Wiltshire Council's Cabinet is scheduled to convene on Wednesday 16 September 2026 to discuss a range of important financial and strategic matters. The meeting agenda includes a review of the council's financial performance for the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, both for revenue and capital budgets. Additionally, the Cabinet will consider a Local SEND Reform Plan, which outlines the council's strategy for improving support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Financial Year 2026/27 - Quarter One Revenue Budget Monitoring

The Cabinet will receive a report detailing the first quarterly revenue budget monitoring forecast for the financial year 2026/27. This report, presented by Cllr Gavin Grant, Cabinet Member for Finance, will outline the projected net overspend for the year, which is currently forecast at £6.748m, representing 1.2% of the net budget. The report will also detail proposed virements and drawdowns from various reserves to manage in-year activity and pressures. Cabinet is asked to approve these movements and note the current revenue budget forecast, savings delivery performance, and the impact on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) reserve. The report highlights the importance of robust cost control measures and the need for potential in-year savings if current pressures are not sufficiently addressed.

Financial Year 2026/27 - Quarter One Capital Budget Monitoring

Cllr Gavin Grant, Cabinet Member for Finance, will also present a report on the Quarter One Capital Budget Monitoring for 2026/27. This report will detail movements from the original budget set by Full Council, including adjustments approved as part of the outturn 2025/26 reporting, and outline how the programme is forecast to be financed. The revised Quarter One budget is £218.506m, a variance of £41.881m from the original budget. Cabinet is asked to approve several budget movements, including virements between capital scheme lines and the repurposing of a capital budget for a Household Recycling Centre. They will also be asked to note budgets brought forward and reprogrammed into future years, as well as the addition of grant funding and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding to the programme.

Local SEND Reform Plan

A key item on the agenda is the Local SEND Reform Plan, presented by Cllr Jon Hubbard, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, SEND, Education and Skills. This report seeks Cabinet endorsement of the plan, which was submitted to the Department for Education (DfE) on 19 June 2026. The report details the national reform context, local evidence and engagement that shaped the plan, progress already made, and the significant financial implications, including the relationship with the High Needs Block deficit and access to the High Needs Stability Grant. The plan aims to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND through earlier intervention, stronger mainstream inclusion, improved access to specialist advice, and closer partnership working. Cabinet is asked to note the publication of the national reforms, the guidance for Experts at Hand, the submission of Wiltshire's plan, and the progress already made. They will also be asked to endorse the plan as the framework for local implementation and delegate delivery to the Director for Education and Skills. A further update is scheduled for November 2026.

Oracle ERP Software Licensing – Contract Procurement

Cllr Mel Jacob, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Organisational Strategy, Digital and Leisure, Libraries & Culture, will present a report on the procurement of a new Oracle ERP software licensing contract. Oracle Fusion ERP is the council's core corporate system, supporting Finance, HR, Payroll, Procurement, and Financial Planning. The current contractual arrangements expire in November 2026. The report seeks Cabinet approval to procure a new contract directly with Oracle, with an estimated value of £3.5 million over three years, using the Crown Commercial Service Back Office Software 2 (BOS2) Framework. This direct award aims to ensure continuity of service, compliance, and value for money. Cabinet is asked to approve the procurement and award of the contract, and delegate authority for its finalisation and award.

Corporate Performance and Risk Monitoring Report 2025/26 Q4

Cllr Mel Jacob will also present the Corporate Performance and Risk Monitoring Report for the fourth quarter of 2025/26. This report provides an update on performance against the priorities in the Council's Our Wiltshire Plan 2025-35, using data available at the end of Q4. It also includes a summary of the Council's strategic risks. Cabinet is asked to note and approve the performance against selected measures and the Strategic Risk Summary. The report indicates that 76.9% of indicators are ranked as positive or neutral, and the overall strategic risk level is medium. Several measures have not yet been updated due to data availability, with updates expected in future reports. The report also details revisions to the descriptions of several strategic risks to better reflect current threats.

The meeting is scheduled to take place in the Kennet Room at County Hall, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge, BA14 8JN, commencing at 10:00 am.