Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 13^th November 2024.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 13^th November 2024 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair subject to the following correction:

Minute 35 Leader and Members’ Question Time

that with regard to question 3 `the households not placed were not necessarily homeless’ be replaced with `the households not placed were not necessarily roofless’.

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 December 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.

In respect of question 1 the member of the public queried whether the costs of further artworks at the bus or train stations would come from a separate budget rather than from already limited Transport Hub funds.  The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure confirmed that they would be subject to the same principles as public art anywhere else in the City including review and the identification of funding as proposed in the Public Art report (Agenda item 12).

In respect of question 2 the member of the public informed Members that he had not seen any reference in Gloucester Docks to its role in the Transatlantic Slave Trade or to the merchants who benefited from it such as the Bakers and Philpotts after whom warehouses are named.  He asked if uncomfortable elements of history such as these would be targeted to promote a better understanding of the City’s past.

The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure stated that commemoration of the 200^th anniversary of the opening of the Docks would be part of a programme of events in 2027 but that these were in a very early stage of planning.  She gave assurance that community groups and stakeholders would be involved in the process.  The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure further directed the member of the public to the resolutions and detailed research in the Monuments Review approved by Cabinet (9 February 2022 Agenda item 8).  She noted some recent relevant activities such as the revised blue plaque for George Whitefield, exhibition on Ukawsaw Gronniosaw at the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum and the `Connected Lives’ research project at the Cathedral.  She advised that endeavours to inform the public via information panels, educational resources, public art and other methods were ongoing.  The Managing Director advised that the owners of Bakers Quay had apprised the former Head of Culture of their intention to not associate that name on the buildings or addresses on either the first or second phase of the development there.  He assured Members that he and the Head of Place would again raise the matter with them.

In respect of question 3 the member of the public made it clear that he believed planning permission had been granted for 1,000 car parking spaces and that he had a statement from the Leader of the Council in 2007 giving the impression that this was the case.  He queried why the Council maintains that this permission had not been granted.  The Cabinet Member for Resources stated that the 1,000 spaces had been in the outline application in 2007 but not enacted.  He confirmed that what is in the license tender documents, 178 spaces or thereabouts, is what is wanted now and is all that is relevant rather than what happened in the past.  He further gave assurance that the tendering process would be fair and transparent.

In respect of question 4 the member of the public sought clarification as to the amount of the service charge.  The Cabinet  ...  view the full minutes text for item 45.

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

There were no questions to the Leader or Cabinet Members.

To consider the report of the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Resources seeking Members to review the Council’s Draft Money Plan and budget proposals.

TO FOLLOW

The Leader of the Council stated that the Money Plan 2025-30 and Budget Proposals 2025/30 would be considered at the next meeting of Cabinet when essential information from central government would be available.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources seeking Members to note treasury management activities for the period 1^st April 2024 to 30^th September 2024, prudential indicators, interest rate forecasts, performance in quarter 1 and an overview of the first half of the financial year 2024-25.

RESOLVED that the report is noted.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources that sought Members to note treasury management activities for the period 1^st April 2024 to 30^th September 2024, prudential indicators, interest rate forecasts, performance in quarter 1 and an overview of the first half of the financial year 2024-25.

The Cabinet Member for Resources highlighted the key features of the report including the level of investment funds (3.3), core cash balances and that investments had outperformed the benchmark by 38 basis points (3.4).  He reassured Members that no new long-term borrowing had been undertaken and that the Council had operated within the Treasury Management Strategy Statement limits.  The Cabinet Member for Resources confirmed that Members will be informed if there is value to be had from rescheduling debt.  He drew attention to the details of the long-term cash balances in Appendix 3 as had been requested (Audit and Governance Committee 15 July 2024 Minute 13.3).  

RESOLVED that the report is noted.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources presenting the updated Risk Management Policy Statement and Strategy.

RESOLVED that:

(1)        the Risk Management Policy Statement and Strategy is adopted and endorsed;

(2)        following endorsement, the Strategy be disseminated to Members and officers in accordance with a communications plan to reaffirm the Council’s risk management objectives.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources that presented the updated Risk Management Policy Statement and Strategy.

The Cabinet Member for Resources outlined the background to and importance of the report.

RESOLVED that:

(1)        the Risk Management Policy Statement and Strategy is adopted and endorsed;

(2)        following endorsement, the Strategy be disseminated to Members and officers in accordance with a communications plan to reaffirm the Council’s risk management objectives.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources seeking that the proposed scheme be recommended for Council approval as the Council’s Local Council Tax Support Scheme for 2025/26.

RECOMMENDED to Council that:

(1)    the Local Council Tax Support scheme for working age customers in Appendix 1 and summarised in Appendix 2 of the report is adopted as the approved scheme for 2025/26;

(2)    the scheme approved at (1) above be updated to align with any legislation changes in January 2025 and to be implemented from 1^st April 2025;

(3)    any urgent amendments to the scheme approved at (1) above, in the event of a national emergency and authorised by the government, be adopted, and implemented immediately.  

