Agenda, decisions and minutes

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Contact: Democratic and Electoral Services 

Items
No. Item

28.

Declarations of Interest

To receive from Members, declarations of the existence of any disclosable pecuniary, or non-pecuniary, interests and the nature of those interests in relation to any agenda item. Please see Agenda Notes.

Minutes:

There were no declarations of interest.

29.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 123 KB

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meetings held on 14th August  and 10th July 2019.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 10th July 2019 and the special meeting held on 14th August 2019 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

 

30.

Public Question Time (15 minutes)

The opportunity is given to members of the public to put questions to Cabinet Members or Committee Chairs provided that a question does not relate to:

 

·         Matters which are the subject of current or pending legal proceedings, or

·         Matters relating to employees or former employees of the Council or comments in respect of individual Council Officers

Minutes:

There were no public questions.

31.

Petitions and Deputations (15 minutes)

To receive any petitions or deputations provided that no such petition or deputation is in relation to:

 

·         Matters relating to individual Council Officers, or

·         Matters relating to current or pending legal proceedings

Minutes:

There were no petitions or deputations.

32.

Leader and Cabinet Members' Question Time (15 minutes)

Any Member of the Council may ask the Leader of the Council or any Cabinet Member any question without prior notice, 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.

Minutes:

There were no questions to the Leader of the Council or Cabinet.

 

33.

Gloucester City Plan - Pre-Submission Publication pdf icon PDF 143 KB

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy seeking agreement on the `Pre-Submission’ Gloucester City Plan for publication and submission to examination to enable the Council to progress the Gloucester City Plan to adoption to help meet identified growth needs.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RECOMMENDED to Council that it is approved that the Pre-Submission Gloucester City Plan for Publication under the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 as the version of the Gloucester City Plan proposed to be submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination.

 

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy that sought agreement on the `Pre-Submission’ Gloucester City Plan for publication and submission to examination to enable the Council to progress the Gloucester City Plan to adoption to help meet identified growth needs.

 

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy outlined the background to the proposed City Plan and thanked the officers and partner organisations who had worked to advance it so far.  He further thanked the Overview and Scrutiny Committee who had considered the report in depth at their meeting of 2nd September 2019 and advised Members that all their recommendations had been adopted. 

 

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy drew Members’ attention to the innovative nature of some of the policies within the plan. These included the Affordable Housing (Policy A2), with a threshold of 25% affordable housing in developments exceeding the 20% previously recommended, Protection of Public Houses (Policy B2) and Fall Prevention from Taller Buildings (Policy C3), believed to be the first such policy in the country. The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods noted the breadth of issues addressed and contributions from across the region that would enable the plan to make a real difference to health and wellbeing and change people’s lives for the better.  The Cabinet Member for Environment reiterated previous comments on the detail, thoroughness and progress made.  The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy reminded Members that the City Plan would continue to develop through the coming consultation, examination and adoption stages.      

 

 

RECOMMENDED to Council that it is approved that the Pre-Submission Gloucester City Plan for Publication under the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 as the version of the Gloucester City Plan proposed to be submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination.

 

34.

Community Safety Update Report pdf icon PDF 126 KB

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods updating Members on the Stronger Safer Gloucester Partnership’s most recent community safety work.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED that the community safety work of the Stronger Safer Gloucester Partnership be noted.    

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods that updated Members on the Stronger Safer Gloucester Partnership’s most recent community safety work.

 

The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods emphasised the importance of community safety with its direct impact on the local environment, and economy as well as health and wellbeing.  She described the progression of the Partnership from a reactive approach to one of three parts: prevention, protection and response where the root causes of issues were addressed.  An approach that she stated had produced initiatives such as NightSafe and Street Aware with demonstrable results.

 

The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure commented that he had noticed the difference the Partnership made and sought clarification of the acronym LSOA (Appendix 1 Key Data Outcome Measures).  The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods explained that this was Lower Super Output Area, an area needing attention previously described an area of deprivation.

 

RESOLVED that the community safety work of the Stronger Safer Gloucester Partnership be noted.    

35.

Culture Vision and Strategy 2016-2026 Progress Report, Gloucester Culture Trust Annual Report to Council pdf icon PDF 275 KB

To consider the report of the Corporate Director and Gloucester Culture Trust Director presenting a progress report on delivery of the City’s Cultural Vision and Strategy 2016-2026 and an update on delivery of the Great Place Programme. The report also presents the annual activity report of the Gloucester Culture Trust which was established as part of the Cultural Strategy to lead the City’s cultural development.

