Agenda item

1.     PROPOSED BY COUNCILLOR HILTON

 

“This council notes that the Debenhams brand has been bought by Boohoo.

 

That all 124 stores across the country will close with the loss of 12,000 jobs as Boohoo relaunches Debenhams as an online-only retailer later this year.

 

That the Gloucester department store building is currently owned by Aviva who have put it up for sale.

 

There is speculation that the building has been sold, but as of the 3rd March a sale hasn’t been confirmed by either a buyer or Aviva. 

 

The previous day the leader of the council confirmed that he did not know whether the building had been sold. 

 

The Debenhams department store is listed as a positive building within the city centre conservation area, though its service yard is regarded as a negative aspect off St Aldate Street.

 

The department store cannot be demolished without the council’s consent.

 

This council agrees to work closely with the new owners to retain, restore and repurpose the building.

 

This council also confirms that it would oppose the demolition of the Debenhams building.”

 

2.     PROPOSED BY COUNCILLOR STEPHENS

 

“Council notes that the Covid-19 vaccination programme is having a significant impact nationally in protecting people against Covid-19 and is greatly reducing the prevalence of the virus, lowering death rates and hospital admissions.

 

Council further notes that Gloucestershire has consistently been the highest performer nationally in terms of delivering the vaccine to its residents. This is due to the excellent leadership of Sarah Scott and the public health team in the county, NHS and other frontline workers, and the vast army of volunteer helpers.

 

Council resolves:

 

1.     To write to Sarah Scott expressing our gratitude to her and her team on the success of the vaccination programme in Gloucester (shire).

 

2.     Records it thanks to the NHS staff, other frontline & public sector workers and volunteers involved in delivering the vaccine programme.”

 

3.     PROPOSED BY COUNCILLOR PULLEN

 

“Gloucester City Council and Gloucester City Homes own a number of garages across the city. There is currently a waiting list for the garages with residents having to wait many months or even years before being offered one. Many of the garages need significant repairs and are currently unable to be let because of this.

 

Garages are a useful asset and if used not only generate income but also provide a valued amenity for residents taking cars off the road, easing congestion, and freeing up on-street car parking spaces.

 

Council resolves:

 

1.     To carry out an audit of all garages owned by both the council and Gloucester City Homes, detailing whether they are empty or vacant and the level of disrepair.

2.     To introduce a comprehensive programme of refurbishment of the garages to bring them back into use.

 

3.     To investigate alternative uses for the sites e.g., housing where the sites are considered unviable.

 

4.     That a report be presented to Cabinet within 6 months setting out the result of the audit and a comprehensive action plan.”

 

4.     PROPOSED BY COUNCILLOR FIELD

 

“This council records its disappointment with the Conservative administration over its dreadful record in keeping our streets and open spaces clear of litter and flytipping.

 

Our litter bins are often left overflowing for far too long, because there are not enough litter bins and they are often emptied too infrequently.

 

Many of our open spaces and streets are blighted by litter that isn’t cleared by our streetcare contractor unless councillors or members of the public personally report it.

 

This council notes that Ubico will take over the streetcare contract from Amey on 1^st April 2022.

 

That both Ubico and Urbaser quoted for improved response times for dealing with deteriorations in cleansing standards.

 

We therefore call on the cabinet to carry out a root and branch review (in discussion with Amey and Ubico) of our litter bin provision and emptying regime to also include a review of the litter picking schedule of our public spaces, with the view of proposing a dramatic improvement in service delivery as a matter of urgency.”

 

5.     PROPOSED BY COUNCILLOR COOLE

 

“Council resolves to begin the statutory process necessary to rename “Matson and Robinswood” ward as “Matson, Robinswood and White City” ward.”

88.1       Councillor Hilton noted that he had amended his notice of motion regarding new information coming to light since the publication of the motion and asked that the newly amended notice of motion be debated.

