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 February 2025.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 12^th February 2025 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 7^th March 2025 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 7^th March 2025 or telephone 01452 396203 for support.

There were no petitions or deputations.

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 7^th March 2025. 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 9 Councillor Gravells noted that people living near the airport were concerned to know about any incidents.  He queried why the information was not available.  The Leader of the Council confirmed the Council did not have this information and that it was a matter for the Managing Director of Gloucestershire Airport Limited and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

In respect of question 10 the Leader of the Council sought clarification over whether  Councillor Gravells had a personal interest to declare.  Councillor Gravells stated that he did not.  He asked if the requested review not being available yet meant that the lease to occupy the site for car boot sales was going to be abandoned.  The Leader of the Council made it clear that no decision had been taken and that it would be inappropriate to comment further as a tendering process was ongoing.  The Cabinet Member for Resources reiterated that comment could not be made until any contract had been awarded but asserted that he was committed to following the proper processes to get an outcome that was both sustainable and value for taxpayer’s money.  The Cabinet Member for Resources further advised that the Audit and Governance Committee would be the appropriate committee to conduct any proposed review into the tendering process.

In respect of question 12 Councillor S. Chambers enquired whether the criteria could be considered at the next General Purposes Committee.  The Leader of the Council commented that this proposal was not necessary as the matter was not constitutional.  He noted that there were no hard and fast rules for heading reports, and that any working understandings could be developed at a Group Leaders’ meeting.

In respect of question 13 Councillor S. Chambers asked if the byelaws would be updated to be more modern.  The Leader of the Council advised that the Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government was considering the issue as part of local government reorganisation.  He stated that the Monitoring Officer could look into the existing byelaws and advise if they should be incorporated into Public Spaces Protection Orders as others have been.

In respect of question 14 Councillor S. Chambers noted the poor condition of some of the concrete housing in the Podsmead and other Gloucester City Homes estates.  She sought clarification, without inviting comment on the active planning application, on whether the Cabinet Member for Planning supported regeneration of these homes.  The Cabinet Member for Planning made it clear that she did and that she would facilitate the regeneration of the City as quickly as possible as she did not want residents living in sub-standard properties.

In respect of question 15 Councillor S. Chambers enquired whether the Cabinet Member for Resources had changed his mind on the matter since its consideration by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (3^rd March 2025 Minute 82.29).  The Cabinet Member for Resources recalled that he had stated on that occasion that he would look into the issue which he had since done  ...  view the full minutes text for item 80.

To consider the report of the Leader of the Council updating Members on work underway across Gloucestershire in response to the formal invitation received from Government to develop proposals for local government reorganisation (LGR).

TO FOLLOW

RESOLVED that the draft interim Gloucestershire response to Government in appendix A of the report is noted.

Cabinet considered the report of the Leader of the Council that updated Members on work underway across Gloucestershire in response to the formal invitation received from Government to develop proposals for local government reorganisation (LGR).

The Leader of the Council outlined the background to the report and the options presented in the Gloucestershire Councils Leaders’ draft letter (Appendix A).  He reminded Members that proposals had to be submitted by the 21^st March 2025.

RESOLVED that the draft interim Gloucestershire response to Government in appendix A of the report is noted.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Environment seeking Members to review responses to the Gloucester Climate Change Strategy consultation and recommend amendments to the Strategy arising from responses to the consultation.

Appendix B to Follow

RECOMMENDED to Council that:

(1)        the proposed amendments in section 4 of the report be accepted;

(2)        a revised Climate Change Strategy as shown in appendix B of the report be published, subject to WSP’s response to Gloucestershire County Council consultation response (4.6 and appendix D in the report);

(3)        officers be tasked with production of a prioritised plan of projects associated with meeting the aims of the Gloucester Climate Change Strategy, and monitoring the progress of the Council’s work in this area, for consideration by the Cabinet Member for Environment, in consultation with the Climate Change Member Working Group. These should be supported by strong business cases where expenditure is required, to set out how they should be financed.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Environment that sought Members to review responses to the Gloucester Climate Change Strategy consultation and recommend amendments to the Strategy arising from responses to the consultation.

