Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 12^th March 2025.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 12^th March 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 4^th April 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 4^th April 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 4^th April 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 1 Councillor Gravells asked how many vacant positions there were and when they would be filled.  The Leader of the Council confirmed that there were 1.5 full-time posts to be filled at the end of May and a part-time position still to be recruited.

In respect of question 2 Councillor Gravells sought clarification on approach to be taken in the report referred to in the response and whether it could be considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.  The Cabinet Member for Community Engagement advised that the matter will be tackled with compassion and tolerance but without enabling inappropriate behaviours.  She made it clear that any necessary enforcement would be preceded by engagement with individuals and that the tools to help them would be put in place.  The Cabinet Member for Community Engagement gave assurance that the report would be made available to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee if requested.

In respect of question 3 Councillor Gravells queried why residents had to enter the brooks to keep them clear.  The Cabinet Member for Environment stated that they did not have to and urged residents to report issues through the proper channels rather than putting themselves at risk by entering the water. He noted that the City does not have the issues found in other places.

In respect of question 4 Councillor Gravells enquired whether the invitation for groups to write to the Cabinet Member for Environment meant he was not willing to meet them.  The Cabinet Member for Environment emphasised that he was not unwilling to meet them but reiterated that they first write to him with their concerns so that he could decide best how to respond.

In respect of question 5 Councillor Gravells noted that the NHS Trusts routinely shared live data from their management systems with the County Council Overview and Scrutiny Committee. He asked that the Council does the same.  The Leader of the Council reminded Members that data can be provided by officers in the form of reports where its meaning and context is explained.  He advised that raw data in the Pentana management system can be misunderstood without context.

To consider the report of the Leader of the Council seeking Members to approve the award of a contract for site remediation works at the site referred to as Wessex House following the successful grant award from the One Public Estate, Brownfield Land Release Fund 3 (BLRF3) announced in October 2024.

RESOLVED that delegated authority is given to the Head of Place, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Council Solicitor to spend the £688,484 BLRF monies and  complete all documentation, including entering contracts, in connection with the works necessary to comply with BLRF funding.

Cabinet considered the report of the Leader of the Council that sought Members to approve the award of a contract for remediation works at the site referred to as Wessex House following the successful grant award from the One Public Estate, Brownfield Land Release Fund 3 (BLRF3) announced in October 2024.

The Leader of the Council summarised the report.  He commented that the development would be attractive to prospective residents given its proximity to the railway station and the Forum development.

RESOLVED that delegated authority is given to the Head of Place, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Council Solicitor to spend the £688,484 BLRF monies and  complete all documentation, including entering contracts, in connection with the works necessary to comply with BLRF funding.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Housing providing a progress update on the delivery of the Council’s Temporary Accommodation Acquisition Programme.

RESOLVED that the contents of the report and the positive progress delivering the Temporary Accommodation Acquisition Programme is noted.

The Cabinet Member for Housing highlighted the key features of the report.  He informed Members that eight properties have been occupied by twelve households.  The Cabinet Member for Housing commented that the 8% refurbishment costs represented good value and noted the savings made over bed and breakfast accommodation and those made by utilising the Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF).  He reminded Members that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee had been supportive when the report was considered by them (31^st March 2025 Minute 90).

The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure informed Members that she was pleased that energy efficiency measures were being incorporated into the properties which would both save money and contribute to the Council’s climate change goals.  She further drew attention to retention of historic features as seen in the photographs (Appendix 2) which she commented were often lost in house in multiple occupation (HMO) conversions.

The Leader of the Council noted that none of the properties were converted from family homes into HMOs and that the improvements to their fittings and energy efficiency had been achieved within the budget.  He thanked the Cabinet Member for Housing and officers for moving the project forward.  The Cabinet Member for Planning commented that it was it was nice to see taxpayers’ money being saved and good quality homes being provided.

