Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 12^th September 2018.

RESOLVED:

that the minutes of the meeting held on 12^th September 2018 be taken as read and signed by the Chair

A member of the public drew Members’ attention to the City Council’s Housing and Homelessness Strategy 2014-19 and asked for up to date statistics concerning the use of the sanctuary scheme for victims of domestic violence, statutory notices and compulsory purchase orders to bring properties back into accommodation use and the length of waiting times for people in temporary accommodation to be housed.  The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods stated that the data would be sought and offered to discuss it with the questioner at a later date.  The member of the public further asked if the answers would be made publicly available.  The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods gave assurance that they would and commented that advance notice of detailed questions would better enable Members to answer them.

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 and 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.

Cllr Pullen referred to the closure of the Hempsted Household Recycling Centre every Thursday announced by the County Council and asked if the Cabinet Member for Environment had been consulted.  The Cabinet Member for Environment replied that the matter had been discussed at the last Joint Waste Committee meeting although he had not made a personal response.  Cllr Pullen further enquired if additional resources had been allocated to deal with any fly tipping that might accumulate when the centre was closed.  The Cabinet Member for Environment responded that the situation would be monitored and the forthcoming environmental enforcement contractor (3GS) would address the issue if necessary.

Cllr Hilton sought clarification of when the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to create an alcohol free zone in London Road would be implemented.  The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods stated that work was still being done to engage people on addressing the issues as this was the approach favoured over enforcement but that plans to implement the zone at the end of the year would be brought before members soon.  Cllr Hilton advised Members of problems associated with street drinking reported in Kingsholm Road and Worcester Street and further asked if the PSPO would be extended to those areas.  The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods replied that the option was available and took the opportunity to encourage everyone to make reports and raise awareness among the public of the importance of reporting issues so that they can be addressed.

Concerning agenda item 8 (Membership of Key Cities Group) Cllr Hilton enquired if the Member of Parliament for Gloucester was a member of the Key Cities All-Party Parliamentary Group referred to in the report (3.2).  The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods gave assurance that the Managing Director would raise the matter with the Member of Parliament.  In relation to the cost of membership to the Key Cities Group Cllr Hilton further asked how this would be met in the light of current budget constraints.  The Head of Policy and Resources stated that the cost would be met from efficiencies outlined in the Money Plan to be presented in November.

To consider the report of the Leader of the Council presenting progress made in implementing the recommendations from the Local Government Association Corporate Peer Challenge in November 2017 and seeking to sign off the action plan as complete.

RESOLVED that:

(1)        the Council’s progress in implementing the recommendations in the feedback report be noted

(2)        the Action Plan be signed off as complete and made available to the LGA, staff and the public via the Council’s website

Cabinet considered the report of the Leader of the Council that presented progress made in implementing the recommendations from the Local Government Association (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge in November 2017 and sought the action plan to be signed off as complete.

The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods highlighted the positive findings made by the Peer Challenge team that represented substantial progress since the last assessment in 2013.  The Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy emphasised the benefits of learning from external scrutiny and commented that Members were not complacent.  The Cabinet Member for Environment stated that he was encouraged to see such a positive response to the challenge to improve performance.

RESOLVED that:

(1)        the Council’s progress in implementing the recommendations in the feedback report be noted

(2)        the Action Plan be signed off as complete and made available to the LGA, staff and the public via the Council’s website

To consider the report of the Leader of the Council noting the scope and potential of the Key Cities Group and seeking approval for the City Council to join as a full member.

RESOLVED that Gloucester City Council becomes a member of the Key Cities Group.

Cabinet considered the report of the Leader of the Council that sought Members to note the scope and potential of the Key Cities Group and sought approval for the City Council to join as a full member.

The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods reminded Members of Gloucester’s recent achievements such as obtaining the `Purple Flag’ standard and being named `Local Authority of the Year’ at the South West Property Awards as well as its aspiration to be City of Culture 2025 which demonstrated this city’s emerging status as a national player.  She commented that joining the Key Cities Group represented good value for money as it would assist Gloucester’s ambitions. 

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy highlighted the strong performance in the Centre for Cities’ latest assessment and welcomed the opportunity to learn from the strengths and weaknesses of others.  The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources asked if there would be opportunities for Gloucester to act as host for delegations to learn from us and for Members to visit other cities to do the same.  The Managing Director responded that although this was not the current Key Cities operating model, it would be suggested.

RESOLVED that Gloucester City Council becomes a member of the Key Cities Group.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods providing an update to Members on the support offered to current and former members of the armed forces, reservists and their families as part of our commitment to the Gloucestershire Armed Forces Community Covenant.

RESOLVED that work undertaken to support current and ex-service personnel as part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to the Covenant be endorsed.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods that provided an update on the support offered to current and former members of the armed forces, reservists and their families as part of our commitment to the Gloucestershire Armed Forces Community Covenant.

The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods emphasised that the commitment was not just to members of the armed forces but to their families as well and highlighted the positive measures undertaken so far.  The Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy drew Members’ attention to the high numbers of both veterans and young people referred to in the report (3.6, 3.7). 

The Cabinet Member for Environment reminded Members of the positive contribution service personal bring to the wider community and the importance of engaging with and supporting them.  The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources commented on the role that the development of the new City Council website can play in engaging people and the work being done by the Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Lewis, to bring issues forward.  The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods took the opportunity to encourage members of the public to comment and contribute ideas on how best to support the armed forces community.

RESOLVED that work undertaken to support current and ex-service personnel as part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to the Covenant be endorsed.