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Cabinet - Tuesday, 15 September 2026 - 6.00 pm
September 15, 2026 at 6:00 pm Cabinet View on council websiteSummary
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The West Suffolk Council Cabinet met on Tuesday 15 September 2026. The Cabinet agreed to continue with existing Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) in Newmarket, Brandon, and Moreton Hall for another three years. Amendments were also agreed for the PSPOs in Bury St Edmunds and Haverhill, with new conditions and boundary adjustments. A new PSPO was agreed for Forestry Commission areas to prohibit disposable barbecues and open fires. Additionally, eleven new venues were added to the Dog Exclusion Order.
To meet the government's 'Simpler Recycling' requirements, the Council approved a capital budget of £300,000 to purchase a split-body refuse collection vehicle (RCV). This investment aims to increase collection capacity, improve service delivery, and retain customers. The Council will also hire a vehicle and recruit additional crew members in the interim, as the new vehicle has an estimated supply time of up to 12 months.
A revised planning advice service was agreed, along with a new fee schedule. The changes aim to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the planning application process by offering more tailored advice, particularly for larger developments. New categories for minor and major developments have been introduced, and a bespoke package of meetings will be available for developments of 50 or more dwellings. A post-permission meeting option has also been added. The fees for some services have increased to reflect officer time and expertise, aligning West Suffolk's charges with those of other local authorities.
The Cabinet approved the write-off of outstanding debts totalling £104,718.84 for Council Tax, £175,312.42 for Business Rates, and £9,371.18 for overpaid Housing Benefit. These amounts were deemed irrecoverable after extensive recovery procedures had been exhausted. The decision ensures that staff can focus on collecting recoverable debts.
Two Treasury Management reports were recommended for approval by the full Council: the Treasury Management Report for June 2026 and the Annual Treasury Management and Financial Resilience Report for 2025 to 2026. These reports provide a comprehensive assessment of the Council's treasury activities and financial resilience arrangements.
The Cabinet approved the recommendations from the Transport and Infrastructure Task and Finish Group, which aim to enhance infrastructure planning and delivery for the new Local Plan. The approach involves aligning with Suffolk authorities on stakeholder engagement, establishing service level agreements, and preparing Statements of Common Ground with infrastructure providers.
The Cabinet also noted the report from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Performance and Audit Scrutiny Committee, and reviewed the Cabinet Decisions Plan for September 2026 to May 2027.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO): Review of Existing Orders
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of West Suffolk Council approved recommendations regarding Public Space Protection Orders on 15 September 2026. The decision included continuing existing orders for Newmarket, Brandon, and Moreton Hall, amending orders for Bury St Edmunds and Haverhill, and introducing a new order for Forestry Commission areas. Eleven new venues were added to the Dog Exclusion Order.
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Commercial Recycling
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve the capital budget of £300,000 to purchase one split-body refuse collection vehicle. They also noted the requirement for businesses to implement Simpler Recycling. The council will purchase a refuse collection vehicle and recruit two additional crew members.
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Planning Advice Service Review: Proposed Improvements and Associated Fees
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve the recommendations for a revised planning pre-application advice service and its associated fees on 15 September 2026. This includes new categories for minor and major developments, a validation check option, and a post-decision meeting offer.
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Recommendations of the Performance and Audit Scrutiny Committee: 23 July 2026 - Annual Treasury Management and Financial Resilience Report (2025 to 2026)
Recommmend Forward to CouncilWest Suffolk Cabinet recommended to Council on 15 September 2026 that the Annual Treasury Management and Financial Resilience Report 2025 to 2026 be approved.
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Revenues Collection Performance and Write Offs
Recommendations ApprovedWest Suffolk Cabinet approved the write-off of outstanding debts on 15 September 2026. This included £104,718.84 in Council Tax, £175,312.42 in Business Rates, and £9,371.18 in Housing Benefit overpayments.
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Recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee: 16 July 2026 - Transport and Infrastructure Task and Finish Group Recommendations
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of West Suffolk Council approved an approach to assist infrastructure planning and delivery for the new Local Plan on 15 September 2026. This included establishing service level agreements with infrastructure providers, preparing Statements of Common Ground with statutory consultees and service providers, and developing Memorandums of Co-operation where necessary.
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Recommendations of the Performance and Audit Scrutiny Committee: 23 July 2026 - Treasury Management Report - June 2026
Recommmend Forward to CouncilThe Cabinet of West Suffolk Council recommended to Council on 15 September 2026 that the Treasury Management Report (June 2026) be approved. The Performance and Audit Scrutiny Committee had previously considered the report and raised no specific issues.
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