To receive any apologies for absence.

There were no apologies from members of the cabinet.

There were apologies from Councillors James and Simmons. 

To receive declarations of interests in respect of Table A, Table B or Other Interests from members of the committee in respect of items on the agenda.

None.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 5 February 2026.

Resolved:       That the minutes of the meeting held on 5 February be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairperson.

To receive questions from members of the public.

Questions received and responses given are attached as appendix 1 to the minutes.

To receive questions from councillors.

Questions received and responses given are attached as appendix 2 to the minutes.

To receive reports from the Council’s scrutiny committees on any recommendations to the Cabinet arising from recent scrutiny committee meetings.

The Local Cycling, Walking and Wheeling Infrastructure Plan wet to the Environment and Sustainability Committee on 2 March 2026.  The Chair of the committee, Cllr Stark welcomed the plan but raised concerns about a lack of structure and clarity, noting that the Local Transport Plan (LTP) objectives should be more clearly promoted at the outset as they drive the plan. He also queried how active travel priorities were assessed, suggesting that safety and cohesion should carry greater weighting, and was uncertain whether the council could take the proposals forward.

Overall, the committee welcomed the plan and agreed that the recommendations would help improve it. 

To seek Cabinet approval for the adoption of the updated Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWWIP) for Herefordshire, following public consultation. The LCWWIP sets out a strategic approach to improving walking and cycling infrastructure across the county, supporting active travel and travel choice, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing public health.

Councillor Price cabinet member for transport and infrastructure introduced the report

It was noted that this represented the next key step in the Council’s wider integrated approach to transport planning for Hereford.  The Local Transport Plan was adopted in December 2025 and that set out the overall direction for the Council’s transport network and how they want that to evolve.  Work has been undertaken to align all the Council’s transport policies to reflect that strategy and priorities that communities have told the council mattered the most.  The Local Cycling, Walking, Wheeling Infrastructure Plan (LCWWIP) is a crucial piece of ork and  provides clear evidence based plan for improving walking, wheeling and cycling across the county. 

It was noted that formal adoption of the plan was a key step in delivering the council’s integrated approach to transport planning. It enables projects to be prioritised and delivered efficiently. It complements major infrastructure schemes, ensuring all transport investments form a coherent, integrated network, and supports joined?up improvements across all modes of travel.

Comments from cabinet members:

It was confirmed that the projects identified through consultation were not funding commitments or priorities at this stage. The plan contained a long list of potential schemes that can be drawn on in the future, with priorities to be set as and when funding and grant opportunities become available.

It was emphasised that the LCWWIP supports greater choice in transport across the county and is closely aligned with parish councils’ environmental priorities. The plan is presented as a non?prescriptive framework that encourages individual travel choices which improve health and wellbeing, reduce carbon emissions, and support short local journeys. It highlights the integration of green infrastructure, access to green spaces, and high?quality design, with sustainability running as a core principle throughout delivery, including commitments to energy efficiency, waste minimisation, and environmental standards within contracts.

Group Leaders were invited to offer their views:

Group Leader for Independents for Herefordshire outlined their views and noted that:

Welcomed the plan and noted the assurances provided that the document will be treated as a live document.  However, clarity was sought regarding how that would happen, the process and the frequency.  Concerns were highlighted that the canal towpath may not be clearly recognised, possibly due to the document format making it difficult to search. They stressed that the canal and its towpath have significant potential to provide an off?road walking and cycling route across the county. Although this infrastructure did not currently exist, they strongly felt it should be acknowledged and safeguarded within the LCWWIP as a future transport asset.

The Liberal Democrat Group outlined their views and noted that:

The need to maintain a strong and active focus on delivering walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure, rather than allowing the plan to sit unused was stressed. The importance of meaningful engagement, not only when identifying schemes but also during detailed design, was emphasised.  It was noted that poor past cycling infrastructure could have been avoided with better consultation. It  ...  view the full minutes text for item 76.

