Agenda item

1.    PROPOSED BY COUNCILLOR HILTON

 

“That this council welcomes the establishment of the City Centre Commission under the chairmanship of the Dean of Gloucester.

The changing nature of town and city centres shows how important the City Centre Commission will be in creating the ideas that can be implemented to breath life back into our city centre.

We need to make Gloucester’s historic centre a place for businesses to thrive, local shops to trade, great attractions to encourage visitors to enjoy, with wonderful places to eat and stay; and finally a city centre where many people live and work.

We encourage the City Centre Commission to use its remit to come forward with imaginative proposals that can be taken forward to fruition.”

 

2.    PROPOSED BY COUNCILLOR D. BROWN

 

“This council agrees that the cycling infrastructure within the city of Gloucester could be improved to encourage far more journeys to be taken on two wheels.

This council agrees to work with the county council to improve cycling infrastructure in Gloucester.

This council requests that the appropriate cabinet member prepares a report on the current cycling infrastructure within the city boundaries, to include recommendations on how this infrastructure could be better interconnected and improved to make cycling a more popular mode of transport.”

 

3.    PROPOSED BY COUNCILLOR COOK

 

“This council awaits, the Government’s white paper on potential Local Government reorganisation in the autumn and maintains an open mind as to the implications for this Council and Gloucester residents.

 

This Council believes that Local Government reorganisation at this time will deflect attention from the immediate priorities of recovery after the Covid pandemic, and therefore should not be considered further at this stage. Should the status quo not be possible, this Council requests that the reorganisation will include all levels of local representation including Parish/Town Councils and serious consideration is given to the establishment of area committees to ensure equal local representation across all current district areas.

 

The Council commits to:

 

-      consulting widely with a broad cross-section of Gloucester residents and businesses, and community, faith, sporting and voluntary groups once further information on any local government reorganisation proposals are known

-      supporting Council staff through any reorganisation process which may occur in the future

-      continuing with Group Leaders briefings and working in a cross-party manner

-      ensuring that the focus of this Council shall remain on the delivery of services and post Covid-19 recovery

-      discussing any local government reorganisation options with leadership, from the other five districts, the county council, and the Gloucester MP Richard Graham

-      Preserving the City’s historic and ancient civic offices of Sheriff and Mayor and the traditions which accompany them.”

 

4.    PROPOSED BY COUNCILLOR HILTON

 

“This council notes that J Sainsbury PLC has announced the closure of its popular city centre store on Northgate Street.

 

This council notes that this wonderful supermarket has been serving customers for nearly half a century.

 

This council agrees that it should do all it can to stop the supermarket’s closure by persuading J Sainsbury PLC to keep it open.”

 

5.    PROPOSED BY COUNCILLOR STEPHENS

 

“Council notes that local government has played a crucial role in combatting the Covid-19 pandemic, supporting local communities and will have a vital role to play in monitoring and containing the virus, restoring public confidence and reinvigorating our local economies as we move forward.

 

Council further notes that the cost of dealing with Covid-19 has placed an intolerable strain on local government finances. The Institute for Financial Studies (IFS) has estimated that councils will be left with a £2 billion funding gap this year. Councillor Richard Watts, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Resources Board has estimated that the funding shortfall could be at least as high as £6 billion.

 

The CEO of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) has warned that: “…a financial tsunami of reduced income and increased cost is heading in councils’ way. While it’s vital that our health service is given everything it needs to fight this disease, we must not forget the crucial role of services like public health, social care and all community services.”

 

In Gloucester we are forecasting a shortfall in funding this year more than £500,000. Our budget in future years will be constrained by predicted reductions in business rates, lost council tax income, lost income from commercial property and increased costs. Unfortunately, Government has stated that it will not reimburse councils for lost commercial income.

 

Council believes that it is vitally important that we are properly financed to be able to deal effectively with this unprecedented crisis and provide adequate support and services for our communities.

 

Cancellation of local authority debt would significantly reduce the burden on local authorities releasing around £4.5 billion extra a year, this would enable councils to begin to stabilise and grow their services in line with social needs. In Gloucester we currently pay over £1.5 million per annum in interest payments to service our debt to the PWLB.