The Cabinet Member for Environment drew Members’ attention to the amendments arising from the consultation (4.1-7).  He commented that the consultation response demonstrated that the public took a keen interest in tackling climate change and the urgency of the issue.  The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure informed Members that she was encouraged to see the public wanting the Council to commit to action and noted that the feedback, especially from Gloucestershire County Council, would both strengthen and provide clarity to the strategy.  The Cabinet Member for Environment advised that the County Council response (Appendix D) was particularly constructive.  He stated that even without the climate change benefits, the proposed measures would save money, a win-win situation for Gloucester’s residents.

RECOMMENDED to Council that:

(1)        the proposed amendments in section 4 of the report be accepted;

(2)        a revised Climate Change Strategy as shown in appendix B of the report be published, subject to WSP’s response to Gloucestershire County Council consultation response (4.6 and appendix D in the report);

(3)        officers be tasked with production of a prioritised plan of projects associated with meeting the aims of the Gloucester Climate Change Strategy, and monitoring the progress of the Council’s work in this area, for consideration by the Cabinet Member for Environment, in consultation with the Climate Change Member Working Group. These should be supported by strong business cases where expenditure is required, to set out how they should be financed.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources seeking Members to approve the continuation of the modified scheme offering additional protection to residents in receipt of any prescribed war disablement pension or war widow’s pension.

RESOLVED that the continuation of the current Housing Benefit War Pension Disregard Policy (Modified Scheme) is approved so that we may disregard war pensions from the calculation of Housing Benefit as detailed at Appendix 1 of the report.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources that sought Members to approve the continuation of the modified scheme offering additional protection to residents in receipt of any prescribed war disablement pension or war widow’s pension.

The Cabinet Member for Resources summarised the reasons for the proposed policy and the benefits to residents in receipt of any prescribed war disablement or war widow’s pension.  He advised Members that the cost to the Council would be limited if they chose to continue the scheme.

RESOLVED that the continuation of the current Housing Benefit War Pension Disregard Policy (Modified Scheme) is approved so that we may disregard war pensions from the calculation of Housing Benefit as detailed at Appendix 1 of the report.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources seeking Members to approve a revised Revenues and Benefits Sanction policy.

RESOLVED that the updated Revenues and Benefits Sanction Policy at Appendix 1 of the report is adopted.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources that sought Members to approve a revised Revenues and Benefits Sanction policy.

The Cabinet Member for Resources highlighted the background to the proposed policy (3.1-4) and reminded Members that Gloucester’s Council Tax Support Scheme is one of the most generous among local authorities.  He advised that not updating the policy would expose the Council to not being able to effectively combat fraud and corruption.

RESOLVED that the updated Revenues and Benefits Sanction Policy at Appendix 1 of the report is adopted.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources presenting year-end forecasts, the financial pressures on the Council and the performance of against certain key financial performance indicators during the Quarter ended 31^st December 2024.

RESOLVED that it is noted that:

(1)        the forecast year end position is currently for a decrease to the Council’s General Fund balance of £232k against a budgeted increase of £12k;

(2)        the details of specific budgetary issues identified by officers and the actions being taken to address those issues;

(3)        the current level of Capital expenditure as shown in Appendix 2 of the report.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources that presented year-end forecasts, financial pressures on the Council and the performance of against certain key financial performance indicators during the Quarter ended 31^st December 2024.

The Cabinet Member for Resources highlighted the key features of the report and placed it in the context of ongoing financial pressures including uncertainty over the local government funding landscape from central government.  He detailed the position, pressures and mitigation measures in each portfolio including his own.  The Cabinet Member for Resources further drew Members’ attention to the movement in earmarked reserves (6.1) and commented that the prompt payment performance (8.1) was outstanding.

The Leader of the Council thanked officers, especially the Finance Team, and the Cabinet Member for Resources for their hard work and looked forward to the budget becoming more settled in future with less one-off expenditure as historic underspending is addressed. 

The Cabinet Member for Environment noted the hard work of the recycling teams when the sorting line and baler broke down, whose efforts had resulted in less income being lost than had been reported in the press.  He informed Members that he believed the purchase of a new baler would not be cost-effective at this stage.  The Cabinet Member for Environment further commented that the recycling service was good and that he expected the waste and recycling contract figures to bounce back. 

