Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 9^th March 2022.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 9^th March 2022 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 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.

To ask a question at this meeting, please submit it to democratic.services@gloucester.gov.uk by Friday 1^st April 2022 or telephone 01452 396203 for support.

The Democratic and Electoral Services Officer read the following question on behalf of a member of the public who was unable to attend in person.

The city centre is where we need a clear and obvious statement of support for Ukraine.  Although a Ukrainian flag is being flown at the North Warehouse this is out of the way and that at the Shire Hall does not draw the eye and represents the county.  I would like to ask why the City has not hung flags or banners in the city to keep the current conflict in the public consciousness and encourage residents to continue making their own contributions in whatever form they are able?

The Leader of the Council thanked the member of the public and advised him that there was a third flag flying in a more central location at the Gloucester Guildhall.  He further informed him that the demonstration of the newly installed lighting and fountains in Kings Square had used the national colours of Ukraine and he anticipated they would do so again in future performances.  The Leader of the Council expressed confidence that media coverage continued to give the conflict a high public profile.

The Leader of the Council commented on a suggestion previously received for bunting to be displayed in the streets but stated that he felt this would not be appropriate given the gravity of the situation in the Ukraine.  He highlighted the resolution of the Council made on the day armed conflict began (24 February 2022 minute 84.5) to condemn Russian aggression, support the people of Ukraine and to write to the relevant ambassadors.  The Leader of the Council took the opportunity to inform Members that he considered certain councillors and residents to be doing an amazing job gathering and delivering aid to the people of Ukraine.

A member of the public representing Gloucestershire Catch The Bus Campaign referred to the written questions submitted as below.  The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources expressed her gratitude for bringing these matters to her attention and advised him that the answers would appear in the minutes as below.  She further reassured him that the issues in question would be raised with the relevant highway authority whom the City Council would lobby on his behalf, but advised him also to submit these questions to the County Council directly.

(1)  Gloucester Transport Hub is one of the best bus and coach stations in South West England.  What progress is being made by the City Council, as its owner, to improve the cleaning of the ceilings and interior and to make sure all departures are displayed, especially given that more services will be calling from April 2022?

Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources Response:  Thank you for this insightful question.  The City Council owns the Gloucester Transport Hub to facilitate the transport services. However, the services in question are the responsibility of, and organised by, the Integrated Transport Unit of the County Council, including all the bus timetable  ...  view the full minutes text for item 108.

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

There were no petitions or deputations.

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.

In respect of question 1 Councillor Wilson advised that some trees had been planted in inappropriate positions on Hucclecote Green.  He sought reassurance that volunteer groups would not be left alone to rectify such situations and that in this case the Friends of Hucclecote Green would be assisted.

The Cabinet Member for Environment stated that there was no expectation for volunteer groups to move planted trees.  He recommended that the Climate Change Manager be alerted to the Hucclecote Green issues so action can be taken.

In respect of question 2 Councillor Wilson sought confirmation that the City’s own tree planting budget could be carried forward into the 2022/23 financial year irrespective of the deadline required to spend the grant money received for the same purpose.  The Cabinet Member for Environment confirmed that the budget in question would be carried forward.

In respect of question 3 Councillor Hilton requested the most recent date before the cyber incident when an insurance decision was made.  The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources replied that as she was not the decision maker herself, she would consult officers and supply a written answer.

In respect of question 4 Councillor Hilton queried what records there were of relevant discussions following the incident in question.  The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources responded that although she believed the dialogue between the then Cabinet and officers to have been unminuted, she would make enquiries with officers and deliver a written answer directly.

In respect of question 5 Councillor Hilton enquired when a planning application might be made.  The Cabinet Member for Environment informed Councillor Hilton that he believed it was usual in such cases for the developer to ensure all funding was in place before submitting an application so he was not expecting an application yet.

In respect of question 6 Councillor Hilton asked when ward councillors would be briefed on options for the Wessex House site.  The Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy confirmed that officers were keen to progress the development and that a briefing would take place at a future Group Leaders’ meeting.

In respect of question 7 Councillor Hilton noted the importance to the development of the land belonging to Tesco PLC.  He sought confirmation that its inclusion was guaranteed.  The Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy gave her assurance that a written answer would be provided.

In respect of question 8 Councillor Hilton reminded Members that reports had been made of problems in the streets around the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) area in Kingsholm.  He sought clarification of progress being made to extend the PSPO.  The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods reiterated the need for the Police to have sufficient evidence of disorder before the PSPO could be extended.  He noted the reports alluded to and pledged to take the matter forward with officers.

In respect of question 9 Councillor Hilton informed Members that he received emails on the matter regularly from Kingsholm residents and noted the importance  ...  view the full minutes text for item 110.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods updating Members on the work officers have undertaken regarding equalities, as well as the work that the Equality and Diversity Working Group has completed this year.

RESOLVED that the work undertaken by Council officers, the Equality and Diversity Working Group, elected members and Council partners regarding equalities is welcomed.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods that updated Members on the work officers have undertaken regarding equalities, as well as the work that the Equality and Diversity Working Group has completed, this year.

The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods highlighted the key features of and background to the report.  He particularly drew Members’ attention to the Commission to Review Race Relations (3.3.1) and the Monuments Review (3.3.2).  The Leader of the Council commented on the enormous amount of effort put in by the contributors to both and the extraordinary breadth and depth of the latter.

RESOLVED that the work undertaken by Council officers, the Equality and Diversity Working Group, elected members and Council partners regarding equalities is welcomed.