 

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED to RECOMMEND to Council that:

 

(1)  the Strategy Update and Annual report be welcomed

(2)  the significant progress made during 2018/19 be noted

(3)  the Trust’s stated priorities to 2022 be endorsed

(4)  the potential significant external funding opportunities opened by having an active, well-regarded, and successful Cultural Trust with a growing track record of delivery be noted.

 

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Corporate Director and Gloucester Culture Trust Director that presented a progress report on delivery of the City’s Cultural Vision and Strategy 2016-2026 and an update on delivery of the Great Place Programme. The report also presented the annual activity report of the Gloucester Culture Trust which was established as part of the Cultural Strategy to lead the City’s cultural development and deliver the City’s strategy.

 

The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure summarised the report as a great example of partnership working.  He noted the good progress made by the Gloucester Culture Trust in creating employment and engaging with people, especially young people, across the whole city.  He further commented on the commitment demonstrated by the City Council through its own investment that has encouraged external funders.

 

RESOLVED to RECOMMEND to Council that:

 

(1)  the Strategy Update and Annual report be welcomed

 

(2)  the significant progress made during 2018/19 be noted

 

(3)  the Trust’s stated priorities to 2022 be endorsed

 

(4)  the potential significant external funding opportunities opened by having an active, well-regarded, and successful Cultural Trust with a growing track record of delivery be noted.

 

36.

Gloucester Culture Trust Future Financial Support and Kings House pdf icon PDF 189 KB

To consider the report of the Leader of the Council, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy and the Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure seeking a commitment from the City Council for future funding from to allow the Culture Trust to continue to develop the range of its activities and attract further, substantial, external funding into the City: agreement to explore the potential of sustaining a Gloucester Festivals Innovation Fund and approval to offer Kings House as a base for the Culture Trust’s Creative Workspace Hub and Music Studios for The Music Works.

 

 

Decision:

RESOLVED:

 

(1)  to note the potential significant external funding opportunities opened by having an active, well-regarded, and successful Cultural Trust with a growing track record of delivery

(2)  to commit to providing further core funding of £100,000 over 3 years from 2020/21 and authorise the Corporate Director to enter into grant and service level agreements with the Gloucester Culture Trust.

(3)  to strategically review the effectiveness of the 2019/20 City Council Festivals & Events programme with a view to identifying the potential to commit to allocating a proportion of the budget towards a Gloucester Festivals Innovation Fund

(4)  to authorise the Corporate Director, after consultation with the Cabinet Lead Members for Regeneration and Economy and Culture and Leisure and the Solicitor to the Council, to negotiate terms and conclude leases with the Gloucester Culture Trust and The Music Works in each case for a term of 20 years from completion and at a peppercorn rent, and upon such other terms and conditions as the Corporate Director considers appropriate.

 

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Leader of the Council, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy and the Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure that sought a commitment from the City Council for future funding from to allow the Culture Trust to continue to develop the range of its activities and attract further, substantial, external funding into the City, agreement to explore the potential of sustaining a Gloucester Festivals Innovation Fund and approval to offer Kings House as a base for the Culture Trust’s Creative Workspace Hub and music studios for The Music Works.

 

The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure reminded Members of the high level of active engagement in and commitment to culture in Gloucester in comparison to other local authorities and how it benefitted the whole of the city.  He commented that the proposed facilities to support local artists would be groundbreaking for Gloucester and enable Gloucester’s cultural offer to move even further forward in future.  The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy advised Members that the use of the Regeneration Investment Fund was appropriate as the proposals satisfied the fund objectives as did the use of Kings House which had been empty for many years under private ownership.  The Cabinet Member for Environment informed Members that he had noticed a marked growth in cultural activities in Gloucester in recent years and commented that improvement required investment.

 

RESOLVED:

 

(1)  to note the potential significant external funding opportunities opened by having an active, well-regarded, and successful Cultural Trust with a growing track record of delivery

 

(2)  to commit to providing further core funding of £100,000 over 3 years from 2020/21 and authorise the Corporate Director to enter into grant and service level agreements with the Gloucester Culture Trust.

 

(3)  to strategically review the effectiveness of the 2019/20 City Council Festivals & Events programme with a view to identifying the potential to commit to allocating a proportion of the budget towards a Gloucester Festivals Innovation Fund

 

(4)  to authorise the Corporate Director, after consultation with the Cabinet Lead Members for Regeneration and Economy and Culture and Leisure and the Solicitor to the Council, to negotiate terms and conclude leases with the Gloucester Culture Trust and The Music Works in each case for a term of 20 years from completion and at a peppercorn rent, and upon such other terms and conditions as the Corporate Director considers appropriate.

