The Cabinet of Stratford-on-Avon District Council met on 1 September 2025, and among the decisions made, members agreed to release funds for additional water features at the Stratford-upon-Avon Recreation Ground Play Area. They also approved an Affordable Housing Standing Advice Note, and reviewed the council's financial and performance monitoring reports. The Cabinet delegated authority to the Head of Law and Governance to resolve issues around business rates relief for the Gateway site, and noted the minutes of several committees.

Here's a more detailed look at the key discussion points:

• Stratford-upon-Avon Recreation Ground Play Area

  The Cabinet agreed to repurpose £150,000, originally allocated for a splash pad, for the installation of additional water features and refurbishment of the existing paddling pool. An additional £100,000 was allocated to replace play equipment and enhance the sandpit, making it more accessible. Councillor Lorraine Grocott, Environmental and Neighbourhood Services Portfolio, had been consulted and endorsed the report. The project is expected to be completed by April 2026.

• Affordable Housing Standing Advice Note

  The Cabinet approved a Standing Advice Note (SAN) to guide stakeholders in the delivery of affordable housing within the district. The SAN, which is not a policy document, consolidates national and local policies and practices related to affordable housing. It aims to provide advice to applicants, assist communities in understanding affordable housing requirements, and signpost additional resources. The Cabinet also authorised officers, in consultation with the Head of Development, to update and republish the SAN as needed.

  The report noted that:

  Members will be aware that the provision of Affordable Housing is a key corporate priority for the Council reflected in (for example) the current Council Plan and Housing Strategy and associated Action Plan. This wider context has informed the decision to prepare the proposed SAN and seek member endorsement.

• Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring

  The Cabinet reviewed the capital budget monitoring for the period 1 April to 31 July 2025, and the revenue budget monitoring for the same period. The revenue budget estimated outturn position for the whole of 2025/26 was a favourable variance of £65,000. As part of the mid-year review, the Cabinet approved the release and creation of funds, and noted write-offs of council tax and non-domestic rates (NNDR). Councillor David Curtis, Resources Portfolio Holder, noted that the approach to non-reliance on interest rate income was advised as prudent, and revisiting projects in order to remain as up to date as possible was acknowledged.

• Business Rates Relief

  The Cabinet considered a report regarding business rates for the Gateway site. They delegated authority to the Head of Law and Governance (Monitoring Officer) to resolve the position in relation to business rates at the Gateway site, following a discussion of options in a private session. The Deputy Chief Executive disclosed that he had been involved in the negotiations for the land deal at the Gateway site, and withdrew from the meeting whilst this item was considered.

• Climate Change Panel and Other Committee Minutes

  The Cabinet approved the recommendations from the Market Forum Minutes part 1 17.06.2025 002.pdf, Minutes Public Pack 01072025 Member Development Working Group.pdf, Minutes 04032025 Climate Change Panel.pdf and Minutes 01072025 Climate Change Panel.pdf. Councillor Andrew Crump, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC), requested clarification regarding the use of palm oil in the Council's refuse vehicles, and a query on the Council Climate Action Scorecards, specifically the evidence base used for the claim that one third of the Council's land was managed for wildlife. It was confirmed that under the approved Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) scheme, of which the Council's supplier was accredited, they did use recycled palm oil, which was deemed acceptable under the RTFO scheme. It was stated that the score cards were the result of independent assessments by Climate Emergency UK, based largely upon publicly available information. The statement regarding one third of the Council's land had been made by the Council itself, and members were referred to the Council's Climate Change and Nature Recovery Strategy for the evidence base for this statement.

• Performance Monitoring

  The Cabinet reviewed the performance achieved during Quarter 1, 2025/26, monitoring delivery of the Council Plan Actions and Key Performance Indicators. Councillor Crump noted the importance of digital progress as a reoccurring theme throughout the Cabinet - Performance Report - Q1 25-26 FINAL.pdf, the publication of the first edition of the new View magazine by the end of the year, the focus on staffing and recruitment, and that tree planting should not be solely focussed on the number of trees being planted, but more so the maintenance of the trees over time.