The Cabinet Member for Housing pointed to the favourable position of his portfolio (5.15) and advised that the only way to maintain this was as part of a long-term plan to change the way housing and homelessness is dealt with in the City.

RESOLVED that it is noted that:

(1)        the forecast year end position is currently for a decrease to the Council’s General Fund balance of £232k against a budgeted increase of £12k;

(2)        the details of specific budgetary issues identified by officers and the actions being taken to address those issues;

(3)        the current level of Capital expenditure as shown in Appendix 2 of the report.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources seeking Members to note treasury management activities.

RESOLVED that the contents of the report are noted.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources that sought Members to note treasury management activities.

The Cabinet Member for Resources summarised the report and confirmed that no new long-term borrowing was undertaken.  He noted that the economic climate continued to be turbulent and that the Council had operated within the limits set out in the Treasury Management Strategy Statement and in compliance with its Treasury Management Practices.

RESOLVED that the contents of the report are noted.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources seeking Members to recommend that Council approves the Treasury Management Strategy 2025/26, the prudential indicators and notes the Treasury activities.

RECOMMENDED to Council that the Treasury Management Strategy be approved.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources that sought Members to recommend that Council approves the Treasury Management Strategy 2025/26, the prudential indicators and notes the Treasury activities.

The Cabinet Member for Resources emphasised that the Council remained in an under-borrowing position which he believed to be a sensible approach for the reasons outlined in the report (3.2).  The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure expressed her gratitude to the Cabinet Member for Resources and officers for setting out the report in such a clear and easily digestible way.

RECOMMENDED to Council that the Treasury Management Strategy be approved.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources presenting the Council’s Pay Policy Statement for 2025/26 for approval.

RECOMMENDED to Council that the Pay Policy Statement for 2025/26 attached as Appendix 1 to the report be approved.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources that presented the Council’s Pay Policy Statement for 2025/26 for approval.

RECOMMENDED to Council that the Pay Policy Statement for 2025/26 attached as Appendix 1 to the report be approved.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources seeking Members to review and update the current arrangements for management and enforcement for the Council’s car parks given the current contract expiry of August 2025.

Please note that Appendix 1 is exempt from disclosure to the press and public by virtue of Paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 as amended (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person including the authority holding that information). If Members wish to discuss Appendix 1 the Cabinet will need to resolve to exclude the press and public before doing so.

RESOLVED that:

(1)              the Council bringing in-house the services referred to in section 2 of the appendix of the report is approved;

(2)              the Council’s appointment of a contractor to carry out enforcement of the Council’s car parking order is approved;

(3)              authority is delegated to the Property and Investment Manager, in consultation with the Head of Finance and Resources, the Cabinet Member for  Resources and Director of One Legal, to undertake a procurement for and appoint a suitable enforcement contractor; and

(4)        it is noted that the parking equipment in Eastgate and Kings Walk will be replaced to implement pay and display and app based payment, in line with our other car parks.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources that sought Members to review and update the current arrangements for management and enforcement for the Council’s car parks given the current contract expiry of August 2025.

The Cabinet Member for Resources advised that the proposed recommendations would change the way in which two of the Council’s biggest car parks are managed thus affecting a lot of people.  He noted that a review of the current arrangements was necessary due to the expiry of the management contract in August 2025.  The Cabinet Member for Resources outlined the advantages of `pay and display’ arrangements as detailed in the report (3.1-3).  The Leader of the Council stated that the recommendations would increase income and reminded Members of the administration’s manifesto pledge to maximise income from commercial assets.

RESOLVED that:

(1)              the Council bringing in-house the services referred to in section 2 of the appendix of the report is approved;

(2)              the Council’s appointment of a contractor to carry out enforcement of the Council’s car parking order is approved;

(3)              authority is delegated to the Property and Investment Manager, in consultation with the Head of Finance and Resources, the Cabinet Member for  Resources and Director of One Legal, to undertake a procurement for and appoint a suitable enforcement contractor; and

(4)        it is noted that the parking equipment in Eastgate and Kings Walk will be replaced to implement pay and display and app based payment, in line with our other car parks.