The Cabinet of Bath and North East Somerset Council met on Thursday 11 July 2A024, approving a Transport Action Plan interactive digital map and recommending the Youth Justice Plan 2024-2026 to full Council. The meeting also authorised the progression of a Compulsory Purchase Order for the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone, noted the 2023-24 revenue and capital outturn, and agreed to revisions to the Strategic Performance Indicators.

Transport Action Plan Map

Councillor Manda Rigby, Cabinet Member for Highways, introduced the Transport Action Plan interactive digital map, highlighting that the Council will be investing an unprecedented amount in transport interventions across the whole of B&NES over the next three years. The map aims to provide greater transparency on proposed interventions, making it easier for residents to see what is planned in their area and to access further information such as consultation dates and scheme details. Councillor Sarah Warren, Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency and Sustainable Travel, seconded the motion, stating it was an important example of how the Council is improving openness and accessibility.

Decision: The Cabinet unanimously approved the Transport Action Plan interactive digital map for publication in Summer 2024.

Youth Justice Plan 2024 to 2026

Councillor Paul May, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, presented the Youth Justice Plan 2024 to 2026, outlining its goal to make Bath and North East Somerset a safer place and support local children in living crime-free lives. He detailed the four strategic priorities: reducing disproportionality (particularly for children with Special Educational Needs and from minority ethnic backgrounds), strengthening participation for children and families, embedding 'Child First' principles, and reducing serious violence, including knife crime. Councillor Alison Born, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, seconded the motion, emphasising the multi-agency nature of the Youth Justice team's work and the benefits of early intervention. Councillor Tim Ball stressed the importance of keeping children out of the Youth Justice System.

Decision: The Cabinet unanimously recommended that full Council approves the Youth Justice Plan 2024-2026.

Somer Valley Enterprise Zone - Compulsory Purchase Order

Councillor Paul Roper, Cabinet Member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development, introduced the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone (SVEZ) as a key component for the delivery of our Economic Strategy. He explained that the project aims to deliver an exemplar, net zero, green business park creating around 1,300 jobs. Councillor Roper reminded the Cabinet that the land in question was allocated for industrial development in 2007, but the market had failed to deliver it. He stated that the Council would only use Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) powers as a last resort, and that landowners would be compensated at fair value. Councillor Paul May seconded the motion, highlighting the community need for more employment opportunities in Midsomer Norton, particularly for young people.

Decision: The Cabinet unanimously approved the area to be subject to a compulsory purchase order (CPO) or supplemental CPO, authorised the making of a CPO or supplemental CPO, and authorised all necessary steps to secure its confirmation and implementation. Authority was also delegated to the Executive Director of Sustainable Communities for acquisition and settlement of compensation.

Revenue and Capital Outturn 2023-24

Councillor Mark Elliott, Cabinet Member for Resources, presented the council's final figures for the financial year ending April 2024. He reported that the Council finished the year essentially in balance, which he described as a fantastic achievement given the economic climate. He highlighted that the Council had implemented corporate interventions such as recruitment and vacancy controls, and departmental mitigation plans, to address a projected £6.5m overspend. Councillor Elliott also noted that while the budget was balanced overall, variances between departments were significant, particularly in social care costs. He celebrated successes in Heritage Services and Parking income, emphasising how this income is redistributed across the authority.

Decision: The Cabinet unanimously noted the revenue budget outturn on budget position for 2023/24, approved revenue carry forward proposals, agreed to write off other over budgets as an exception, approved the transfer of £0.13m from corporate earmarked reserves, noted revenue virements, noted reserve positions and the use of flexible capital receipts, noted the outturn position of the 2023/24 capital programme, and approved capital rephasing and write-off of net underspends.

Revenue & Capital Budget Monitoring, Cash Limits and Virements – April to June 2024

Councillor Mark Elliott, Cabinet Member for Resources, introduced this report, which provides an early indication of progress against this year's budget based on the first two months' data. The main headline was the continuing pressure on Children's Services, with nearly £2.5m of the forecast £3.95m overspend being in this area. Councillor Elliott also noted pressure on the operational costs of the council's estate. He stated that for areas with significant pressure, regular meetings with senior officers and cabinet members had been scheduled. Regarding the Capital Budget, the Council was projecting to spend £64.8m of the budgeted £76.6m, aiming for 85% spend.

Decision: The Cabinet unanimously noted the 2024/25 revenue budget position, revenue virements, and the capital year-end forecast, as well as changes to the capital programme.

Treasury Management Performance Report to 31st March 2024

Councillor Mark Elliott, Cabinet Member for Resources, presented the Treasury Management report for the last financial year, stating that the council's performance regarding investments and borrowing was very good. He confirmed that the council remained within the approved limits set out in its Treasury Management Strategy. He noted that persistent high inflation meant the Bank of England kept rates at relatively high levels, and the average return on investments over the period was 4.85%. Borrowing increased by £36m compared to the start of the year, but with most of it taken towards the end of the year, in line with the strategy to minimise borrowing costs. He also highlighted an overall underspend of £3.4m on Capital Financing Costs.

Decision: The Cabinet unanimously noted the Treasury Management Report and Treasury Management Indicators to 31 March 2024.

Revisions to Strategic Performance Indicators

Councillor Manda Rigby, Cabinet Member for Highways, introduced this item, stating that the expansion of performance indicators was important for residents in terms of transparency and ensuring the use of public funds was driven by data and evidence. She emphasised the Council's openness and willingness to show how it is working to get back on track where necessary. Councillor Matt McCabe seconded the motion, noting the work undertaken to produce the Corporate Strategy and stating that it was right to revise the indicators for a clear picture of performance.

Decision: The Cabinet unanimously agreed to revisions to the Strategic Performance Indicators as set out in the report.

Public Statements

Several members of the public and councillors made statements on various issues:

• Chad Allen spoke about the need for trees and wildlife in B&NES, the maintenance of bridleways and footpaths, and the provision of water fountains in graveyards.
• Richard Samuel made a statement on the future funding of services in B&NES, highlighting the impact of Tory mismanagement of the economy and the need for local government funding reform.
• Ceris Humphreys spoke about the Debate not Hate Campaign, focusing on the toxicity in the treatment of members of the public by politicians and the need for zero tolerance of abuse towards residents.
• Stefan Steinhoff expressed support for the Liveable Neighbourhood programme and the through-traffic restriction trial on Sydney Road, emphasising the central goal of reducing motorised traffic in Bath.
• Councillor Dave Harding raised concerns about the Stanton Drew Children's Play Area and Bishop Sutton Football Ground, highlighting the need for modernisation and repair and the lack of progress on Community Asset Transfers.

Public Questions

There were 11 questions from Councillors and 18 questions from members of the public. These covered a range of topics including active travel routes, residents' parking zones, councillor parking permits, bus services to Bath Spa University, school streets, night worker safety, the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone compulsory purchase order, pavement resurfacing schedules, the Centurion bus service, mental health impacts, the Clean Air Zone's effect on traffic, and opinions on national service initiatives.

Other Business

• Apologies for absence were received from Councillor David Wood.
• Declarations of interest were noted as none.
• Urgent business agreed by the Chair was also noted as none.
• Minutes of the previous Cabinet meeting held on 6 June 2024 were confirmed as a correct record.
• Single Member Cabinet Decisions taken since the previous meeting were noted.
• Matters referred by Policy Development and Scrutiny Bodies were noted as none.
• Consideration of Single Member Items requisitioned to Cabinet was noted as none.