The Cabinet of North Somerset Council met on Wednesday 21 October 2026. Key decisions included the approval of a variation to the Adoption West contract and the endorsement of the North Somerset 2030 change programme. The Cabinet also noted updates on the Council Change Programme and the Medium Term Financial Plan, and approved the draft calendar of Cabinet meetings for 2027-28.

Update on Council Change Programme

Councillor Steve Bridger, Cabinet Member for Digital, AI and Service Transformation, presented an update on the North Somerset 2030 change programme. This initiative aims to improve resident outcomes and ensure the council's long-term financial sustainability by consolidating over 430 existing projects into a single, coordinated plan. The programme is structured around four strategic workstreams: Customer Access and Experience; People and Practices; Collaborations and Connections; and Compulsory and Compliance. The Cabinet confirmed its support for the case for change, agreed to continue developing North Somerset 2030 as a key enabler of the Medium Term Financial Plan, and noted that detailed proposals would be presented to the Member Transformation Board.

Recommissioning of Adoption West

Councillor Catherine Gibbons, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, sought approval for a variation to the Adoption West contract. Adoption West, established in 2019, provides statutory adoption services for six local authorities, including North Somerset Council. An independent review concluded that continuing and developing Adoption West is the most effective option, with no evidence suggesting alternative models would yield better outcomes or value for money. The Cabinet approved the contract variation, extending the arrangements from March 2027 for an initial three-year period with options for further two-year extensions. Authority was delegated to the Director of Children's Services, in consultation with Councillor Gibbons, to finalise and execute the necessary documentation.

Update on Medium Term Financial Plan 2027-2030

Councillor Mike Bell, Leader of the Council, presented an update on the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP), outlining the council's financial position and preparations for the 2027/28 budget. The report highlighted a forecast overspend at the end of August 2026 of £6.5 million against a net revenue budget of £251 million, an improvement from previous forecasts due to expenditure controls and recovery measures. Significant pressures remain within Adult Social Care and Children's Services. Councillor Bell welcomed the government's approval of North Somerset's Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Reform Plan, which will result in additional funding of £37.2 million to address accumulated High Needs Block deficits. However, the council continues to face a projected funding gap of approximately £40 million over the next four years, including £12 million in 2027/28. The Cabinet noted the revenue and capital budget forecasts for the current financial year, progress on the 2027-2031 budget development, and the positive impact of the High Needs Stability Grant. Residents, businesses, and partners were encouraged to participate in a public survey on budget priorities, which closes on 1 November.

Draft Calendar of Cabinet Meetings 2027-28

The Cabinet approved the draft dates for Cabinet and Council meetings for the 2027/28 municipal year. These provisional dates are intended to allow for early planning and will be subject to final approval at the Annual Council Meeting in May 2027.

Leader and Cabinet Member Updates

Several Cabinet members provided updates on their portfolios:

• Councillor Annemieke Waite (Cabinet Member for Planning and Environment) reported on the council's written response to the Government regarding climate adaptation funding and the Climate Change Committee's inquiry.
• Councillor Catherine Gibbons (Vice-Chairperson) updated on the successful North Somerset Parent Carers Working Together Family Support Fair, highlighting strong partnership working.
• Councillor Jenna Ho Marris (Cabinet Member for Homes and Health) provided updates on the Everyone in by Christmas initiative, the Local Plan examination, and plans for a housing delivery roundtable in January 2027.
• Councillor Roger Whitfield (Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Integration) highlighted ongoing financial pressures in Adult Social Care and engagement with NHS partners to address budgetary challenges.
• Councillor James Clayton (Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, Sport and Pride in Place programme) reported positive progress on the Pride in Place programme, with work underway to develop a ten-year vision.
• Councillor Hugh Malyan (Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport) announced a trial to increase pothole repairs and road patching, involving an additional patching team and testing new repair methods.
• Councillor Mike Bell (Leader of the Council) updated on the Birnbeck Pier restoration project, noting it was progressing on schedule and within budget, with public reopening anticipated in summer 2027.

Other Business

• The minutes of the previous meeting on 16 September 2026 were approved.
• The Forward Plan dated 02 October 2026 was noted.
• No declarations of disclosable pecuniary interest were made.
• There was no urgent business to discuss.

The meeting concluded at 2:58 pm.