Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 16^th October 2024.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 16^th October 2024 are confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

The opportunity is given to members of the public to put questions to Cabinet Members provided that questions do not contravene the provisions set out Council Procedure Rule 10.01.

To ask a question at this meeting, please submit it to democratic.services@gloucester.gov.uk by 12 noon on Friday 8^th November 2024 or telephone 01452 396203 for support.

Questions and responses will be published at least 24 hours before the meeting. Supplementary questions may be put and answered during the meeting, subject to the relevant time limit.

There were no public questions.

The opportunity is given to members of the public to present a petition or deputation provided that any such petition or deputation does not contravene the provisions set out Council Procedure Rule 11.01.

To present a petition or deputation at this meeting, please provide the subject matter to democratic.services@gloucester.gov.uk by 12 noon on Friday 8^th November 2024 or telephone 01452 396203 for support.

Any Member of the Council may ask the Leader of the Council or any Cabinet Member any question 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.

Questions must be submitted to democratic.services@gloucester.gov.uk by 12 noon on Friday 8^th November 2024. Responses to questions will be published in an addendum to the agenda by 12 noon on the day of the Cabinet Meeting.

In respect of question 3 Councillor A. Chambers reiterated the figures given for homeless people and that in October 2024 alone only one third (21 of 63) of the single person households who presented were placed in temporary accommodation.  He asked why consideration would be given to the disposal of potential temporary accommodation (Agenda item 12) in this context.  The Cabinet Member for Housing advised that the households not placed were not necessarily homeless but already in temporary accommodation when they presented to the Council.  He stated that the proposed disposal would enable more properties to be acquired that would be better suited to use as temporary accommodation.

In respect of question 4 Councillor A. Chambers contrasted the average of 34 people sleeping rough over the last 4 weeks with the 19 which he believed to be the average under the previous administration.  He sought clarification of the apparent trend.  The Cabinet Member for Community Engagement emphasised that she did not want a single person sleeping rough and gave reassurance that the administration would do its hardest to prevent it and reduce the numbers.  She further commented on the complexity of the issue.

In respect of question 5 Councillor A. Chambers noted the loss to the Council of both money and accommodation spaces for single people from the proposed disposal while an average of 34 people were currently sleeping rough.  He enquired whether it was thought right to keep people on the streets.  The Cabinet Member for Resources advised that, besides the £25,000 administration costs per year, the properties in question were not in his view suitable for conversion to accommodate vulnerable single individuals safely.  He confirmed that it was intended to seek more appropriate accommodation and that 17 properties had already been bought.  The Cabinet Member for Resources commented that imposing such premises on local communities without engaging with them loses their support and creates problems.

In respect of question 6 Councillor A. Chambers asked that the matter be referred to a Council meeting for discussion given the volume of homeless people needing temporary accommodation.  The Leader of the Council confirmed that the Constitution of the City Council had been followed as had the policy of preserving family homes from becoming houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).

In respect of question 7 Councillor A. Chambers informed Members that he did not believe the Council took recycling seriously and queried whether adopting one large bin would be more expensive as he believed these bins were the same as those currently collected for general waste so new lorries would not need to be purchased.  The Cabinet Member for Environment made it clear that the Council took recycling extremely seriously having what is already a very good system with relatively high engagement with residents which it was planned to increase still further. He advised that purchasing new bins alone would incur costs of over £1.2m.  The Cabinet Member for Environment also highlighted the loss of sale income and higher risk of contamination fines  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.

To consider the report of the Leader of the Council presenting the draft Corporate Plan 2025-2028 and seeking approval to commence the required consultation process.

RESOLVED that:

(1)       the draft Corporate Plan 2025-2028 is approved for public consultation;

(2)       the timetable for the development and finalisation of the Corporate Plan 2025-2028 is noted.

Cabinet considered the report of the Leader of the Council that presented the draft Corporate Plan 2025-2028 and sought approval to commence the required consultation process.

The Leader of the Council summarised the report.  He commented that work streams and the administration’s manifesto had been combined to address the Council’s key objectives (3.3).  The Leader of the Council reminded Members that there would be a lot of work to do to deliver such an ambitious plan with more actions than the plan it is intended to replace.

