Issue - meetings
Ubico Business Plan 2025/2026
Meeting: 10/03/2025 - Cabinet (Item 77)
77 Ubico Business Plan 2025/2026 
PDF 557 KB
Purpose
To consider the draft Ubico Business Plan 2025-26, which has been produced by Ubico in consultation with the Directors and Shareholders, and to recommend that the Leader (as Shareholder Representative) approves the plan.
Recommendation(s)
That Cabinet resolves to:
1. Note the draft Ubico Business Plan 2025-26; and
2. Note that the Leader of the Council, as shareholder representative, will sign the written resolution to approve the draft Ubico Business Plan 2025-26 in due course.
Additional documents:
- ANNEX A Final Draft Ubico Business Plan 2025.26, item 77
PDF 640 KB
- Webcast for Ubico Business Plan 2025/2026
Decision:
The purpose of the report was to consider the draft Ubico Business Plan 2025-26, produced by Ubico in consultation with the Directors and Shareholders, and to recommend that the Leader (as Shareholder Representative) approves the plan.
RESOLVED that Cabinet:
1. Noted the draft Ubico Business Plan 2025-26; and
2. Noted that the Leader of the Council, as shareholder representative, will sign the written resolution to approve the draft Ubico Business Plan 2025-26 in due course.
Minutes:
The purpose of the report was to consider the draft Ubico Business Plan 2025-2026, produced by Ubico in consultation with the Directors and Shareholders, and to recommend that the Leader, as shareholder representative, approve the plan.
Beth Boughton, Managing Director of Ubico presented the Ubico Business Plan for 2025–26 to Cabinet. The plan required approval from the majority of shareholders, including Cotswold District Council.
The plan had previously been considered by Cabinet Members in December 2024 and again at an all-member briefing in February.
Once all partner councils had completed their review processes, a written resolution would be issued for shareholder sign-off.
The complexity of the current environment, citing financial uncertainty, fleet replacement needs, and past service disruptions due to staff sickness was acknowledged. The Cabinet Member for Economy and Environment expressed confidence in the plan, describing it as a stable foundation for Ubico’s future.
Clarity was sought as to the expected timeline for sign-off across councils. Officers confirmed that the process was on track for completion by late April, or early May 2025.
Financial concerns were raised regarding the £8.9 million of expenditure on waste and recycling services and the Council’s financial challenges. Progress on the £300,000 savings target in street services was requested, with assurance sought on efficiency improvements. It was confirmed that a review was underway, and data collection would guide potential service changes.
The discussion covered the 'customer journey project,' with concerns about reporting delays and missed bin collections. While Publica handled customer interactions, Ubico was working on digitising processes to improve communication. Councillors suggested a Saturday overtime shift to address missed Friday collections.
It was confirmed that a standalone trade waste service had been considered but not pursued due to market saturation and logistical challenges. Ubico was commended for its emergency response efforts in local communities.
Fleet decarbonisation was discussed as key to reducing the Council's carbon footprint and financial costs. A costed plan for a smooth transition, especially with local government reorganisation, was emphasised. The Managing Director confirmed Ubico's work with Gloucestershire's climate leadership group on infrastructure needs and the trial of electric HGVs since August, with operational data to guide future fleet decisions.
The discussion concluded with a request for better coordination between Ubico and Publica to improve reporting accuracy on waste collection, especially for green bins.
RESOLVED that Cabinet:
1. Noted the draft Ubico Business Plan 2025-2026, and
2. Noted that the Leader of the Council, as shareholder representative, would sign the written resolution to approve the draft Ubico Business Plan 2025-2026 in due course and before the deadline of 28 April 2025.