Issue - meetings
Green Economic Growth Strategy outcome of consultation
Meeting: 10/03/2025 - Cabinet (Item 79)
79 Green Economic Growth Strategy outcome of consultation PDF 543 KB
Purpose
To update Cabinet on the results of the consultation on the refreshed Green Economic Growth Strategy and to propose adoption of the strategy following minor amendments.
Recommendation(s)
That Cabinet resolves to:
- Note the results of the consultation on the Green Economic Growth Strategy 2025-29.
- Agree to adopt the strategy subject to the changes set out in Section 4 of the report.
- Delegate authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for the Economy and Environment, to make final amendments to the strategy before publication.
Additional documents:
- Annex A - Cotswold Green Economic Strategy 2024, item 79
PDF 12 MB
- Annex B - GEGS amends March 2025, item 79
PDF 480 KB
- Webcast for Green Economic Growth Strategy outcome of consultation
Decision:
The purpose of the report was to update Cabinet on the results of the consultation on the refreshed Green Economic Growth Strategy and to propose adoption of the strategy following minor amendments.
Proposed by Councillor Tristan Wilkinson.
Seconded by Councillor Mike McKeown
RESOLVED that Cabinet:
- Noted the results of the consultation on the Green Economic Growth Strategy 2025-29.
- Agreed to adopt the strategy subject to the changes set out in Section 4 of the report.
- Delegated authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for the Economy and Environment, to make final amendments to the strategy before publication.
Voting Record: 4 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain.
Minutes:
The purpose of the report, introduced By Councillor Tristan Wilkinson, Cabinet Member for Economy and Environment, was to update Cabinet on the results of the consultation on the refreshed Green Economic Growth Strategy and to propose adoption of the strategy following minor amendments.
It was noted that the new strategy supported the Council's core agenda and built on the success of the 2020-2024 strategy. The importance of having a specific forward plan to bring vibrancy, diversity, and collaboration among organisations was emphasised. Local businesses showed strong passion, and the Council aimed to support them in reaching their full potential. A recent consultation received limited responses, but those that did mentioned the Together Gloucestershire Initiative, which encouraged local spending. The Council supported a bid by Together Gloucestershire to the strategic economic development fund, approved by the City Regional Board.
Acknowledging the difficult time for local businesses, a discussion on resilience highlighted the need for stability and continuity. Positive aspects of local businesses were discussed, with Cirencester’s occupancy rates among the best in the country. Optimism about the long-term prospects for the Cotswolds and Gloucestershire was expressed, with the Missing Link A417 and the Royal Agricultural University (RAU)'s Innovation Village proposal being noted. Ongoing discussions with the RAU about their vision were encouraged.
Councillor Wilkinson publicly praised the Economic Development Lead for representing the Council excellently to local businesses, showcasing trustworthiness, passion, and authority. His role in securing external funding for community benefit was also commended. The recent Drive and Thrive event, focused on sustainable growth, was highlighted as a successful initiative involving local businesses and partners.
The importance of Cotswold Lakes for tourism and leisure was noted. The need for good bus services to support local businesses and infrastructure as part of a green growth strategy was highlighted.
The Deputy Leader commended Councillor Wilkinson, Councillor Tony Dale and the Economic Development Lead and for their work. The strategy was brought to Cabinet for agreement.
Proposed by Councillor Tristan Wilkinson
Seconded by Councillor Mike McKeown
RESOLVED that Cabinet
1. Noted the results of the consultation on the Green Economic Growth Strategy 2025-29.
2. Agreed to adopt the strategy subject to the changes set out in Section 4 of the report.
3. Delegated authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for the Economy and Environment, to make final amendments to the strategy before publication.
Voting Record:
4 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain.