Wiltshire Council's Cabinet is scheduled to convene on Wednesday, 16 September 2026. The meeting agenda includes a review of the council's financial performance for the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, covering both revenue and capital budgets. Additionally, the Cabinet will consider a Local SEND Reform Plan, a key decision outlining the strategy for improving support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Financial Year 2026/27 - Quarter One Revenue Budget Monitoring

The Cabinet will receive a report detailing the first quarterly revenue budget monitoring forecast for the financial year 2026/27. The net budget set by Full Council for this period is £567.948m, which includes over £27m in savings that need to be delivered. The quarter one position forecasts a net overspend of £6.748m, which is 1.2% of the net budget. The report proposes managing this variance within the financial year, with officers tasked with implementing further mitigation and management actions. Cabinet is asked to approve several virements and drawdowns from various reserves to fund in-year activities, including £4.027m from Finance, Revenues and Benefits into Leisure, Culture and Communities for the Crisis Resilience Fund. Cabinet is also asked to note the forecast revenue budget overspend and the current savings delivery performance.

Financial Year 2026/27 - Quarter One Capital Budget Monitoring

This report provides an update on the Capital Programme for 2026/27 as of 30 June 2026. The original budget approved by Full Council was £260.387m. Following various movements, including budget drawbacks from future years and year-end transfers, the revised quarter one budget stands at £271.563m. The report details additions of £14.903m funded by grants, developer contributions, and earmarked reserves, and removals of £1.043m for completed schemes or those with less anticipated grant funding. Significant budget movements are proposed, including virements between capital scheme lines, such as £32.975m from Structural Maintenance and Bridges to a new Highways Maintenance Block. Cabinet is asked to approve these budget movements and to note the revised 2026/27 Capital Programme forecast of £218.506m.

Local SEND Reform Plan

This report seeks Cabinet endorsement of Wiltshire's Local SEND Reform Plan, submitted to the Department for Education (DfE) on 19 June 2026. The plan outlines the local implementation of national SEND reforms, building on existing work and addressing local evidence and engagement. A key aspect of the plan is the proposed Experts at Hand offer, designed to provide earlier access to specialist advice and support for schools and settings. The report details the three-tier model of support, outlining Universal, Targeted (Experts at Hand), and Specialist levels. It also addresses the significant financial implications, including the relationship with the High Needs Block deficit and access to the High Needs Stability Grant. Cabinet is asked to endorse the plan, delegate delivery to the Director for Education and Skills, and receive a further update in November 2026.

Oracle ERP Software Licensing – Contract Procurement

This report seeks Cabinet approval to procure a new Oracle ERP software licensing contract directly with Oracle. The Council's current contractual arrangements expire in November 2026. The proposed contract is for a three-year term with an estimated total value of approximately £3.5 million, to be procured via a direct award under the Crown Commercial Service Back Office Software 2 (BOS2) Framework (RM6285). This direct award is considered appropriate due to the specialised and non-substitutable nature of the Oracle Fusion ERP software. The procurement aims to ensure continuity of service, compliance with regulations, and value for money. Cabinet is asked to approve the procurement and award of the contract, and to delegate authority for its finalisation and award.

Corporate Performance and Risk Monitoring Report 2025/26 Q4

This report provides a Quarter Four update on performance against the priorities in the Council's Our Wiltshire Plan 2025-35, alongside a summary of strategic risks. The Corporate Performance Scorecard shows that of the 78 indicators, 60 (76.9%) are ranked as either positive or neutral. Several measures are awaiting updated data, including those related to disadvantaged learners, educational outcomes, carbon emissions, fly-tipping enforcement, gross weekly pay, new home completions, tenant satisfaction, and invoice payments. The report also details updates to the descriptions of strategic risks, including changes to those concerning climate impacts, staff capacity and wellbeing, and the broader impact of government policy. The overall current risk level for the Council is assessed as medium.

The Cabinet meeting is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, at 10:00 am in the Kennet Room at County Hall, Trowbridge.