Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure declared an interest in agenda item 11 (City Centre Investment Fund) by virtue of her having an active role in organising the Rotary Club `Tree of Light’.

The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources declared an interest in agenda item 14 (Gloucester City Council Accommodation Resources) by virtue of him being a Gloucestershire County Councillor.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 13^th June 2018.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 13th June 2018 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair subject to the following addition which was not available at the time of publication:

Minute 3 Public Question Time

Written response of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods concerning homeless and vulnerable people:

Thank you for attending the recent Cabinet meeting on the 13^th of June at Gloucester City Council to ask a question of the Leader of the Council. As discussed on the night, my portfolio has recently expanded to include homelessness and housing. Your questions relate to both this matter and other subjects where I am already involved with our partner organisations, therefore I am replying personally and on behalf of the Council. Please note, I have produced this response to avoid time and resource being redirected from housing staff whose priority is the frontline. Each representation they have already responded to you on in relation to your concerns has been time consuming and therefore I would hope we could consider how we may be able to work better together in the future. I would hope that this would be a more productive and meaningful way to ask questions and raise your concerns.

I will be spending time over the next few months learning more about housing and homelessness which will involve me following the pathways experienced by those seeking housing support and considering what further improvements can be made. I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you personally and receive your concerns.

You refer to record numbers of working and vulnerable people using the Foodbank. It would be helpful to know which source you refer to when making this statement? 

I am not aware of our local Foodbank recently issuing figures, however I would be grateful to see them if they have been made available. The reasons behind demand for emergency food assistance are complex and overlapping and this has been acknowledged by Government and charities in a number of independent reports on the subject. Gloucester Foodbank opened in 2008 due to need at that time, despite a large welfare state, and in 2018, although the employment rate being at an all-time high, many people still find themselves in need for a wide range of reasons. In my other role as a Caseworker to the MP, I issue Food bank vouchers and therefore I can offer some insight into the complexities of individual’s circumstances and reasons for referrals.

You refer to record numbers of people on the housing list and you are correct that the demand for social housing far outweighs the supply. However, not all people on the waiting list, of 3,984 at the time of writing, are priority need or homeless. I do agree the housing market is broken and more homes need to be built. Certainly an area that Cllr Organ and I will be focusing on. It’s worth highlighting the positive that since 2010,  nationally 357,000 affordable  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

A member of the public referred to his question at the meeting of 13^th June concerning the control of noise from planned events.  He drew Members’ attention to complaints from residents reported in the media of excessive noise from events in Gloucester Park and asked if the Noise Council Code of Practice was being fully implemented in the city especially in regard to enforcement.  The Cabinet Member for Environment commented that it was not acceptable for residents to be disturbed by excessive noise and gave assurance that he would ask officers to contact the questioner and provide a detailed response.

Concerning agenda item 11 (City Centre Investment Fund) a member of the public requested a breakdown of the £184,353 stated to have been spent on the Gates Street Public Realm (4.2 table).  The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy replied that a written answer would be provided.

To receive any petitions or deputations provided that no such petition or deputation is in relation to:

·         Matters relating to individual Council Officers, or

·         Matters relating to current or pending legal proceedings

A member of the public presented a petition that proposed a memorial at the London Road rose garden for the homeless persons who have died while in temporary accommodation in Kingsholm. He commented on the support that he had received from the community for the proposal and asked that it be considered.  The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy stated that it would be considered.

Any Member of the Council may ask the Leader of the Council or any Cabinet Member any question without prior notice, upon:

·       Any matter relating to the Council’s administration

·       Any matter relating to any report of the Cabinet appearing on the summons

·       A matter coming within their portfolio of responsibilities

Only one supplementary question is allowed per question.

In relation to agenda item 8 (Public Space Protection Order) Cllr Haigh asked if records were kept of instances where drug and psychoactive substance paraphernalia had been observed in litter and that recording be considered if not.  The Cabinet Member for Environment replied that only instances of needles and sharps were currently recorded.  He further commented that identifying direct evidence of the use of psychoactive substances from litter would be difficult but gave assurance that he would raise the issue with officers.  The Corporate Director confirmed that the practicalities of recording would be explored and reiterated that identifying the misuse of substances from litter would be speculative.

In relation to agenda item 9 (Delivery of Affordable Housing) Cllr Hilton expressed concern that the number of required new homes for social rent may not be built and enquired if the Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy was satisfied that they would be.  The Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy pointed out that the council was restricted by many factors outside of its control such as the housing market, available powers and local topography.  He emphasised that the council was actively working with private landlords, developers, housing associations and other partners to make the best of all opportunities to provide more housing not just through new builds but through regeneration.  The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy commented that the report was realistic.

