Wiltshire Council's Cabinet is scheduled to convene on Wednesday 29 April 2026, with a number of key items on the agenda. Discussions are expected to cover the transfer of public conveniences to Salisbury City Council, the acceptance of Department for Education funding for a special free school project, and the procurement of vehicles for the council's fleet. Additionally, the Cabinet will consider the Connect to Work programme, aimed at supporting residents into employment, and the significant funding allocated from the Department for Transport for integrated transport and bus services.

Asset Transfer to Salisbury City Council

The Cabinet is scheduled to consider a report regarding the potential transfer of public conveniences located at Central Car Park in Salisbury to Salisbury City Council. The report outlines that the facility was previously leased to Salisbury City Council, but they declined a further lease and returned the site to Wiltshire Council in March 2024, since which time it has remained closed. Salisbury City Council has now requested the freehold of the site to facilitate investment and reopening. The proposal is to declare the freehold interest surplus and authorise the Director of Assets to dispose of it to Salisbury City Council at nil consideration, with a reverter clause to protect Wiltshire Council's future position should a wider development of the site be planned.

Special Free School Project - Acceptance of DfE Funding

A report is to be presented concerning the acceptance of capital grant funding from the Department for Education (DfE) amounting to £4,080,000. This funding is offered as an alternative to proceeding with the building of an Alternative Provision (AP) free school in Wiltshire. The acceptance of this funding would enable the Council to create at least 80 places for children with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs across various provision types. This approach is seen as a more agile and rapid way to deliver these places compared to the original free school bid, allowing for distribution across multiple community areas. The funding is proposed to be added to the SEND High Needs Scheme within the Education and Skills Capital Programme, profiled over 2026/27 and 2027/28.

Fleet Route to Market

The Cabinet will consider a report on the procurement route for the Council's vehicle replacement programme for 2026/27 to 2029/30. Frameworks operated by The Procurement Partnership (TPPL) have been identified as the most effective method for procuring approximately 165 light goods and specialist vehicles. This programme is funded from previously approved capital allocations. The report details the types and quantities of vehicles planned for replacement across the four years, including standard vans, cars, minibuses, gritters, and specialist vehicles. The strategy emphasises maintaining reliable vehicles to support service delivery, with replacements deferred where possible to maximise value, while also aiming for a carbon-neutral fleet by 2030.

Connect to Work Programme

A significant item on the agenda is the Connect to Work programme, a national initiative supported by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) designed to assist residents facing substantial barriers to employment. Wiltshire Council has been designated as the Accountable Body for the Wiltshire and Swindon programme delivery area. The DWP has allocated an indicative £10.4 million for the programme up to March 2030, aiming to support approximately 2600 participants. The programme will utilise two models: Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) for individuals with learning difficulties or disabilities, and Individual Placement Support (IPS) for those facing complex barriers. The report proposes granting £2.2 million to The Shaw Trust Limited to deliver specialist IPS provision and delegates authority for subsequent specialist delivery partner appointments to directors.

DFT Integrated Transport Fund and Bus Services Fund

The Cabinet is asked to approve Wiltshire Council's acceptance and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department for Transport (DfT) for the Integrated Transport Fund (ITF) and Bus Services Fund (BSF). This multi-year settlement provides access to £206,684,309 in funding from 2026/27 to 2029/30. The MoU outlines the conditions, risks, and governance arrangements for administering this funding. The report details the breakdown of the funding, which includes allocations for highways maintenance, active travel, bus services, and electric vehicle infrastructure. The Cabinet will be asked to delegate authority for finalising and publishing the Local Transport Delivery Plan (LTDP) and managing the delivery and compliance with the MoU's reporting, evaluation, and branding conditions.

Asset Transfer to Salisbury City Council

The Cabinet is being asked to declare the public conveniences at Central Car Park, Salisbury, as surplus to requirements. This is to enable Salisbury City Council to consider the asset transfer of these facilities. Wiltshire Council previously leased the building to Salisbury City Council, but the lease ended in March 2024, and the facility has since been closed. Salisbury City Council has now requested the freehold of the site to invest in and reopen the conveniences. The proposed transfer would be at nil consideration, with a reverter clause included to protect Wiltshire Council's interests should future regeneration plans for the wider site emerge.

Fleet Route to Market

The Cabinet will consider a report recommending the use of frameworks operated by The Procurement Partnership (TPPL) for the Council's vehicle replacement programme between 2026/27 and 2029/30. This programme involves the procurement of 165 light goods and specialist vehicles, funded by an already approved capital budget. The report outlines the Council's Fleet Strategy 2023-2030, which aims to minimise fleet costs through regular inspections and timely replacements, while also working towards carbon neutrality by 2030. The use of TPPL frameworks is expected to ensure competitive pricing and economies of scale.

Connect to Work

This item concerns the Connect to Work programme, a national initiative designed to support residents facing significant barriers to employment. Wiltshire Council is the designated Accountable Body for the Wiltshire and Swindon area, and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has allocated approximately £10.4 million for the programme up to March 2030. The programme will support around 2600 participants using evidence-based place, train, sustain models of supported employment. The report seeks approval to grant £2.2 million to The Shaw Trust Limited for the delivery of specialist Individual Placement Support (IPS) provision and to delegate authority for any subsequent specialist delivery partner appointments.

DFT Integrated Transport Fund and Bus Services Fund

The Cabinet is being asked to approve Wiltshire Council's acceptance of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department for Transport (DfT) for the Integrated Transport Fund (ITF) and Bus Services Fund (BSF). This agreement provides access to £206,684,309 in funding over several years. The MoU sets out the terms and conditions for administering and delivering local transport projects, including requirements for a Local Transport Delivery Plan (LTDP), reporting, and compliance. The funding is intended to support improvements in highways maintenance, active travel, bus services, and electric vehicle infrastructure. The Cabinet will be asked to delegate authority for finalising the LTDP and managing delivery and compliance.