The Cabinet of Devon Council met on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, to discuss a range of important issues, including the future of the Matford Offices site, budget monitoring, flood risk management, and the development of new cycle routes. Key decisions were made regarding the Matford Offices site, the approval of the Flood Risk Management Action Plan, and the construction of a new cycle path between Exeter and Cranbrook.

Matford Offices – Public Open Space

The Cabinet considered proposals for the former Matford Offices site at County Hall, Exeter. While the site had previously been declared surplus, the presence of Public Open Space necessitated a re-evaluation of disposal plans. Following extensive public consultation, which resulted in 180 objections, the Cabinet decided to defer a final decision on the site's future. Instead, a further report will be presented to Cabinet in due course to explore options for future development, ensuring alignment with the Council's strategic objectives and incorporating safeguards for future uses, legal covenants, and contractual obligations with high environmental principles.

Budget Monitoring - Month 10

The Cabinet received a report on the budget monitoring position for month 10, which indicated an estimated underspend of £4.2 million. This represented an improvement of £9.6 million from the previous report. The Cabinet noted that adverse weather events had necessitated an increase in spending for Highways, leading to a recommendation for an additional £3 million budget allocation for responsive highway maintenance. Pressures within social care and corporate services were also highlighted, though financial forecasts had improved. The report also detailed the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit, with an anticipated government grant to cover 90% of the accumulated deficit. The Cabinet approved the noting of the Month 10 budget monitoring forecast, budget movements, and reserves position. They also noted the changing landscape of SEND deficits and approved the transfer of £3 million from the released SEND contribution to support additional reactive Highways spend.

Flood Risk Management Action Plan 2026/2027

The Cabinet approved the budget allocations for the Flood Risk Management Annual Action Plan for 2026/27. The report highlighted achievements in delivering the 2025/26 plan and detailed the extent of flooding experienced in 2025. As the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA), Devon County Council has statutory responsibilities for managing local flood risk. The plan includes ongoing investigations into significant flooding incidents and progress on the Devon Resilience Innovation Project (DRIP), which is testing innovative measures to enhance flood resilience. The Cabinet approved the budget allocations, delegated authority to the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport for significant changes to revenue and capital project costs, and agreed to increase the 2026/27 capital programme by £50,000 to support local flood improvements.

Exeter to Cranbrook Cycle Route – Mosshayne to Cranbrook Shared-Use Path

Approval was granted for the construction of the Mosshayne to Cranbrook Phase 2 Section of the Exeter to Cranbrook Cycle Route, at a cost of £4.274 million. This off-road walking, wheeling, and cycling route will connect Cranbrook with Exeter's strategic cycle routes and the Clyst Valley Trail. The project aims to provide a safer and more pleasant alternative to the current route alongside the busy B3174 / London Road corridor. The Cabinet also approved the acquisition of land through negotiation or Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO), an increase in the 2027/28 capital programme, and delegated authority to the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport for minor amendments to the scheme details.

Biodiversity Duty Reporting to Defra

The Cabinet approved the Biodiversity Duty Report for submission to Defra. This report details the Council's actions to conserve and enhance biodiversity, fulfilling statutory duties under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 and the Environment Act 2021. The report highlights progress in habitat creation and enhancement on Council land, support for biodiversity beyond the Council's estate, and the development of the draft Devon Local Nature Recovery Strategy. The Cabinet noted that the responsibility for delivering the Biodiversity Duty is shared across all Council operations and authorised the Director for Climate Change, Environment and Transport to develop future actions.

Bramley Bridge (Replacement of Baulk Bridge, B3181), Cullompton

The Cabinet approved a revised cost of £9.03 million for the replacement of Bramley Bridge (formerly Baulk Bridge) on the B3181 in Cullompton. The original estimate of £7.92 million was exceeded due to higher-than-anticipated tender costs. The bridge is a crucial part of the B3181, serving as a vital link between Exeter and Cullompton and a diversion route for the M5 motorway. Delegated authority was given to the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways, to award the contract for the scheme.