 

Council resolves to:

 

1.    Make representations to the Government and City MP that we should be fully reimbursed (as promised) for all the costs of dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic including loss of commercial income.

2.    Support the national campaign for the cancellation of local authority debt to the Public Works Loans Board and call on the Government and City MP to support this.”

 

6.    PROPOSED BY COUNCILLOR PULLEN

 

“Council recognises that both GL1 – Gloucester Leisure Centre and the Oxstalls Tennis Centre are a vital part of the City’s leisure and sporting infrastructure and make a significant contribution to the health and well-being of many Gloucester residents.

 

Council further notes that Aspire Trust has experienced serious financial problems due to lockdown during the Covid-19 pandemic. The impact of Covid-19 and in particular social distancing measures mean that capacity at both venues has been greatly reduced and it is therefore likely that a comprehensive support package will need to be put in place to support Aspire over the coming months to ensure its survival.

 

Council resolves:

 

1.    To pledge its ongoing support to Aspire Trust to ensure that both GL1 and Oxstalls Tennis Centre remain open and continue to serve the needs of Gloucester people.

 

2.    To continue to have regular dialogue with the Trust and its Board so that we are fully informed as to any problems the Trust may be experiencing.

 

3.    At an appropriate time a report be produced and considered by the Council’s Cabinet setting out the current and forecast financial recovery position and detailing if needed a package of support measures, including financial support that may be required to ensure Aspire remains a profitable concern.”

 

7.    PROPOSED BY COUNCILLOR COOLE

 

“This Council

 

·       Notes that 2020 is the 25th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which saw over 8,000 Muslim men and boys killed by Serbian nationalist forces.

·       Notes that in 2009 the European Parliament passed a resolution that 11 July should be recognised as the day of commemoration of the Srebrenica genocide all over the EU; and in 2015 urged the development of educational and cultural programmes that promote an understanding of the causes of such atrocities and raise awareness about the need to nurture peace and to promote human rights and interfaith tolerance. All UK political parties have supported the work of Remembering Srebrenica in this regard.

·       Applauds the work of those involved in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their surviving relatives, including the International Commission of Missing People (ICMP) and the Mothers of Srebrenica, whose courage and humility in the face of unthinkable horror is an inspiration to us all.

·       Commends the work of the charity, Remembering Srebrenica, in raising awareness of this tragic and preventable genocide and working in communities across Britain to help them learn the lessons of Srebrenica.

 

This Council resolves to

 

·       Support Srebrenica memorial events in July each year throughout Gloucester as part of the UK-wide Remembering Srebrenica Memorial Week.

·       Support the work of Remembering Srebrenica in communities across Gloucester to learn the lessons from Srebrenica to tackle hatred and intolerance to help build a better, safer and more cohesive society for everyone.

·       Support the work of schools and education providers to bring the lessons of Srebrenica to young people across Gloucester.”

32.1    Councillor Hilton moved and Councillor Bowkett seconded the following motion:

 

          “That this council welcomes the establishment of the City Centre Commission under the chairmanship of the Dean of Gloucester.

 

The changing nature of town and city centres shows how important the City Centre Commission will be in creating the ideas that can be implemented to breath life back into our city centre.

 

We need to make Gloucester’s historic centre a place for businesses to thrive, local shops to trade, great attractions to encourage visitors to enjoy, with wonderful places to eat and stay; and finally a city centre where many people live and work.

 

We encourage the City Centre Commission to use its remit to come forward with imaginative proposals that can be taken forward to fruition.”

 

32.2    The motion was put to the vote and was carried.

 

32.3    RESOLVED

 

That this council welcomes the establishment of the City Centre Commission under the chairmanship of the Dean of Gloucester.

The changing nature of town and city centres shows how important the City Centre Commission will be in creating the ideas that can be implemented to breath life back into our city centre.

We need to make Gloucester’s historic centre a place for businesses to thrive, local shops to trade, great attractions to encourage visitors to enjoy, with wonderful places to eat and stay; and finally a city centre where many people live and work.

We encourage the City Centre Commission to use its remit to come forward with imaginative proposals that can be taken forward to fruition.

 

32.4    Councillor D. Brown moved and Councillor Ryall seconded the following motion:

 

“This council agrees that the cycling infrastructure within the city of Gloucester could be improved to encourage far more journeys to be taken on two wheels.

