The Cabinet of Bath and North East Somerset Council met on Thursday 12 March 2026, approving key strategic plans for heritage services, cultural development, and the management of the council's corporate estate. The meeting saw the endorsement of the Heritage Services Business Plan for 2026-2031, the adoption of the Cultural Development Plan for 2025-2027, and the approval of the Corporate Estate Asset Management Framework for 2026-2031.

Heritage Services Business Plan 2026-2031

The Cabinet unanimously approved the Heritage Services Business Plan for 2026-2031. Councillor Paul Roper, Cabinet Member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development, presented the plan, highlighting the entrepreneurial management of the council's cultural assets, including the Roman Baths, Victoria Art Gallery, and the forthcoming Fashion Museum. He noted the strong financial returns generated by Heritage Services, which contribute significantly to reducing residents' Council Tax bills. The plan anticipates continued visitor growth, with a projected surplus of £13.261 million for 2026/27, driven by investment in staff, prudent management, and innovation. Councillor Roper also emphasised the pioneering Sustainability Action Plan, which aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions and establish a pathway to net zero.

Councillor Manda Rigby, Cabinet Member for Communications and Community, seconded the motion, stressing the council's responsibility to conserve heritage assets and ensure their accessibility to all, particularly disadvantaged communities. She highlighted initiatives such as the Roman Baths Youth Forum, partnerships with local charities, and plans to introduce £1 tickets for those on low incomes.

Councillor Sarah Warren, Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Sustainable Bath and North East Somerset, drew attention to the Sustainability Action Plan, underscoring the importance of protecting historic sites while addressing climate change. Councillor Mark Elliott, Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources, discussed the significant capital investment required for the new Fashion Museum, detailing the funding streams and the project's aim to create an internationally significant cultural asset. Councillor Matt McCabe, Cabinet Member for Built Environment, Housing and Sustainable Development, thanked the Heritage Services Team for their dedication.

Cultural Development Plan

The Cabinet unanimously approved the Cultural Development Plan for 2025-2027. Councillor Paul Roper introduced the plan, defining culture broadly to encompass arts, libraries, museums, heritage, festivals, and natural spaces. He emphasised that culture is a community-building force that opens opportunities, particularly for disadvantaged groups. The plan aims to integrate culture into the council's place-shaping strategy, supporting economic growth and social cohesion. Key initiatives include continued investment in social value programmes at the Roman Baths and Victoria Art Gallery, expansion of the Discovery Card scheme, and the protection of libraries as cultural hubs.

Councillor Mark Elliott seconded the motion, describing culture as fundamental to identity and a powerful lever for improving wellbeing, aspiration, and economic vitality. He highlighted the plan's commitment to embedding culture across various council strategies and its role in reducing inequalities and building cohesive communities. The plan aims to foster cultural activity across the entire district, not just in Bath, by simplifying processes and removing barriers for cultural organisations.

Corporate Estate Asset Management Framework 2026-2031

The Cabinet unanimously approved the Corporate Estate Asset Management Framework for 2026-2031. Councillor Paul Roper presented the framework, explaining that it consolidates the Asset Management Policy, Strategy, and Action Plan. He detailed the council's extensive estate of over 900 assets, valued at £328 million, and the implementation of a new Concerto computer-aided facilities management system to improve data management and decision-making. The framework aims to create a safe, compliant, and right-sized estate by 2031, with reduced office space, co-location hubs, a reduced maintenance backlog, and progress towards net-zero carbon operations.

Councillor Sarah Warren seconded the motion, highlighting how the framework supports the council's environmental ambitions, including managing land for nature and achieving biodiversity net gain. She noted the significant reduction in estate carbon emissions achieved since 2016 and the ongoing commitment to net-zero operations by 2030 through various decarbonisation measures.

The Cabinet also noted the minutes of the previous meeting held on 12 February 2026 and received answers to questions from councillors and the public on various topics, including community resilience, bus services, public toilets, and the management of council assets.