The Cabinet of Devon County Council met on Wednesday 10 June 2026, approving a new management plan for the Tamar Valley National Landscape, a plan to improve provision for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and a contract extension for passenger transport services. The meeting also noted the council's performance and risk report for the fourth quarter and year-end, and approved a new contract for homes for children and young people.

Tamar Valley National Landscape Management Plan 2025-2030 Adopted

The Cabinet adopted the Tamar Valley National Landscape's new five-year Management Plan for 2025-2030. This plan sets out a shared approach for the sustainable management of the Tamar Valley National Landscape, aiming to conserve and enhance its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and environmental value. The plan is structured around three strategic themes: Nature, Climate, and People and Place, and aligns with national and local strategies, including the Environmental Improvement Plan and Local Nature Recovery Strategies for Devon and Cornwall. The adoption of this plan is a statutory requirement under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, as amended by the Levelling-Up and Regeneration Act 2023, which strengthens the duty on public bodies to further the purposes of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of National Landscapes.

SEND Sufficiency Implementation Plan Approved

The Cabinet approved the SEND Implementation Plan 2025-2030, along with the associated capital programme and High Needs capital funding intentions. This plan aims to increase mainstream capacity to support children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). A key component of the plan is a capital commitment of £3.2 million towards new therapeutic school provision. The plan aligns with the national Every Child Achieving and Thriving White Paper, emphasising a mainstream school first approach and the development of Inclusion Bases within mainstream settings. The funding will also support the expansion of specialist provision, post-16 pathways, and therapeutic education, aiming to provide more local and appropriate support for children and young people with SEND.

Corporate Performance and Risk Report Noted

The Cabinet noted the council's quarter four performance in relation to the delivery of its six strategic priorities, as set out in the Strategic Plan 2025-2029, as presented in the strategic scorecard. They also noted the narrative around selected indicators and the current strategic risks. The report highlighted areas of concern, including a Red rating for the percentage of unfilled social work posts, indicating a challenging workforce market. A significant strategic risk identified was the Failure to deliver the council's responsibilities and goals regarding SEND, with a current score of 25 (Very High), though mitigating actions are in place to reduce this.

Homes for Children and Young People Contract Approved

The Cabinet approved the award of a 10-year contract for a Strategic Partner for the provision of local options for homes for children and young people who are looked after. This decision aims to ensure a range of suitable and local accommodation for children in care.

Extension to Passenger Transport Dynamic Purchasing System Approved

An extension to the existing Passenger Transport Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) was approved by the Cabinet. The extension will run from 1 April 2027 to 23 February 2029. This decision ensures the continued provision of safe and effective transport services, compliance with procurement regulations, and maintains competition in the market, supporting cost-effectiveness and value for money. The extension is necessary to understand the impact of SEND Transformation, Local Government Reorganisation, and the replacement of the TRAMS system before investing in an alternative solution.

Securing Improved Outcomes for Carers Approved

The Cabinet agreed to the recommendations outlined in the report regarding the Carer Assessment and Review function, the financial envelope, the role of the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector, and relevant delegations to progress proposals. This decision aims to improve support and outcomes for carers within the county. Councillor Jacqi Hodgson declared a personal interest in this matter as a carer.

Growing the NQSW Programme Routes into Social Work Noted

The Cabinet noted the Growing Newly Qualified Social Workers Programme and Routes into Social Work. This initiative aims to expand entry routes into social work and strengthen the infrastructure to support a larger cohort of learners, including an increase in Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW) places on the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme, an expansion of Social Work Apprenticeships, and the introduction of PGDip places for internal candidates. The proposal is funded by a £1 million carry forward of a 2025/26 underspend.

Farms Estate Committee Minutes Endorsed

The Cabinet endorsed the minutes of the Farms Estate Committee meetings held on 19 May 2026, including those of the Farms Estate Committee (Interviewing) and the Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education on 2 June 2026. These endorsements noted that no decisions requiring Cabinet agreement were made at these meetings. The Farms Estate Committee itself had made several decisions, including approving the adoption of the Tamar Valley National Landscape Management Plan, approving the SEND Sufficiency Implementation Plan, and noting the Corporate Performance and Risk Report. The Farms Estate Committee also endorsed reports on revenue and capital monitoring, the annual report, farm rental payment dates, and management and restructuring issues, including decisions on amalgamating farms and granting new tenancy agreements.