This council agrees to work with the county council to improve cycling infrastructure in Gloucester.

This council requests that the appropriate cabinet member prepares a report on the current cycling infrastructure within the city boundaries, to include recommendations on how this infrastructure could be better interconnected and improved to make cycling a more popular mode of transport.”

 

32.5    The motion was put to the vote and was carried.

 

32.6    RESOLVED that:-

 

This council agrees that the cycling infrastructure within the city of Gloucester could be improved to encourage far more journeys to be taken on two wheels.

This council agrees to work with the county council to improve cycling infrastructure in Gloucester.

This council requests that the appropriate cabinet member prepares a report on the current cycling infrastructure within the city boundaries, to include recommendations on how this infrastructure could be better interconnected and improved to make cycling a more popular mode of transport.

 

32.7    Councillor Cook with the consent of his seconder, Coucillor H. Norman, withdrew motion number three.

 

32.8    Councillor Hilton proposed and Councillor Hyman seconded the following revised motion in place of the one set out in the agenda:

 

“This council notes that J Sainsbury PLC has announced the closure of its popular city centre store on Northgate Street.

 

This council notes that this wonderful supermarket has been serving customers for nearly half a century.

 

This council agrees that it should do all it can to stop the supermarket’s closure by persuading J Sainsbury PLC to keep it open or if not possible, continue to work with Sainsbury’s to secure their presence in the city centre at another location

 

32.9    Five Members indicated the motion be put to a recorded vote. The votes were cast as follows:

 

          For                         Against                            Abstention

 

          Haigh

Lugg

Cook

Norman H.

Gravells

Melvin

Morgan

Watkins

Hilton

Stephens

Tracey

Hanman

Lewis

Wilson

Bhaimia

Williams

Brown D

Dee

Taylor

Field

Hansdot

Organ

Patel

Toleman

Norman D

Pullen

Hampson

Brooker

Brazil

Brown J

Coole

Derbyshire

Finnegan

Hyman

Ryall

Walford

Bowkett

 

32.10  RESOLVED that:-

 

This council notes that J Sainsbury PLC has announced the closure of its popular city centre store on Northgate Street.

 

This council notes that this wonderful supermarket has been serving customers for nearly half a century.

 

This council agrees that it should do all it can to stop the supermarket’s closure by persuading J Sainsbury PLC to keep it open or if not possible, continue to work with Sainsbury’s to secure their presence in the city centre at another location

 

32.11  Councillor Stephens proposed and Councillor Pullen seconded the following motion:

 

“Council notes that local government has played a crucial role in combatting the Covid-19 pandemic, supporting local communities and will have a vital role to play in monitoring and containing the virus, restoring public confidence and reinvigorating our local economies as we move forward.

 

Council further notes that the cost of dealing with Covid-19 has placed an intolerable strain on local government finances. The Institute for Financial Studies (IFS) has estimated that councils will be left with a £2 billion funding gap this year. Councillor Richard Watts, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Resources Board has estimated that the funding shortfall could be at least as high as £6 billion.

 

The CEO of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) has warned that: “…a financial tsunami of reduced income and increased cost is heading in councils’ way. While it’s vital that our health service is given everything it needs to fight this disease, we must not forget the crucial role of services like public health, social care and all community services.”

 

In Gloucester we are forecasting a shortfall in funding this year more than £500,000. Our budget in future years will be constrained by predicted reductions in business rates, lost council tax income, lost income from commercial property and increased costs. Unfortunately, Government has stated that it will not reimburse councils for lost commercial income.

 

Council believes that it is vitally important that we are properly financed to be able to deal effectively with this unprecedented crisis and provide adequate support and services for our communities.

 

Cancellation of local authority debt would significantly reduce the burden on local authorities releasing around £4.5 billion extra a year, this would enable councils to begin to stabilise and grow their services in line with social needs. In Gloucester we currently pay over £1.5 million per annum in interest payments to service our debt to the PWLB.

 

Council resolves to:

 

1.       Make representations to the Government and City MP that we should be fully reimbursed (as promised) for all the costs of dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic including loss of commercial income.

