Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

No apologies for absence were received.

To approve the Minutes of the Meeting of the Cabinet held on 12 January 2026.

RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 13 January 2026 be approved as a correct record.

Cabinet Members will be asked to advise if there are any items on the Agenda in which they have a disclosable pecuniary interest, or any other interests, which may prevent them from participating in the discussion or vote on any of the items.

No interests were declared.

Most agenda items will be considered in public session, however, it shall be advised whether Cabinet will consider any matters in private, by virtue of the reports containing information which falls within a category of exempt information as contained at Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

It was noted that agenda items would be considered in public session.

Cabinet will receive any petitions and/or deputations from members of the public. A deputation is where up to five people can attend the meeting and make a presentation on some particular issue of concern. A member of the public can also submit a petition at the meeting relating to a matter on which the body has powers and responsibilities.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10, Members of the Public must submit a deputation in writing, at least three clear working days in advance of the meeting and shall subsequently be notified if the deputation shall be heard. A maximum of four deputations shall be heard at any one meeting.

No deputations or petitions were received.       

To receive any public questions.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11, the period for the asking and answering of public questions shall not exceed 15 minutes.

Any questions must be submitted in writing at least three clear working days in advance of the meeting.

Under the provision of Council Procedure Rule 11, Cabinet received the following questions:

Question from Sara Blagborough

“In the report prepared for Cabinet on the 10^th December 2024 it was stated in 2.10-2.11 that best and final offers will be sought from [these] suppliers and will be evaluated in accordance with pre-determined quality and financial criteria. Evaluation will weight quality greater than price and be subject to minimum quality criteria as part of the design of the best and final offer stage and that the quality criteria will take account of bidders’ experience of managing care homes and assess their ability to continue to deliver high quality care services for people with dementia in the future. With this in mind can you explain the rationale for continuing a transfer to the Mulberry Care Home Group given the recent (October 2025) CQC rating received for White Rose House which has been awarded 'requires improvement' in all areas which include safe, effective, caring, responsive, well-led'?

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care (Councillor Dad).

Question from Sara Blagborough

“In the October 2025 CQC inspection report for White Rose House under safeguarding it states 'The provider did not always work well with people and healthcare partners to understand what being safe meant to them and how to achieve that. They did not always concentrate on improving people’s lives or protecting their right to live in safety, free from bullying, harassment, abuse, discrimination, avoidable harm and neglect. The provider did not always share concerns quickly and appropriately.' Armed with this information how can you possibly justify continuing with Mulberry as the preferred provider for Castle Grange and Claremont House?”

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care (Councillor Dad).

Cabinet will receive any questions from Elected Members.

In accordance with Executive Procedure Rule 2.3 (2.3.1.6) a period of up to 30 minutes will be allocated.

Cabinet received the following questions in accordance with Executive Procedure Rule 2.3;

Question from Councillor Cooper

“On behalf of Netherton Community Group. Little or no progress has been made in extending the Meltham Greenway to Netherton. This is despite the fact that Kirklees already have plans, surveys and a large number portion of the funds needed already in place. The existing greenway is very well used by local residents and is sure to attract more walkers, cyclists and tourists, generating more footfall and income for local businesses. The extension plans have been on the backburner for well over a decade and recently a small group of volunteers have been working behind the scenes to make this extension a reality. Has the Council got a timetable for sorting out this section of greenway?”

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Transport (Councillor Crook).

Question from Councillor J D Lawson

“In October 2025 I raised a longstanding concern regarding land on the corner of Springdale Avenue and Bulay Road, asking for assistance in clearing it of flytipping and was pleased to see that some attempt was made in the days after but it remained overgrown. In December I asked when it would be completed and I was told in the next few days so I expected to see cleared land. The residents don’t want it to see this overgrown land. When will it finally be cleared?”

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Transport (Councillor Crook).

Question from Councillor Bramwell

“A couple of months ago at Cabinet I raised concerns about safety in Dewsbury, which Councillor Turner responded to. Since then we have had two fatalities and homicide investigations, stabbings in the town centre, traders leaving the market because they feel unsafe and the mayoral chains stolen form the town centre. Will the Cabinet Member reconsider his comments and admit that not only Dewsbury, but the surrounding communities in Dewsbury, are unsafe?”

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration (Councillor Turner).

Question from Councillor Cooper

“In regard to the response to Sara Blagborough, will the CQC inspection cause for a time of reflection over whether we are doing the right thing in transferring care homes to someone who is not a quality provider?”

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Corporate (Councillor Dad).

