To receive announcements from:
a) The Mayor
b) Leader of the Council
c) Members of the Cabinet
d) Chair of Committees
e) Head of Paid Service
Minutes:
The Mayor
53.1 The Mayor thanked Members for their support of fundraising events for his Civic Charity, Footsteps Counselling and Care. The events which included a concert and an auction had raised over £600 for the charity.
53.2 The Mayor advised that he had awarded the Mayor’s Medal to Graham Howell, founder of Barnwood Builders which now provided work for over two hundred people in the City and had a turnover in excess of £85 million. He stated that Mr Howell was known as a quiet philanthropist who supported many organisations in Gloucestershire but had never sought recognition.
The Leader of the Council
53.3 Councillor James announced that GVA Planning Grimley Ltd had been appointed as lead consultants for the Kings Quarter development in association with AHR Architects, AECOM Transport and other specialists. It was expected that a planning application would be submitted in the summer.
Cabinet Member for Environment
53.4 Councillor Cook advised that recycling for the latest period had increased by 248 tonnes compared to the same period last year. The increase was worth £15,000 to the City Council and would save the County Council £31,000 in landfill charges. He praised Officers for their efforts and he stressed the importance of residents properly sorting recyclables. He advised that additional boxes could be provided if required.
53.5 The Mayor thanked Councillor Cook for his contribution.
Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure
53.6 Councillor Noakes advised that Arts Council funding had been agreed and Gloucester had been named together with Birmingham and East Riding for a Strategic Touring Bid by the Multi-Story Orchestra to bring classical music to car parks. Plans include working with the Guildhall, Strike-a-light and Gloucester Academy of Music to bring a full-size orchestra and over one hundred young musicians to City car parks this summer.
Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources
53.7 Councillor David Norman advised that Gloucestershire had been selected as a pilot area for 100 per cent retention of Business Rates 2018-19. This would particularly benefit Adult Social Care and Economic Development.