2.       Support the national campaign for the cancellation of local authority debt to the Public Works Loans Board and call on the Government and City MP to support this.”

 

 

32.12  RESOLVED that:-

 

“Council notes that local government has played a crucial role in combatting the Covid-19 pandemic, supporting local communities and will have a vital role to play in monitoring and containing the virus, restoring public confidence and reinvigorating our local economies as we move forward.

 

Council further notes that the cost of dealing with Covid-19 has placed an intolerable strain on local government finances. The Institute for Financial Studies (IFS) has estimated that councils will be left with a £2 billion funding gap this year. Councillor Richard Watts, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Resources Board has estimated that the funding shortfall could be at least as high as £6 billion.

 

The CEO of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) has warned that: “…a financial tsunami of reduced income and increased cost is heading in councils’ way. While it’s vital that our health service is given everything it needs to fight this disease, we must not forget the crucial role of services like public health, social care and all community services.”

 

In Gloucester we are forecasting a shortfall in funding this year more than £500,000. Our budget in future years will be constrained by predicted reductions in business rates, lost council tax income, lost income from commercial property and increased costs. Unfortunately, Government has stated that it will not reimburse councils for lost commercial income.

 

Council believes that it is vitally important that we are properly financed to be able to deal effectively with this unprecedented crisis and provide adequate support and services for our communities.

 

Cancellation of local authority debt would significantly reduce the burden on local authorities releasing around £4.5 billion extra a year, this would enable councils to begin to stabilise and grow their services in line with social needs. In Gloucester we currently pay over £1.5 million per annum in interest payments to service our debt to the PWLB.

 

Council resolves to:

 

1.    Make representations to the Government and City MP that we should be fully reimbursed (as promised) for all the costs of dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic including loss of commercial income.

2.    Support the national campaign for the cancellation of local authority debt to the Public Works Loans Board and call on the Government and City MP to support this.”

 

32.13  Councillor Pullen proposed and Councillor Stephens seconded the following motion:

 

“Council recognises that both GL1 – Gloucester Leisure Centre and the Oxstalls Tennis Centre are a vital part of the City’s leisure and sporting infrastructure and make a significant contribution to the health and well-being of many Gloucester residents.

 

Council further notes that Aspire Trust has experienced serious financial problems due to lockdown during the Covid-19 pandemic. The impact of Covid-19 and in particular social distancing measures mean that capacity at both venues has been greatly reduced and it is therefore likely that a comprehensive support package will need to be put in place to support Aspire over the coming months to ensure its survival.

 

Council resolves:

 

1.       To pledge its ongoing support to Aspire Trust to ensure that both GL1 and Oxstalls Tennis Centre remain open and continue to serve the needs of Gloucester people.

 

2.       To continue to have regular dialogue with the Trust and its Board so that we are fully informed as to any problems the Trust may be experiencing.

 

3.    At an appropriate time a report be produced and considered by the Council’s Cabinet setting out the current and forecast financial recovery position and detailing if needed a package of support measures, including financial support that may be required to ensure Aspire remains a profitable concern.”

 

32.14  Councillor Morgan proposed and Councillor Walford seconded the following amendment:

 

 

?       “Council recognises that both GL1 – Gloucester Leisure Centre and the Oxstalls Tennis Centre are a vital part of the City’s leisure and sporting infrastructure and make a significant contribution to the health and well-being of many Gloucester residents.

 

Council further notes that Aspire Trust has experienced serious financial problems challenges due to lockdown the closure of premises during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Council has worked with the Chief Executive of Aspire Trust and supported them throughout this period. The impact of Covid-19 and in particular social distancing measures mean that capacity at both venues has been greatly reduced and it is therefore likely that a comprehensive further support package will need to be put in place to support Aspire over the coming months to ensure its Aspire’s survival.

 

Council resolves:

 

1.    To pledge continue its ongoing support to Aspire Trust to ensure that enable both GL1 and Oxstalls Tennis Centre to remain open and continue to serve the needs of Gloucester people.

 

2.    To continue to have regular dialogue with the Trust and its Board so that we are fully informed as to any problems the Trust may be experiencing.

