February 2026 Forward Plan

Cabinet approval to place 2026/27 contractual task orders with Ringway Jacobs for values of £2m and over

Legal - Monitoring Officer Finance - Section 151 Approval from the above stakeholders will be sought prior to submitting the Cabinet Report.

The Council’s highways contract with Ringway Jacobs Limited requires the Council to place orders for all work undertaken. This decision is seeking Cabinet approval at the February 2026 meeting to issue task orders likely to exceed £2m to Ringway Jacobs for the 2026/27 financial year.

Department:

Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport

Decision Maker:

Cabinet

Implementation Date:

Cabinet : 24/02/26

Contract Extension of the Essex Wellbeing Service (EWS)

Councillor John Spence, Councillor Louise McKinlay, Sarah Muckle, Public Health Heads of Service, Exec Director of Adult Social Care - Nick Presmeg.

The proposal is to extend the Essex Wellbeing Service (EWS) contract for two years to ensure continuity of support for residents across Essex. The service provides free, accessible health and wellbeing interventions, including smoking cessation, weight management, NHS Health Checks, mental wellbeing support, and social connection initiatives such as befriending, carer guidance and support for vulnerable residents to remain independent.The contract commenced in April 2022 and has a one-year notice period. We need to give the provider notice by 31st March 2026 that we wish to use the plus 2 extension agreed in the original governance from April 2027 to 31st March 2029.

Department:

Children's Services, Adult Social Care, Public Health and Integration

Decision Maker:

Cabinet

Implementation Date:

Cabinet : 24/02/26

Land for development in Colchester

Individual Cabinet Member & EHDLLP Board

Department:

Housing, Planning and Regeneration

Decision Maker:

Cabinet

Implementation Date:

Cabinet : 24/02/26

LIVE: An Innovative Service for Day Opportunities and Inclusive Employment

Request to approve a direct award to Essex Cares Ltd. for the provision of day opportunities and inclusive employment services.

Department:

Children's Services, Adult Social Care, Public Health and Integration

Decision Maker:

Cabinet

Implementation Date:

Cabinet : 24/02/26

To accept additional grant funding via the Housing Infrastructure Fund to progress the design and delivery of A1331 (Link Road) Phase 2 and approve ECC making a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to acquire necessary land in the event voluntary agreement with relevant landowners cannot be reached.

ECC has secured additional grant funding from the Housing Infrastructure Fund to support the delivery of Phase 2 of the A1331 (Link Road) and extend the availability of funding to March 2030. The additional grant funding will be supplemented by contribution from the master developer of the Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community. In order to deliver this major infrastructure, ECC will need to acquire necessary land through either voluntary agreement with landowners or via the use of a CPO. A CPO will aid land negotiations by incentivising landowners to enter voluntary agreement on reasonable terms and within an acceptable timescale. Approval is sought to:
- Accept the additional funding via contractual variation to the HIF Grant Determination Agreement, delegated to the Director of Property, Investment and Delivery to enter the Deed of Variation
- Approve ECC's making of a CPO
- Approve ECC making of relevant orders to the highway project (Side Road Orders, Trunking Order)

Department:

Deputy Leader and the Communities, Economic Growth and Prosperity

Decision Maker:

Cabinet

Implementation Date:

Cabinet : 24/02/26

Working Age and Older Adults Care and Support Provision Uplifts

The decision paper will request Cabinet approval for fee uplifts to various sectors within the adult social care market including domiciliary care, residential and nursing care, supported living, direct payments and day services

Department:

Children's Services, Adult Social Care, Public Health and Integration

Decision Maker:

Cabinet

Implementation Date:

Cabinet : 24/02/26

A104 Safer Roads Scheme - TRO implementation

The A104 Safer Roads Scheme has been designed and consulted on upon engagement with key stakeholders such as City of London, Epping Forest District Council, local access groups, local businesses, and residents.

Department:

Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport

Decision Maker:

Mark Platt - Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Adoption of Highway Structures Inspection and Enforcement Policy

Legal - Monitoring Officer Finance - Section 151

Approval from the above stakeholders will be sought prior to submitting the report.

