The Cabinet of Hertfordshire Council met on Wednesday 15 July 2026, discussing a range of financial, service, and policy matters. Key decisions included the introduction of a £12,000 charge for schools converting to academies, the endorsement of a two-year Youth Justice Plan, and the approval of the annual Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) report. The Cabinet also reviewed the council's financial performance for the fourth quarter of 2025/26, noting a small operational overspend that was covered by contingency, and approved the capital programme and associated reprogramming. Significant discussion also took place regarding the future of the Performing Arts library service and Sunday opening hours for six libraries, with decisions made to proceed with changes to both.

Charging Mechanism for Academy Conversions

The Cabinet approved a proposal to introduce a charging mechanism for schools converting to academies, effective from January 2027. Schools wishing to convert will be charged £12,000 to cover the majority of the local authority's costs, which include officer time for legal services, estates, HR, and payroll. This decision follows the withdrawal of a £25,000 Department for Education grant that previously assisted with these costs. The charge is based on the typical cost incurred by the council and is not intended to make a profit. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Children's Services & Education, in consultation with the Executive Member for Education, SEND and Inclusion, to review and update these charges annually.

Hertfordshire Youth Justice Plan 2026-28

The Cabinet endorsed the Hertfordshire Youth Justice Plan for 2026-28, which will be presented to the County Council for final approval. This statutory plan, developed through a multi-agency approach involving social care, police, probation, and health services, spans two years to allow for effective implementation. Key themes within the plan include prioritising the voice of the child and families and victims and addressing global majority disproportionality. The plan highlights positive performance trends, such as a 31% decrease in first-time entrants into the youth justice system and significant reductions in blade-related and serious violence offences. The plan also details a focus on restorative justice, with 62% of those offered it receiving reparations.

Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) Annual Report

The Cabinet approved the annual report on the Council's use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) and Investigatory Powers Act (IPA) 2016. The report detailed the use of these powers over the past year, primarily by Trading Standards and the Shared Anti-Fraud Service. The council received a clean bill of health during its last inspection in 2023 and has had no breaches of policy in the past year. The report highlighted successful prosecutions of traders selling vapes and cigarettes to underage children, and the tracing of mobile phone data to apprehend a rogue roofer preying on older people. A total of 86 applications for communications data were made, with 83 progressing to acquisition.

Finance Budget Monitor – Quarter 4 2025/26

The Cabinet reviewed the council's financial performance for the 2025/26 financial year, reporting a small operational overspend of £800,000 against a budget of over £1.2 billion. This was more than covered by a £10 million contingency budget, leaving £9.2 million available to strengthen financial resilience in 2026-2027. The report detailed significant pressures within Children's Services, with overspends in children looked after services (£4.2 million) and the 0-25 service (£2.9 million) due to rising demand and complexity. Adult care services also reported a net overspend of £1.7 million. The council delivered over £40 million in savings, maintained tight budget control, and identified £4.5 million for investments. The Cabinet approved the capital reprogramming of £44.3 million and the transfer of the remaining £9.2 million contingency to a reserve for future pressures. Additional funding of up to £0.63 million was approved for demolition and asbestos removal works at the Redwing Close site in Stevenage.

Performance Monitor Q4 2025-26

The Cabinet received an update on the council's performance for the fourth quarter of 2025-26. The report highlighted strong momentum across major programmes, including the launch of the Care Leaver Free Bus, confirmed Herts Lynx expansion, and progress on speed management and 20mph zone consultations. Positive performance was noted across waste recycling usage and the economic strategy delivery. The report also detailed progress in SEND services, with the adoption of the SEND Strategy and significant capital investment planned.

Withdrawal of Performing Arts Service

Following a public consultation, the Cabinet considered proposals to withdraw the Performing Arts service to achieve a £230,000 saving. The consultation revealed strong public opposition, with respondents highlighting the high cost of alternative sources for materials, the risk of group closures, and the significant mental health, wellbeing, and social benefits derived from participation. Many suggested alternatives to closure, such as increased hire charges or partnerships. Officers explored alternative models, including transferring the collection to a charitable body or partnering with specialist music organisations like Benslow Music, but found no immediately viable low-risk option. The Cabinet agreed to delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Resources, in consultation with the Executive Member for Resources and Performance, to implement the withdrawal of the service. However, arrangements for access to the existing music collection would be agreed with Hertfordshire-based specialist music organisations and individuals. The drama playsets would be maintained within the library service, managed similarly to general reading collections, and single copies of plays would be integrated into Tier 1 libraries.

Reduction in Library Opening Hours

The Cabinet considered the results of a public consultation on proposals to cease Sunday opening hours at six libraries (Bishops Stortford, Hemel Hempstead, St Albans, Stevenage, Watford, and Welwyn Garden City) and reduce evening opening hours at Welwyn Garden City Central Library. The consultation revealed that Sunday opening is highly valued by working people, families, and students, who rely on it for study and leisure. Concerns were raised about the impact on social isolation, inclusion, and town centre footfall. While the proposal would deliver £145,000 in savings, the Cabinet agreed to maintain current Sunday opening hours and instead implement equivalent hour reductions during weekdays at the six affected libraries. Welwyn Garden City Central Library's evening opening hours will be reduced to one evening per week. Authority was delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Resources, in consultation with the Executive Member for Resources and Performance, to implement these changes.