 

3.    At an appropriate time a report be produced and considered by the Council’s Cabinet setting out the current and forecast financial recovery position and detailing if needed a package of any further support measures, including financial support that may be required to ensure Aspire remains an ongoing concern.”

 

32.15  Councillor Pullen accepted the amendment. The amended motion was put to the vote and was carried.

 

32.16  RESOLVED that:-

 

Council recognises that both GL1 – Gloucester Leisure Centre and the Oxstalls Tennis Centre are a vital part of the City’s leisure and sporting infrastructure and make a significant contribution to the health and well-being of many Gloucester residents.

 

Council further notes that Aspire Trust has experienced financial challenges due to the closure of premises during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Council has worked with the Chief Executive of Aspire Trust and supported them throughout this period. The impact of Covid-19 and in particular social distancing measures mean that capacity at both venues has been greatly reduced and it is therefore likely that further support will need to be put in place over the coming months to ensure its Aspire’s survival.

 

Council resolves:

 

1.          To continue its ongoing support to Aspire Trust to enable both GL1 and Oxstalls Tennis Centre to remain open and continue to serve the needs of Gloucester people.

2.            To continue to have regular dialogue with the Trust and its Board     so that we are fully informed as to any problems the Trust may be experiencing.

 

3.           At an appropriate time a report be produced and considered by the      Council’s Cabinet setting out the current and forecast financial recovery position and detailing any further support required to ensure Aspire remains an ongoing concern.

 

32.17  Councillor Coole proposed and Councillor Hansdot seconded the following motion:

 

     “This Council

 

• Notes that 2020 is the 25th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which saw over 8,000 Muslim men and boys killed by Serbian nationalist forces.
• Notes that in 2009 the European Parliament passed a resolution that 11 July should be recognised as the day of commemoration of the Srebrenica genocide all over the EU; and in 2015 urged the development of educational and cultural programmes that promote an understanding of the causes of such atrocities and raise awareness about the need to nurture peace and to promote human rights and interfaith tolerance. All UK political parties have supported the work of Remembering Srebrenica in this regard.
• Applauds the work of those involved in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their surviving relatives, including the International Commission of Missing People (ICMP) and the Mothers of Srebrenica, whose courage and humility in the face of unthinkable horror is an inspiration to us all.
• Commends the work of the charity, Remembering Srebrenica, in raising awareness of this tragic and preventable genocide and working in communities across Britain to help them learn the lessons of Srebrenica.

 

This Council resolves to

 

• Support Srebrenica memorial events in July each year throughout Gloucester as part of the UK-wide Remembering Srebrenica Memorial Week.
• Support the work of Remembering Srebrenica in communities across Gloucester to learn the lessons from Srebrenica to tackle hatred and intolerance to help build a better, safer and more cohesive society for everyone.
• Support the work of schools and education providers to bring the lessons of Srebrenica to young people across Gloucester.”

 

32.18  The motion was put to the vote and was carried.

 

32.19  RESOLVED that:-

 

This Council

 

• Notes that 2020 is the 25th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which saw over 8,000 Muslim men and boys killed by Serbian nationalist forces.
• Notes that in 2009 the European Parliament passed a resolution that 11 July should be recognised as the day of commemoration of the Srebrenica genocide all over the EU; and in 2015 urged the development of educational and cultural programmes that promote an understanding of the causes of such atrocities and raise awareness about the need to nurture peace and to promote human rights and interfaith tolerance. All UK political parties have supported the work of Remembering Srebrenica in this regard.
• Applauds the work of those involved in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their surviving relatives, including the International Commission of Missing People (ICMP) and the Mothers of Srebrenica, whose courage and humility in the face of unthinkable horror is an inspiration to us all.
• Commends the work of the charity, Remembering Srebrenica, in raising awareness of this tragic and preventable genocide and working in communities across Britain to help them learn the lessons of Srebrenica.

 

This Council resolves to

 

• Support Srebrenica memorial events in July each year throughout Gloucester as part of the UK-wide Remembering Srebrenica Memorial Week.
• Support the work of Remembering Srebrenica in communities across Gloucester to learn the lessons from Srebrenica to tackle hatred and intolerance to help build a better, safer and more cohesive society for everyone.
• Support the work of schools and education providers to bring the lessons of Srebrenica to young people across Gloucester.