Wiltshire Council's Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 6 May 2026 to discuss the next steps for the Wiltshire Local Plan, a review of the Post-16 Travel Assistance Policy for learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and the allocation of funding for drug and alcohol prevention, treatment, and recovery services.

Wiltshire Local Plan - Next Steps

The Cabinet is set to consider a report outlining the next steps for the Wiltshire Local Plan. The current draft plan, submitted for examination in November 2024, faces potential withdrawal following feedback from Planning Inspectors. The report details that the Inspectors have raised concerns about the achievability of the proposed work programme within a reasonable timeframe and the potential overlap with new local plan processes. The council has been presented with two options: to withdraw the plan from examination or to request a report recommending non-adoption. The report recommends withdrawing the plan to allow the council to focus on preparing a new Local Plan, which is a priority under the council's Our Wiltshire Plan 2025-2035, specifically relating to Building homes and infrastructure fit for our communities. ¹ The new Local Plan system requires the council to publish its timeline and intention to commence preparation by 30 June 2026, with the 30-month plan preparation timeframe needing to begin by 31 October 2026.

Post-16 Travel Assistance Policy

A review of the Post-16 Travel Assistance Policy for learners with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is scheduled for discussion. The council is required to publish its final policy statement by 31 May 2026. While there is no statutory obligation to provide travel for post-16 learners, the council currently provides discretionary transport assistance for 431 learners at a cost of approximately £2.3 million annually. The proposed changes aim to promote greater independence for young people and support their preparedness for adulthood, potentially shifting from designated taxi provision to independent travel via travel assistance, public transport, or parental support. A statutory consultation on these proposed changes received 187 responses, which overwhelmingly expressed concern and opposition, highlighting risks to access, safety, wellbeing, and equality, particularly in Wiltshire's rural geography where public transport is often infrequent or unavailable. The report will update members on the consultation outcomes and seek agreement for the adoption of a revised Post 16 Travel Assistance Policy and Statement for SEND learners.

Allocation of Funding for Drug and Alcohol Services

The Cabinet will consider the allocation of a confirmed three-year grant from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities for drug and alcohol prevention, treatment, and recovery services. This funding, which will be 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 portion of this funding will be awarded to the current provider, Turning Point, via a Deed of Variation to their existing Substance Misuse Services Agreement. Turning Point will receive £1,647,101 in 2026/27 and up to £1,890,111 in 2027/28 to continue enhanced drug and alcohol services. Cabinet is being asked to approve this funding for the next two financial years, with further approval to be sought if the services agreement is extended. This funding aligns with the national drug strategy, 'Harm to Hope', and aims to increase treatment places, support recovery, and develop the workforce.