The Devon County Council Cabinet met on Wednesday 9 September 2026 to discuss a range of financial and operational matters, including the budget monitoring for month four, the implications of local government reorganisation, and corporate performance. Key decisions included the approval of a contract extension for food waste processing and the procurement of an Experts at Hand support model. The Cabinet also resolved to seek reimbursement from the government for costs incurred in responding to local government reorganisation instructions.

Budget Monitoring - Month 4

Councillor James Buczkowski, Cabinet Member for Finance, presented the month four budget monitoring report, highlighting a forecast general fund overspend of £8.8 million, primarily driven by pressures within adult social care. This overspend is attributed to increased demand for bed-based care and inflationary uplifts agreed with providers, as well as savings not being achieved. Conversely, the Children and Young People's Futures service is forecasting an underspend of £511,000, partly due to lower demand-led expenditure and success in recruiting foster carers. The report also detailed a significant forecast deficit of £88.1 million for the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), with a residual pressure of £8.8 million anticipated for the council if government support is not fully realised. The Cabinet noted the report, acknowledging the challenges and the need for continued financial control.

Reflecting Local Government Reorganisation Budget and Financial Risks

Councillor James Buczkowski introduced a report on the budget and financial risks associated with Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). He explained that the government's decision to pause the LGR programme would not negate the costs already incurred. The Cabinet resolved that the Leader of the Council should write to the Secretary of State seeking reimbursement for reasonable costs incurred by Devon County Council in responding to government instructions and preparing for LGR implementation. This decision was made in light of the significant financial implications of the reorganisation, estimated to be around £70 million across Devon.

Local Government Reorganisation - Prioritisation and Refocus

Councillor Paul Arnott, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Local Government Reorganisation, presented a report on prioritising and refocusing work to accommodate LGR. The Cabinet resolved to defer this item to allow for further consideration in light of the recent developments regarding the LGR pause.

Corporate Performance and Risk Report – Q1 2026/2027

Councillor James Buczkowski presented the quarter one corporate performance and risk report. The report indicated a mixed performance across the council's six strategic priorities. While areas such as children's services and highway scheme engagement showed positive progress, adult social care continued to face workforce pressures, and outcomes for care-experienced young people in education, employment, and training had deteriorated. Strategic risks, including those related to SEND and cyber security, were also highlighted. The Cabinet noted the report, acknowledging both areas of success and those requiring further attention.

Treasury Management Stewardship Outturn Report 2025/2026

Councillor James Buczkowski presented the treasury management stewardship outturn report for the 2025/26 financial year. The report indicated a positive outturn, with interest charges on external debt being £1.04 million below budget and investment income exceeding the budget by £700,000. The council remained within its approved borrowing limits and complied with interest rate exposure limits. The Cabinet thanked the Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Scrutiny Committee for their review of the report and endorsed it.

Reference from the North Devon Highways and Traffic Orders Committee: Safety and Speed Concerns B3233 / Yelland Road corridor (towards Barnstaple) - SCARF Review and Site Visit Update

Councillor Dan Thomas, Cabinet Member for Highways, provided an update on safety and speed concerns along the B3233 / Yelland Road corridor. A corridor study is underway to collect data on traffic flow, speed, and collision data. While a SCARF review indicated that speeds were compliant with the existing limit and no collisions were attributed to excessive speed, Councillor Frank Biederman, the local member, expressed concerns about the safety of pedestrians, particularly elderly residents, due to significant residential development in Yelland. The Cabinet Member for Highways committed to engaging further with the process and visiting the site.

Policy, Performance and Transformation (SEND)

Councillor Denise Bickley, Cabinet Member for Children's Services - SEND, provided an update on the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) improvement programme. She highlighted progress in partnership working, increased influence of young people in service design, and improvements in the educational psychology service. While acknowledging persistent challenges, including variable experiences for families, the focus is now on ensuring improvements translate into consistently better outcomes.

Part 1 - Local Government Re-Organisation - Consideration of Legal Challenge

The Cabinet considered the background to the government's decision to progress a four-unitary model for Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay. It was noted that the council was considering whether to commence Judicial Review proceedings. To discuss legal advice, litigation risk, and related confidential matters, the Cabinet resolved to exclude the press and public and move into Part 2 of the meeting. A substantive decision on authorising proceedings would be made in Part 2.

Part 2 - Local Government Re-Organisation - Consideration of Impact of Decision

Following the exclusion of the press and public, the Cabinet noted a letter from the Minister for Local Government, Devolution and Regional Growth advising of a review of the LGR programme and the withdrawal of decisions for certain areas. While welcoming the pause, the Cabinet noted that the letter did not expressly withdraw the decision for Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay. The Cabinet resolved to request urgent confirmation from the government on the status of the decision for Devon and authorised the Leader of the Council to write to the government seeking withdrawal of the decision or a formal standstill. The Cabinet also approved the commencement of protective judicial review proceedings if satisfactory confirmation was not received and delegated authority to the Director of Legal and Democratic Services to manage any legal proceedings.

Part 2 - Food Waste Processing Contract Extension

The Cabinet approved the extension of the contract term for the authority's food waste processing contract in line with the recommendations of the report.

Part 2 - Experts at Hand Procurement

The Cabinet approved the recommendations of the report relating to the Experts at Hand support model, including relevant delegations for progressing the necessary arrangements for mobilisation.

Minutes

The Cabinet resolved to endorse the minutes of the Devon Assurance Partnership Committee, Farms Estate Committee, and Land and Property Committee.

Forward Plan

The Cabinet reviewed the Forward Plan and determined items of business to be defined as key and framework decisions.