Social Value Ideas for Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council

SME payment within 10 days

The amended financial regulations reinstate the intention to pay SMEs within 10 days. This is a procurement and supplier-management policy change that can improve supplier cashflow and the council’s a…

“32 .25 reinstates the intention to pay SMEs within 10 days, as was originally set out in the first column. And then 40 .4 and 41 also remain unchanged…”

Widening budget gap

The council reported a worsening financial gap in the MTFS, driven by a collection fund deficit, pay award costs, and structural funding issues. Officers said they will continue to challenge assumptio…

“The approved MTFS identified gaps of $18 .7 million in 27 -28, widening further in the final year of the MTFS. Since then, our latest review of the fi…”

Financial regulations revised

The committee considered annual revisions to the council’s financial regulations, including clarification on upfront payments, approval routes for budget movements, scrutiny reporting, and payment ter…

“So the benefit for a couple of new members, the financial regulations are an internal document around the financial controls and governance we've got …”

Medium-term budget gap and reserves risk

The council is carrying a significant medium-term financial gap, with reserves under pressure and officers indicating that council tax rises, savings, and possibly exceptional financial support may al…

“As we sit here today, we have plans in place to try and address the future gaps we have in the MGFS that put our current level of reserves at risk. If…”

Approve MTFS budget process

Cabinet approved the process for developing the 2027-28 budget and rolling forward the medium-term financial strategy to 2029-30. The process includes extra scrutiny in January and an all-member budge…

“The report proposes an approach that is broadly consistent with the one followed in 26 -27, budget and MTFS. From feedback, I believe, the process was…”

2025-26 outturn and reserve allocation

Cabinet approved the final outturn position for 2025-26, including a net revenue underspend to be transferred into reserves to strengthen financial resilience. The report also noted a surplus on the H…

“The revenue out turn is set out at paragraph 3 .4 with a gross underspend of 9 .639 million after accounting for the 32 .658 million of exceptional fi…”

Affordable homes and supported housing

Cabinet approved a package of housing development decisions: a construction contract and capital expenditure for five homes at Anglesey Avenue, a business case for 20 supported units plus eight homes …

“The decisions are for this to let a construction contract approve capital expenditure, including proposed funding from Homes England and the appropria…”

250-home scheme approved

The reserve matters application for up to 250 dwellings near Berkswell Windmill was approved. Members heard that the scheme complied with the approved outline parameters, incorporated 50% affordable h…

“So effectively the report sets out the material issues in this proposal. you'll be aware that we don't have a five -year housing plan to buy it. It de…”

450 Unit Residential Development

Outline planning approval for up to 450 dwellings on 20 hectare green belt site. Includes 40% on-site affordable housing (180 units with 65% social rent, 35% shared ownership), 5% self-build/custom bu…

“the provision of 450 dwellings make an important contribution to Solihull's housing supply, where there is a significant identified shortfall; the pro…”

Overley Crescent extension refused

A large side and rear extension at 29 Overley Crescent was refused because members found the scale, massing and impact on neighbours unacceptable. The committee identified breaches of the 45-degree gu…

“So, the recommendation is one of approval subject to conditions. Those in favour please share. One, two, three, four, five. Those against. One, two, t…”

Solar farm refused on Green Belt

Members rejected the large solar farm and battery storage scheme after concluding that, despite renewable energy benefits, the access and Green Belt/grey belt arguments were not sufficient to support …

“The application is refused, but we have to give reasonings for refusal. So I think because it's so complex at this point in time to consider that. I'm…”

Backland dwelling refused

The committee refused a detached dwelling to the rear of 29 Overley Crescent because of harm to residential amenity and character, including overbearing impact, overshadowing, and access concerns via …

“The recommendation is one of approval subject to conditions. Those in favour please show. There is nobody in favour, Chair. Those against? One, two, t…”