Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 9^th February 2022.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 9^th February 2022 are confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair in due course.

The opportunity is given to members of the public to put questions to Cabinet Members or Committee Chairs provided that a question does not relate to:

·  Matters which are the subject of current or pending legal proceedings or

·  Matters relating to employees or former employees of the Council or comments in respect of individual Council Officers.

To ask a question at this meeting, please submit it to democratic.services@gloucester.gov.uk by Friday 4^th March 2022 or telephone 01452 396203 for support.

There were no public questions.

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

There were no petitions or deputations.

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 respect of question 1 Councillor Pullen urged that rather than wait for central government decisions, preparations begin immediately to accommodate Ukrainian refugees.  He asked if plans were being made, perhaps utilizing the Property Investment Strategy, to identify suitable properties avoiding the use of bed and breakfast (B&B) and hotel accommodation.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy confirmed that action had indeed begun.  In relation to the Property Investment Fund she assured Councillor Pullen that she would consult officers and respond directly.  The Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy expressed her own concern over the use of B&Bs and hotels but advised that the availability of temporary accommodation was still being explored so a firm answer could not be given at this stage.

The Leader of the Council reiterated that no guarantees could be given as the level of demand remained as yet unknown.  He further commented that a number of Councillors were helping residents who had volunteered their own accommodation which he took to be a reflection of the generosity of the people of Gloucester.

RESOLVED that the written question submitted and corresponding response is noted.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure providing an overview of progress made against the Cultural Strategy for the year January to December 2021.

RESOLVED that the report is accepted and progress against the objectives and actions noted.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure that provided an overview of progress made against the Cultural Strategy for the year January to December 2021.

The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure reminded Members that this was a strategy for the whole city, not just the Council, and is to be delivered in partnership with others.  He informed them that he foresaw those relationships growing and continuing to prosper to generate success as they had done despite the pandemic as documented in the Cultural Strategy Tracker 2021 (Appendix 1).  The Cabinet Member for Environment commented on the astonishing amount of good work done and looked forward to what was to come.

RESOLVED that the report is accepted and progress against the objectives and actions noted.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods outlining the considerations made in identifying locations for new Public Access Defibrillators (PADs).

RESOLVED that:

(1)  the approach to identifying new Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) sites is noted;

(2)  it is noted that new PADs will be located in the locations outlined in the report (3.9).

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods that outlined the considerations made in identifying locations for new Public Access Defibrillators (PADs).

The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods emphasized the importance of defibrillators in saving lives and referred to funds made available in the 2019/20 Council Budget for PADs in addition to those provided by the Gloucester Hearts scheme.  He summed up the reasoning behind the choice of location for the new PADs.  

The Cabinet Member for Environment informed Members that while he believed it was good that the proposed sites would fill gaps in PAD coverage, he was not fully convinced it should be the Council’s responsibility to find new locations and maintain a list of where they are rather than that of other agencies such as the NHS, especially as the Council would be unlikely to be the first port of call in an emergency.

RESOLVED that:

(1)  the approach to identifying new Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) sites is noted;

(2)  it is noted that new PADs will be located in the locations outlined in the report (3.9).

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods outlining how the Council intends to implement Community Protection Notices provided in Part 4 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, including setting the threshold for cases to be considered for these enforcement powers.

RESOLVED that:

(1)  the new enforcement powers contained within the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014, are adopted;

(2)  the threshold for the council to take action, currently set at two or more complainants over a six-month period, is agreed.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods that outlined how the Council intends to implement Community Protection Notices provided in Part 4 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, including setting the threshold for cases to be considered for these enforcement powers.

The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods summarised the background to the proposals.  The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources noted that the enforcement powers in question would serve as an additional tool for officers to tackle anti-social behaviour.  She took the opportunity to thank the Wellbeing Team Leader for her work in this area.  The Cabinet Member for Environment commented on the huge benefits of equipping officers with the right instruments able to improve the lives of residents, even if it is not often necessary to use them.

RESOLVED that:

(1)  the new enforcement powers contained within the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014, are adopted;

(2)  the threshold for the council to take action, currently set at two or more complainants over a six-month period, is agreed.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources informing Members of the Council’s performance against key measures in Quarter 3 of 2021/22.

