The Wiltshire Council Cabinet met on 16 September 2025 to discuss the first quarter budget monitoring for both revenue and capital, review the Safety Valve update, and consider land appropriations. Key decisions included approving recommendations for the future commissioning of community-based services and the adoption of a new approach to Short Breaks for children and young people with additional needs.

Financial Year 2025/26 - Quarter One Revenue Budget Monitoring

Cabinet approved recommendations concerning the first quarterly revenue budget monitoring for the financial year 2025/26. The report indicated a projected net overspend of £6.510 million by the end of the financial year. This overspend is largely attributed to pressures in Adult Social Care, driven by increasing demand and complex cases, as well as unbudgeted provider uplifts due to increased National Insurance contributions and market sustainability concerns. Cabinet approved the creation of a new earmarked reserve of £0.057 million to fund temporary posts for contract management and quality assurance of supported accommodation providers, and a virement of £0.542 million from Corporate to Information Services. Members noted the projected overspend, current savings delivery performance, a net operating surplus on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), receipt of National Landscapes grant funding, transfers from Sports Development and Air Quality reserves, and an overspend against Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) budgets of £8.909 million.

Financial Year 2025/26 - Quarter One Capital Budget Monitoring

Cabinet approved recommendations regarding the first quarterly monitoring of the 2025/26 Capital Programme. The revised quarter one budget forecast stands at £245.577 million. Key decisions included approving a virement of £0.175 million from Schools Maintenance and Modernisation to the Stonehenge School Replacement of Lower Block capital scheme to complete the project, and approving grant income applied for and/or received as set out in Appendices C and D. Members noted additional budgets funded by grants, developer contributions, and other sources totalling £24.655 million, a removal of £0.490 million due to lower than expected grant awards, budgets brought forward from future years totalling £7.409 million, and budgets reprogrammed into future years totalling £41.114 million. Cabinet also noted the capital spend as of 30 June 2025 was £30.178 million.

Safety Valve - Update and August Monitoring Report

Cabinet noted the monitoring update provided to the Department for Education (DfE) in April 2025 and the feedback received. Members also noted the increased risk and financial impact outlined in the Quarter 1 budget forecast. The report indicated that Wiltshire Council is not on track to meet the original financial targets of its Safety Valve agreement, with the revised trajectory now targeting March 2031 for in-year balance. The cumulative DSG deficit at the end of 2024/25 was £61.19 million, exceeding the original target but aligning with the revised plan. While the DfE will not formally extend the Safety Valve agreement, they are satisfied with the council's approach to the extended plan. Concerns were raised about the continued growth in Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) requests, particularly in secondary schools, and the impact on provision costs. The report highlighted progress in expanding local provision and strengthening partnerships, but also noted ongoing challenges with mid-phase transitions from independent special schools and uncertainty surrounding the Special Free School programme.

Land Appropriation

Cabinet agreed to appropriate assets noted in Appendix 1 from the General Fund to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). They also agreed, subject to necessary authority from the relevant Secretary of State, to appropriate an asset from the HRA to the General Fund. Additionally, Cabinet agreed to appropriate an asset within the General Fund between holding powers as indicated, and that relevant accounting adjustments would be made in the 2025/26 financial year. This procedural decision aims to ensure assets are held for the correct purpose and comply with the ring-fenced nature of the HRA.

Short Breaks Offer for Children and Young People with Additional Needs

Cabinet approved a new approach to the delivery of Short Breaks activity from April 2026, described as an inclusive and needs-based offer for Children and Young People with SEND, with an estimated cost of £1.1-1.3 million. This new model aims to be more equitable, adaptable, and responsive to family needs, moving away from the current EHCP-only eligibility. It will include a universal offer, direct payments, a Short Breaks Plus strand led by the Leisure, Culture and Communities team, and an Enhanced Support strand for children with the most complex needs. Cabinet also delegated authority to the Director, Education and Skills for necessary activity to ensure the new offer is completed for commencement in April 2026. Extensive consultation and co-production with families, young people, and providers informed this decision.

Future Commissioning of Community Based Services

Cabinet approved the recommissioning of all community-based services for adults and children under a single joint framework, with the new contract to be in place by April 2026. This strategic approach aims to streamline council processes, respond to provider concerns about market variation and transparency, and ensure a sustainable supply of quality support at an affordable cost. The new framework will include various service types such as self-directed support, live-in care, supported living, extra care housing, homecare, and parent enabling services. Cabinet also approved changes to purchasing by smaller geographical areas and the price structure for all community service provision from April 2026, delegating the award of resulting contracts to the Director of Commissioning.

Exclusion of the Press and Public

Cabinet agreed to exclude the press and public from the meeting for specific agenda items (Items 12 and 13) due to the likely disclosure of exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of particular persons or the authority.

Award of the new term Traffic Signal Maintenance Contract

Cabinet resolved to award the Term Traffic Signals Maintenance Contract to Telent Technology Services Ltd. Cabinet authorised the Director of Highways and Transport, in consultation with relevant officers and the Cabinet Member for Highways, Streetscene and Flooding, to finalise the contract details and take necessary steps to enter into the new agreement. This decision follows a procurement exercise to replace the current contract, which ends on 30 September 2025. It was noted that the new contract rates represent a 12% increase compared to current rates, contributing to inflationary pressures.

Future Commissioning of Care Homes

Cabinet approved the proposals detailed in the report regarding the future commissioning of care homes.

Public Participation

Several questions were raised by councillors and members of the public during the public participation session:

