Issue - meetings

1.    PROPOSED BY COUNCILLOR CHAMBERS-DUBUS

“The rise in energy costs for the coming winter will put many people in Gloucester in a position where they will be unable to effectively heat their homes. It is predicted that many families will experience fuel poverty.  There is serious concern for the impact this will have not just on vulnerable people and those already experiencing disadvantage but also on working families who are struggling to make ends meet due to the cost of living crisis.

Councils across the country are seriously concerned about the impact the increased energy costs will have and despite the price rises being beyond their control, councils are considering what they can do to help people in their areas. 

A number of councils are taking a lead and setting up a ‘Warm Places Scheme’ where people can attend public buildings during the daytime to stay warm. The scheme would welcome those who cannot afford to heat their homes and venues could include council owned premises and community buildings as well as churches and places of religious worship. By visiting such places people would not only be able to stay warm but also access services who could help and support them with other energy related matters.

In order to establish a Warm Places scheme this council resolves to:

·       Take the lead and act urgently and establish a Warm Places initiative across the city.

·       Utilise its own premises and liaise with the County Council to make public venues available. This could include places such as libraries, museums and other appropriate council owned buildings.

·       Enlist the support of community and voluntary sector organisations to include   community centres and neighbourhood buildings.

·       Contact churches and other religious organisations to include them in the scheme.

·       Establish a Warm Places grant scheme to offer financial support costs to organisations prepared to get involved.”

2.    PROPOSED BY COUNCILLOR PULLEN

“Relocating the office accommodation of this council to The Eastgate Centre is to be welcomed as a positive and progressive move. It places the Council in the heart of the city centre where its presence and services can be easily identified and accessed.

To complement the office relocation the council should also move The Gateway Customer Services Reception to The Eastgate Centre.

Prior to Covid, The Gateway was providing face to face services to the public from its   Westgate Street base, near to the council offices in Shire Hall. However, once the council moves to Eastgate The Gateway will become remote from the rest of the Council, being located in a different part of the city. This has the potential to cause confusion among the public in identifying exactly where council services are located and accessed.    

The office space formerly occupied by the UK DRIC on the first floor is currently unused and this location or somewhere close by would make an ideal location for The Gateway. 

As the impact of Covid improves and services begin to return to normal steps should be taken to restore opening times  ...  view the full agenda text for item 27