The Slough Council cabinet met to discuss several key issues, including the financial situation, the Future Works development, and the Destination Farnham Road scheme. The cabinet approved actions relating to energy contracts, mental health accommodation, and debt write-offs, while also reviewing reports on budget management and the children's services.

Budget Management and Financial Recovery

The cabinet addressed the council's financial challenges, with a report on the provisional forecast for the first quarter of 2025/26. The report noted a net overspend of £20.729m, with initial mitigations of £7m identified by the Corporate Leadership Team. The cabinet noted the sixth instruction from the government-appointed commissioners¹ and approved several measures, including:

• Incorporating additional and amended schemes into the Capital Programme totalling £0.782m.
• Reprofiling of capital budgets totalling £12.753m from 2025/26 to later years.
• Drawing down £1.373m from the budget smoothing reserve to support the Finance Improvement Programme.

The cabinet also requested a comprehensive update in October on issues relating to temporary accommodation and potential mitigations from the Executive Director of Regeneration, Housing and Environment.

Future Energy Contracts

The cabinet approved a new Future Energy Contracts Strategy that sets out the strategic direction for purchasing the council’s gas and electricity. This included:

• Signing a Customer Access Agreement with the Crown Commercial Service (CCS).
• Direct awards of contracts under CCS Framework RM6251 to EDF Energy Limited for electricity and TotalEnergies Gas & Power Limited for gas, both covering 1 April 2026 to 20 March 2027.
• Delegating authority to the Executive Director of Regeneration, Housing and Environment, in consultation with the lead member for Assets, Finance and Transformation and the Section 151 Officer², to sign future direct awards under future CCS Frameworks for electricity and gas supply contracts beyond 20 March 2027. ## Mental Health Supported Accommodation

To ensure continuity of services, the cabinet approved the procurement of an interim short-term contract for block-contracted mental health supported accommodation, as the existing contracts expire on 30 June 2026. The interim contract will run for 12 months from 1 July 2026, with a possible 12-month extension. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Adult Social Care to award the contract and finalise implementation arrangements.

Destination Farnham Road

The cabinet approved the direct award of contract for the Destination Farnham Road construction works to VolkerFitzpatrick, up to a value of £9,000,000. This project aims to revitalise the Farnham Road corridor, prioritising walking and cycling and improving bus priority.

Dissolution of Future Works Agreement

The cabinet approved the dissolution of the development management agreement between Land Securities and the council, as recommended in Confidential Appendix C. This decision will allow the council to recognise significant funds in FY 25/26 without adjustment or offset and potentially unlock investment in the remaining phases of the Future Works development. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Regeneration, Housing & Environment, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and the Section 151 Officer, to dissolve the agreement without material adjustment to the recommended financial position or timing.

Debt Write-Offs

The cabinet authorised the write-off of uncollectable rent debts exceeding £15,000, as identified in Appendix 1 of the report.

Slough Children First (SCF) Annual Report

The cabinet received the annual report of Slough Children First (SCF) for 2024/25, along with a review by Mutual Ventures. SCF delivers statutory children's services on behalf of the council. The cabinet noted the report and approved the next steps outlined in paragraph 2.10 of the Report.

Improvement and Recovery Action Plan

The cabinet received an update on the delivery of the Improvement and Recovery Action Plan, designed to support the council's journey to becoming a Best Value Council. The cabinet noted the update and agreed to take the report to Full Council for further discussion. A further update will be provided in January 2026.