Cllr Hilton further asked if a company might be set up, perhaps with partners and the council’s Property Investment Fund, to create new homes for rent and address the shortage.  The Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy replied that the whole sector had to be had to be taken into consideration, not just new build which can be more expensive than renovating existing structures.

Concerning agenda item 14 (Gloucester City Council Accommodation Resources) Cllr Hilton noted that the proposed location of the customer service centre at 92-96 Westgate Street appeared smaller than the existing reception area in the Docks.  He asked if the current drop-in service was intended to be replaced by appointments only and whether additional space would be sought if the planned space proved inadequate.  The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources answered that although he believed the space to be adequate, the detail of how the space would be used was not yet known but would be shared with all members at the earliest opportunity.  He commented that new ways of working were being explored that required less physical space and drew attention to recent substantial investments made in information and communications technology to facilitate this.  The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy assured Members that when the detail was known it would be considered by Cabinet.

To consider the report of the Managing Director seeking to recommend to Council that the Gloucestershire Vision 2050 consultation is considered and a response submitted.

RECOMMENDED to Council that:

(1)       the Vision 2050 consultation be welcomed;

(2)       Council resolves to submit a response to the consultation on behalf of the Council. A draft response submission is attached at appendix B of the report;

(3)       authority be delegated to the Leader, in consultation with the other political Group leaders, to agree the final wording of any response submission and to submit any response by the end of July.

Cabinet considered the report of the Managing Director that sought recommendations to Council that the Gloucestershire Vision 2050 consultation be considered and a response submitted.

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy advised Members of the context of the report and, while he acknowledged that the `super city’ project was controversial, welcomed the opportunity to engage in long term planning with neighbouring authorities as had been successfully done with Tewkesbury and Cheltenham for the Joint Core Strategy. The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure highlighted the importance of including culture and the city’s aspiration to be City of Culture 2025.  The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods commented on the benefits of addressing social issues and community wellbeing and reminded Members of the interesting discussions and collaborations currently underway across the county such as the Gloucestershire Moves initiative.

RECOMMENDED to Council that:

(1)       the Vision 2050 consultation be welcomed;

(2)       Council resolves to submit a response to the consultation on behalf of the Council. A draft response submission is attached at appendix B of the report;

(3)       authority be delegated to the Leader, in consultation with the other political Group leaders, to agree the final wording of any response submission and to submit any response by the end of July.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods updating Members on the feedback received from the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) public consultation, and seeking approval on a revised PSPO and future work, having regard to that feedback.

RESOLVED that:

(1)  The results of the PSPO consultation be noted;

(2)  To note that previous delegation, provided by Cabinet to the Head of Communities in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods, for the authorisation of Public Space Protection Orders remains in place for all future PSPO proposals.

(3)  Delegated authority remains as above to implement the recommended Public Space Protection Orders contained in this report and drafted in Appendix 3 of the report, those being:

a)    PSPO for Gloucester City relating to dog and alcohol nuisance provisions

b)    PSPO to supersede the Gating Order for Organs Alley

c)    PSPO to implement an Alcohol Free Zone for Gloucester City centre Taking in to account the views of Overview and Scrutiny and Council.

(4)  The PSPO creating an alcohol free zone for the City Centre/BID area is implemented at a future date, following further consultation with partner agencies.

(5)  Further consultation be undertaken in Barton and Tredworth to explore the appropriateness of implementing PSPO(s) there, following requests from residents, partner agencies and ward councillors.

(6)  Gating Orders that are currently in place are scheduled for individual reviews, with all being completed by the end of 2019.

(7)  A review and update of the Safe & Attractive Streets Policy and PSPO guidance takes place.

(8)  A Memorandum of Understanding is drawn up for both the night time and day time economies, between partner agencies who work within the City Centre and a “DaySafe” type meeting, to mirror NightSafe, is established.

The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods summarised the background to the report, thanked those people who contributed, and reminded Members that PSPOs were to be seen in the context of a whole range of measures developed in collaboration between agencies and communities to address issues and support the people affected.  She further emphasised the importance of the PSPO review element that allows concerns to be raised, evidence gathered and solutions to be developed over time.

RESOLVED that:

(1)  The results of the PSPO consultation be noted;

(2)  To note that previous delegation, provided by Cabinet to the Head of Communities in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods, for the authorisation of Public Space Protection Orders remains in place for all future PSPO proposals.

