Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 23^rd February 2017.

A period not exceeding three minutes is allowed for the presentation of a petition or deputation 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

To receive announcements from:

a)         The Mayor

b)         Leader of the Council

c)          Members of the Cabinet

d)         Chairs of Committees

e)         Head of Paid Service

To consider the report of the Chair of the Independent Remuneration Panel concerning the review of Members’ Allowances 2017.

a)         Leader and Cabinet Members’ Question Time (30 minutes)

        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 Council’s summons

·       A matter coming within their portfolio of responsibilities

        Only one supplementary question is allowed per question.

c)     Questions to Chairs of Meetings (15 Minutes)

To consider the report of the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources concerning the draft Council Plan 2017-20 and outlining the timetable for the development of the final Plan.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources seeking approval of the Treasury Management Strategy, the prudential indicators and to note the Treasury activities.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources seeking approval of the Council’s Pay Policy Statement for 2017/18.

To receive the report of the Corporate Director concerning a further amendment relating to the Council’s scheme of delegation on planning matters in relation to applications received from Members and Council officers or their immediate relatives.

(1)  PROPOSED BY COUNCILLOR HAIGH

"This Council recognises that modern slavery and human trafficking is an increasing problem in the UK. Last year there was a total of 3266 recorded victims of modern slavery in the UK, a 40% increase on the year before. Victims came from 102 different countries, with the top 3 being Albania, Vietnam and Nigeria.

Council supports the work of the Gloucestershire Police, the County Council and other agencies in combatting modern slavery and supporting victims.

This Council recognises that we have a role to play in identifying and reporting modern slavery and resolves to:

a)            Encourage staff and members to view the short video from the Anti-Slavery Commissioner “Local Government – Modern Slavery” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Oh6LgyLFxI)

b)             Write to staff drawing their attention the duty to notify the Home Office of potential victims of Modern Slavery”

(2)  PROPOSED BY COUNCILLOR COOLE

“Council notes that gambling is an important industry and for many people an enjoyable and harmless part of normal social activity. 

Council further notes that for some gambling and gambling addiction is a serious problem, and acknowledges the lack of resources and understanding around this issue. Problem gambling affects up to 600,000 people in the UK, with densely populated urban areas the worst impacted; this incurs a cost to the economy of up to £1.2 billion Council notes that gambling related harm extends not only to the individual affected, but to family, friends and employers. In urban centres problem gambling is more prevalent.

Council acknowledges that an holistic approach is the best way to tackling this sort of addiction and that there can be a co-morbidity with drug and alcohol abuse or mental health problems.  Betting shops form part of a vibrant and safe high street but issues such as clustering and lack of support for self exclusion can worsen gambling harm. Council therefore resolves to extend the Safe and Attractive streets policy to target those affected by problem gambling.

Council resolves to treat gambling addiction as a serious public health issue, and to work closely with the County Council and partners such as the CAB and the Money Advice service to provide the support that people in Gloucester need.” 

(3)  PROPOSED BY COUNCILLOR HILTON

"This council expresses its disappointment that its Growth Deal 3 bid, "Gloucester Railway Station, A Gateway to Economic Growth" failed to secure funding.

This council agrees that further investment in Gloucester Railway Station and its links to both Gloucester Royal Hospital and the city centre are important to Gloucester's regeneration.

It also agrees that major improvements to the subway from Great Western Road to Bruton Way should be part of such a scheme. 

This council asks the cabinet member for regeneration to provide a report to all councillors on why this Growth Deal 3 bid failed and what lessons have been learned.

The report to also recommend a way forward on how the council can secure funding to deliver improvements to Gloucester Railway Station and its subway as  ...  view the full agenda text for item 83.

No written questions have been received.