This is a five year statutory strategy to replace the 2020-2025 strategy. It sets out our approach to the prevention of homelessness and rough sleeping in the county.

This report is to record the spend of the Local Transport Grant allocation in 2025/26

To confirm the annual plan of public realm works that will be delivered in line with capital and revenue budgets and in accordance with the Council’s Highway Asset Management Plan and Highway Maintenance Plan.

To provide Cabinet with an update regarding the Phosphate Mitigation Wetland schemes

To award a contract to Beam Up Ltd for a cloud-based solution and associated service for an AI-powered recording, transcription and custom template generation solution, specifically tailored for statutory social care workflows.
The contract is for a period of one-year at a cost of £75,000.

Award a contract for the construction of Ross Enterprise Park Phase 1 plots and infrastructure to Fitzgerald Contractors Ltd. following successful
evaluation from an open tender process for a tendered value of
£2,602,939.81.

Ross Enterprise Park is one of the largest strategic employment sites in
Herefordshire. It is a well-situated site with excellent road transport links including easy access to the M50 (Midlands/South West), A449 (M4
corridor/Wales/South West) and the A49 (Marches/West Midlands/North
West).

The proposed project will deliver as the initial phase of development, 4
development plots of circa 1 acre each, dependent on the end mix of uses between office and light industrial space, between 77,000 and 100,000 sq. ft. of floor-space and between 150 and 600 jobs whilst supporting the growth of the local and wider economy. The site will be constructed to ground level, including services, road and drainage infrastructure, and marketed as serviced plots for subsequent development by others. Phase 1 will also include all public highway and active travel improvements necessary to satisfy planning obligations.

The entire site is in council ownership and available for the contractors to start on site.

The site has the benefit of a planning permission approved by the Planning and Regulatory Committee on 21 February 2018, and that permission will expire in late February 2026, meaning that physical work on site must commence before that date. The project delivery strategy has been geared to ensure that works begin before planning permission expires. This decision will allow the contractor to start on site in mid-November.

The Herefordshire Economic Plan identifies a critical need for employment land in strategic locations to support the growth of higher value jobs in the county. There remains a strong demand for employment land in Ross on Wye, with several local employers stating they will have to consider relocating out of the county if their growth needs can’t be accommodated locally. The need/demand for the development of the site was strongly supported in the Ross on Wye Market Town Investment Plan, which identifies the need for additional employment land as the highest local priority, thereby addressing the 10 year market failure to establish new land.

Consultants appointed in July 2024 have developed detailed
designs/proposals (RIBA stages 2-4) including highways works to open up the Park by creating a new junction off the A40 whilst internally earthworks, drainage and utilities provision will create 4 acres of development ready land. This will allow the scheme to be developed in phases that meet the market demand.

The procurement was conducted in line with the above threshold process as set out in the council’s Contracts Procedure Rules.

Following robust evaluation, Fitzgerald Contractors Ltd. are recommended as the preferred contractor for award.

The preferred contractor will be responsible for implementing the designs as per the tender scope and specification to RIBA stages 5 and 6 in conjunction with the Council’s appointed design consultants.

The Director of Growth will approve any future spend of contingency on
compensation events in accordance with the contract to a total maximum of £1,000,000 in accordance with authority delegated to the director in the 22 July 2025 decision.

To approve Herefordshire Council’s proposed admissions arrangements for the academic year 2027/2028

The proposed arrangements comply with the current School Admissions Code which came into force on 1 September 2021. The recommendation applies to admission arrangements determined in 2025 for admission in school year 2027/2028 for those schools in Herefordshire for whom the council is the admissions authority.

For the Deed of Dedication for land adjacent to Great Western Way between the Aldi entrance and Portland Street, Hereford with Heineken UK Ltd to be signed and sealed by an authorised officer on behalf of Herefordshire Council.

To secure land on which to make cycleway improvements for the benefit of the community as part of LUF funded cycle improvements.

To select a preferred candidate to be appointed to the post of Chief Executive and recommend that candidate to full council.

To seek approval for Herefordshire Council to accept the ring-fenced grant from the Department for Education (DfE) and to use this funding to co-ordinate the delivery of free holiday clubs for children and young people in receipt of benefits-related free school meals, as well as those who meet the eligibility criteria for a discretionary place.

To seek cabinet approval for Herefordshire Council to take receipt of the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) grant as a programme funded by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) between 2026-2029. The CRF replaces the Household Support Fund (HSF) and the Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) and will enable Herefordshire to work collaboratively with partners and communities at county and local levels to build long-term resilience, cohesion, and reduce the need for crisis support.

