The Cabinet of Wiltshire Council met on Wednesday 6 May 2026 to discuss several key issues, including the withdrawal of the Wiltshire Local Plan from examination, proposed changes to the Post-16 Travel Assistance Policy for SEND learners, and the allocation of funding for drug and alcohol services. Decisions were made to withdraw the Local Plan, adopt the revised Post-16 Travel Assistance Policy, and allocate additional funding to Turning Point for substance misuse services.

Wiltshire Local Plan Withdrawal

The Cabinet recommended to Full Council the withdrawal of the Wiltshire Local Plan Pre-Submission Draft 2020-2038 from examination. This decision was made following advice from Planning Inspectors who raised concerns about the achievability of the proposed programme and the timeframe for the examination, particularly in light of new national planning system reforms. The Inspectors presented two options: to withdraw the plan or to request their report recommending non-adoption. The council opted for withdrawal to minimise additional costs and to focus efforts on preparing a new Local Plan, which is a priority under the new planning system requiring a timeline to be published by 30 June 2026.

Post-16 Travel Assistance Policy for SEND Learners

The Cabinet agreed to adopt a revised Post-16 Travel Assistance Policy and Statement for learners with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). This policy aims to promote independence and preparedness for adulthood by shifting from a reliance on designated taxi provision to more independent travel options, such as public transport and personal travel budgets. The revised policy introduces a stepped model of assistance, prioritising Independent Travel Training (ITT) and public transport, followed by Personal Travel Budgets (PTBs), spare seats on contracted vehicles, and finally, contracted taxi/minibus transport as a last resort. The changes will be implemented for young people entering post-16 education from September 2026 onwards. A statutory consultation on the proposed changes received 187 responses, overwhelmingly expressing concern and opposition, highlighting issues of safety, rurality, impact on families, and legal duties. The council acknowledged these concerns and will ensure a flexible, individualised, and safeguarding-led approach, with an appeals process in place.

Allocation of Funding for Drug and Alcohol Services

The Cabinet agreed to allocate a portion of the confirmed three-year Public Health grant funding for drug and alcohol prevention, treatment, and recovery to the incumbent provider, Turning Point. This funding, consolidated within the Public Health Grant from 2026/27, amounts to £4,459,268 for 2026/27, with indicative allocations of £4,708,564 for 2027/28 and £4,982,360 for 2028/29. A Deed of Variation to the existing Substance Misuse Services Agreement will be used to allocate £1,647,101 to Turning Point in 2026/27 and up to £1,890,111 in 2027/28. This funding will maintain and enhance existing drug and alcohol services, aligning with the national drug strategy 'Harm to Hope' and addressing local needs. The decision to allocate funding for 2026/27 and 2027/28 was made, with further approval to be sought for any potential extension of the agreement beyond this period.