Department:

Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport

Decision Maker:

Mark Platt - Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Adult Social Care (ASC) Transport Contract Extension and Retender 2026

Adult Social Care seeks approval to extend one adult social care transport contract from 01 August 2026 to 31 July 2027 (12 month period), to provide transport services for eligible Adult Social Care clients.

also seeks approval to retender three adult social care transport contracts for a period of three years from 01 August 2026 to 31 July 2029 (three year period) to provide transport services for eligible Adult Social Care clients with an option to extend for a further 24 months on a one year plus one year basis. The services will be procured via the Council’s Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) following a single sealed bid process.

Department:

Children's Services, Adult Social Care, Public Health and Integration

Decision Maker:

John Andrew Spence - Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Adult Social Care, Public Health

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Agreement to pursue an interim strengthening solution for Finchingfield Bridge

Legal - Monitoring Officer. Finance - Section 151 Approval from the above stakeholders will be sought prior to submitting the Cabinet Member Action Report. The Finchingfield Parish Council have also been consulted.

Department:

Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport

Decision Maker:

Mark Platt - Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Annual Adult Social Care Fees and Charges Uplift for 2026/27

Approval to implement the uplift to the fee rates for non-residential care for the financial year 2026/27. The fee rates applicable for the purpose of calculating charges for these Adult Social Care services are reviewed annually. There is no change in policy.

Department:

Children's Services, Adult Social Care, Public Health and Integration

Decision Maker:

John Andrew Spence - Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Adult Social Care, Public Health

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Approval of the procurement route for the Clacton Hub project

To approve the use of the Essex Construction Framework 3 (Lot 3) via a 2-stage tender process to procure a contractor for the construction of the Clacton Hub project that is part of the wider Clacton Civic Quarter programme part-funded by Government (£3.1m), which ECC is receiving from Tendring District Council as the accountable body in accordance with the terms of the funding agreement approved in January 2024. Additionally, to delegate authority to the Executive Director for People, Policy, Economy & Public Health for the awarding of the contract on the basis that the successful tender is in line with the expected budget for the delivery of this project. Also, to increase the £564k budget allowance previously approved (FP/261/10/23) for the progression of the project to planning stage to £749k.

Department:

Housing, Planning and Regeneration

Decision Maker:

Lee Scott - Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Regeneration

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Approval to submit Strategic Outline Case for A127 Route Improvements to the Department for Transport

A127 Member Engagement Group

Department:

Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport

Decision Maker:

Mark Platt - Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

ATF3 Colchester – East Hill TRO implementation

The Active Travel 3 Scheme has been designed and consulted on upon engagement with key stakeholders such as IPTU, Colchester City Council, local access groups, local businesses and residents.

Department:

Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport

Decision Maker:

Mark Platt - Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

ATF3 Colchester- East Hill Construction Works

The Active Travel 3 Scheme has been designed and consulted on upon engagement with key stakeholders such as IPTU, Colchester City Council, local access groups, local businesses, and residents.

Department:

Leader

Decision Maker:

Kevin Paul Bentley - Leader of the Council, Leader of the Conservative Group

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Award of S106 funding

Approval of decision to award S106 funding to create new early years and childcare places in Witham North ward, Braintree district.

Department:

Education Excellence, Life Long Learning and Employability

Decision Maker:

Tony Ball - Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Life Long Learning

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Broadband delivery funding

N/A

Department:

The Chancellor of Essex

Decision Maker:

Christopher Whitbread - The Chancellor of Essex

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Colchester Vineyard Street Crossing Realignment

A scheme consultation to be carried out to advertise the proposal to realign the existing road crossing.

Department:

Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport

Decision Maker:

Mark Platt - Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Commissioning of community led transport services

To agree a commissioning framework and funding for 2026/27 for the provision of community led transport services ensuring that they fulfil a role in providing services to passengers who are unable to access mainstream transport and to provide journeys that could otherwise not be made.

Department:

Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport

Decision Maker:

Mark Platt - Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Community Transport Funding for the financial year 2025/26

No stakeholders.