The Cabinet Member for Resources thanked officers for producing such an easy-to-follow document (Appendix 1).  He informed Members that he looked forward to the proposed public consultation and hoped that all political parties would contribute to the plan through debate as he believed it would make a big difference to the City.

The Cabinet Member for Planning advised that she was pleased with the plan’s bold ambition and that it put regeneration at its heart.  The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure drew Members’ attention to the commitment to Gloucester’s vibrant culture (Appendix 1 No.3) and the exciting programme of events described there.  The Cabinet Member for Community Engagement commented on the importance of the proposed consultation in obtaining feedback, especially from young people.

RESOLVED that:

(1)       the draft Corporate Plan 2025-2028 is approved for public consultation;

(2)       the timetable for the development and finalisation of the Corporate Plan 2025-2028 is noted.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Community Engagement and the Cabinet Member for Housing providing the background to and information about the review of provision for customers who need face-to-face service.

RESOLVED that:

(1)       the progress made to date is noted;

(2)       the undertaking of the review is approved.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Community Engagement and the Cabinet Member for Housing that provided the background to and information about the review of provision for customers who need face-to-face service.

The Cabinet Member for Housing highlighted the necessity of the proposed review to help people who have struggled to access digital and telephone-based services.  He advised that it aligned with the administration’s manifesto promise to `put the heart back into Gloucester’.  The Cabinet Member for Community Engagement emphasised the importance of exploring all options and seeking feedback in order to offer the most cost-effective and best possible service to residents.

RESOLVED that:

(1)       the progress made to date is noted;

(2)       the undertaking of the review is approved.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Environment seeking Members to review the processes currently used to tackle unauthorised graffiti within the City and develop an action plan for improving the service.

RESOLVED that the Graffiti Action Plan (Appendix 1 of the report) is noted.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Environment that sought Members to review the processes currently used to tackle unauthorised graffiti within the City and develop an action plan for improving the service.

The Leader of the Council noted that the report demonstrated progress had been made since the resolution of Council requiring action to be taken (25^th January 2024 Minute 70.11).  The Cabinet Member for Environment advised that the Action Plan (Appendix 1) adopted a common sense approach that includes preventative measures and working in partnership with a broad range of groups, organisations and individuals.  He reminded Members that it is a non-exhaustive live document subject to additions as work progresses.

RESOLVED that the Graffiti Action Plan (Appendix 1 of the report) is noted.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Housing providing Members with the opportunity to review Gloucester’s draft Housing Assistance policy and seeking approval to carry out a public consultation.

RESOLVED that:

(1)       a public consultation of the draft Housing Assistance Policy is agreed;

(2)       following the consultation and consideration to any representations received, a final Housing Assistance Policy report is recommended for confirmation to Cabinet in early 2025 for full adoption in April 2025.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Housing that provided Members with the opportunity to review Gloucester’s draft Housing Assistance Policy and sought approval to carry out a public consultation.

The Cabinet Member for Housing highlighted the key features of the draft policy that would enable residents to remain in their homes.  He noted that the City Council was blazing a trail as the first authority to bring forward such a policy in the county.

The Cabinet Member for Resources made clear its importance in affecting residents’ lives for the better.  He drew Members’ attention to the focus on removing barriers to individuals and caregivers (3.3) and commented that the more that can be done to help people the better.

RESOLVED that:

(1)       a public consultation of the draft Housing Assistance Policy is agreed;

(2)       following the consultation and consideration to any representations received, a final Housing Assistance Policy report is recommended for confirmation to Cabinet in early 2025 for full adoption in April 2025.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Housing and Cabinet Member for Planning seeking Members to approve the preparation of evidence and complete an options appraisal into houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in Gloucester so as to better understand their community impacts and to consider additional controls.

RESOLVED that:

(1)       authority is delegated to the Corporate Director and Head of Place in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Housing and Planning for the following –

a)         to identify resources to deliver the review and carry out a new burdens impact assessment for the Council;

b)         to prepare a final report for Cabinet setting out the key findings and recommendations.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Housing and Cabinet Member for Planning that sought Members to approve the preparation of evidence and complete an options appraisal into houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in Gloucester so as to better understand their community impacts and to consider additional controls.