• Cllr Phil Chamberlain asked about the Council's confidence in adhering to the Equality Act 2010 following the Supreme Court ruling on biological sex and whether a biological male would be permitted to use women's facilities. The response stated that the Council offers both single-sex and gender-neutral facilities, is awaiting updated guidance from the EHRC, and that concerns can be raised via a dedicated email address.
• Cllr Mike Sankey inquired about discussions with Wiltshire Publications and potential cost savings from using them for traffic regulation order advertisements. The Cabinet Member for Highways, Streetscene and Flooding reported positive discussions and a proposal for marketing campaigns, but noted that advertising TROs in both Wiltshire Publications and paid-for publications would incur additional costs rather than savings. A review of the policy to consider free publications was promised.
• Cllr Augusta Urquhart-Nicholls asked for clarification on asylum seeker and irregular migrant accommodation in Wiltshire, including types, durations, locations, responsible authorities, and costs. The response detailed the use of Clearsprings Ready Homes for asylum seekers, transitional service family accommodation for Afghan resettlement (closing November 2025), and confirmed no hotels were being used. It stated that disclosure of specific locations was not possible due to health and safety concerns.
• Cllr Rich Rogers raised concerns about potential contradictions in reporting on HRA asset disposal, questioning whether sites were formally approved for disposal or still under appraisal, if local members were consulted, and if language used accurately reflected the process. The response clarified that the Cabinet paper declared sites surplus for review and potential disposal, that local members were informed after the Cabinet decision, and that the language used was considered correct.
• Cllr Rich Rogers also questioned Wiltshire Council's approach to traffic management in Porton and Bourne Valley, given the national strategic importance of Porton Campus and resident concerns. The Cabinet Member for Highways, Streetscene and Flooding highlighted the emerging Wiltshire Local Plan's transport evidence base, ongoing work with National Highways on a M4 to Dorset Coast Strategic Study, and the development of a Strategic Freight Plan. He committed to incorporating these matters into future strategies and plans.
• Celia Beckett, Chair of Hilperton Area Action Group, asked for clarification on environmental factors influencing reduced housing numbers in the Trowbridge Local Plan and whether these factors affected specific growth areas. The response stated that these detailed questions were part of the Local Plan examination process, which is the appropriate forum for such disagreements to be considered by appointed Inspectors.
• Celia Beckett also inquired why the Trowbridge and Westbury Bat Mitigation Strategy (TWBMS), approved on 22 July 2025 and stated to take immediate effect, had not been uploaded to the Local Plan website. The response confirmed the website was being updated to include the TWBMS.
• Dr Jimmy Walker questioned the use of AI-controlled road cameras for traffic enforcement, referencing their use in Devon and Cornwall and asking if Wiltshire Council would consider introducing them. The Cabinet Member for Highways, Streetscene and Flooding stated that enforcement of speed limits is the responsibility of Wiltshire Police, who prefer to use mobile devices rather than fixed cameras.
• Dr Jimmy Walker also asked about Wiltshire Council's engagement with the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Philip Wilkinson on road safety and the adoption of Vision Zero targets. The Cabinet Member for Highways, Streetscene and Flooding confirmed ongoing work with the PCC and partners through the Wiltshire & Swindon Road Safety Partnership, with a replacement meeting planned and a new partnership website to detail actions. He clarified that Vision Zero is a philosophy rather than a fixed date target.
• Dr Jimmy Walker further questioned the use of AI-controlled road cameras for traffic enforcement, citing their success in Devon and Cornwall. The response indicated that AI cameras are operated by Devon and Cornwall Police, and any decision on their deployment in Wiltshire would rest with Wiltshire Police.
• Cllr Bridget Wayman asked about Dorset Council's proposed charges for non-Dorset residents using the Shaftesbury Household Recycling Centre (HRC) and Wiltshire Council's response. The Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate and Waste stated that officers are aware of the planned changes and are reviewing Wiltshire's HRC network, with a development plan to be presented to Cabinet later in the year. He noted that Wiltshire Council also has a proposal to charge non-Wiltshire residents for using its HRCs from 2026/27.
• Cllr Rich Rogers raised concerns about HRA asset disposal, highlighting a perceived contradiction between Cabinet's July decision and a later Full Council statement, and questioning consultation with local members and the accuracy of process descriptions. The response clarified that the Cabinet paper sought approval for sites to be declared surplus for review and potential disposal, that local members were informed after the Cabinet decision, and that the language used was considered correct.
• Cllr Rich Rogers also questioned Wiltshire Council's transport assessment for Porton Campus, commitment to reviewing transport infrastructure in the area, steps to address HGV traffic on unsuitable rural roads, and collaboration with central government on transport investment. The Cabinet Member for Highways, Streetscene and Flooding highlighted the emerging Wiltshire Local Plan's transport evidence base, ongoing work with National Highways on a M4 to Dorset Coast Strategic Study, and the development of a Strategic Freight Plan. He committed to incorporating these matters into future strategies and plans and to working with central government and stakeholders.
• William Mulholland asked for confirmation regarding the Trowbridge and Westbury Bat Mitigation Strategy (TWBMS), specifically if woodland planting included land acquired for habitat loss at Elizabeth Way and the cumulative outstanding requirement for SANG mitigation in relation to WHSAP 2020 allocations and subsequent planning permissions. The response confirmed that the 4.71ha woodland planting related to TWBMS developments, and that habitat loss at Elizabeth Way was mitigated separately. It also stated there were no outstanding SANG mitigation requirements as measures were keeping pace with occupation rates, with a new SANG site for other developments under consideration.
• William Mulholland also inquired why the TWBMS, approved on 22 July 2025 and stated to take immediate effect, had not been uploaded to the Local Plan website. The response confirmed the website was being updated to include the TWBMS.

The meeting also included discussions on the Future Commissioning of Community Based Services, where Cabinet approved a joint framework for adults and children's services. Additionally, Cabinet noted the Safety Valve - Update and August Monitoring Report, acknowledging that Wiltshire Council is not on track to meet original financial targets but is moving towards balance by March 2031. Cabinet also approved the Short Breaks Offer for Children and Young People with Additional Needs, a new inclusive and needs-based model costing £1.1-1.3 million. Decisions were made regarding Land Appropriation to ensure assets are held under the correct powers. The Cabinet also resolved to award the Traffic Signal Maintenance Contract to Telent Technology Services Ltd.