcestershire County Council is at a critical juncture as it prepares to finalize its budget for 2026/27 and its Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) for the following three years. The Council meeting on Thursday, 15 January 2026, was set to address these crucial financial matters, including the Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Authority's annual report and the draft budget.

The implications for residents are substantial. The council is facing a projected budget gap of £71.9 million for 2026/27, even after proposed savings and anticipated funding increases. This significant shortfall means the council is considering requesting Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from the government and is contemplating an increase in Council Tax above the 5% referendum limit. This could mean increased financial burdens for households across Worcestershire.

The report details that the council is facing relentless demand and cost pressures in Adult Social Care and Children's Services, which are already straining resources. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) also presents a major challenge, with a cumulative deficit projected to reach £194.1 million by the end of 2026/27. This could mean reduced support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), potentially affecting their educational outcomes and overall well-being.

The council's financial strategy relies heavily on the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement, which has been described as providing less funding than anticipated. To bridge the gap, the council is proposing savings of £9.1 million, but these may not be enough to avert the need for EFS, a temporary measure to provide time for radical change. The report also notes that Worcestershire's Council Tax is currently among the lowest for county councils, and while an increase is being considered, it could still place an additional burden on households.

The Cabinet met on 13 January 2026 to discuss these critical budget proposals, and the Full Council was set to make the final decision on 15 January 2026. The decisions made in these meetings will shape the council's ability to deliver services and support its residents for years to come.

• The Challenge: A projected £71.9 million budget gap for 2026/27.
• Potential Solutions: Requesting Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) and considering a Council Tax increase above 5%.
• Impact on Services: Increased pressure on Adult Social Care, Children's Services, and SEND provision.
• Key Meetings: Cabinet on 13 January 2026, and Full Council on 15 January 2026.

Read the full meeting details of the Council meeting.

SEND Services Under Intense Scrutiny Amidst Growing Deficit

The Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Panel met on Monday, 19 January 2026, to examine the progress of the SEND Local Area Partnership's action and improvement plans. This comes after a joint Ofsted and Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection in April 2024, which identified significant concerns regarding the experiences and outcomes for children and young people with SEND. The panel also scrutinized the draft budget for 2026/27, with a particular focus on the financial pressures within children's services.

The report highlights a concerning increase in waiting times for essential health services, including community paediatrics, neurodevelopmental assessments, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy. This backlog is exacerbated by high referral numbers for ADHD and Autism services. The council is investing in strategies to increase capacity, including outsourcing assessments and developing new support services, but the scale of the challenge is immense.

The financial situation is equally worrying. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for high needs is facing a substantial deficit, projected to reach £194.1 million by March 2027. This deficit could directly impact the support available to children with SEND, potentially leading to longer waits for assessments, reduced services, and increased strain on families. The panel also considered the council's overall financial position, which is described as challenging, with a reliance on reserves and EFS.

The panel's discussions are crucial in understanding the effectiveness of current improvement plans and the financial sustainability of SEND services. The outcome of these discussions will inform recommendations to the Cabinet, aiming to ensure that children and young people with SEND receive the support they need.

• The Problem: Significant concerns identified in SEND services following a joint Ofsted/CQC inspection.
• The Impact: Long waiting times for assessments and treatments, and a growing deficit in SEND funding.
• The Focus: Reviewing improvement plans and scrutinizing the 2026/27 budget for children's services.

Read the full meeting details of the Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Panel.

Environment Act Progress Highlighted, But Concerns Over Funding and Waste Persist

The Environment Overview and Scrutiny Panel met on Friday, 16 January 2026, to discuss the implementation of the Environment Act 2021 and the council's Net Zero Carbon Plan. While progress was reported in areas like Local Nature Recovery Strategies and LED street lighting upgrades, concerns were raised about funding for environmental initiatives and the lack of a comprehensive plan for dealing with household waste.

Local Nature Recovery Strategy: A Blueprint for Biodiversity

The panel received an update on the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), a key requirement of the Environment Act. Cody Levine, Head of Environmental Policy, explained that the LNRS aims to create a network of interconnected habitats to support nature's recovery.

The government intends to create 48 local nature recovery strategy areas so that there are no overlaps or gaps, and create a national nature recovery network through the combination of those.

The LNRS will identify priorities for nature recovery, map valuable habitats, and propose measures for creating or improving habitats. A public consultation on the draft LNRS was completed in October, with a final version expected to be considered by Cabinet in February 2026.

Biodiversity Net Gain: Balancing Development and Nature

The panel also discussed Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), another key aspect of the Environment Act. BNG requires developers to ensure that new developments result in a measurable improvement in biodiversity.

Councillor Emma Kearsey raised concerns about ensuring that BNG is implemented effectively, particularly in rural areas. She questioned whether the council was doing enough to encourage developers to achieve BNG on-site and to import BNG from neighboring counties.

Air Quality: Addressing Pollution Hotspots

The panel received an update on Air Quality Action Plans (AQAPs) for areas with poor air quality. The actions identified as achieving the greatest benefits include electric vehicle charging infrastructure, air quality planning and policy guidance, and a countywide air quality strategy.

Net Zero Carbon Plan: Progress and Challenges

The panel received an update on the council's Net Zero Carbon Plan, which aims to make the council carbon neutral by 2050. Ruth, an officer, reported a 43% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions since the 2009/10 baseline year.

However, increases in emissions were noted in some areas, including gas and electricity use in corporate buildings, air travel, and the council's own fleet vehicles.

Councillor Louis Stephen questioned the council's criteria for spend to save projects, asking what the acceptable payback period was for investments in carbon reduction measures.

Waste Management: The Elephant in the Room

Councillor Stephen also raised concerns about the lack of a county-wide plan for anaerobic digestion¹ to deal with the increasing amount of food waste. He argued that the council should be working now to identify suitable sites for anaerobic digesters, given the time it will take to develop them.

Councillor Concerns

Councillor Kearsey expressed frustration that the Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Environment was not present at the meeting, stating that it made it difficult to ask key questions about the implementation of the Environment Act.

Action Items

The panel agreed to request further information from the Cabinet Member on a number of issues, including:

• The council's plans for selling off land that could be used for Biodiversity Net Gain.
• The council's strategy for proactively importing BNG.
• The 10 schools identified for school streets.
• The active travel corridor for Councillor Linda Robinson's division.
• The outcome of tree felling consultations.
• The plan to achieve net zero by 2050.
• The payback period for spend to save projects.

Read the full meeting details of the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Panel.

Other Matters

• The Appointments Etc Panel met on 12 January 2026 to discuss the appointment of a new Strategic Director for Economy and Infrastructure. This is a crucial role for the county's economic development and infrastructure projects. See the meeting details.
• The Cabinet met on 13 January 2026 to discuss the draft budget and medium-term financial plan. See the meeting details.

Upcoming meetings in the next 7 days are listed below. These are included to help you inform readers about what is coming up.

• Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Panel on Monday 19 January 2026.
• Standards and Ethics Committee on Wednesday 21 January 2026.
• Corporate and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel on Wednesday 21 January 2026.
• Adult Care and Well-Being Overview and Scrutiny Panel on Thursday 22 January 2026.
• Economy Overview and Scrutiny Panel on Friday 23 January 2026.
• Overview and Scrutiny Performance Board on Monday 26 January 2026.
• Corporate Parenting Board on Tuesday 27 January 2026.