To provide assurance of the adequacy of the council’s risk management framework and internal controls in 2025/26

A report to the Committee in respect to the activity involved with the Arrangements for dealing with a Code of Conduct Complaints

To agree to the direct award, by exemption, of this contract to the incumbent service provider.

The Emergency Duty Team (EDT) Service exists to provide an emergency responsive service for children and young people up to the age of 18, but in line with the Leaving Care Act 2000 the service is available to any care experienced young person aged up to 25.

The service is provided when a child or young person is believed to be at risk of significant harm, and from whom delay until the next working day would be detrimental to their welfare and safety. The service ensures that they continue to be safeguarded in the immediate term.

There is a statutory duty for local authorities to safeguard and promote the welfare of children within their area who are in need. This is Section 17(1) of the Children Act 1989.

To accept grant funding of up to £70,639.00 from the Department for Education (DfE).

To enter contract with eEnergy Services UK Ltd to deliver the works through the DfE CCS Framework.

To spend up to £70,639.00 of GBESP funding to deliver the LED lighting scheme at Weobley High School.

(a) A public path diversion order, for definitive footpath CW29C in the parish of Colwall, is made in accordance with section 119 of the Highways Act 1980, as shown in the draft order and plan D568 in Appendix 1 attached to this report and;
(b) In the event that there are no un-withdrawn objections to the formal advertising of the order, it is then confirmed.
(c) If sustained objections are received, the matter can be passed to the Secretary of State for a decision.
(d) If the diversion order is capable of confirmation, a public path creation agreement is made under section 25 of the Highways Act 1980 as shown in the draft agreement and plan D568 in Appendix 1 attached to this report to create a new footpath.

Considering one objection has been made as part of the Formal (Statutory) Consultation and Notice of Intention stages, the installation of the flat-topped road humps be implemented under Section 90A of the Highways Act 1980 (as amended) as advertised in the Notice of Intention.

In May 2025, senior officers took the decision to pause Traffic Regulation Orders relating to the below locations.

Spoon Lane, Dorstone (U75218)
(Proposed Prohibition of Motor Vehicles Restriction, except for access).

Quebb Lane, Eardisley (U90617)
(Proposed Prohibition of Motor Vehicles Restriction)

Byway CP32, Westhope
(Proposed Prohibition of Motor Vehicles [EFA] Restriction, except for access)

Byway BKR14, Fownhope
(Proposed Prohibition of Motor Vehicles Restriction)

Byway HM14, Hope Mansell
(Proposed Prohibition of Motor Vehicles Restriction)

Macadams Lane, Llangrove (U71229)
(Proposed Prohibition of Motor Vehicles Restriction)

Bridleway SK14, Peterstow
(Proposed Prohibition of Driving Restriction).

This pause was to allow a physical, on the ground, senior officer review of each of these locations to determine whether the process should continue. This followed the Council receiving complaints as to the necessity for this process.

Each of these locations have been visited by a senior officer and the Highway Authority will now continue consulting on these proposed Traffic Regulation Orders.

See Appendix 1, which provides a map for each location.

Consideration has been given to the receipt of one objection arising from the Notice of Intention stage. Notwithstanding the receipt of this objection, for the reasons as set out below, it is recommended that the segregated cycle track, shared use footway/cycleway and raised tables be implemented, as advertised in the Notice of Intention, under Sections 65, 66 & 90A of the Highways Act 1980 (as amended). The plans showing the proposals are included as Appendix A. The Notice of Intention documents including a full schedule of the proposals is included as Appendix B.

To award a contract to Velta Construction Ltd using Lot 2 of the Council’s NEC 4 Framework Agreement, to the initial value of £158,390.00 to remove and replace eight existing footbridge structures on the Public Rights of Way network with new steel-beamed timber footbridges, as per locations set out in Appendix 1. Further, this Record of Officer Decision approves a contingency amount of 10% of the overall award, which equates to £15,839.00.

Decision taken to surrender and re-grant the existing farm business tenancy at Ashley Farm, Grafton, to release land required for the bypass.

1. Part of the land at Ashley farm is required for the southern link road/bypass.
2. The farm business tenancy break notice was not served so the property team approached the tenant directly to negotiate a surrender and re-grant of the tenancy.
3. The tenant will take responsibility for the residual part of their original Ashley Farm FBT and a section of Veddoes Farm (formerly held under licence by another party) that is not required for the bypass.
4. On completion of the surrender and re-grant, the full extent of the land required for the bypass will be within the Council’s control.

Decision to grant a wayleave to National Grid at The Hope Centre, Bromyard, HR7 4QU.