Department:

Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport

Decision Maker:

Mark Platt - Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Concessionary Fares Reimbursement Final Settlement for 2026/27

No stakeholder involvement.

Department:

Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport

Decision Maker:

Tony Ball - Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Life Long Learning

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Cressing Primary School, - decision whether to expand the school from 1fe to 1.5fe with effect from September 2025.

Public consultation held from 16th October - 27th November.

Consultation sent direct to other relevant parties including local member and local MP.

Department:

Education Excellence, Life Long Learning and Employability

Decision Maker:

Tony Ball - Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Life Long Learning

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Determination of school term dates for community and voluntary controlled schools for 2027-28

Consultation with schools, schools’ professional associations and neighbouring local authorities.

Department:

Education Excellence, Life Long Learning and Employability

Decision Maker:

Tony Ball - Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Life Long Learning

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Energy Switching partner for the ‘Essex Energy Switch’ – procurement exercise.

Monitoring Officer & S151 Officer will be consulted.

Department:

Climate Czar & Environment, Waste Reduction and Recycling

Decision Maker:

Peter Schwier - Cabinet Member for Environment, Waste Reduction

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Estates Management decision to award new contract

Internal consultation with officers.

Department:

Portfolio

Decision Maker:

Tom Cunningham - Cabinet Member for Digital and Corporate Services

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Expansion and Remodelling of the Overnight Provision at Wells Park School to create additional residential space and a new SEND stand-alone learning provision

There will be a formal planning consultation.

Department:

Education Excellence, Life Long Learning and Employability

Decision Maker:

Tony Ball - Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Life Long Learning

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Expansion of Hazelmere Infant School to create an additional 16 place resourced SEN provision

Establishment of a 16 place resourced provision at Hazelmere Infants School in Colchester.

Parents and carers at the school, local stakeholders.

Department:

Education Excellence, Life Long Learning and Employability

Decision Maker:

Tony Ball - Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Life Long Learning

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Expansion of Shorefields School

Planning consultation for physical expansion - Tendring District Council and local residents.

Department:

Education Excellence, Life Long Learning and Employability

Decision Maker:

Tony Ball - Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Life Long Learning

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Expansion of Shorefields Special School

Expansion of Shorefields School via an addition to the capital programme.

Department:

Education Excellence, Life Long Learning and Employability

Decision Maker:

Tony Ball - Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Life Long Learning

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Great Waltham CE Primary - decision whether to expand the school from 180 places to 210 places with effect from September 2025

No formal consultation required due to the size of the proposed increase

Department:

Education Excellence, Life Long Learning and Employability

Decision Maker:

Tony Ball - Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Life Long Learning

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Hawthorn Avenue Healthy School Street, Colchester

The Hawthorn Avenue Healthy School Street Scheme has been designed and consulted on upon engagement with key stakeholders such as IPTU, Colchester City Council, local access groups, local businesses, and residents.

Department:

Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport

Decision Maker:

Mark Platt - Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Homes for Ukraine scheme – DWP Grant funding to support Homes for Ukraine guests

Director for Finance, Cabinet Member for Finance, Legal, Strengthening Communities team, Resettlement team

Department:

The Chancellor of Essex

Decision Maker:

Christopher Whitbread - The Chancellor of Essex

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Land for development in Colchester

Individual Cabinet Member & EHDLLP Board

Department:

Housing, Planning and Regeneration

Decision Maker:

Lee Scott - Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Regeneration

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Land for housing development in Epping

A range of due diligence has been undertaken and a detailed planning application has been submitted to the planning authority for determination.

Department:

Housing, Planning and Regeneration

Decision Maker:

Lee Scott - Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Regeneration

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Localised Highway Improvements Funding

Legal - Monitoring Officer, Finance - Section 151, Approval from the above stakeholders will be sought prior to submitting the Cabinet Member Action

Department:

Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport

Decision Maker:

Mark Platt - Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Procurement of contract for the carrying out of assessments under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards

Requesting agreement to reprocure additional assessment capacity for Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and for additional funding from Reserves to provide the service.

ECC stakeholders including relevant councillors have been consulted.

