Agenda and draft minutes

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 22 February 2024.

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.

(a)       Call over (items 9-13) 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.

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 March 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 15 March 2024 or telephone 01452 396203 for support.

To receive announcements from:

a)        The Mayor

b)        Leader of the Council

c)        Members of the Cabinet

d)        Chair of Committees

e)        Head of Paid Service

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.

To consider the report of the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Environment seeking adoption of a Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, to be issued for public and key stakeholder consultation.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy seeking approval for the adoption of the updated draft of the City Centre Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan as a Supplementary Planning Document.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources seeking approval of the Capital Strategy 2024/25

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources seeking approval for the Treasury Management Strategy 2024/25 and the prudential indicators.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources concerning Council’s Pay Policy Statement for 2024/25.

1.    PROPOSED BY COUNCILLOR O’DONNELL

“I rise today to propose a motion that addresses the need for inclusivity in our community's play parks. It is essential that we prioritize the accessibility and enjoyment of recreational spaces for all residents, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. By making all play parks in Gloucester all-inclusive by December 2026, we can create a more welcoming and equitable environment for children and families of diverse backgrounds.

The importance of inclusive play parks cannot be overstated. These spaces provide children with opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and imaginative play, fostering their development and well-being. However, traditional play parks often lack the necessary features and amenities to accommodate individuals with disabilities, limiting their participation and enjoyment. By making our play parks all-inclusive, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to play, learn, and grow in a safe and accessible environment.

This motion aims to achieve several key objectives:

1.    Accessibility for All: By making all play parks in Gloucester all-inclusive, we can ensure that children of all abilities have equal access to play equipment, facilities, and amenities. This will create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for children with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities, allowing them to fully participate in play activities alongside their peers.

2.    Safety and Design Standards: Implementing all-inclusive design standards in our play parks will enhance safety and usability for all children. Features such as wheelchair-accessible ramps, sensory play elements, and inclusive seating areas will improve the overall play experience and accommodate a diverse range of needs and preferences.

3.    Community Engagement and Consultation: Engaging with residents, families, and advocacy groups throughout the planning and implementation process is crucial to ensuring that the needs and preferences of the community are taken into account. By soliciting feedback and input from diverse stakeholders, we can create play parks that reflect the values and priorities of our community.

4.    Timely Implementation: Setting a deadline of December 2026 for the completion of all-inclusive play parks in Gloucester provides a clear timeline for action and accountability. This deadline will drive progress and ensure that the necessary resources and support are allocated to achieve our goal of inclusivity within a reasonable timeframe.

To achieve these objectives, I propose the following actions:

1.    Conduct a Needs Assessment: Initiate a comprehensive needs assessment to identify the existing gaps and barriers to inclusivity in our play parks. This assessment will inform the design and development of all-inclusive play spaces that meet the diverse needs of our community.

2.    Develop Design Guidelines: Create design guidelines and standards for all-inclusive play parks based on best practices and accessibility principles. These guidelines should prioritize safety, usability, and inclusivity, ensuring that all children can enjoy the benefits of play in a supportive environment.

3.    Allocate Funding and Resources: Allocate the necessary funding and resources to support the planning, design, and construction of all-inclusive play parks in Gloucester. This may include securing grants, partnerships, and community contributions to supplement the municipal budget and  ...  view the full agenda text for item 91.