The Resources and Performance Cabinet Panel of Hertfordshire Council met on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, to discuss the marketing of Heath Barn in Hemel Hempstead and the Quarter 1 finance budget monitor. The panel noted the contents of the update regarding Heath Barn, with officers to facilitate an introduction between the Our Heath Barn CIC and the preferred bidder, the Curwen Group, who intend to develop the site into a day nursery. The panel also noted the Quarter 1 finance budget monitor, which reported an overspend of £23.4 million, primarily driven by increased demand in Children's Services and Adult Care Services.

Marketing of Heath Barn, Hemel Hempstead

The panel discussed the marketing of Heath Barn, a Grade II listed building in Hemel Hempstead. Our Heath Barn CIC submitted a bid for a mixed-use development including residential and community space, aiming to create an arts, wellbeing, and café hub. They highlighted significant community support, evidenced by £160,000 in fundraising and pledges, and presented a detailed business plan. Councillor Adrian England, the local division member, spoke in support of the CIC's bid, emphasizing the community value and heritage protection aspects. However, concerns were raised by Councillor Mark Biddle and Councillor Ian Albert regarding the financial viability and the ability of the CIC to secure the necessary funding for refurbishment and long-term use, contrasting this with the Curwen Group's bid, which offered a stronger financial return and a track record of delivering heritage refurbishments, with plans to develop a much-needed day nursery.

Despite the CIC's community focus, officers identified significant risks to their funding and delivery capabilities. The Curwen Group was therefore identified as the preferred bidder. Councillor Fiona Thomson expressed concerns about whether enough had been done to explore all options and felt there were unanswered questions. Councillor Richard Roberts, Leader of the Conservative Group, also voiced concerns about the financial pragmatism required for listed buildings, suggesting the Curwen Group's bid was likely the more viable route. Councillor Albert suggested exploring leasehold options and ensuring some element of community use.

Ultimately, the panel noted the contents of the update report. Officers confirmed they would facilitate an introduction between the Our Heath Barn CIC and the Curwen Group to explore potential community involvement.

Quarter 1 Finance Budget Monitor 2026/27

Scott Walker, Head of Corporate Finance, presented the Quarter 1 Finance Budget Monitor, highlighting a forecast overspend of £23.4 million. This overspend is primarily concentrated in demand-led services, with Children's Services forecasting a £12.2 million pressure due to increased numbers and costs of placements for children looked after. Adult Care Services is forecasting a £5.1 million overspend, mainly due to continued demand pressures and lower than budgeted income. Corporate items, including nationally agreed pay awards and delays in efficiency programmes, also contribute to the pressure.

Councillor Mark Biddle questioned the achievability of corporate savings and contingency plans. Scott Walker explained that efficiency savings were being allocated to departments for recovery plans, with further information to be provided in the Quarter 2 report. Councillor Richard Roberts expressed concern about the lack of public notification of the financial situation earlier in the year and the significant increase in children entering care, leading to substantial costs. He also noted slippage on capital projects, including SEND provision for Amwell School.

Ed, a representative from Children's Services, explained that while the service had historically been low-cost, demand had increased significantly, particularly for teenagers requiring residential care, which is considerably more expensive than fostering. Additional governance measures have been put in place, including director-level agreement for Section 20 placements. Clive Heafy, Director of Finance, provided national context, highlighting the challenging financial outlook for local government and the impact of funding reforms. He stressed the need for transformational change and the limited reliance on reserves.

The panel discussed the capital programme, noting a recommendation to reprogramme £13.8 million of expenditure into future years due to project delivery timescales. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) position was also discussed, with positive progress noted on Hertfordshire's SEND reform plan, which had been approved by the Department for Education, providing confidence in the council's approach. The panel noted the report and endorsed the allocation of cross-cutting savings to departments.