Question from Councillor J D Lawson

“The campaign were promised that there would be top quality care, but we are now seeing that one of the homes that Mulberry Care manages requires improvement, and we’ve seen the report on safeguarding. To reiterate Councillor Cooper, there is a need for reflection on what we are potentially transferring care to?”

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Corporate (Councillor Dad).

To consider the approval of the 2026/2027 – 2028/2029 Council Plan.

Contact: Stephen Bonnell, Policy Partnerships and Corporate Planning

RESOLVED –

1)    That the Council Plan 2026-2029, as presented at Appendix 1 of this

report, be received and noted.

2) That the feedback provided by the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee, as provided in section 5 of the report, be noted.

3) That the report be submitted to the Meeting of Council on 25 February 2026 with a recommendation of approval.

(Under the provision of Council Procedure Rule 36(1), Cabinet received a representation from Councillor Cooper).

Cabinet received the 2026/2027 – 2028/2029 Council Plan, prior to its

submission to the meeting of Council on 11 March 2026.

The report advised that the Plan builds upon the current 2025/2026 Council Plan and integrates feedback from the Local Government Association and the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee. It retains long-term cross-directorate principles, shared outcomes, and partnership strategies, which will be further developed into a revised Partnership Framework in collaboration with strategic partners during 2026. It was noted that the Council Plan outlined the overarching ambitions, strategic direction, priorities, and goals for the Council over the next three years and had been developed alongside the budget, providing a strategic framework for resource allocation to achieve these priorities. It also incorporated the Council’s People Strategy and the ‘Our Council’ initiative, which aim to strengthen organisational culture through seven key principles, including collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability.

It was noted that progress on the aims and activities as set out in the Plan would be monitored through quarterly reporting to the Cabinet, ensuring the plan remains current and reflective of ongoing developments.

Cabinet agreed that the Council Plan be submitted to Council with a recommendation of approval. It was noted that, if adopted, the plan would replace the current version to guide the prioritisation of activities and the delivery of services to achieve the Council’s vision of a thriving, sustainable, and inclusive district.

RESOLVED –

1)    That the Council Plan 2026-2029, as presented at Appendix 1 of this

report, be received and noted.

2) That the feedback provided by the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee, as provided in section 5 of the report, be noted.

3) That the report be submitted to the Meeting of Council on 25 February 2026 with a recommendation of approval.

To consider and recommend a budget to Council for General Fund Revenue, Capital and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and approve the Council Treasury Management Strategy.

Contact: Kevin Mulvaney, Finance

RESOLVED –

1) That the feedback from the Meeting of Overview and Scrutiny Management   Committee held on 16 January 2026, as summarised at paragraph 5 of this        

report, in reaching decisions regarding the final budget recommendations

for 2026/27 within this report, be noted.

2) That the feedback from the Budget Consultation at paragraph 4 of this       

report and Appendix L be noted.

3) That the Budget Motion be submitted to the Meeting of Council on 25 February 2025 with a recommendation that;

(i)             General Fund Revenue 

-       the Revenue Budget for 2026/27 to deliver a balanced position, as attached at Appendix A, be approved.  

-       the forecast spending and funding plans for the 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 period, as as set out at Appendix A, be noted.

-       the forecast levels of statutory and other Council reserves as set out at Appendix C be noted.

-       the strategy for the use of balances and reserves (paragraph 2.17 refers) be approved.  

-       the Council’s flexible capital receipts policy for 2026/2027 (paragraph 2.14 and Appendix G refer) be approved.

-       the Council Tax requirement for 2026/2027, as set out at Appendix M, be approved.

-       the Council’s Statutory s151 Officer’s positive assurance statement as to the robustness of the forecasts and estimates and adequacy of financial reserves, as set out at paragraph 2.22, be noted.

-       authority be delegated to the Council’s Statutory s151 Officer to amend how the finally approved precepts are recorded in the Council’s revenue budget in line with the final notifications received following decisions by the West Yorkshire Mayor Police and Crime Commissioner, the Fire & Rescue Authority and Parish Councils should these be received after 25 February 2026 (paragraph 3.1.3 refers).

(ii)            Treasury Management  

-       the borrowing strategy be approved (paragraphs 2.15 to 2.27 refer).

-       the investment strategy be approved (paragraphs 2.28 to 2.36 and Appendices A and B refer).  

-       the policy for provision of repayment of debt (minimum revenue provision) be approved (paragraphs 2.37 to 2.38, Appendix C refer).

-       the treasury management prudential indicators be approved (Appendix D refers).