 

88.2       There was no dissent to the proposal of putting forth the amended motion for debate.

 

88.3       Councillor Hilton moved and Councillor Bowkett seconded the following amended motion:

 

“This council notes that the Debenhams brand has been bought by Boohoo. and that all 124 stores across the country will close with the loss of 12,000 jobs as Boohoo relaunches Debenhams as an online-only retailer later this year.

 

That the Gloucester department store building is currently owned by Aviva who have put it up for sale.

 

There is speculation that the building has been sold, but as of the 3rd March a sale hasn’t been confirmed by either a buyer or Aviva. 

 

The previous day the leader of the council confirmed that he did not know whether the building had been sold. 

 

The Debenhams department store is listed as a positive building within the city centre conservation area, though its service yard is regarded as a negative aspect off St Aldate Street.

 

The department store cannot be demolished without the council’s consent.

 

This council agrees to work closely with the new owners to retain, restore and repurpose the building.

 

This council also confirms that it would oppose the demolition of the Debenhams building.

 

That the freehold of the Kings Square department store has been acquired by the University of Gloucestershire. 

 

That the university’s acquisition of the Debenhams building was confirmed on the 16th of March 2021.  

 

That the iconic building in the heart of Gloucester city centre is set to become a new university campus for teaching, learning and community partnerships.  

 

That the university intends to retain and fully refurbish the 1930s Art Deco building.  

 

That this council welcomes the decision of the University of Gloucestershire to retain, restore and repurpose the building.    That this council agrees to work closely with the university to help them succeed with their repurposing project, including supporting the university with any grant application to government that would help finance the building’s full and complete restoration.”

 

 

88.4       The motion was put to the vote and was carried.

 

 

88.5       RESOLVED that: -

 

“This council notes that the Debenhams brand has been bought by Boohoo. and that all 124 stores across the country will close with the loss of 12,000 jobs as Boohoo relaunches Debenhams as an online-only retailer later this year.

 

That the freehold of the Kings Square department store has been acquired by the University of Gloucestershire. 

 

That the university’s acquisition of the Debenhams building was confirmed on the 16th of March 2021.  

 

That the iconic building in the heart of Gloucester city centre is set to become a new university campus for teaching, learning and community partnerships.  

 

That the university intends to retain and fully refurbish the 1930s Art Deco building.  

 

That this council welcomes the decision of the University of Gloucestershire to retain, restore and repurpose the building.    That this council agrees to work closely with the university to help them succeed with their repurposing project, including supporting the university with any grant application to government that would help finance the building’s full and complete restoration.”

 

 

88.6       Councillor Stephens proposed and Council Hansdot seconded the following motion:

 

“Council notes that the Covid-19 vaccination programme is having a significant impact nationally in protecting people against Covid-19 and is greatly reducing the prevalence of the virus, lowering death rates and hospital admissions.

 

Council further notes that Gloucestershire has consistently been the highest performer nationally in terms of delivering the vaccine to its residents. This is due  to the excellent leadership of Sarah Scott and the public health team in the county, NHS and other frontline workers, and the vast army of volunteer helpers.

 

Council resolves:

 

1. To write to Sarah Scott expressing our gratitude to her and her team on the success of the vaccination programme in Gloucester (shire).

 

2. Records it thanks to the NHS staff, other frontline & public sector workers and volunteers involved in delivering the vaccine programme.”

 

 

88.7       Councillor Cook proposed and Councillor Watkins seconded the following amendment.

 

“Council notes that the Covid-19 vaccination programme is having a significant impact nationally in protecting people against Covid-19 and is greatly reducing the prevalence of the virus, lowering death rates and hospital admissions.

 

Council further notes that Gloucestershire has consistently been the highest performer nationally in terms of delivering the vaccine to its residents. This is due to the excellent leadership of Sarah Scott and the public health team in the county, NHS and other frontline workers, and the vast army of volunteer helpers.

 

Council resolves notes that the Leader has already taken the o          pportunity:

 

1. To write to Sarah Scott expressing our gratitude to her and her team on the success of the vaccination programme in Gloucester (shire).