To review performance for Quarter 3 (Q3) 2025/26 and to report the performance position across all Directorates for this period.

Councillor Stoddart cabinet member for finance and corporate services introduced the report

The Cabinet Member presented the Q3 Performance Report for 2025/26, covering progress against the Council Plan 2024–28 and Delivery Plan 2025–26, for the period October–December 2025. 

It was highlighted that 200 of 250 milestones (80%) due by Q3 were either completed or on track for delivery by year?end (Appendix A). 

The highlights of the Capital Programme were noted.  There was continued progress on major schemes including Hereford Transport Hub, Holme Lacy Road Active Travel, Phosphate Mitigation Integrated Wetlands, Western By?Pass, Employment Land at Ross Enterprise Park, and multiple schools capital projects.  Most schemes also remained on track, with some experiencing managed delays.

Regarding the Council Plan Themes:

People:

Of 87 milestones: 35 completed, 29 were on track, 16 were at risk, with a small number not started, discontinued or at significant risk. There was ongoing work to strengthen multi?agency safeguarding, particularly around child sexual exploitation, with targeted actions being developed.

Continued progress on joint commissioning for children with complex needs, despite national system challenges.  Development of the Prevention in Adult Social Care Strategy was noted as nearing completion, with strong stakeholder engagement.

Place:

Of 89 milestones: 52 were on track, 19 were completed, 12 were at risk, 2 had not yet started, 3 were paused and 1 was at risk of not being completed by the end of the financial year.  It was highlighted that cabinet approved the Public Realm contract in December 2025 which supported the continued delivery of high quality sustainable local services.  Development of a new Cultural Strategy in partnership with the Herefordshire Cultural Partnership was ongoing. Delivery of the public EV charge point remained red due to external provider delays, and it was confirmed that year?end targets will not be met. 

Growth:

Of 39 milestones: 18 were on track, 12 were completed, with a small number at risk or not started.  Progress on a new skills and employment strategy was ongoing, informed by national policy changes.  There was continued collaboration with NMiTE, particularly focused on opportunities within the defence and security sector, though progress had been slower than planned.

Transformation:

Of 40 milestones: 20 were on track, 15 were completed 3 were at risk and 2 were paused.

There were successful pilots of AI solutions, including Magic Notes in social care and M365 Copilot, with work ongoing to support wider adoption.  The revised Hoople contract was also completed in November 2025.  A first draft Herefordshire Outcomes Framework, aligned with the forthcoming Local Government Outcomes Framework was in development. 

Members were directed to Appendix A for the full status of the Q3 Delivery Plan milestones.

Comments from cabinet members:

The Cabinet Member for adults, health and wellbeing reported that rough sleeping numbers were higher than expected, with 12 individuals across three sites, some on private land with landowner consent and others on public land. Despite daily outreach efforts, engagement has become increasingly difficult where individuals did not wish to accept support,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77.

To report the forecast position for 2025/26 at Quarter 3 (December 2025), including explanation and analysis of the drivers for the material budget variances, and to outline current and planned recovery activity to reduce the forecast overspend.

Councillor Stoddart cabinet member for finance and corporate services introduced the report

The cabinet member set out the Quarter 3 (December 2025) forecast revenue outturn for the 2025/26 financial year.

It was noted that the forecast outturn position showed an overall overspend of £6.3m (2.7% of the net revenue budget), which was expected to reduce to £4.4m because of planned management and recovery actions.

It was noted that the Council’s approved net revenue budget for 2025/26 was £231.5m, inclusive of £3.9m of planned savings, and that detailed explanations of variances by Directorate and Service area were set out in Appendix A to the report.

It was noted that continuing in?year cost pressures were being experienced, particularly in relation to social care, temporary accommodation, and Special Educational Needs (SEN) home?to?school transport.