-       the Investment Strategy (non-treasury investments) be approved (Appendix F refers).  

(iii)          Capital  

-       the updated Capital Plan for 2025-2033 be approved (Appendix F refers).

-       the Capital Strategy (including Prudential Indicators) be approved (Appendix I refers).

(iv)          Housing Revenue Account

-       the HRA Budget for 2026/2027 be approved (Appendix K refers).

-       the strategy for the use of HRA reserves (Appendix K refers) be approved.

(The report gave notice to Cabinet Members of the requirements of Section 106 of the Local Government and Finance Act 1992 in relation to voting and participation in the meeting).

Cabinet gave consideration to the Council Budget Report 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 and future years, incorporating General Fund Revenue, Treasury Management, Capital, and Housing Revenue Account prior to its submission to Council on 25 February 2026.

The report provided a summary of the updated balanced budget position for 2026/2027, with movements from the 2025/2026 base budget along with information on (i) the financial strategy (ii) the 2026/2027 budget (iii) the provisional local government financial settlement and (iv) budget priorities.

The report set out an overview of spending plans in each Directorate and provided information in regard to (i) central budgets (ii) treasury management (iii) flexible capital receipts (iv) budget savings (v) monitoring and challenge (vi) reserves (vii) schools funding – dedicated schools grant (viii) housing revenue account and (ix) capital.

Having considered the content of the report and the accompanying appendices, Cabinet agreed that the proposed budget be submitted to the meeting of Council on 25 February 2026 for determination.

RESOLVED –

1) That the feedback from the Meeting of Overview and Scrutiny Management   Committee held on 16 January 2026, as summarised at paragraph 5 of this        

report, in reaching decisions regarding the final budget recommendations

for 2026/27 within this report, be noted.

2) That the feedback from the Budget Consultation at paragraph 4 of this       

report and Appendix L be noted.

3) That the Budget Motion be submitted to the Meeting of Council on 25 February 2025 with a recommendation that;

(i)             General Fund Revenue 

-       the Revenue Budget for 2026/27 to deliver a balanced position, as attached at Appendix A, be approved.  

-       the forecast spending and funding plans for the 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 period, as as set out at Appendix A, be noted.

-       the forecast levels of statutory and other Council reserves as set out at Appendix C be noted.

-       the strategy for the use of balances and reserves (paragraph 2.17 refers) be approved.  

-       the Council’s flexible capital receipts policy for 2026/2027 (paragraph 2.14 and Appendix G refer) be approved.

-       the Council Tax requirement for 2026/2027, as set out at Appendix M, be approved.

-       the Council’s Statutory s151 Officer’s positive assurance statement as to the robustness of the forecasts and estimates and adequacy of financial reserves, as set out at paragraph 2.22, be noted.

-       authority be delegated to the Council’s Statutory s151 Officer to amend how the finally approved precepts are recorded in the Council’s revenue budget in line with the final notifications received following decisions by the West Yorkshire Mayor Police and Crime Commissioner, the Fire & Rescue Authority and Parish Councils should these be received after 25 February 2026 (paragraph 3.1.3 refers).

(ii)            Treasury Management  

-       the borrowing strategy be approved (paragraphs 2.15 to 2.27 refer).

-       the investment strategy be approved (paragraphs 2.28 to 2.36 and Appendices A and B  ...  view the full minutes text for item 100.

To consider approval for funding arrangements for the Dedicated Schools Grant for the financial year 2026/2027.

Contact: John Bartlett, Accountancy / Martin Wilby, Education Places and Access

RESOLVED –

1)    That approval be given to the proposed local formula factors for the distribution of Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), Schools Block funding for 2026/2027, as set out in Appendix A. 

2)    That the decisions made by Schools Forum in terms of central budgets, delegated budgets and a fund for significant growth for 2026/27, as detailed in the report and the accompanying appendices, be noted.

3)    That approval be given to the submission of the schools’ local funding formula to the Department for Education (DfE) for 2026/2027. 

4)    That the disapplication request made to the DfE, which has now been agreed, be noted.

5)    That the DfE exceptions application be noted.

6)    That authority be delegated to the Executive Director (Children’s Services), in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Cabinet Member for Education, to take account of the outcomes of the provider consultation, the views of the Early Years and Childcare Reference Group and Schools Forum and make a final decision on the Early Years local funding formula 2026/27 and the value of the Special Education Needs and Disability Inclusion Fund.

Cabinet gave consideration to a report which set out the Kirklees’ School Funding Arrangements for Financial Year 2026/2027.

