The Cabinet of Hertfordshire County Council met on Monday 21 July 2025. The meeting included discussions and decisions on several key areas:

Day Services Strategy

The Cabinet reviewed the Day Services Strategy for 2025-2030, following co-production and engagement with stakeholders. The strategy aims to review and improve service provision across the county. The Cabinet agreed to the strategy.

Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) Annual Report

The Cabinet reviewed the annual report on the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA). This report details the council's use of directed surveillance and access to communications data, noting its sparse use, particularly by Trading Standards in successful prosecutions against those selling vapes to underage children and in fraud cases. No breaches of policy were reported. The Cabinet agreed to the report.

Children and Young People's Strategic Plan

The Children and Young People's Strategic Plan for 2026-2031 was reviewed. This plan outlines the council's ambitions for improving outcomes for children and young people, developed after extensive consultation. It includes a focus on early help and support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), with a commitment to listening to the voices of young people. The Cabinet adopted the plan.

Specialist Resource Provisions

The Cabinet agreed to open two new Special Resource Provisions (SRPs): one at Lordship Farm Primary School in Letchworth and another at Swallowdale Primary and Nursery School in Welwyn Garden City. Each will provide up to 12 places from January 2026, aiming to deliver local support for children close to their homes and help address the council's transport budget challenges.

County Hall and Stevenage Office Relocation

The Cabinet noted the contents of the report regarding the move of almost all of Hertfordshire County Council's business from County Hall to Stevenage and to market County Hall for alternative uses. This decision, referred back by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, is expected to generate significant cost savings due to the building being under-occupied. The Cabinet agreed to the marketing of County Hall sites for alternative uses and to delegate approval of the detailed marketing strategy and materials. A council chamber and committee room will be created within the Stevenage campus.

Finance and Performance Reports

The Cabinet reviewed the Finance Budget Monitor Outturn for 2024-25, which showed an underspend of approximately £3.1 million against a budget of £1.1 billion, despite significant demand and cost pressures in social care. The report highlighted the successful delivery of 90% of a £46 million saving programme and noted £19.3 million in carry-forward requests, primarily for external funding commitments. A significant concern remains the overspending on the high needs block for SEND provision, which the council is having to fund through borrowing.

The Hertfordshire County Council Performance Report for Q4 2024-25 was also noted. This report, covering the last quarter of the previous administration, indicated satisfactory overall performance but highlighted areas of risk.

Additional Capital Funding for SEND School Projects

Following a discussion in Part Two of the meeting, the Cabinet approved a revised capital budget for four previously approved Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) school projects: The Journeys Academy, North Herts Education Support Centre, The Collett School satellite site, and the relocation of Brakespear School. The need for additional funding was attributed to inflation in building costs and, in the case of Brakespear School, unforeseen groundwork issues related to chalk infrastructure. The Cabinet also requested officers to conduct a review of processes to mitigate the risk of similar issues recurring on future schemes.

Land at Pin Green for Adult Care Services

The Cabinet agreed to appropriate part of the site at Pin Green, Stevenage, for the provision of a new daycare centre for adult care services. This move is part of a strategy to close older, unsuitable sites and relocate services to modern, purpose-built facilities. A further proposal for an extra care or supported living scheme on the remaining land is to follow, subject to planning approval.