The North Somerset Council Cabinet met on Wednesday 16 September 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including the renewal of leases for waste collection facilities, the progress of local devolution initiatives, and the adoption of a new Highways Asset Management Strategy. Key financial decisions were also made, with the Cabinet reviewing the budget monitor for the current financial year and the medium-term financial plan for the coming years, highlighting significant pressures and outlining strategies to address them.

Renewal of Lease at Westland Distribution Park

Cabinet authorised officers to conclude negotiations and complete new lease(s) in respect of the three units at Westland Distribution Park occupied by the council, on the principal terms outlined in the report. These units are crucial for the council's statutory waste and recycling service. The existing leases were due to terminate in April 2027 due to the landlord exercising break clauses. New five-year leases have been negotiated, including break clauses, to ensure service continuity while the council develops its longer-term depot strategy. The annual rent will increase by approximately £67,000 to just over £290,000, with provision made in the Medium Term Financial Plan. Failure to secure these leases would put the waste collection service at risk from May 2027.

Local Devolution

Councillor Mike Bell, Leader of the Council, reported on the progress of the Local Devolution Programme. The first phase has seen practical outcomes, including the transfer of management for eight priority play areas in Weston-super-Mare to the town council, alongside responsibility for litter bins. Local management arrangements are in place for play areas at Horsecastle and Grange Farm in Yatton, and licence arrangements at Salt House Fields in Clevedon are progressing. Work is also continuing on proposals in Nailsea, Clevedon, and Portishead. Councillor Bell highlighted that local devolution can take various forms, not just asset transfers, and introduced the Highways Delivering Together pilot, which allows parishes more influence over local maintenance. A Memorandum of Understanding with Weston-super-Mare Town Council was agreed to formalise partnership working, and a triage approach was approved for future local devolution proposals to ensure they fit within council resources and capacity.

Approval and Adoption of Highways Management Strategy

Councillor Hugh Malyan, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, presented the new Highway Asset Management Policy and Strategy for approval. This document replaces the existing strategy, which had reached the end of its lifecycle, and incorporates changes in national legislation, best practice, and a focus on a risk-based, evidence-led, and whole-life approach to managing the council's highway infrastructure assets, valued at approximately £3.2 billion. The strategy aims to improve lifecycle planning, network resilience, and value for money. Cabinet endorsed the principles of the strategy and delegated authority to the Director of Environment, Assets and Transport for minor amendments. A separate Highway Asset Management Plan will be developed to translate the strategy into operational delivery.

3-Yearly Review of Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs)

Councillor Mark Canniford, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Places, sought Cabinet support for the renewal, revocation, or deferral of Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) following a public consultation. Cabinet agreed to the retention, revocation or deferment of the orders as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, and delegated power to the Cabinet Member to determine specific deferred orders. Amendments were proposed for dog-related controls to apply only to professional dog walkers and to include a requirement for face coverings to be removed when requested by enforcement officers in certain circumstances.

Budget Monitor 2026-27 Month 4

Councillor Mike Bell, Leader of the Council, presented the Month 4 Budget Monitor, highlighting ongoing financial pressures, particularly within Adult Social Care and Children's Services, due to increased demand and rising care costs. The forecast overspend had reduced by £3.080 million since June, resulting in a projected budget gap of £8.729 million for the financial year. Cabinet noted the actions being taken to address these pressures, including tighter budget controls, vacancy management, and deferred non-essential spending. The report also detailed a significant in-year deficit for the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), primarily in the High Needs Block, which would impact the council's balance sheet. Cabinet noted the changes to the revenue and capital budgets as detailed within Appendices 1 and 5 of the report, and noted the council's performance and risk update.

Medium Term Financial Plan 2027-2030

Councillor Bell also presented the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP), outlining a projected budget gap of £12 million for 2027/28 and a cumulative gap of £40.5 million over the four-year period to 2031. This widening gap is attributed to rising Adult Social Care costs and continued reductions in government funding. The plan assumes an annual council tax increase of 4.99%. Cabinet recognised that costs and demand pressures were forecasted to rise further and supported the actions underway to drive forward the council's financial planning and budget setting for the period 2027 to 2031. Cabinet acknowledged progress to date and would champion the next phase of the council-wide transformation and change programme which is needed to secure long-term financial sustainability and deliver change.

Urgent Business - Political Balance Update

Councillor Bell invited Nicholas Brain, Assistant Director Legal & Governance and Monitoring Officer, to update members on the change to the council's political balance following a by-election in the Hutton and Locking ward. The new political balance was reported as: Conservative Party and Independents Group: 13; Liberal Democrats and Independents Group: 12; Labour Group: 10; Green Group: 8; Portishead Independents Group: 4; and Reform UK Group: 3. Councillor Bell took the opportunity to thank Mr Brain for his 36 years of service to the council.