RESOLVED that the contents of the report and the positive progress delivering the Temporary Accommodation Acquisition Programme is noted.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Planning seeking to brief Members on the funding decisions made by the CIL Joint Committee on Tuesday 4^th March 2025.

RESOLVED that the decisions of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Joint Committee are noted.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Planning that sought to brief Members on the funding decisions made by the CIL Joint Committee on Tuesday 4^th March 2025.

The Cabinet Member for Planning drew Members’ attention to the 25% of the fund to be allocated to district projects and the 75% for strategic infrastructure projects (Appendix 3).  She informed them that she was pleased that three of the latter supported active travel.  The Leader of the Council thanked the Cabinet Member for Planning and officers for their negotiating skills on the Joint Committee and reminded Members that the 25% would fund key projects in Gloucester.

RESOLVED that the decisions of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Joint Committee are noted.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources proposing changes to the Discretionary Housing Payments Policy (DHP) in line with latest best practice and guidance so that funding continues to be allocated to those most in need.

RESOLVED that:

(1)    the Discretionary Housing Payments policy at Appendix 1 of the report is the approved policy for Gloucester City Council;

(2)    decisions relating to the award of Discretionary Housing Payments, in line with the policy and DWP guidance, are delegated to designated officers within the Benefits team, with the final decision in the event of dispute being taken by the Head of Finance & Resources;

(3)    the Discretionary Housing Payment policy is effective 1^st April 2025.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources that proposed changes to the Discretionary Housing Payments Policy (DHP) in line with latest best practice and guidance so that funding continues to be allocated to those most in need.

The Cabinet Member for Resources outlined the background to the report and placed it in the context of the disregard of war pensions in calculating income resolved by Council (19^th September 2024 Minute 32.12). He reassured Members that the recommendations would ensure that support was fair and went to the most vulnerable residents.

RESOLVED that:

(1)    the Discretionary Housing Payments policy at Appendix 1 of the report is the approved policy for Gloucester City Council;

(2)    decisions relating to the award of Discretionary Housing Payments, in line with the policy and DWP guidance, are delegated to designated officers within the Benefits team, with the final decision in the event of dispute being taken by the Head of Finance & Resources;

(3)    the Discretionary Housing Payment policy is effective 1^st April 2025.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources seeking Members to approve the sale of the freehold disposal of 92-96 Westgate Street and to assess the bids received for its purchase.

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)    delegated authority is given to the Investment Manager in consultation with the Section 151 Officer and Cabinet Member for Resources for the disposal of the freehold of 92-96 Westgate Street be allowed to continue to completion;

(2)    approval is given for the sale of the freehold title with no restrictive covenants on future use with the exception of the retention of the coat of arms and mural on the wall on the Three Cocks Lane Elevation;

(3)    delegated authority to include proceeding with any of the 3 bids detailed in the report in order to ensure a swift completion with one of the suitable parties.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources that sought approval for the sale of the freehold disposal of 92-96 Westgate Street following an assessment of the bids received for its purchase.

The Cabinet Member for Resources advised Members that the proposed sale would bring life back to an empty building, dispense with its maintenance costs and generate funds to invest in other projects.  The Leader of the Council commented that it was right to sell so that the property could be put to good use.  He noted the importance of the recommendation for a covenant to preserve the historic coat of arms on Three Cocks Lane (2.1(2)).  The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure stressed the value of retaining and promoting public art and returning works currently in storage to the public realm.  The Leader of the Council stated that public artworks in the City should be protected and that he would like to see new buildings have artworks included.

RESOLVED that:

(1)    delegated authority is given to the Investment Manager in consultation with the Section 151 Officer and Cabinet Member for Resources for the disposal of the freehold of 92-96 Westgate Street to be allowed to continue to completion;

(2)    approval is given for the sale of the freehold title with no restrictive covenants on future use with the exception of the retention of the coat of arms and mural on the wall on the Three Cocks Lane Elevation;

(3)    delegated authority to include proceeding with any of the 3 bids detailed in the report in order to ensure a swift completion with one of the suitable parties.