The Cabinet of Worcestershire Council met on Thursday, 24 September 2026, to discuss a range of important issues, including the council's financial health, transport infrastructure, and public health initiatives. Key decisions included the approval of the Local Transport Grant Delivery Plan, the recommissioning of NHS Health Checks, and the adoption of an Advertising and Sponsorship Policy. The council also reviewed its budget monitoring report, highlighting significant financial pressures and the need for careful management of resources.

Local Transport Grant Delivery Plan Approved

Cabinet approved the Local Transport Grant Delivery Plan, which outlines the expenditure of the Integrated Transport Fund for Worcestershire and will be submitted to the Department for Transport. This plan details significant multi-year investment in transport and highways across the county, covering areas such as road maintenance, bus infrastructure, active travel, and traffic management. Funding has been allocated for crucial repairs to landslips on the A449 near British Camp and at Rochford. The plan also includes provisions for improving bus stops, introducing real-time passenger information, supporting on-demand bus services, and developing a multi-operator ticketing scheme. Cabinet also delegated authority to the Strategic Director for Economy and Infrastructure to approve modifications to the plan.

Recommissioning of NHS Health Checks

The Cabinet agreed to recommission the NHS Health Check service, aiming to improve access for residents in deprived communities. The service, which offers free vascular risk assessments to residents aged 40-74, will see its annual budget increase by 25% to £1.375 million, funded by the Public Health Ringfenced Grant. This additional investment will support a more targeted approach, including outreach activities in priority neighbourhoods and community settings, to reach those most at risk of preventable health conditions. The new contracts, commencing in April 2027, will be directly with Primary Care Networks, offering greater flexibility to address local variations and health inequalities.

New Advertising and Sponsorship Policy Adopted

A new Advertising and Sponsorship Policy was adopted by Cabinet, designed to streamline decision-making and enable the council to generate income from suitable advertising and sponsorship opportunities across its assets. The policy establishes clear principles and an excluded categories list, meaning advertising will generally be accepted unless it is unlawful, misleading, harmful, or poses a significant risk. Excluded categories include tobacco, gambling, payday loans, and less healthy food and drink. Decisions will be made by authorised officers, with more complex cases escalated for higher-level approval.

Resources Report Highlights Financial Pressures

The Resources Report on budget monitoring for the first quarter of 2026/27 revealed a forecast net overspend of £8 million. This pressure is primarily concentrated in Adult Social Care (£12.8 million overspend) and Children's Services (£6.8 million overspend), driven by increased demand and placement costs. The council's corporate contingency budget of £12 million has been fully utilised. Cabinet noted the significant forecast overspend on the Dedicated Schools Grant and the financial risks associated with the delay in receiving the High Needs Stability Grant, which is expected in November 2026. The report also highlighted the limited level of usable reserves and the shortfall in the General Fund balance. Despite these pressures, positive performance was noted in Home to School Transport, which is forecasting a £2 million underspend, and the council has achieved 98% of its overall savings target. Cabinet approved the use of reserves and recommended variations to the Capital Programme and the revised Capital Strategy to Full Council. Changes to Treasury Management maturity limits were also approved to manage borrowing costs effectively. The council faces significant financial challenges, necessitating a continued focus on financial control, savings delivery, and lobbying the government for sustainable funding.

Capital Programme and Strategy Reviewed

Cabinet reviewed the Capital Programme, which now stands at £574 million, with approximately 69% funded by external grants and developer contributions. Amendments to the programme, including additions and reductions, were recommended for approval by Full Council. A revised Capital Strategy for 2026-29 was also recommended for approval, outlining governance arrangements for asset management and capital investment, and emphasising prudence, affordability, and sustainability. Changes to Treasury Management maturity limits were approved to provide flexibility in borrowing arrangements pending the receipt of the High Needs Stability Grant.

The meeting also included the confirmation of the minutes from the previous meeting held on 23 July 2026.