The Cabinet of Bath and North East Somerset Council met on Thursday 14 November 2024, approving plans for the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone, endorsing a draft World Heritage Site Management Plan for public consultation, and agreeing to a new Council Operating Model. The meeting also reviewed the council's financial performance for the first half of the financial year and noted the Treasury Management performance.

Somer Valley Enterprise Zone Side Roads Order

The Cabinet approved the making of a Side Roads Order (SRO) and Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) to facilitate the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone (SVEZ) scheme. This decision is a necessary step to enable the planned highway works, including the creation of new roundabouts and improvements to existing roads, which are crucial for the development of the enterprise zone. The SRO and TROs will allow for alterations to the existing highway and public rights of way network to support the delivery of the SVEZ, which aims to create approximately 1,300 local jobs. Councillor Paul Roper, Cabinet Member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development, highlighted the importance of the project in regenerating communities that have experienced significant job losses over the past decades. Councillor Paul May, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, emphasised the long-term need for local employment opportunities in the area. Councillor Sarah Warren, Deputy Council Leader, welcomed the proposal, noting that this decision forms one half of a larger active travel route connecting Midsomer Norton and Farrington Gurney.

Draft City of Bath and Great Spa Towns of Europe World Heritage Site Management Plan (2024-2030) Public Consultation

The Cabinet endorsed the draft City of Bath and Great Spa Towns of Europe World Heritage Site Management Plan (2024-2030) for formal public engagement. Councillor Matt McCabe, Cabinet Member for Built Environment, Housing and Sustainable Development, explained that the plan is a requirement from UNESCO to ensure the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the World Heritage Site is protected and managed. He highlighted Bath's unique status as one of only 22 sites globally to be inscribed twice by UNESCO, first as the City of Bath in 1987 and then as part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe in 2021. The plan outlines six key priorities, including addressing climate change, managing development, improving the public realm, and promoting sustainable transport, which align with the Council's Corporate Strategy. Councillor Manda Rigby, Cabinet Member for Highways, acknowledged the contribution of private property owners in maintaining Bath's heritage appeal, while Councillor Sarah Warren, Deputy Council Leader, welcomed the inclusion of climate emergency and nature recovery as key priorities, as well as the focus on rethinking transport in the historic city.

Council Operating Model

The Cabinet supported and approved the proposed Council Operating Model and Directorate operating principles. Councillor Dave Wood, Cabinet Member for Council Priorities and Delivery, explained that this model provides a blueprint for clear lines of responsibility within council functions and will inform service changes through the Being our BEST programme. The model aims to ensure that council activity and priorities are delivered efficiently, effectively, and economically by clarifying the purpose and functional responsibilities of each directorate. Councillor Tim Ball, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, seconded the motion.

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

The Cabinet noted the council's financial monitoring position for the first half of the financial year 2024/25. Councillor Mark Elliott, Cabinet Member for Resources, reported a projected revenue budget overspend of £5.54 million, with significant pressures in Children's Services (£5.51 million overspend) and Home to School Transport. Mitigation plans are in place to reduce this figure to £1.42 million. He acknowledged that the issues in Children's Services are deep-rooted and systemic, requiring long-term solutions such as building in-house provision. Councillor Paul May, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, highlighted the national scale of SEND pressures and the ongoing work with NHS colleagues to ensure fair cost-sharing. Despite these pressures, the council's overall financial position was described as solid, with good reserves. Regarding the capital budget, a forecast underspend of £23.2 million is predicted, largely due to the re-phasing of schemes into future years.

Treasury Management Performance Report to 30th September 2024

The Cabinet noted the Treasury Management performance report for the first six months of 2024/25. Councillor Mark Elliott, Cabinet Member for Resources, stated that the council's treasury management function is well-run and robust, with all key indicators within target levels. The council is within its borrowing limits, has a strong credit rating, and maintains sufficient liquidity. The report indicated an estimated average rate of return on operational investments of 5.12%, slightly above the benchmark rate. The council's revenue budget for interest and capital financing costs is forecast to be £1.05 million under budget due to higher-than-anticipated investment returns and savings on Minimum Revenue Provision. Councillor Kevin Guy acknowledged the excellent work of Andy Rothery, Director of Finance, who was attending his last Cabinet meeting.

Other Business

The Cabinet also noted the list of Cabinet Single Member decisions taken since the previous meeting. Councillor Dave Wood declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone Side Roads Order due to his employment as Chief Executive of Avon Needs Trees and was not present for the discussion of that item.