The Cabinet of Bath and North East Somerset Council met on Thursday 13 November 2025 to discuss a range of important issues. Key decisions included the approval of the Greener Places Plan for 2025-2035, the Annual Climate and Nature Progress Report, and the 2026/27 Medium Term Financial Strategy. Further decisions involved the establishment of a Limited Liability Partnership for the regeneration of Bath Quays residential development plots and the continuation of the Adoption West contract.

Greener Places Plan Approved

Cabinet approved the Greener Places Plan for Bath and North East Somerset 2025-2035 and the accompanying five-year Investment and Delivery Plan 2025-2030. This plan aims to enhance green infrastructure across the district, promoting nature recovery, climate resilience, and community well-being. Councillor Sarah Warren, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Bath and North East Somerset, highlighted the plan's commitment to managing 30% of land positively for nature by 2030 and embedding nature-conscious practices across all council operations. The plan moves beyond isolated green spaces to interconnected, larger ecosystems, recognising nature's vital role in supporting life and improving quality of life.

Climate and Nature Progress Report Noted

The Cabinet received and approved the Annual Climate and Nature Progress Report for 2024-25. Councillor Sarah Warren presented the report, noting the global context of rising carbon dioxide and methane levels and the UK's hottest summer on record. Despite these challenges, the report highlighted B&NES Council's leadership among similar local authorities, with carbon emissions per capita halving over two decades. The council has made progress in electrifying its fleet, with £10 million budgeted for electric waste and recycling vehicles, and has secured funding for the first new national forest in 30 years. Rooftop solar panels have been installed at Bath Sports and Leisure Centre, with further upgrades planned for other council buildings. The report also detailed progress on the Local Nature Recovery Strategy and the proposed increase in Biodiversity Net Gain requirements for new developments.

LLP Established for Bath Quays Regeneration

A significant decision was made to establish a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) between the Council and Aequus Group for the regeneration of the Bath Quays residential development plots. Councillor Matt McCabe, Cabinet Member for Built Environment, Housing and Sustainable Development, explained that this move addresses the affordable housing crisis, with 6,000 people on the housing waiting list. The LLP aims to regenerate the stalled Bath Quays North site, increase housing supply, and promote energy-efficient homes. Any profits generated will be reinvested into further regeneration activities or subsidise social housing on future sites. Councillor Lucy Hodge highlighted that the LLP will be a separate legal entity, mitigating risk for the Council and enabling the delivery of approximately 160 new energy-efficient homes.

Adult Social Care Improvement Plan Update Received

Councillor Alison Born, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, presented an update on the Adult Social Care Improvement Plan, following a CQC inspection that rated services as Requires Improvement. The report detailed progress made against nine key priorities and 15 projects, overseen by a monthly Improvement Board. Notable achievements include a significant reduction in waiting times for Care Act Assessments and Deprivation of Liberty authorisations, and improvements in Occupational Therapy waiting lists following the opening of a new assessment centre. The council is also working on refreshing its practice model and safeguarding procedures, with a focus on co-production and learning from reviews. A further update is scheduled for May 2026.

Adoption West Contract Continued

Cabinet agreed in principle to continue with Adoption West as the council's preferred Regional Adoption Agency (RAA) beyond February 2027. Councillor Paul May, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, presented the report, highlighting Adoption West's Good Ofsted rating, positive service user feedback, and performance indicators that meet or exceed national averages. The decision was made after an independent review concluded that further developing Adoption West, rather than exploring alternative models, was the most practical and effective option. Delegated authority was given to the Director of Children's Services to work with stakeholders to further develop Adoption West, with a further report to follow in 2026.

LGA Corporate Peer Challenge Action Plan Approved

Councillor Sarah Warren presented the draft action plan responding to the Local Government Association's Corporate Peer Challenge. The review highlighted the council's strengths in areas such as climate action, place-shaping, and financial management, while also identifying opportunities for improvement, particularly in tackling local inequalities and strengthening strategic planning. Cabinet approved the draft action plan and agreed to a follow-up visit in Summer 2026 to assess progress.

Q2 Corporate Strategy Performance Report Noted

Councillor Mark Elliott, Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources, presented the Quarter 2 Corporate Strategy Performance Report. The report indicated good performance in waste and recycling, air quality compliance, and positive trends in social care. However, challenges remain in areas with less direct council influence, such as district-wide greenhouse gas emissions and households in temporary accommodation. Directors are developing mitigation plans to address forecast overspends, particularly in Children's Services and Adult Social Care.

2026/27 Medium Term Financial Strategy Approved

The 2026/27 Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) was approved by Cabinet. Councillor Mark Elliott highlighted the significant financial challenges ahead, particularly the uncertainty surrounding the government's Fair Funding Review, which is projected to result in a £38.6 million funding gap over five years. The strategy models budget gaps of £8.9 million in 2026/27 and over £10 million in subsequent years. Despite these challenges, the council is maintaining reserves, reviewing capital spending, and investing in transformation and prevention. The strategy emphasizes the need for clarity from central government on funding.

Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring Received

The Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring report for April to September 2025 was received. Councillor Mark Elliott noted that the capital programme is largely on track with variances primarily due to re-phasing of projects. However, the revenue budget faces significant pressure, particularly in social care, heritage services, and the commercial estate, with a forecast overspend of £2.4 million. Mitigation plans are being developed by directors to address these pressures.

Treasury Management Performance Report Approved

Councillor Mark Elliott also presented the Treasury Management Performance Report for the period ending 30th September 2025. The report indicated prudent management, with borrowing within authorised limits and strong investment returns above the benchmark. All treasury management indicators remain within approved limits. Cabinet approved the report, noting the positive financial performance and compliance with strategy.

In addition to these substantive items, the meeting also included standard agenda items such as the welcome and introductions, emergency evacuation procedure, apologies for absence, declarations of interest, urgent business, questions from the public and councillors, and statements or petitions. The minutes of the previous Cabinet meeting were also confirmed.