The report outlined the funding arrangements for Kirklees Council’s Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for the 2026/2027 financial year, including allocations across the four funding blocks, Schools block, High Needs block, Early Years block and Central Schools and Services block (CSSB). It explained that the schools block per pupil funding rates had increased to £5,849 from £5,548 (2025/2026) for primary and £7,560 from £7,201 (2025/2026 for secondary, and that the Kirklees’ schools block allocation has increased to £412.07 million. 

Cabinet noted that the Schools Forum had approved a transfer (disapplication) of £3.6 million to the High Needs block which would continue to support SEND transformation initiatives and that the High Needs block for Kirklees had been allocated £75.1 million for 2026/2027. The report advised that a £3.6 million transfer from the Schools Block would help support a range of investment measures as part of the broader Kirklees SEND transformation plan and align with Kirklees' ongoing Safety Valve intervention programme.

The report advised that (i) the Early Years block has received an allocation for 2026/2027 of £80.3 million (ii) Local consultation on the Early Years Funding Formula and the SEND Inclusion Fund (SENDIF) had taken place between 19 December 2025 and 25 January 2026 (iii) the Central School Services Block (CSSB) for Kirklees had been allocated £57.51 per pupil (up from £43.38 in 2025/2026), totalling £3.7 million and that this increase was due to the inclusion of two grants for Centrally Employed Teachers and Staff, which were received as a separate grant in 2025/26 over and above the DSG allocation and (iv) the increased funding across the DSG between financial year 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 was distorted due to the rolling together of grants in the Schools Block and Central School Services Block, which had previously been separate, and that the High Needs Block, continues to bring challenge.

It was noted that, based upon the DfE funding timeline, it was expected that the Local Authority would inform maintained schools of their 2026/2027 budget shares by 28th February 2026, and that the DfE would inform academies of their budget allocations for the academic year 2026/2027 by the 31st March 2026.  

RESOLVED –

1)    That approval be given to the proposed local formula factors for the distribution of Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), Schools Block funding for 2026/2027, as set out in Appendix A. 

2)    That the decisions made by Schools Forum in terms of central budgets, delegated budgets and a fund for significant growth for 2026/27, as detailed in the report and the accompanying appendices, be noted.

3)    That approval be given to the submission of the schools’ local funding formula to the Department for Education (DfE) for 2026/2027. 

4)    That the disapplication request made to the DfE, which has now been agreed, be noted.

5)    That the DfE exceptions application be noted.

6)    That authority be delegated to the Executive Director (Children’s Services), in consultation with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 101.

To consider approval of the progression of the project to establish a 125 place Alternative Provision School.

Contact: Jo-Anne Sanders, Learning and Inclusion

RESOLVED –

That approval be given to (i) confirm with the Department for Education that Kirklees should progress with the establishment of a 125 place Alternative Provision Free School and (ii) delegate authority to the Executive Director (Children and Families) and the Cabinet Member for Education to work with the Department for Education and the appointed Multi Academy Trust, Delta, to take forward the project. 

Cabinet gave consideration to a report which explained that an application had been made to the DfE in 2022 to establish an Alternative Provision Free School in partnership with a Multi Academy Trust in order to deliver specialist alternative provision for pupils who cannot attend mainstream or special schools and provide full?time suitable education for excluded pupils or those unable to access school for behavioural, medical, or other reasons and must meet strict quality, safeguarding, and partnership requirements set by the government.  The report advised that the application had been successful and set out two options that the DfE have made available to the Local Authority in relation to securing government funded Alternative Provision, which Cabinet were asked to consider.

Paragraph 2 of the report explained that the two options presented were (i) to

progress with the establishment of a 125 place Alternative Provision Free School (serving Key Stages 2 - 4) with the appointed Multi Academy Trust or (ii) accept a total capital allocation of £5,875,000 (paid over 3 financial years), as an alternative to enable the Council to secure the places that are needed locally using a different approach.

Cabinet noted the recommended option to establish the Free School in order to secure high quality sufficient places, now and to meet longer term need from a state funded provider. It was noted that, following the decision, the timeline for progress would be determined in conjunction with the Department for Education and the Multi Academy Trust.

RESOLVED –

That approval be given to (i) confirm with the Department for Education that Kirklees should progress with the establishment of a 125 place Alternative Provision Free School and (ii) delegate authority to the Executive Director (Children and Families) and the Cabinet Member for Education to work with the Department for Education and the appointed Multi Academy Trust, Delta, to take forward the project. 

To receive and note the CQC’s Inspection Report and Rating for Adult Social Care.