Crisis and Resilience Fund (CaRF)

The Cabinet approved the first-year approach and suite of support initiatives for the three-year Crisis and Resilience Fund (CaRF) programme, which will provide £8.4 million annually to support low-income households facing financial shocks and build community resilience. This fund replaces the Household Support Fund (HSF) and adopts a more targeted approach. The approved approach includes financial crisis support, resilience-building services, community funding, and informing CaRF implementation. The Cabinet also approved a 'review and refine' transitional approach to implementation, incorporating a suite of Test, Learn and Grow pilot initiatives, and delegated authority for the distribution of funding. A CaRF Partnership Board will be established to review and refine the fund over its lifetime.

Shortbreaks Procurement

The Cabinet endorsed the Devon Local Area Short Break Strategy for 2026–2030 and a graduated model of support. This strategy aims to address challenges in the current short breaks provision for disabled children and young people, which has been criticised for bureaucratic barriers and inequitable access. The new approach will be inclusive, outcomes-focused, and underpinned by co-production. A competitive procurement process will be undertaken to establish a framework of Short Breaks providers across the county.

Devon Domestic Abuse Support in Safe Accommodation Strategic Plan 2026-2030

Approval was given for the refreshed Devon Domestic Abuse Support in Safe Accommodation Strategic Plan 2026–2030. This plan, co-produced with key stakeholders and informed by survivor insights, builds on learning from the previous strategy and expands provision to meet identified needs. It aligns with the newly commissioned Devon Domestic Abuse Alliance service model and aims to ensure victims and survivors of domestic abuse in Devon can access quality support in safe accommodation. The Cabinet also authorised publication of the plan in accordance with the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and delegated authority for minor amendments.

Water Quality Report

The Cabinet endorsed the Council's proposed approach to collaborate with partners in tackling water quality issues in the county. Recognizing that only 22% of Devon's surface water bodies meet good ecological status, the Council will play a strategic convening role to clarify responsibilities, consolidate evidence, and strengthen collaborative working with organisations such as the Environment Agency, Natural England, and South West Water. The proposed approach aims to improve transparency and coordination in addressing water quality challenges. Officers were authorised to develop a coordinated Devon-wide position statement on water quality and to host a water summit.

Corporate Performance and Risk Report - Quarterly Update (3)

The Cabinet noted the performance outturns detailed in the Strategic Scorecard, the narrative around selected indicators, and the current high or very high strategic risks related to the Council's six Strategic Priorities. They also approved further developments of the Performance Management Framework. The Strategic Scorecard provides a high-level overview of performance across the Council's priority areas, with future iterations planned to include supporting indicators for deeper insight.

Children's Scrutiny Committee - Report of the Children's Scrutiny Session - SEND and EHCP: Insights and Devon's Improvement Journey

The Cabinet formally received the report from the Children's Scrutiny Committee, acknowledging the insights provided through the SEND and EHCPs: Insights and Devon's Improvement Journey session. The Cabinet committed to reviewing and considering the recommendations made by families to incorporate them into the ongoing SEND Transformation Programme. A further report will be provided to the Children's Scrutiny Committee outlining how these recommendations will be adopted. The Cabinet also expressed support for the Cabinet Members for Children's Services in championing the voices of families in national discussions.

Policy, Performance and Transformation (SEND)

An update was provided on the national policy landscape for SEND, including the Government's Schools White Paper and a SEND reform consultation. The Council plans to respond to the consultation and submit a Local SEND Reform Plan. The report noted that timeliness in issuing Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) was improving, although trends in exclusions and attendance for pupils with SEND remained a concern. The Cabinet Member for Children's Services (SEND) agreed to work with the Chief Executive to write to the Government regarding funding and timescale clarity.

SW Norse Contract and Future Arrangements

This item was deferred to a future meeting.