Hertfordshire County Council Performance Monitor – Quarter 1 2026/27

Paraic McKenna, Head of Corporate Performance & Business Insight, presented the Quarter 1 Performance Monitor. The report indicated that two-thirds of the council's 39 deliverables were rated as green, with a third flagged as amber due to challenges in demand, timing, and capacity. One deliverable, progress against achieving third-party savings, was rated red. The Power BI dashboard was highlighted as a valuable tool for detailed performance data. Councillor Biddle raised concerns about the lack of detail on service level disruption or resilience gaps in relation to cyber security, which had been escalated to a high risk score. Scott C., Executive Director for Resources, assured members that significant investment was being made in defences and recovery speed, with further proposals to be brought forward. Councillor Richard Roberts noted the usefulness of the dashboard but questioned whether the performance data adequately reflected the financial challenges, particularly within Children's Services. Councillor Fiona Thomson also raised concerns about consistency in the dashboard's presentation and suggested member development sessions to improve understanding. The panel noted the report.

Hertfordshire County Council Resources Management Board Performance Monitor – Quarter 1 2026-27

Paraic McKenna presented the Q1 performance report for the Resources Directorate. Key amber-rated metrics included sickness levels (8.1 days annually), agency spend (£18.18 million annually), capital receipts, and response rates to Freedom of Information requests (85% against a 90% target). Subject Access Requests (SARs) showed an upward pressure with volumes above 90 days turnaround time. Councillor Biddle questioned the forward-looking risks identified from these trends. Scott C. noted that sickness levels and capital receipts were areas of close monitoring. He also provided an update on the MARS scheme, confirming 16 officers had left the council under mutually agreed resignation. Councillor Thompson raised concerns about workforce capacity and retention, particularly in light of LGR uncertainty and increased sickness. Scott C. assured members that staff resilience was high, but acknowledged the need for ongoing attention to well-being and communication. The panel noted the report.

Information Update Report on the Closure of the Performing Arts Library and the Transition of the Asset to Benslow Music

Danny Bailey provided an update on the transition of the Performing Arts Library asset to Benslow Music. The trustees of Benslow Music had approved taking on the asset, and a deed of grant was expected to be signed within a fortnight. A transition plan was being developed to ensure continued resident access, with longer loan periods offered. Benslow Music would also establish a working group to involve the community and youth voice. Councillor Biddle queried the testing of the new model for drama play sets, and Danny Bailey clarified that the drama play sets would remain within the library service, while the music asset was transferring to Benslow. Councillor Fiona Thomson sought assurance on the future service model and ongoing monitoring, which Danny Bailey confirmed would be built into the agreement and discussed within the working group. Councillor Albert inquired about the flexibility of the 31 December deadline and the future of the building where the collection is currently stored. Danny Bailey confirmed that continuity of service was paramount and that the deadline was primarily for clarity on staffing transitions and resident communication. The building in Welwyn Garden City serves as a back office for the library service. The panel noted the progress outlined in the report.

Information Update on Revised Library Opening Hours

Danny Bailey presented the revised library opening hours, which would take effect from 1 January 2027. Following public consultation, Sunday opening hours would be retained at six libraries: Bishops Stortford, Hemel Hempstead, St Albans, Stevenage Central, Watford Central, and Welwyn Garden City. Targeted changes to weekday opening hours would be made at these libraries, tailored to local visitor data and community needs. Councillor Fiona Thompson expressed concern that the consultation did not specifically ask about reducing weekday opening hours, particularly impacting Welwyn Garden City Library. Danny Bailey explained that the changes were designed to minimise impact and maintain memorable patterns, balancing savings targets with resident needs. Councillor Albert welcomed the consideration of each library's community and the retention of daily opening. Councillor Taylor expressed pleasure that Sunday opening was maintained and highlighted the consideration given to the Mencap Cafe in Watford. Councillor Richard Roberts questioned if this was the end of cuts to library hours, stating his opposition to further reductions. The panel noted the revised opening hours.

Cabinet Panel Work Programme 2026/27

The panel discussed the proposed work programme for 2026/27. Councillor Ian Albert suggested including items such as a deeper dive into the council's asset strategy, procurement, and the council's companies. Councillor Fiona Thomson proposed adding the capital programme to the work programme due to concerns about slippage. The panel agreed to email suggestions to the Chair for dissemination to officers and inclusion in future discussions. Scott Walker mentioned that invitations for the cross-party budget working group were being sent out, which would provide a forward-looking perspective on the budget. The panel approved the work programme for 2026/27, subject to any amendments.