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources that sought that proposed a scheme for recommendation to Council as the Gloucester City Council Local Council Tax Support Scheme (LCTS) for 2025/26.

The Cabinet Member for Resources reminded Members that the LCTS affected only people of working age and that the costs are met Councils themselves.  He noted that Gloucester’s scheme is more generous than those of many other authorities.  The Cabinet Member for Resources proposed that it was right to continue to mirror the scheme of 2012 and give up to a 100% reduction of the charge to the most vulnerable residents in the context of the cost-of-living crisis.  He drew Members’ attention to the proposal to disregard armed forces compensation as capital (3.5) benefiting veterans.  The Leader of the Council commented that this action was in response to a motion raised at Council (19^th  September Minute 32.12) and that, despite suffering the same financial challenges, this authority was enhancing support rather than removing it as others have done.

RECOMMENDED to Council that:

(1)    the Local Council Tax Support scheme for working age customers in Appendix 1 and summarised in Appendix 2 of the report is adopted as the approved scheme for 2025/26;

(2)    the scheme approved at (1) above be updated to align with any legislation changes in January 2025 and to be implemented from 1^st April 2025;

(3)    any urgent amendments to the scheme approved at (1) above, in the event of a national emergency and authorised by the government, be adopted, and implemented immediately.  

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources seeking approval to adopt and implement the guidelines of the National Non-Domestic Rates Discretionary Relief Policy.

RESOLVED that:

(1)        the National Non-Domestic Rates Discretionary Relief Policy detailed at Appendix 1 of the report is approved and adopted;

(2)        the policy be reviewed every 3 years with the next review in 2027;

(3)        powers are delegated for discretionary relief as outlined in Appendix 1 of the report.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources that sought approval to adopt and implement the guidelines of the National Non-Domestic Rates Discretionary Relief Policy.

The Cabinet Member for Resources sumarised the report.  He emphasised that the current policy had not been revised since 2012 and needed to be updated following legislative changes.  The Cabinet Member for Resources referred to the proposed review process to commence for ratepayers in January 2025 (8.2) and commented that it was good practice that the inevitable changes in circumstance be accounted for.

RESOLVED that:

(1)        the National Non-Domestic Rates Discretionary Relief Policy detailed at Appendix 1 of the report is approved and adopted;

(2)        the policy be reviewed every 3 years with the next review in 2027;

(3)        powers are delegated for discretionary relief as outlined in Appendix 1 of the report.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure setting out existing works, opportunities and next steps for the future commissioning of public art in Gloucester.

RESOLVED that the report is noted and next steps endorsed.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure that set out existing works, opportunities and next steps for the future commissioning of public art in Gloucester.

The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure underlined the importance of public art to people’s lives and making the City a better place for both residents and visitors.  She reminded Members of recent projects, such as Knife Angel, and of longstanding artworks such as the BHS reliefs (currently in storage).  The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure drew Members’ attention to the 5 Public Art Principles proposed in 2020 (Appendix 1) and the benefits of a public art strategy (3.4.1).  She advised how these would enable professional artists, community groups, local artists and residents to contribute and come together to put the heart back into Gloucester.  The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure cautioned that there was still a lot of work to do, including the procurement of public art specialists (3.5.1).

The Leader of the Council noted that the recommendation (2.1) would satisfy a key aspect of the administration’s manifesto.  He informed Members of the positive impact of public art on his experience as a visitor to other cities and that it encourages people to visit, stimulating both tourists and residents alike.  The Leader of the Council further urged that the ringfencing of funds from capital development projects (3.5.3) be progressed, such as with Greyfriars, so that works of art can be commissioned to make the City a more exciting place.

RESOLVED that the report is noted and next steps endorsed.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Planning seeking approval to publish the IFS with CIL and s106 reports regarding the year ending 31^st March 2024, and the Annual CIL Rate Summary Statement within the statutory timescale.

RESOLVED that:

(1)              the publication of the Infrastructure Funding Statement relating to the financial year ending 31^st March 2024 (Appendix 1 of the report) is approved; and

(2)        it is noted that the annual Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Rate Summary Statement (Appendix 2 of the report) will be published alongside the Infrastructure Funding Statement by 31^st December 2024.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Planning that sought approval to publish the IFS with CIL and s106 reports regarding the year ending 31^st March 2024, and the Annual CIL Rate Summary Statement within the statutory timescale.

The Cabinet Member for Planning highlighted the key features of the report.  She advised that the £1m of unspent pooled funds (Appendix 1 1b) would be allocated in 2025, 2 bids already being in place for Gloucester.  The Leader of the Council emphasised the importance of recovering for the benefit of its residents what the City has contributed including funds from developments that because of the constrained boundaries of Gloucester have come under other Joint Core Strategy partners such as Tewkesbury Borough Council.

RESOLVED that:

(1)              the publication of the Infrastructure Funding Statement relating to the financial year ending 31^st March 2024 (Appendix 1 of the report) is approved; and

(2)        it is noted that the annual Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Rate Summary Statement (Appendix 2 of the report) will be published alongside the Infrastructure Funding Statement by 31^st December 2024.