RESOLVED that the Quarter 3 Performance Report 2021/22 at Appendix 1 of the report is noted.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources that informed Members of the Council’s performance against key measures in Quarter 3 of 2021/22.

The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources highlighted the key features of the report.  She reminded Members that it had been discussed at the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (28^th February 2022 minutes 110.1-10) and that the recent cyber incident had resulted in data for some areas being unavailable.  The Cabinet Member for Environment commented that it remained a particularly useful report.

RESOLVED that the Quarter 3 Performance Report 2021/22 at Appendix 1 of the report is noted.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources seeking Members to note year-end forecasts, and the financial pressures on the Council during the 3^rd Quarter ended 31^st September 2022.

RESOLVED it is noted that:

                    (1)         the forecast year-end position for the financial year is currently a decrease to the General Fund balance of £109k against a budgeted increase of £129k

                    (2)         the details of specific budgetary issues identified by officers and the actions being taken to address those issues

                    (3)         the current level of Capital expenditure is as shown in Appendix 2 of the report

                    (4)         the financial implications of Covid-19 and the level of economic recovery from the effects of the pandemic will continue to be monitored and reported alongside any grant funding provided to mitigate the spend or lost income

                    (5)         the estimated nature of some of the figures included in the report because of the cyber incident in December 2021.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources that sought Members to note year-end forecasts and the financial pressures on the Council during the 3^rd Quarter ended 31^st September 2021.

The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources summarised the report.  She drew Members’ attention to the forecasted £109k decrease in the General Fund against the previously budgeted increase and advised that this was due to the recent cyber incident as well as the ongoing impact of COVID-19.  The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources noted the position within her own portfolio including the mitigation by £237k of the Housing Subsidy cost which is otherwise outside of the Council’s control, and greater income from the Cemeteries and Crematorium Service.

The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure expressed optimism for the future considering the imminent opening of a revitalised Kings Square and growing footfall in the Gloucester Guildhall.  The Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy anticipated more income in her portfolio as some large development schemes are progressed having been delayed by COVID-19.  The Cabinet Member for Environment contrasted the £100k income generated from recyclates with a £350k deficit of five years ago and attributed this success to efficiencies by officers and contractors as well as greater engagement from residents.

RESOLVED it is noted that:

                    (1)         the forecast year-end position for the financial year is currently a decrease to the General Fund balance of £109k against a budgeted increase of £129k

                    (2)         the details of specific budgetary issues identified by officers and the actions being taken to address those issues

                    (3)         the current level of Capital expenditure is as shown in Appendix 2 of the report

                    (4)         the financial implications of Covid-19 and the level of economic recovery from the effects of the pandemic will continue to be monitored and reported alongside any grant funding provided to mitigate the spend or lost income

                    (5)         the estimated nature of some of the figures included in the report because of the cyber incident in December 2021.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources seeking Members to recommend the Capital Strategy 2022/23 to Council for approval.

RECOMMENDED that the Capital Strategy be approved by Council.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources that sought Members to recommend the Capital Strategy 2022/23 to Council for approval.

The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources outlined the proposed strategy to Members and reminded them of its close relationship with other strategic documents such as the Treasury Management Strategy.  She further reassured them that it will be monitored and reviewed annually.

RECOMMENDED that the Capital Strategy be approved by Council.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources seeking for Members to recommend that Council approves the Treasury Management Strategy, prudential indicators and notes the Treasury activities.

RECOMMENDED that the Treasury Management Strategy be approved by Council.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources that sought Members to recommend that Council approves the Treasury Management Strategy, prudential indicators and notes the Treasury activities.

The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources highlighted the key features of the report and stressed that the Council remains within an under-borrowed position.

RECOMMENDED that the Treasury Management Strategy be approved by Council.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources seeking for Members to recommend that Council approves the Council’s Pay Policy Statement for 2022/23.

RECOMMENDED that the Pay Policy Statement for 2022/23 attached as the appendix of the report be approved by Council.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources that sought Members to recommend that Council approves the Council’s Pay Policy Statement for 2022/23.

The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources reminded Members of the requirement for an annual statement in the 2011 Localism Act and brought Members’ attention to the main aspects of the report.

RECOMMENDED that the Pay Policy Statement for 2022/23 attached as the appendix of the report be approved by Council.