It was reported that the Quarter 3 revenue position for 2025/26, prior to management action, showed a forecast variance of £6.3m.  This comprised of £4.7m of in?year net cost pressures and £1.6m of savings targets brought forward and assessed as at risk at Quarter 3.

It was noted that the 2025/26 approved budget included a £1.4m contribution from reserves to the Children & Young People Directorate to support the delivery of Year 2 savings within the extended Three?Year Financial Plan, with repayment originally planned for 2026/27 and 2027/28. The forecast Quarter 3 position showed an underspend of £2m within the Directorate, reflecting robust expenditure management and full delivery of planned savings.  As a result, it was reported that it was proposed to repay the £1.4m reserve contribution in the year ending 31 March 2026, one year earlier than planned.

It was noted that the combined effect of £3.3m management and recovery actions, together with the early repayment of £1.4m reserve contribution, resulted in a revised forecast overspend of £4.4m as detailed in Table 2 of the report. It was further noted that any overspend remaining at 31 March 2026 would be required to be funded from the Council’s available reserves.

It was noted that the forecast outturn position by Directorate, prior to recovery action, was summarised in Table 1 of the report.

It was reported that recovery actions expected to further reduce the forecast overspend during Quarter 4 included:

• the proposed £2.8m allocation from the Budget Resilience Reserve;
• continued review of the Council’s contract arrangements and shareholding in Hoople Ltd; and
• ongoing challenge of forecast and planned expenditure through Directorate expenditure control panels.

It was confirmed that expenditure controls were introduced in 2023/24, remained in place and would continue for the remainder of the financial year to support financial recovery and maintain robust control over spending.

It was noted that the Budget Resilience Reserve, established in 2024/25 to manage in?year cost pressures, had been reduced from £11m to £7m following a £4m allocation in 2024/25. The proposed £2.8m use in 2025/26 would reduce the balance to £4.2m at 31 March 2026.

It was further noted that, in accordance with the 2026/27 Revenue Budget and Medium  ...  view the full minutes text for item 78.

To provide an update on the status of corporate risks at the end of Quarter 3 2025/26 (December 2025) and provide assurance that risks are being managed effectively across the council.

Councillor Stoddart cabinet member for finance and corporate services introduced the report.

The Quarter 3 review of the Corporate Risk Register was line with the Risk Management Strategy 2025/26 and Risk Appetite Statement approved by Cabinet in June 2025. The Corporate Leadership Team (CLT) reviewed the register (appendix A) at 31 December 2025 to update risk scores, assess the effectiveness of controls and mitigations, and consider emerging threats and opportunities. No new corporate risks were identified at Quarter 3.

All nine corporate risks were reviewed by their Risk Owners with CLT oversight. One risk score change was reported at Quarter 3: Corporate Risk R3 (SEND placement sufficiency) reduced from 16 to 12, reflecting additional capital investment approved for 2026/27, government announcements on DSG deficit funding, and wider SEND reforms.

The report confirmed that corporate risks continue to be monitored throughout the year by CLT and Cabinet, alongside Directorate, Service and Project risk registers. The Internal Audit Plan for 2025/26 was aligned to the refreshed Risk Strategy and approved by the Audit and Governance Committee in September 2025. Further planned activity includes risk management training, updates to guidance and intranet content, development of dashboard reporting, and inclusion of risk management arrangements within the Annual Governance Statement.

The report demonstrated strong governance and transparency in the management of corporate risks. Members were invited to endorse the report and its recommendations.

No comments from cabinet members. 

Group Leaders were invited to offer their views:

Independents for Herefordshire outlined their views and noted that:

Introduction of more regular risk reporting was welcomed and congratulated officers for strengthening the council’s risk management processes, including the oversight provided by the Audit and Governance Committee. However, concern was expressed that recent Internal Audit findings highlighted inconsistencies and weaknesses in officers’ understanding and application of risk management, particularly in relation to large capital projects.