 

2. Records it thanks to the NHS staff, other frontline & public sector workers and volunteers involved in delivering the vaccine programme.”

 

 

88.8       Councillor Stephens accepted the amendment which became the substantive motion. The motion was put to the vote and was carried.

 

88.9       RESOLVED that: -

 

“Council notes that the Covid-19 vaccination programme is having a significant impact nationally in protecting people against Covid-19 and is greatly reducing the prevalence of the virus, lowering death rates and hospital admissions.

 

Council further notes that Gloucestershire has consistently been the highest performer nationally in terms of delivering the vaccine to its residents. This is due to the excellent leadership of Sarah Scott and the public health team in the county, NHS and other frontline workers, and the vast army of volunteer helpers.

 

Council notes that the Leader has already taken the opportunity:

 

1. To write to Sarah Scott expressing our gratitude to her and her team on the success of the vaccination programme in Gloucester (shire).

 

2. Records it thanks to the NHS staff, other frontline & public sector workers and volunteers involved in delivering the vaccine programme.”

 

 

88.10    Councillor Pullen proposed and Councillor Coole seconded the following motion.

 

          “Gloucester City Council and Gloucester City Homes own a number of garages across the city. There is currently a waiting list for the garages with residents having to wait many months or even years before being offered one. Many of the garages need significant repairs and are currently unable to be let because of this.

 

Garages are a useful asset and if used not only generate income but also provide a valued amenity for residents taking cars off the road, easing congestion, and freeing up on-street car parking spaces.

 

Council resolves:

 

1. To carry out an audit of all garages owned by both the council and Gloucester City Homes, detailing whether they are empty or vacant and the level of disrepair.

 

2. To introduce a comprehensive programme of refurbishment of the garages to bring them back into use.

 

3. To investigate alternative uses for the sites e.g., housing where the sites are considered unviable.

 

4. That a report be presented to Cabinet within 6 months setting out the result of the audit and a comprehensive action plan.”

 

 

88.11    Councillor Hannah Norman proposed and Councillor Hyman seconded the following amendment.

 

“Gloucester City Council and Gloucester City Homes own a number of garages across the city. There is currently a waiting list for the garages with residents having to wait many months or even years before being offered one. Many of the garages need significant repairs and are currently unable to be let because of this.

 

Garages are a useful asset and if used not only generate income but also provide a valued amenity for residents taking cars off the road, easing congestion, and freeing up on-street car parking spaces.

 

Council resolves:

 

1. To carry out an audit of all garages owned by both the council and ask Gloucester City Homes to complete the same, detailing whether they are empty or vacant and the level of disrepair.

 

2. To introduce a comprehensive determine the feasibility of introducing a programme of refurbishment of the garages to bring them back into use.

 

3. To investigate alternative uses for the sites e.g., housing where the sites are considered unviable.

 

4. That a report be presented to Cabinet within 6 months setting out the result of the audit and a comprehensive action plan.”

 

 

88.12    Councillor Pullen accepted the amendment which became the substantive motion. The motion was put to the vote and was carried.

 

 

88.13    RESVOLED that: -

 

“Gloucester City Council and Gloucester City Homes own a number of garages across the city. There is currently a waiting list for the garages with residents having to wait many months or even years before being offered one. Many of the garages need significant repairs and are currently unable to be let because of this.

 

Garages are a useful asset and if used not only generate income but also provide a valued amenity for residents taking cars off the road, easing congestion, and freeing up on-street car parking spaces.

 

Council resolves:

 

1. To carry out an audit of all garages owned by the council and ask Gloucester City Homes to complete the same, detailing whether they are empty or vacant and the level of disrepair.

 

2. To determine the feasibility of introducing a programme of refurbishment of the garages to bring them back into use.

 

3. To investigate alternative uses for the sites e.g., housing where the sites are considered unviable.

 

4. That a report be presented to Cabinet within 6 months setting out the result of the audit and a comprehensive action plan.”

