The Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council's cabinet met to discuss the Medium Term Financial Strategy, the Kidsgrove Town Deal, and the Newcastle under Lyme Local Plan, among other items. The cabinet approved recommendations to note the financial pressures in the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), endorse alternative schemes for the Kidsgrove Town Deal, and progress the Newcastle under Lyme Local Plan. They also approved the renewal of the Civica Financials contract and noted updates on the Walleys Quarry odour issues.

Medium Term Financial Strategy 2026-27 to 2030-31

The cabinet noted the funding pressures of £1.777m in 2026/27 and £3.069m over the five-year period covered by the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). They agreed on an approach for developing savings and income generation proposals and noted the continued uncertainty regarding local government funding. The cabinet also noted a letter sent to the Chancellor of the Exchequer by Councillor Stephen Sweeney, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Finance, Town Centres and Growth, requesting further funding for temporary accommodation, which stated:

In line with other local authorities, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council faces large budget shortfalls due to the continuing Cost of Living Crisis. These factors place a direct pressure on the Council's finances, they also place pressure on the boroughs residents and their ability to pay their Council Tax, Business Rates and to utilise Council provided facilities such as leisure centres and commercial properties etc.

The MTFS assumes that the Fair Funding Review¹ will be completed ahead of 2026/27, which would see the accumulated growth built up since 2013/14 from Business Rates Retention being redistributed across the system alongside the introduction of a new Settlement Funding Assessment. The first MTFS update will be referred to the Finance, Assets and Performance Scrutiny Committee for their views.

Kidsgrove Town Deal Update and Contract Awards

The cabinet approved alternative schemes following revisions to the Shared Services Hub project as part of the Kidsgrove Town Deal. They noted progress with the schemes in Kidsgrove and authorised the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with Councillor Stephen Sweeney and Councillor Simon Tagg, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder - One Council, People and Partnerships, to progress legal agreements to enable continued project delivery. The alternative schemes include:

• A community learning hub at Kings Academy, providing adult learning opportunities and relocating the academy's catering hub.
• Enterprise units on The Meadows, reconfiguring the existing car park to create approximately 20 parking spaces and constructing small business units.
• Canal pathway improvements, with Staffordshire County Council undertaking improvements to a Public Right of Way connecting the canal towpath with a nearby residential area.
• Highway improvements at The Meadows/Station Road and Market Street/The Avenue/Heathcote Street, including resurfacing, introducing a one-way traffic system, and uncontrolled crossing points.
• Public realm improvements to Kings Street Parade, including improvements to the adjacent car park and refurbishment of the public toilets at Heathcote Street.

The cabinet also noted progress with the Kidsgrove Station works and agreed that a further report will be presented outlining the scheme and budget.

Newcastle under Lyme Local Plan 2020-40 Update

The cabinet noted the progress made with the Newcastle under Lyme Local Plan 2020-40 and updates on issues raised in response to the Inspector’s Post Examination Hearing Feedback. They authorised the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with Councillor Andrew Fear, Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning, to progress the next steps necessary on the Local Plan ahead of the Plan being considered for adoption at a future Full Council meeting.

The Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with Councillor Andrew Fear, is authorised to approve a list of Main and Additional Modifications to the Local Plan and Policies Map, alongside the necessary Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Regulations Assessment for public consultation for six weeks. They are also authorised to forward responses from the Main Modifications consultation directly to the Inspector to allow the preparation of a final report on the Local Plan and undertake the necessary steps to take a report to Full Council to consider the adoption of the Local Plan.

Renewal of Civica Financials Contract

The cabinet approved the contract award to Civica UK Limited for the provision of the Council’s Financial Management System on a 2+1+1+1 contract at a total cost of £258,685, should the contract be utilised for the full five years.

Financial and Performance Review Report - First Quarter 2025-26

The cabinet noted the contents of the Financial and Performance Review Report for the first quarter of 2025-26 and agreed to continue to monitor and challenge the council’s service and financial performance for this period. They approved the movement in reserves, transferring £100,000 to the Planning Appeals Reserve, £150,000 to the Local Plan Support Fund, and £150,000 to the Budget and Borrowing Support Fund, all from the Business Rates Reserve.

Walleys Quarry Odour Issues

The cabinet noted the contents of the update report on odour issues at Walleys Quarry.

Annual Report 2024-25

The cabinet received the Council’s Annual Report for 2024-2025 and agreed to refer it to the Full Council meeting on 24 September 2025.

Forward Plan

The cabinet received and noted the Forward Plan.

Other Decisions

The cabinet also approved the minutes of the previous meeting and a resolution to exclude the public from a portion of the meeting due to the likely disclosure of exempt information, as defined in the Local Government Act 1972.