The Cabinet of Hertfordshire Council met on Monday 13 October 2025, agreeing to begin a consultation process on proposals to reduce the Published Admission Number (PAN) at four primary schools and endorsing the council's new Corporate Plan for 2025-2028. The meeting also noted the Quarter 1 finance budget monitor, which indicated a projected overspend of £4.2 million, and approved lease arrangements for waste transfer stations.

Proposals for Consultation on School Admission Arrangements

Cabinet agreed to begin a formal consultation process regarding proposals to reduce the Published Admission Number (PAN) at four community and voluntary-controlled primary schools. This decision follows a review of pupil forecasts which indicate declining numbers in certain areas. The schools proposed for PAN reduction are:

• Kimpton Primary School, Kimpton, Hitchin: from 30 to 15 places.
• St Mary's Junior School, Baldock: from 60 to 30 places.
• Leavesden Green Primary School, Watford: from 60 to 30 places.
• Little Green Junior School, Croxley Green: from 90 to 60 places.

The consultation period will run from 27 October to 7 December 2025. The rationale behind these proposed reductions is to better match school capacity with expected demand, thereby protecting the financial viability of the schools. The existing admission arrangements for other schools, including PANs, relevant areas, and coordination schemes, are proposed to be retained for the 2027/28 academic year. The outcome of the consultation will be reported back to the Education, SEND & Inclusion Cabinet Panel on 30 January 2026 and subsequently to Cabinet on 16 February 2026 for a final decision.

Finance Budget Monitor – Quarter 1 2025/26

The Cabinet received the Quarter 1 Finance Budget Monitor, which reported a projected revenue overspend of £4.2 million for the financial year. This overspend is primarily driven by pressures within the Resources department (£2.4 million), Adult Social Care (£1.4 million), and Community Protection (£1.1 million). Despite these pressures, the council is aiming to minimise the use of its £10 million contingency fund.

Significant concerns were raised regarding the upward trend in social care demand and average costs, particularly within Adult Disability Services and Children Looked After, which could further exacerbate the overspend if not effectively managed. Mitigations and actions are in place across departments to address these pressures.

The report also highlighted the financial strain on the schools' High Needs funding block, with a forecasted in-year deficit of £51 million, leading to an accumulated deficit of £77 million by the end of the financial year.

In terms of capital expenditure, a forecast underspend of £13.8 million was reported for 2024/25. This is partly due to the decision not to proceed with an office accommodation purchase and a reduction in housing loans to Herts Living Ltd. Cabinet approved a capital reprogramming of £21.2 million into later years to manage these variances and address underlying risks in the capital programme that could lead to delays and additional costs.

Approval of the County Council's New Corporate Plan

Cabinet endorsed the County Council's new Corporate Plan for 2025-2028, titled On Your Side, which outlines the new administration's strategic priorities. The overarching vision is to build a sustainable, inclusive, and thriving Hertfordshire. The plan details five key priority objectives:

• Helping all children and young people to thrive and achieve their potential: Focusing on early years support, inclusive learning, and ensuring children in care and care leavers are well-supported.
• Fixing Hertfordshire's roads and buses: Aiming to improve the transport network through public transport promotion, expansion of on-demand services, investment in active travel, and highway safety measures.
• Growing a more sustainable Hertfordshire: Promoting renewable energy, protecting the environment, supporting economic growth, and encouraging sustainable transport and waste reduction.
• Supporting those most in need: Enhancing social care services, improving access to mental health support, supporting victims of domestic abuse, assisting carers, and reducing health inequalities.
• Delivering more: Focusing on operational efficiency through digital solutions, optimising property assets, strengthening partnerships, and investing in workforce development and customer service.

Cabinet authorised the Chief Executive to make minor amendments to the plan in consultation with the Leader and Deputy Leader. The plan will be recommended to the County Council for noting at its meeting on 21 October 2025.

Agreement of Lease/Licence Arrangements for Waste Transfer Station Operational Contract

Cabinet agreed to enter into new lease and licence arrangements to support the forthcoming Waste Services and Haulage Contract, which will commence on 1 July 2026 with Veolia ES (UK) Limited. These arrangements are necessary to formalise the occupancy of county council-owned sites at the Eastern Transfer Station in Ware and the Waterdale Transfer Station in Watford.

The proposed leases will be for a term of seven years, co-terminus with the new contract, with an option to extend for a further seven years. The leases will be contracted out of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, with a peppercorn rent. The tenant, Veolia, will be responsible for internal and equipment maintenance, while the County Council will retain responsibility for the structural integrity and fabric of the buildings. The terms of occupancy will be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive & Executive Director of Resources, in consultation with relevant executive members and directors. The Hitchin Transfer Station is owned by North Herts District Council and is not included in these arrangements.