The Cabinet of North Somerset Council is scheduled to convene on Wednesday 16 September 2026. The meeting's agenda includes discussions on the renewal of leases at Westland Distribution Park, the progress and future of the Local Devolution Programme, and the adoption of a new Highways Management Strategy. Additionally, the Cabinet will review the three-yearly assessment of Public Space Protection Orders, alongside updates on the council's budget monitoring for 2026-27 and its Medium Term Financial Plan for 2027-2030.

Renewal of Lease at Westland Distribution Park

Councillor Steve Bridger is scheduled to present a report concerning the renewal of leases at Westland Distribution Park¹. The report details existing leases for three units occupied by the council, which are set to terminate in April 2037. However, the landlord, AEW UK REIT Plc, has served notice to terminate these leases in April 2027. The report outlines proposed new lease agreements for a five-year period from May 2027 to April 2032, with break clauses allowing termination in July 2028 or April 2031. The proposed annual rents for the three units total £291,500, representing an increase of £67,461 per annum from the current leases. The report also addresses the subleasing of these premises to the North Somerset Environment Company (NSEC).

Local Devolution

Councillor Mike Bell is set to report on the Local Devolution Programme, reviewing the first phase of its implementation and proposing an approach for future devolution proposals. The report highlights successes such as completed asset transfers and local management arrangements in areas like Weston-super-Mare and Yatton, as well as opportunities for locally funded service enhancements, exemplified by the Highways Delivering Together pilot. The report also notes that some devolution activities, particularly freehold transfers, require significant legal, property, financial, and operational input. A key recommendation is to enter into a non-legally binding Memorandum of Understanding with Weston-super-Mare Town Council² to formalise partnership working. The proposed triage approach for future local devolution proposals aims to ensure they are deliverable within council resources and capacity, with complex or high-risk proposals escalated through appropriate governance routes.

Highways Management Strategy

Councillor Hugh Malyan is scheduled to present the proposed Highways Management Strategy³. This strategy aims to establish a strategic framework for the long-term management of the council's highway infrastructure assets, which are valued at approximately £3.2 billion. The report advocates for a modern, risk-based, evidence-led, and whole-life approach to asset management. This framework is intended to support the council's statutory responsibilities as the Local Highway Authority, align with national best practices, and provide a consistent method for prioritising future maintenance and investment. The strategy is designed to improve lifecycle planning, network resilience, climate objectives, and value for money, while remaining flexible to adapt to changes in national policy, funding, and the regional transport landscape.

Review of Public Space Protection Orders

Councillor Mark Canniford will report on the three-yearly review of Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs)⁴. A public consultation conducted between March and April 2026 indicated strong support for the existing PSPO framework, with respondents favouring a retain and strengthen approach rather than introducing new controls. Key concerns highlighted by residents include dog control and fouling, littering, vehicle and cycling use (including e-scooters), anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol and substance use in town centres, and public hygiene issues such as urinating and spitting. The report details steps already taken to enhance community safety and enforcement, including investment in the Community Response Service and strengthened in-house enforcement capabilities, alongside collaboration with Avon and Somerset Police. The recommendations to Cabinet are set out in Appendix 1 of the report, proposing the retention of orders related to priority concerns and delegating power to the Cabinet Member for specific PSPOs.

Budget Monitor 2026-27 Month 4

Councillor Mike Bell, Leader of the Council, is scheduled to provide an update on the council's budget monitoring for the 2026-27 financial year, covering both revenue and capital spending after the first four months. The report indicates that the council is experiencing financial pressures, particularly within statutory care-related services. The initial forecast shows a potential overspend of £8.729m, although this represents an improvement of £3.080m compared to the previous month's forecast. The report details significant budget variances, with Adults' Services facing pressures of £6.716m due to increased care packages and shortfalls in health funding, and Children's Services facing pressures of £1.267m due to rising care costs. The report also highlights an in-year deficit for the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), with a projected overspend of £30m in the High Needs Block, which is currently being managed under a temporary statutory over-ride. The capital budget monitoring shows a total programme of £454.130m, with £282.800m allocated for 2026-27. Two projects, the Banwell bypass and the Tropicana⁵ investment, are highlighted with a 'Red' risk status due to construction risks and funding shortfalls, respectively.

Medium Term Financial Plan 2027-2030

Councillor Mike Bell will also present an update on the council's Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) for the period 2027 to 2031. The report indicates that costs and demand pressures are forecast to rise further in 2027/28, while government funding is expected to continue decreasing, widening the budget gap. The current forecast shows a budget gap of £40.5m over the four-year period to 2031, with a gap of £12.0m for the 2027/28 financial year alone. The report outlines a strategy to address this gap, focusing on increasing funding, transforming services, and identifying budget reductions and savings plans. The council is also engaging with central government regarding the Fair Funding Review⁶ and the impact of national deprivation datasets on funding allocation. The report notes progress on the council-wide transformation and change programme, with external partners Perago appointed to assist in developing and progressing plans. A detailed timetable for the MTFP process is provided, including public consultation and the presentation of draft budget proposals in December 2026.

Leader and Cabinet Member Updates

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Mike Bell, and other Cabinet Members are scheduled to provide updates on key issues and priorities affecting residents, communities, and the council. These updates may cover progress on significant priorities, important developments, emerging issues, and matters raised by residents. This item is for information and discussion only, with no decisions expected to be taken.

Other Agenda Items

The agenda also includes standard items such as addresses by members of the public, apologies for absence, declarations of disclosable pecuniary interest, and the approval of minutes from the previous meeting on 17 June 2026. Non-Cabinet Councillors will have an opportunity to address the Cabinet, and the Forward Plan, outlining future decision items, will be noted. An item on urgent business, permitted under the Local Government Act 1972, may also be considered if harm to the public interest would result from leaving it until the next meeting.