1. The neighbouring property (Top Garage) to the Hope Centre in Bromyard is currently being re-developed into residential properties.
2. National Grid have approached the Council to obtain a wayleave consent to install an underground cable from the pole mounted transformer that sits within Council land to the new development.
3. National Grid has statutory powers to obtain the wayleave consent if required.
4. The underground cable will run along the Council’s property boundary and will have as little impact on the Hope centre as possible.
5. The wayleave agreement leaves National Grid responsible for any damage will be made right and the property will be reinstated to it’s original condition.
6. The developer has agreed to cover the Council’s costs.

Award a contract to S C Joseph Ltd for the Roof Fire Barrier Precautions works, following a successful tender on the Council’s procurement portal.

Approve the expenditure of up to £56,081.30 for the works, which includes a contingency of up to £5,098.30.
Approve the expenditure of up to £6,372.87 for internal and external
professional fees.

Responsibility for monitoring the programme to be carried out by the Capital Project Manager within the spend budget.

The grant is in respect of works at Brockhampton Primary School, Bringsty, Bromyard, Herefordshire, part of a multi-academy trust called The Black Pear Trust.

Grant is up to the sum of £313,708.54. (This figure includes a small contingency which is only to be used on the council’s element of the project if required).

The overall project is for Extension to School and Replacement of Modular Classroom Block. The council’s grant is to deliver part of the overall project as an extension comprising:
• A physio room and hygiene room with associated erection of retaining walls, ramps, landscaping, drainage, handrails
• The council’s share of fees and survey costs.
• Allow to supply and fit agreed equipment.

All other costs for the overall project are the responsibility of the trust.
The Principal Designer and Contract Administrator will be PR Associates Ltd.
The Principal Contractor will be Neal R Shipley Ltd.

Works are due to commence 5th January 2026.

The Corporate Director, Children and Young People approve the delegated authority to the Service Director to take all operational decisions relating to the award of contracts for the Schools Accessibility Programme.

In pursuance of the power conferred upon it by Section 91(1) of the Local Government Act 1972 the Council hereby appoints Mr. Nicholas James Higham, Ivy House, Lower Eggleton, Ledbury, Herefordshire to act as members of Yarkhill Parish Council until Yarkhill Parish Council has filled such vacancies so to constitute and re-establish a quorum in the Parish Council or after six months beginning from the end date on which the Order is signed, whichever is the earlier, whereupon such appointments and this Order shall cease.

This report is to provide an overview on all counter fraud activity across the Council’s services throughout the previous calendar year and represent an up-to-date account of the work undertaken, including progress and outcomes aligned with our strategy and core objectives.

Connected Communities Scrutiny Committee would like to review the governance and delivery structures, impact in inclusivity of the Destination Management Plan, and future decisions and policy stance

The purpose of this report is to present cabinet with the outcome of the Inspection of Local Authority Children Services (ILACS) that took place 10-21 November 2025 and was published 12th January 2026.

To seek approval to sign an agreement for lease and lease for Unit 6 Maylord Orchards to a national retailer.

To approve a extension to the Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for Home to School and Public Transport.

To note and review the earmarked reserves held by the council.

To update the Highway Maintenance Plan, which sets out the reasonable system of inspection and repair that will
be deployed by the Council to ensure that it meets its duty to maintain all publicly maintainable highways.

To approve school forum’s recommended budget
proposals for school budgets, central school
services and early years within the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for 2026/27

To approve the proposed expenditure of capital grants for the school buildings maintenance works.

To make the revised Dormington & Mordiford neighbourhood development plan (NDP) as part of the statutory development plan for Herefordshire and approve the consequential updates to the countywide policies
maps.
To fulfil the legal duty to make /adopt the revised Dormington & Mordiford neighbourhood development plan and update the countywide policies map as part of the statutory development plan for Herefordshire.

To approve the proposed approach to re-commissioning the home care service framework in Herefordshire.

The current home care framework ends on 31 October 2026. This report details the intended approach to re-commission a new service from 1 November 2026, for up to ten years. This is in line with the council’s statutory duty to provide home care services for those with an eligible assessed need, as set out in the Care Act 2014.

To formally adopt the Herefordshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy and accept associated government grant for delivery.

To Allocate the balance of the Climate and Nature Reserve for the delivery of projects which will positively impact the climate and natural environment of Herefordshire to the benefit of all who reside in the county.

This report seeks approval to procure and undertake any necessary works to depot and other facilities as required to deliver the New Public Realm Service from 1 June 2026.

To seek Cabinet approval for the adoption of the Local Walking and Cycling Plan

To approve the reprocurement of Herefordshire Independant Adult Advocacy Services, bhy way of an open tender process.

To approve the scoping and construction of solar car ports at Plough Lane