(3)  Delegated authority remains as above to implement the recommended Public Space Protection Orders contained in this report and drafted in Appendix 3 of the report, those being:

a)    PSPO for Gloucester City relating to dog and alcohol nuisance provisions

b)    PSPO to supersede the Gating Order for Organs Alley

c)    PSPO to implement an Alcohol Free Zone for Gloucester City centre Taking in to account the views of Overview and Scrutiny and Council.

(4)  The PSPO creating an alcohol free zone for the City Centre/BID area is implemented at a future date, following further consultation with partner agencies.

(5)  Further consultation be undertaken in Barton and Tredworth to explore the appropriateness of implementing PSPO(s) there, following requests from residents, partner agencies and ward councillors.

(6)  Gating Orders that are currently in place are scheduled for individual reviews, with all being completed by the end of 2019.

(7)  A review and update of the Safe & Attractive Streets Policy and PSPO guidance takes place.

(8)  A Memorandum of Understanding is drawn up for both the night time and day time economies, between partner agencies who work within the City Centre and a “DaySafe” type meeting, to mirror NightSafe, is established.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy seeking a response to the Motion approved by Council on 23^rd November 2017 concerning the delivery of affordable housing.

RESOLVED that:

(1)       the progress made in respect of funding bids made to Homes England be noted;

(2)       the Homes England investment secured by Registered Providers to deliver affordable housing in Gloucester be noted and welcomed;

(3)       the options being evaluated for inclusion in the City Plan to deliver the number of affordable homes required over the Joint Core Strategy plan period be noted, and;

(4)       the evaluation of a number of partnering models to deliver affordable homes be agreed.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy that sought a response to the Motion approved by Council on 23rd November 2017 concerning the delivery of affordable housing.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy highlighted the key features of the report and drew Members’ attention to the need for the council to work together with partners and the private sector to explore all opportunities to support housing in the city.

RESOLVED that:

(1)       the progress made in respect of funding bids made to Homes England be noted;

(2)       the Homes England investment secured by Registered Providers to deliver affordable housing in Gloucester be noted and welcomed;

(3)       the options being evaluated for inclusion in the City Plan to deliver the number of affordable homes required over the Joint Core Strategy plan period be noted, and;

(4)       the evaluation of a number of partnering models to deliver affordable homes be agreed.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy informing Members of the approach taken to the production of the Council’s Economic Growth Strategy for the period 2018 to 2021, and seeking approval of the strategy.

RESOLVED that:

(1)  the Draft Economic Growth Strategy as a basis for consultation be approved, and

(2)  authority be delegated to the Head of Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy to consider representations made during the consultation period and to make changes as appropriate.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy that informed Members of the approach taken to the production of the council’s Economic Growth Strategy for the period 2018 to 2021, and sought approval of the strategy.

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy highlighted the key features of the report and the importance of ensuring that economic growth benefitted all people.  The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods commented that the strategy maximised social value by removing barriers to opportunity.  She reminded Members of the pioneering delivery of the grass cutting trial in Podsmead via a social enterprise model as an example of the benefit of such an approach in practice.

RESOLVED that:

(1)  the Draft Economic Growth Strategy as a basis for consultation be approved, and

(2)  authority be delegated to the Head of Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy to consider representations made during the consultation period and to make changes as appropriate.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy updating Members on projects included in the City Centre Investment Fund.

RESOLVED that:

(1)    the current position in respect of the delivery of schemes funded by the City Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) be noted

(2)    the allocation of the £1,944 balance of the Christmas Lights budget to the Rotary Club `Tree of Light’ be approved.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy that updated Members on projects included in the City Centre Investment Fund.

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy summarised the achievements of the Fund and advised Members that the `Tree of Light’ had the potential to make a significant impact in keeping with the other funded projects.

RESOLVED that:

(1)    the current position in respect of the delivery of schemes funded by the City Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) be noted

(2)    the allocation of the £1,944 balance of the Christmas Lights budget to the Rotary Club `Tree of Light’ be approved.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy updating Members on the findings of the Gloucester Car Park Strategy.

RESOLVED that:

(1)         The Car Parking Strategy included as Appendix 1 of the report be approved;

(2)         A new multi storey car park with a capacity of at least 350 vehicles is included in the redevelopment of Kings Quarter;

(3)         The preferred site for achieving car parking growth is Westgate but also that Southgate Moorings provides potential for additional space;

(4)         The parking strategy should be reviewed annually to reflect changes in observed parking demand, and development assumptions.

(5)         All new and substantially refurbished Car Parks should be designed in accordance with Park Mark principles as well as Public Health England’s `Preventing suicides in public areas’ guidance of 2015.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet member for Regeneration and Economy that updated Members on the findings of the Gloucester Car Park Strategy.

