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Agenda and minutes

Council - Thursday, 21st November 2024 6.30 pm

Venue: Civic Suite, North Warehouse, The Docks, Gloucester, GL1 2EP

Contact: Democratic and Electoral Services

Link: Watch meeting

Items
No.	Item
33.	Minutes PDF 302 KB View the background to item 33. To approve as a correct record the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 19 September 2024. Minutes: View the minutes text for item 33.
34.	Declarations of Interest View the background to item 34. 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: View the minutes text for item 34.
35.	Call Over (a) Call over (items 9-12) will be read out at the meeting and Members invited to reserve the items for discussion. (b) To approve the recommendations of those reports which have not been reserved for discussion. Minutes: View the minutes text for item 35.
36.	Public Question Time (15 Minutes) PDF 114 KB View the background to item 36. The opportunity is given to members of the public to put questions to Cabinet Members or Committee Chairs 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 15 November 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. Minutes: View the minutes text for item 36.
37.	Petitions and Deputations (15 Minutes) View the background to item 37. 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 15 November 2024 or telephone 01452 396203 for support. Minutes: View the minutes text for item 37.
38.	Announcements View the background to item 38. To receive announcements from: a) The Mayor b) Leader of the Council c) Members of the Cabinet d) Chairs of Committees e) Head of Paid Service Minutes: View the minutes text for item 38.
39.	Members' Question Time PDF 193 KB a) Leader and Cabinet Members’ Question Time (45 minutes) 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 Council’s summons · A matter coming within their portfolio of responsibilities b) Questions to Chairs of Meetings (15 Minutes) Questions and responses will be published at least 24 hours before the meeting. Supplementary questions will be put and answered during the meeting, subject to the relevant time limit. Additional documents: 241121 Council Questions Report - Chairs of Meetings , item 39. PDF 88 KB Minutes: View the minutes text for item 39.
40.	Constitutional Changes PDF 113 KB View the background to item 40. To consider the report of the Head of Paid Service concerning proposed changes to the Council’s Constitution. Additional documents: Constitutional Changes (Appendix 1) , item 40. PDF 332 KB Minutes: View the minutes text for item 40.
41.	Interim Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places PDF 140 KB View the background to item 41. To consider the report of the Returning Officer concerning an interim review of polling districts and polling places, following a Local Government Boundary Commission for England review of the Gloucestershire County Council division boundaries. Additional documents: Interim Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places (Appendix 1) , item 41. PDF 79 KB Interim Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places (Appendix 2) , item 41. PDF 48 KB Interim Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places (Appendix 3) , item 41. PDF 48 KB Interim Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places (Appendix 4a) , item 41. PDF 7 MB Interim Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places (Appendix 4b) , item 41. PDF 644 KB There are a further 2 documents.View the full list of documents for item 41. Minutes: View the minutes text for item 41.
42.	Designation of Interim Chief Finance Officer (S151 Officer) PDF 107 KB To consider the report of the Head of Paid Service concerning the appointment of an interim Chief Finance Officer, in accordance with Section 151 of the Local Government Act 1972. Minutes: View the minutes text for item 42.
43.	Gambling Act 2005 - Revised Statement of Principles PDF 118 KB View the background to item 43. To receive the report of the Corporate Director seeking the adoption of the Gambling Act 2005 - Revised Statement of Principles for 2025-2028. Additional documents: Gambling Act 2005 – Revised Statement of Principles (Appendix 1) , item 43. PDF 2 MB Gambling Act 2005 – Revised Statement of Principles (Appendix 2) , item 43. PDF 125 KB Minutes: View the minutes text for item 43.
44.	Notices of Motion PDF 130 KB View the background to item 44. 1. PROPOSED BY COUNCILLOR A. CHAMBERS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILLOR BELL “This Council resolves to refer to the Audit & Governance Committee for consideration to review and scrutiny the processes by which Gloucester City Council invests and borrows money on behalf of its taxpayers. The aim is to ensure full transparency, accountability, and clear communication to the public regarding how financial decisions are made, where funds are allocated or borrowed, and the risks involved in such actions. Background: The City Council, as a steward of public funds, regularly engages in financial activities such as investments and borrowing to deliver services and fund projects. These decisions have a direct impact on public finances, including local tax levels and the ability to deliver vital services. It is crucial that taxpayers have confidence that these financial decisions are made transparently, are well-considered, and represent the best interests of the public. This Council therefore calls on the Audit and Governance Committee to consider: 1. Review all current investment and borrowing practices of Gloucester City Council, including decision-making processes, risk assessments, and criteria used in determining where and how funds are invested or borrowed. 2. Ensure transparency by making clear and accessible information available to the public regarding the Council's financial activities, including: - The sources and terms of loans or borrowing. - The nature and purpose of investments. - Any potential financial risks or liabilities that could impact taxpayers. 3. Recommend improvements to current practices where necessary to enhance accountability and ensure that financial decisions are in the best long-term interest of the city's residents. 4. Audit & Governance Committee to ask audit and Governance to consider the reviewing and assessing of interest rates on loans the City Council are committing to for borrowing money on behalf of the Gloucester tax payer. And review the interest rates the city council are receiving on Gloucester Tax Payers money investments. 5. Provide a report to the full Council and the public on findings and recommendations, ensuring a clear and transparent process for the handling of taxpayer money. Conclusion: By reviewing and scrutinizing the City Council’s investment and borrowing practices, we can strengthen public trust in the Council's management of public funds. Transparency and accountability are key to ensuring that financial decisions are made responsibly and in the best interest of Gloucester's taxpayers.” 2. PROPOSED BY COUNCILLOR A. CHAMBERS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILLOR BELL “This Council notes the increasing risk posed by large trees on council land, particularly in light of the recent severe weather. Many of these trees, are left unsurveyed and unmanaged, which pose a significant risk to homes, roads, and public safety. It is very unfortunate that these trees are not managed correctly and as a result in my ward of Matson, Robinswood & White City several trees fell on one night. One just missing an inhabited bungalow which would have resulted in deaths. This Council believes that the safety and well-being of residents should be a top priority and that a proactive approach to tree ... view the full agenda text for item 44. Minutes: View the minutes text for item 44.