Department:

Children's Services, Adult Social Care, Public Health and Integration

Decision Maker:

John Andrew Spence - Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Adult Social Care, Public Health

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Procurement of Energy Efficiency Works - Retrofit and Renewables for non-domestic premises

Engagement with Essex-based contractors, Procurement colleagues across Essex and Anchor partners

Department:

The Chancellor of Essex

Decision Maker:

Christopher Whitbread - The Chancellor of Essex

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Procurement of Essex ENCTS Administrative Contracts for Concessionary Bus Passes 2026

Agree to award a contract to deliver the administration elements English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) in Essex from 1st April 2026.

Department:

Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport

Decision Maker:

Mark Platt - Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Proposed Additional Resource Provision at St Michaels from January 2026 – decision to publish statutory notices for an additional 15 places

Establishment of a 15 place resourced provision for children with special educational needs at St Michaels Primary School in Colchester.

Consultation with parents and stakeholders at the school, local schools.

Department:

Education Excellence, Life Long Learning and Employability

Decision Maker:

Tony Ball - Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Life Long Learning

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Proposed Expansion and Refurbishment of Harlow Fields Special School, Harlow

Expansion of Harlow Fields special school to create capacity for further pupil numbers including new build and refurbishment of existing buildings.

Planning consultation. Consultation with parents of children at the school.

Department:

Education Excellence, Life Long Learning and Employability

Decision Maker:

Tony Ball - Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Life Long Learning

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Proposed increase of fee for applications for the removal of highway rights under Section 116 of the Highways Act 1980

Legal - Monitoring Officer

Finance - Section 151

Approval from the above stakeholders will be sought prior to submitting the report

Department:

Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport

Decision Maker:

Mark Platt - Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Provider of Last Resort

N/A

Department:

Children's Services, Adult Social Care, Public Health and Integration

Decision Maker:

John Andrew Spence - Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Adult Social Care, Public Health

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Queen Street, Colchester, Banned Right Turn & Crossing Amendments

A scheme consultation to be carried out to advertise the proposed Banned Right Turn and Crossing amendments as part of the Colchester ATF2 Programme.

Department:

Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport

Decision Maker:

Mark Platt - Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Remodelling and refurbishment of the Thames Building at William Read Primary School to create a SEND school learning provision.

Formal planning consultation at appropriate time.

Consultation with parents of children who are likely to attend the new school at the appropriate time

Department:

Education Excellence, Life Long Learning and Employability

Decision Maker:

Tony Ball - Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Life Long Learning

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Saffron Walden County High School, 40 place SEND standalone building

Public consultation re planning Consultation with all appropriate stakeholders re establishment of new SEN provision (completed) Department for Education (completed)

Department:

Education Excellence, Life Long Learning and Employability

Decision Maker:

Tony Ball - Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Life Long Learning

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

St Botolph's Circus, Colchester - Scheme Delivery

Team Colchester

Colchester City Council

Public consultation

Department:

Leader

Decision Maker:

Kevin Paul Bentley - Leader of the Council, Leader of the Conservative Group

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

St Peter's C of E Primary School, Coggeshall - decision on potential expansion of the school from 1.5fe to 2fe with effect from September 2025.

Public consultation undertaken 5th February - 11th March 2024

Department:

Education Excellence, Life Long Learning and Employability

Decision Maker:

Tony Ball - Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Life Long Learning

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Station Approach, Braintree - Bus Only sign

A scheme consultation to be carried out with amended drawing following on from previous 2022 consultation carried out with an inaccurate scheme drawing. This is part of a wider package of measures advertised separately as part of the Braintree ATF2 Programme.

Department:

Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport

Decision Maker:

Mark Platt - Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Thistley Green Contract Extension

Executive Director for Adult Social Care, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, Section 151 Officer, Monitoring Officer.

Department:

Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport

Decision Maker:

Mark Platt - Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Trial of Private On-Street Cross Pavement Electric Vehicle Charging Solutions within Essex

Introduction of a trial scheme for 'cross pavement' on charging infrastructure for electric vehicles allowing people to charge their vehicle using their own supply in the street outside their homes.