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy reminded Members of the importance of good value parking to the city and the need to direct traffic to where there is capacity.  He described the impact of some of the developments over recent years such as regeneration around the Docks and underlined the importance of reviewing the strategy to reflect change and take advantage of new opportunities.  The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods commented on work undertaken with partners and the incorporation of Park Mark principles in new and refurbished car parks, especially with regard to suicide prevention guidance, as a positive step forward.

RESOLVED that:

(1)         The Car Parking Strategy included as Appendix 1 of the report be approved;

(2)         A new multi storey car park with a capacity of at least 350 vehicles is included in the redevelopment of Kings Quarter;

(3)         The preferred site for achieving car parking growth is Westgate but also that Southgate Moorings provides potential for additional space;

(4)         The parking strategy should be reviewed annually to reflect changes in observed parking demand, and development assumptions.

(5)         All new and substantially refurbished Car Parks should be designed in accordance with Park Mark principles as well as Public Health England’s `Preventing suicides in public areas’ guidance of 2015.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure providing a review of the Public Art Strategy (2006) and Gloucester Lighting Strategy (2008) and to setting out a programme for putting in place a new set of key principles for public arts in Gloucester.

RESOLVED:

(1)         that progress the City Council has made in delivering the Public Art Strategy and Lighting Strategy be noted; and

(2)         to recommend that officers prepare a new Public Arts Key Principles document outlining the council’s expectations and guidelines for those undertaking the commissioning and delivery of public arts.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure that provided members with a review of the Public Art Strategy (2006) and Gloucester Lighting Strategy (2008) and set out a programme for putting in place a new set of key principles for public arts in Gloucester.

The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure reminded Members of Gloucester’s ambitious aspirations and focus on art and culture.  She further advised that the definition of art and who produces it had broadened over recent years and commented on the importance of providing clear guidance that assists artists and communities to create high quality artworks for the city.  The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods commended the new principles for encouraging any person or community in the city to engage with or produce public art. 

RESOLVED:

(1)         that progress the City Council has made in delivering the Public Art Strategy and Lighting Strategy be noted; and

(2)         to recommend that officers prepare a new Public Arts Key Principles document outlining the council’s expectations and guidelines for those undertaking the commissioning and delivery of public arts.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources providing an update report on plans to relocate the City Council’s operational offices from the Herbert, Kimberly and Phillpotts Warehouses (HKP) at Gloucester Docks to Shire Hall and 92-96 Westgate Street, Gloucester.

RESOLVED that:

(1)     the business case and annual savings arising from the proposals to relocate the City Council are accepted and endorsed

(2)     the Corporate Director is authorised (a) to sign the Heads of Terms and (b) to sign the lease after consultation with the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources and the Council’s Section 151 Officer; and

(3)    work continues to implement the relocation plans.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources that provided an update on plans to relocate the City Council’s operational offices from the Herbert, Kimberly and Phillpotts Warehouses (HKP) at Gloucester Docks to Shire Hall and 92-96 Westgate Street, Gloucester.

The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources advised Members that the financial benefits of the relocation would not become fully clear until the outcome of the disposal of the HKP warehouses was known.  He reminded Members of the £1,000,000 investment in communications technology and `Together Gloucester’ organisational transformation making working practices more agile and that the North Warehouse Civic Suite would be retained to help maintain the separate identity to the County Council.  The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy informed members that disposal of the HKP warehouses would be progressed to avoid delay.

RESOLVED that:

(1)     the business case and annual savings arising from the proposals to relocate the City Council are accepted and endorsed

(2)     the Corporate Director is authorised (a) to sign the Heads of Terms and (b) to sign the lease after consultation with the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources and the Council’s Section 151 Officer; and

(3)    work continues to implement the relocation plans.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources examining the financial and other implications of webcasting council meetings alongside the benefits of providing such a service, following the approval of a Notice of Motion by full Council to bring a report to Members.

RESOLVED that, in light of the Council’s other priorities, the webcasting of council meetings not be pursued other than discussions to be conducted with Gloucestershire County Council for the use of their facilities in the case of meetings with special public interest.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources that examined the financial and other implications of webcasting council meetings alongside the benefits of providing such a service, following the approval of a Notice of Motion by full Council to bring a report to Cabinet to consider the matter in light of other pressures and priorities.

The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources thanked the Policy and Governance Manger for conducting extensive research into the options and informed Members of positive discussions with Gloucestershire County Council concerning the use of their facilities in special circumstances.

RESOLVED that, in light of the Council’s other priorities, the webcasting of council meetings not be pursued other than discussions to be conducted with Gloucestershire County Council for the use of their facilities in the case of meetings with special public interest.