Councillor Donna Higgins

The Cabinet of West Suffolk decided to continue operating the Staff Consultative Panel, the West Suffolk Grant Working Party, and the West Suffolk Local Plan Working Group for 2026 to 2027. The Cabinet also noted that the Monitoring Officer may appoint members to these groups and that informal advisory panels may be established by the Leader.

The West Suffolk Council Cabinet approved interim changes to the Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Policy on 19 May 2026. The decision removes the maximum age limit on taxis at first registration and introduces an emissions standard equivalent to Euro 6 or above for all vehicles at their first registration, effective from 1 July 2026. Future emission standards will be delegated to the Director (Housing, Communities and Regulatory), in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Regulatory.

The Cabinet of West Suffolk Council approved changes to parking business rules and tariff bands, and the evaluation framework for a free parking pilot scheme on 19 May 2026. The approved changes include variations to the Traffic Regulation Order and the evaluation framework for the free parking pilot scheme.

West Suffolk Council's Cabinet approved the Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy on 19 May 2026. The policy adopts a new approach to private sector housing enforcement in line with the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. A 12-month review will be undertaken by the Director (Housing, Communities and Regulatory) in consultation with portfolio holders.

The Cabinet of West Suffolk Council approved the Rowley Drive Masterplan for adoption as informal planning guidance on 14 April 2026. The decision was to adopt the masterplan as contained in Appendix B to Report number CAB/WS/26/017.