Contact: Alexia Gray, Quality Standards and Safeguarding Partnerships (Adults and Health)

RESOLVED –

1)    That the content of the CQC published report: Local authority assessment reports - Care Quality Commission be noted.

2)    That the content of the report, along with the accompanying draft improvement plan as set out at Appendix 1, be noted.

3)    That Cabinet be updated on the progression of the improvement plan to achieve the required improvements.

(Under the provision of Council Procedure Rule 36(1), Cabinet received a representation from Councillor J D Lawson).

Cabinet received a report which an update on the CQC’s Inspection Report and Rating for Adult Social Care.

The report advised that the Care Quality Commission (CQC) had carried out an inspection of Adult Social Care services with an onsite visit over 3 days from 26th May 2025. It explained that the inspection was undertaken in accordance with the new local authority assurance framework, which examines how Local Authorities meet their Care Act duties across the four key themes of leadership, working with people, providing support and ensuring safety.  

Cabinet were informed that the overall outcome of the inspection was that Kirklees Adult Social Care Services ‘requires improvement’ with a score of 59, falling just short of a ‘good’ rating which would have required a minimum score of 63.  This provided information on the areas of strengths, along with areas for development and how this will be addressed. It was noted that most of the areas for improvement were already being actioned through a multi-year Change Programme focused on redesigning pathways, integrating services, considering the market/commissioning needs and investing in digital and community-based solutions.

RESOLVED –

1)    That the content of the CQC published report: Local authority assessment reports - Care Quality Commission be noted.

2)    That the content of the report, along with the accompanying draft improvement plan as set out at Appendix 1, be noted.

3)    That Cabinet be updated on the progression of the improvement plan to achieve the required improvements.

To receive the Annual Housing Report for the Homes and Neighbourhoods Service for the year 2024–2025.

Contact: Erran Taylor, Housing Governance and Assurance

RESOLVED - That the content of the Annual Housing Report 2024–2025 be noted.

Cabinet received the Annual Housing Report for the Homes and Neighbourhoods service for the 2024/2025 year. The report summarised service activity, performance, and tenant satisfaction for the 2024/2025 financial year and provided an overview of compliance with regulatory requirements.

Cabinet were advised that the report set out service activity and performance for the reporting year and included tenant satisfaction measure data and narrative aligned to the Regulator of Social Housing Consumer Standards which included safety and quality, neighbourhood and community, tenancy, and transparency, influence and accountability. The report also referenced delivery against commitments in the 2023/2024 Annual Housing Report and identified areas of focus for the 2025/2026 reporting period.

The report advised that 2025/2026 Annual Housing Report was scheduled for publication in June 2026, aligned with the national release of Tenant Satisfaction Measures. 

RESOLVED - That the content of the Annual Housing Report 2024–2025 be noted.

To consider approval of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) Local Transport Plan (LTP4).

Contact: Ilyas Ramjan, Major Projects

RESOLVED –

1)    That the contents of this report, and the LTP4 document (Appendix A) and LTP4 Consultation report (Appendix B) be noted.

2)    That approval be given to LTP4, to support adoption by West Yorkshire Combined Authority. 

Cabinet received a report which sought approval for the Combined Authority (WYCA) Local Transport Plan (LTP4) in advance of the Combined Authority meeting on 19th March 2026 which will consider its formal adoption. The report advised that the LTP4 would be the new statutory Local Transport Plan for West Yorkshire.

The report explained that the WYCA Local Transport Plan (LTP4) set out the statutory framework for delivering a safe, integrated, reliable, and sustainable transport system across West Yorkshire, replacing the previous West Yorkshire Transport Strategy 2040 and reflecting major changes since 2017.

Cabinet were advised that approving LTP4 would ensure that Kirklees’ transport priorities were fully aligned with regional objectives and statutory requirements, and provide a clear mandate for partnership working with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and neighbouring districts, enabling integrated delivery of schemes that support economic growth, social inclusion, and climate action. It was noted that LTP4 underpinned a £2.1?billion Single Settlement for transport investment across West Yorkshire and would strengthen Kirklees’ position as a key delivery partner, securing access to future funding for projects that align with the Council’s recently adopted Transport Strategy. 

It was noted that, pursuant to the detail of the published report, this matter and future Local Transport Plans, would not require submission to Council for final endorsement, and that the determination of the matter would be taken by Cabinet.

RESOLVED –

1)    That the contents of this report, and the LTP4 document (Appendix A) and LTP4 Consultation report (Appendix B) be noted.

2)    That approval be given to LTP4, to support adoption by West Yorkshire Combined Authority.