 

37.

Financial Monitoring Quarter 1 2019/20 pdf icon PDF 165 KB

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources seeking for year-end forecasts, and progress made against agreed savings targets for the 1st Quarter ended 30th June 2019 to be noted.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED that it be noted that:

 

(1)  the forecast year end position is currently for a decrease to the Council’s General Fund balance of £131k against a budgeted decrease of £91k.

(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.

 

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources that sought for the year-end forecasts, and progress made against agreed savings targets for the 1st Quarter ended 30th June 2019 to be noted.

 

The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources summarised the position in each portfolio and placed them in the context of an overall positive trend.

 

RESOLVED that it be noted that:

 

(1)  the forecast year end position is currently for a decrease to the Council’s General Fund balance of £131k against a budgeted decrease of £91k.

 

(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.

 

38.

Strategic Risk Register Update and Risk Management Action Plan 2019/20 pdf icon PDF 122 KB

To consider the report of the Head of Audit Risk Assurance (Chief Internal Auditor) presenting the Strategic Risk Register and the Risk Management Action Plan 2019/20.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED that both the Strategic Risk Register and the Risk Management Action Plan 2019/20 be noted and endorsed.

 

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Audit Risk Assurance (Chief Internal Auditor) that presented the Strategic Risk Register and the Risk Management Action Plan 2019/20.

 

The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources highlighted the key features of the report.

 

RESOLVED that both the Strategic Risk Register and the Risk Management Action Plan 2019/20 be noted and endorsed.

 

39.

Gypsy, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople - Accommodation Need Update pdf icon PDF 131 KB

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy updating Members on the current position in identifying permanent residential sites for Gloucester’s Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople communities and transit sites for those travelling through the county.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED that:

 

(1)  the City Council’s position with regard to permanent site opportunities for the Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople community be endorsed; and

 

(2)  it be noted that officers have made a formal request under the ‘Duty to Cooperate’ to Gloucestershire district planning authorities seeking assistance in identifying a deliverable site to provide for the needs of Gloucester’s Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople community.

 

(3)  the ongoing work within the County to review the need for transit sites and temporary tolerated stopping places be noted.

 

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy that updated Members on the current position in identifying permanent residential sites for Gloucester’s Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople communities and transit sites for those travelling through the county.

 

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy gave the background to the report, in particular the successful partnership between officers and the County Council and reminded Members that it addressed countywide issues that required close working with other agencies, organisations and councils.

 

RESOLVED that:

 

(1)  the City Council’s position with regard to permanent site opportunities for the Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople community be endorsed; and

 

(2)  it be noted that officers have made a formal request under the ‘Duty to Cooperate’ to Gloucestershire district planning authorities seeking assistance in identifying a deliverable site to provide for the needs of Gloucester’s Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople community.

 

(3)  the ongoing work within the County to review the need for transit sites and temporary tolerated stopping places be noted.

 

40.

Exclusion of Press and Public

To resolve:

that the press and public be excluded from the meeting during the following items of business on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the press and public are present during consideration of these items there will be disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 as amended.

 

Agenda Item Nos. Description of Exempt Information

15, 16           Paragraph 3: Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

Minutes:

RESOLVED that the press and public be excluded from the meeting during the following items of business (Agenda items 15 and 16) on the grounds that they are likely, in view of the nature of business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the press and public are present during consideration of these items there will be disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 as amended.

 

41.

St. Oswalds Regeneration Review

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy seeking an agreement on a way forward for the development of the vacant land at St. Oswalds in conjunction with the retail park owned by Hammerson.

Decision:

RESOLVED as per the recommendations in the confidential report

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy that sought an agreement on a way forward for the development of the vacant land at St. Oswalds in conjunction with the retail park owned by Hammerson.

 

RESOLVED as per the recommendations in the confidential report

42.

Gloucestershire Airport Limited

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Environment seeking approval to further support Gloucestershire Airport Limited (GAL) through a series of recommendations in delivery of the business plan following the work commenced in 2017 by both Gloucester City and Cheltenham Borough Councils.

Decision:

RESOLVED as per the recommendations in the confidential report

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Environment that sought approval to further support Gloucestershire Airport Limited (GAL) through a series of recommendations in delivery of the business plan following the work commenced in 2017 by both Gloucester City and Cheltenham Borough Councils.

 

RESOLVED as per the recommendations in the confidential report