 

 

88.14    Councillor Field proposed, and Councillor Wilson seconded the following motion.

 

“This council records its disappointment with the Conservative administration over its dreadful record in keeping our streets and open spaces clear of litter and fly tipping. 

 

Our litter bins are often left overflowing for far too long, because there are not enough litter bins and they are often emptied too infrequently.

 

Many of our open spaces and streets are blighted by litter that isn’t cleared by our streetcare contractor unless councillors or members of the public personally report it.

 

This council notes that Ubico will take over the streetcare contract from Amey on 1st April 2022. 

 

That both Ubico and Urbaser quoted for improved response times for dealing with deteriorations in cleansing standards.

 

We therefore call on the cabinet to carry out a root and branch review (in discussion with Amey and Ubico) of our litter bin provision and emptying regime to also include a review of the litter picking schedule of our public spaces, with the view of proposing a dramatic improvement in service delivery as a matter of urgency.”

 

 

88.15    Councillor Cook proposed and Councillor Patel seconded the following amendment.

 

“This council records its disappointment with the Conservative administration over its dreadful record in keeping our streets and open spaces clear of litter and flytipping acknowledges that flytipping and littering has increased nationally since the initial lockdown for the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020. This has put added pressure on our waste contractor, Amey, 3GS and council staff engaged in the enforcement of enviro-crime. 

 

This council welcomes the recent award of £25,000 by WRAP to support the delivery of our litter strategy which is identified by WRAP as an exemplar of best practice. 

 

The implementation of this Strategy will include replacing old dog and litter bins and ensuring a consistent standard across the City.

 

Our litter bins are often left overflowing for far too long, because there are not enough litter bins and they are often emptied too infrequently.

 

Many of our open spaces and streets are blighted by litter that isn’t cleared by our streetcare contractor unless councillors or members of the public personally report it.

 

This council notes that Ubico will take over the streetcare contract from Amey on 1st April 2022. 

 

That both Ubico and Urbaser quoted for improved response times for dealing with deteriorations in cleansing standards standards across the City although it is recognised that currently, budgets do not exist to fund such improvement.

 

We therefore call on the cabinet to carry out a root and branch review implement in full the Litter Strategy (in discussion with Amey and Ubico) of our litter bin provision and emptying regime to also include a review of the litter picking schedule of our public spaces, with the view of proposing a dramatic improvement in service delivery as a matter of urgency

 

 

88.16    The Mayor proposed to vote to continue the meeting, as it had reached the three-hour guillotine. There was no dissent.

 

 

88.17    Councillor Field did not accept the amendment. The amended motion, therefore, went to a vote. The amendment carried and became the substantive.

 

 

88.18    RESOLVED that: -

 

This council acknowledges that flytipping and littering has increased nationally since the initial lockdown for the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020. This has put added pressure on our waste contractor, Amey, 3GS and council staff engaged in the enforcement of enviro-crime. 

 

This council welcomes the recent award of £25,000 by WRAP to support the delivery of our litter strategy which is identified by WRAP as an exemplar of best practice. 

 

The implementation of this Strategy will include replacing old dog and litter bins and ensuring a consistent standard across the City.

 

 

This council notes that Ubico will take over the streetcare contract from Amey on 1st April 2022. 

 

That both Ubico and Urbaser quoted standards across the City although it is recognised that currently, budgets do not exist to fund such improvement.

 

We therefore call on the cabinet to implement in full the Litter Strategy.

 

 

88.19    Councillor Coole proposed and Councillor Lugg seconded the following motion:

 

“Council resolves to begin the statutory process necessary to rename “Matson and Robinswood” ward as “Matson, Robinswood and White City” ward.”

 

 

88.20    There was no dissent.

 

 

88.21    RESOLVED that: -

 

Council resolves to begin the statutory process necessary to rename “Matson and Robinswood” ward as “Matson, Robinswood and White City” ward.