Assurances were sought that all officers fully understood the current risk assessment framework, the actions required of them, and how this understanding was being tested and assured.

Concern was also raised regarding the timing and consistency of the risk assessment, noting that the Quarter 3 Corporate Risk Register reflected risk reductions linked to government announcements regarding the DSG deficit, which was made after the Quarter 3 reporting date. Clarification was requested on whether the risk register reflected a fixed Quarter 3 position or included subsequent developments, and how this approach was applied consistently.

The Green Group outlined their views and noted that:
It was positively noted that the risk for ‘SEND placement sufficiency’ was reduced from 16 to 12 and it was important to monitor the risks the council was facing as it moved through these challenging times

The Liberal Democrat Group outlined their views and noted that:
No comments. 

In response to comments made the cabinet members noted that:

It was confirmed that the risk register had been delivered to officers.  Regarding the Quarter 3 reporting date, this was a valid point however it was considered that the impact of the DSG announcement  ...  view the full minutes text for item 79.

To approve the council’s Delivery Plan 2026/27. Cabinet is required to produce a delivery plan which sets out how the strategic priorities within the Herefordshire Council Plan 2024-28 will be delivered and monitored.

Councillor Stoddart cabinet member for finance and corporate services introduced the report

The Cabinet considered the Delivery Plan 2026/27 (appendix A), the third of four annual plans aligned to the Herefordshire Council Plan 2024–28 and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy. The Delivery Plan sets out how the council’s priorities and objectives will be delivered over the next 12 months and meets the council’s constitutional requirement for annual delivery planning. Members were reminded of the Council Plan vision: “delivering the best for Herefordshire in everything we do.”

The Delivery Plan was developed following consultation with political groups and individual councillors. It included both outstanding milestones from 2025/26 and new actions for 2026/27, structured around four pillars: People, Place, Growth and Transformation.

Under the People priority, 45 milestones support six objectives; under Place, 6 deliverables and 27 milestones support nine objectives; under Growth, 10 milestones support five objectives; and under Transformation, 19 milestones support five objectives.

Progress against the Delivery Plan will be monitored through quarterly performance reports to Cabinet, quarterly budget monitoring reports, monthly reporting to the Corporate Leadership Team, annual service plans and individual performance and development plans. Financial monitoring will continue alongside delivery monitoring. Cabinet were also reminded that projects within the Delivery Plan would seek to minimise environmental impact and identify opportunities for environmental improvement.

The Delivery Plan was described as ambitious but deliverable, and Cabinet was invited to endorse the report and its recommendations.

Comments from cabinet members:

It was noted that in the comments submitted by the Independents for Herefordshire a portfolio lead or a strategic officer should be identified as part of the Delivery Plan and this was considered a sensible approach.  Noting that roles and responsibilities can sometimes be confusing, and that clearer identification of responsibilities would be helpful for all councillors. The group also welcomed the inclusion of continuity plans, stating that these addressed previous concerns raised about infrastructure resilience and provided reassurance about ongoing arrangements.

Group Leaders were invited to offer their views:

Independents for Herefordshire outlined their views and noted that:

All councillors shared a common objective of improving outcomes for residents and that the Delivery Plan should be judged on its real?world impact. Concern was expressed that the draft Delivery Plan had been made available with limited time for consideration and without the level of consultation suggested.

While the document was described as well?structured and similar to the previous year’s plan, it was considered unclear in terms of the tangible changes it would deliver for residents.

It was noted that, as the third year of a four?year Council Plan, the Delivery Plan did not sufficiently demonstrate the cumulative impact of delivery to date. The absence of clear, measurable outcomes, timelines and accountability was highlighted and stated that residents were more concerned with practical issues such as service responsiveness, local SEND provision and environmental improvements than with additional strategy documents.

Greater transparency, use of plain language, the inclusion of clear performance measures and dashboards, and stronger links between delivery  ...  view the full minutes text for item 80.