The Cabinet Member for Planning referred to the importance of HMOs but also growing concerns among councils and residents relating to high concentrations and poor management.  She advised that the proposed review would provide the robust evidence needed to deliver the administration’s manifesto pledge to mitigate negative aspects of their impact.  The Cabinet Member for Housing made it clear that the key goal was to improve standards and the quality of accommodation.

The Leader of the Council noted that under planning law HMOs of six persons or less do not have to apply for planning permission (3.3) so that the requirement of no more than 10% of properties being HMOs within a 100 metre radius of a planning application for a new HMO (Gloucester City Plan 2011-31 Policy A2) could not be applied in their case.  He commented that the Council had to make sure that owners of HMOs with four, five, or six people should request planning permission in future.  The Leader of the Council further advised that the proposed review would provide the detailed evidence required to comprehend where too many HMOs are being supported in a single area, evidence that was not gathered in the Private Sector Stock Condition Survey (Cabinet 6th March 2024 Agenda item 18).

The Cabinet Member for Community Engagement reminded Members of the importance of not being seen to be against HMOs.  She stated that managed properly they can provide good accommodation.

RESOLVED that:

(1)       authority is delegated to the Corporate Director and Head of Place in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Housing and Planning for the following –

a)         to identify resources to deliver the review and carry out a new burdens impact assessment for the Council;

b)         to prepare a final report for Cabinet setting out the key findings and recommendations.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources seeking to outline the reason for the disposal of two properties (property no. 2 and property no. 8) purchased as part of the Council’s Temporary Accommodation Acquisition Programme and delegate authority to enable the disposal.

RESOLVED that:

(1)       Cabinet will enable use of property no. 2 and property no. 8 to be used as family temporary accommodation should there be suitable families large enough for their use and officers deem them a reasonable offer of temporary accommodation;

(2)       should no suitable homeless families be found for either property, then Cabinet will instruct officers to proceed with the proposed decision to dispose of either property, which will be done in consultation and agreement with the Cabinet Member for Resources;

(3)       the proceeds of the sale will be ringfenced for further purchases of suitable temporary accommodation, which will be done in consultation and agreement with the Cabinet Member for Housing.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources that sought to outline the reason for the disposal of two properties (property no. 2 and property no. 8) purchased as part of the Council’s Temporary Accommodation Acquisition Programme and to delegate authority to enable the disposal.

The Cabinet Member for Resources summarised the report.  He drew Members’ attention to the points raised in its consideration by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (4^th November 2024 Minute 39).  The Cabinet Member for Resources advised that this administration took a different view of how to administer temporary accommodation from the last.  He reminded Members of their manifesto pledge to both support homeless people and control the proliferation of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and that the Temporary Accommodation Acquisition Programme approved by Council (16^th November 2023 Minute 50) did not state that family homes would be converted into HMOs.  The Cabinet Member for Resources noted that converting the two family homes in question into HMOs would be contrary to both the manifesto and what he believed to be the principles of the Temporary Acquisition Programme as well as having a negative impact on the locality.

The Cabinet Member for Resources detailed each of the revised recommendations (Addendum) published in response to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee resolutions (Appendix 2).  He reassured Members that if there are homeless families for whom the two properties are suitable then they will have access to them. 

RESOLVED that:

(1)       Cabinet will enable use of property no. 2 and property no. 8 to be used as family temporary accommodation should there be suitable families large enough for their use and officers deem them a reasonable offer of temporary accommodation;

(2)       should no suitable homeless families be found for either property, then Cabinet will instruct officers to proceed with the proposed decision to dispose of either property, which will be done in consultation and agreement with the Cabinet Member for Resources;

(3)       the proceeds of the sale will be ringfenced for further purchases of suitable temporary accommodation, which will be done in consultation and agreement with the Cabinet Member for Housing.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources seeking to update Members on the Council’s use of its powers under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA).

RESOLVED that the annual update on the use of RIPA powers is noted.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources that sought to update Members on the Council’s use of its powers under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA).

The Cabinet Member for Resources outlined the background to the report.  He confirmed that, as has been the case in previous years, the powers had not been used this year.

RESOLVED that the annual update on the use of RIPA powers is noted.