Department:

Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport

Decision Maker:

Mark Platt - Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Variation of Community Asset Transfer policy

Cabinet Member for Finance

Department:

Digital and Corporate Services

Decision Maker:

Tom Cunningham - Cabinet Member for Digital and Corporate Services

Implementation Date:

28/02/26

Acceptance of National Highways funding to implement walking and cycling improvements along A1023 Brook Street / London Road, Brentwood

A public consultation was carried out in Autumn 2024
The latest member briefing was held on 30th September 2025.

National Highways are funding walking and cycling improvements along A1023 Brook Street / London Road. A decision is required to accept this funding and implement the improvements.

Department:

Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport

Decision Maker:

Cabinet

Implementation Date:

Cabinet : 24/03/26

Award of contract for the Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service

The Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service (ECFWS) is a statutory, Pan-Essex service offer that is currently jointly commissioned between Essex County Council (ECC) and West Essex Integrated Commissioning Board (ICB). The overarching objective of the service is to ensure all families within Essex are supported from pre-birth up to the age of 19 (or 25 for those with Special Educational needs), thereby ensuring that everyone in Essex has the best possible start in life through having access to free, high quality and easy-to-access services in their community, school, family home or within a Family Hub. The current ECFWS contract commenced in 2017 with a 7+3 year contractual timeframe; the +3 period was activated earlier this year and so the current contract expires in 2027. Therefore a re-procurement exercise is needed to secure a future provider for these services beyond March 2027.

Department:

Children's Services, Adult Social Care, Public Health and Integration

Decision Maker:

Cabinet

Implementation Date:

Cabinet : 24/03/26

Decision to recommend that the decision to adopt Local Transport Plan 4 (LTP4) is taken to Full Council

LTP outcomes agreed at PLT.

Initial internal consultation has taken place, initial discussion with Districts has taken place, full public consultation on a draft Strategy in planned for early summer 2024, followed by full public consultation on the final Local Transport Plan in late 2024 or early 2025.

It is assumed that these consultations will require separate Cabinet Member decisions to consult.

Department:

Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport

Decision Maker:

Cabinet

Implementation Date:

Cabinet : 24/03/26

Land for housing development in Chelmsford - CHE018

Internal review

Department:

Housing, Planning and Regeneration

Decision Maker:

Cabinet

Implementation Date:

Cabinet : 24/03/26

Children With Disabilities Home Based Care

Family Engagement Consultation (September-October 2024)
Market Engagement Consultation (June-July 2025)

The purpose of this report is to outline the current challenges, expected demand, and future strategy for the procurement of the Children with Disabilities Home Based Care service in Essex.
Section 25 of the Children and Young Persons Act requires local authorities to provide short breaks for families with disabled children. Short Breaks gives parent carers and siblings a break while enabling children and young people to meet friends, take part in activities, develop independence and have fun.
Home Based Care (sometimes referred to as Direct Provision, Home Based Agency Support or packages of care) consists of a range of care packages, provided by carers, which are tailored to the specific needs of eligible children and young people with SEND and their families both in their homes and the community.
The Essex Short Breaks Commissioning Strategy 2021-2026 sets out in Objective 7 that we will improve the provision of Home Based Care by developing a new framework agreement with specialist providers. The aim is to ensure that families of Children with Disabilities (CwD) and Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) who require more intensive or specialist care can access high quality support, and make our internal systems for finding this support more efficient.
The outcome from this report is intended to be a clear commercial pathway for the market in the short-, medium-, and long-term. Current provision is sourced solely via spot purchase and therefore the Council wishes to move to a contractual model that enables improved market relationships, value for money and high-quality services.

Department:

Children's Services, Adult Social Care, Public Health and Integration

Decision Maker:

Cabinet

Implementation Date:

Cabinet : 24/03/26

2025/26 Provisional Outturn Report

No consultation.

Department:

The Chancellor of Essex

Decision Maker:

Cabinet

Implementation Date:

Cabinet : 26/05/26

View CMIS Forward Plan

Printable Document

Forward Plan Items