Agenda and decisions

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 17^th July 2024.

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 6^th September 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.

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 6^th September 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 6^th September 2024. Responses to questions will be published in an addendum to the agenda by 12 noon on the day of the Cabinet Meeting.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration setting out the intention of the Council to continue ongoing regeneration efforts and to increase housing provision in the City.

RESOLVED that:

(1)       authority is delegated to the Head of Place, in consultation with the Council Solicitor, S151 Officer and the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, to explore all options to acquire land at 67-69 London Road, Gloucester and 106 – 114 Northgate Street, Gloucester, including the use of Compulsory Purchase Order powers, if necessary, to bring back into use these long term vacant and unsightly sites;

(2)       authority is delegated to the Head of Place, in consultation with the Corporate Director, the S151 Officer and the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, to undertake the necessary tasks to be able to present viable residential development proposals to Cabinet for the former Wessex House site on Great Western Road, Gloucester; the upper floors of 20 – 26 The Oxbode, Gloucester; and ‘Whitefriars Phase 2’ on Market Parade, Gloucester. This work should be completed within 6 months of this decision and presented to Cabinet for decision making on next steps.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources seeking to provide a proposal for the disposal of No. 92-96 Westgate Street, Gloucester, including the market value of the property and likely income to the authority should it be sold on the open market.

RESOLVED that the option to place 92-96 Westgate Street on the open market ready for sale of the freehold is approved.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources presenting the year-end forecasts, financial pressures on the Council during the Quarter ended 30^th June 2024 and reporting on the performance of the Council against certain key financial performance indicators.

RESOLVED it is noted that:

       (1)               the forecast year end position is currently for a decrease to the Council’s General Fund balance of £67k 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 Community Engagement updating Members on the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Working Group Action Plan and seeking to inform them of planned future work.

RESOLVED that:

(1)       the work previously undertaken by council officers, the Equality and Diversity Working Group, elected members and Council partners regarding equalities is noted;

(2)       the Council’s priorities and plans for the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Working Group for 2024-25 are supported.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Environment updating Members on the draft Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) and seeking approval for it to proceed to consultation.

RESOLVED that:

(1)       the contents of the report and action plan are supported;

(2)       progression to consultation is agreed.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Community Engagement seeking to outline the Council’s financial contributions towards the voluntary and community sector during the year 2023-24.

RESOLVED that the report is noted.