Agenda, decisions and minutes
PDF 101 KBVenue: the Council Chamber - Council Offices, Trinity Road, Cirencester, GL7 1PX. View directions
Contact: Democratic Services
Media
| No. | Item | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Apologies To receive any apologies for absence. The quorum for Cabinet is 3 members.
Additional documents: Decision: Apologies were received from Councillors Lisa Spivey and Tony Dale. Minutes: Apologies were received from Councillors Lisa Spivey and Tony Dale. |
|||||||||
|
Declarations of Interest To receive any declarations of interest from Members and Officers, relating to items to be considered at the meeting. Additional documents: Decision: There were no declarations of interest from any Members present. Minutes: There were no declarations of interest from Members present. |
|||||||||
|
To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 5 September 2024. Additional documents: Decision: The purpose of this item was to consider the minutes of the meeting of Cabinet on 5 September 2024.
There were no amendments to the minutes.
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet meeting held on 5 September 2024 be approved as a correct record.
Voting Record
5 For, 0 Against, 1 Abstention Minutes: The minutes of the last meeting on 5 September 2024 were considered as part of the Cabinet pack.
There were no amendments to the minutes proposed.
The minutes were proposed by Councillor Joe Harris and seconded by Councillor Mike Evemy.
|
|||||||||
|
Leader's Announcements To receive any announcements from the Leader of the Council. Additional documents: Decision: There were no announcements from the Leader.
Minutes: There were no announcements from the Leader.
|
|||||||||
|
Public Questions To deal with questions from the public within the open forum question and answer session of fifteen minutes in total. Questions from each member of the public should be no longer than one minute each and relate to issues under the Cabinet’s remit. At any one meeting no person may submit more than two questions and no more than two such questions may be asked on behalf of one organisation.
The Leader will ask whether any members of the public present at the meeting wish to ask a question and will decide on the order of questioners.
The response may take the form of: a) a direct oral answer; b) where the desired information is in a publication of the Council or other published work, a reference to that publication; or c) where the reply cannot conveniently be given orally, a written answer circulated later to the questioner. Additional documents: Decision: There were no public questions. Minutes: There were no public questions. |
|||||||||
|
Member Questions No Member Questions have been submitted prior to the publication of the agenda.
A Member of the Council may ask the Leader or a Cabinet Member a question on any matter in relation to which the Council has powers or duties or which affects the Cotswold District. A maximum period of fifteen minutes shall be allowed at any such meeting for Member questions.
A Member may only ask a question if: a) the question has been delivered in writing or by electronic mail to the Chief Executive no later than 5.00 p.m. on the working day before the day of the meeting; or b) the question relates to an urgent matter, they have the consent of the Leader to whom the question is to be put and the content of the question is given to the Chief Executive by 9.30 a.m. on the day of the meeting.
An answer may take the form of: a) a direct oral answer; b) where the desired information is in a publication of the Council or other published work, a reference to that publication; or c) where the reply cannot conveniently be given orally, a written answer circulated later to the questioner. Additional documents: Decision: There were no member questions. Minutes: There were no member questions. |
|||||||||
|
Issue(s) Arising from Overview and Scrutiny and/or Audit and Governance To receive any recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee or to consider any matters raised by the Audit and Governance Committee.
The Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Audit and Governance Committee have not met since the previous meeting of Cabinet. Additional documents: Decision: There were no recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and issues arising from the Audit and Governance Committee, as these Committees had not met since the last meeting of Cabinet. Minutes: There were no recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and issues arising from the Audit and Governance Committee, as these Committees had not met since the last meeting of Cabinet. |
|||||||||
|
Petition: Retain the Public Toilets in the High Street/Market Square, Stow-on-the-Wold Purpose For Cabinet to consider a petition submitted under the Local Petition Scheme (Part F of the Constitution) which has been referred to Cabinet by full Council.
Recommendation That Cabinet resolves to either:
Additional documents: Decision: The purpose of the report was for Cabinet to consider a petition submitted under the Local Petition Scheme (Part F of the Constitution) which has been referred to Cabinet by Full Council.
The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Mike Evemy introduced the item to Cabinet as the portfolio holder for public conveniences.
The Leader invited Councillor Ben Eddolls, Chair of Stow-on-the-Wold Town Council to address the Cabinet regarding the petition.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Mike Evemy and seconded by Councillor Claire Bloomer.
RESOLVED: That Cabinet
1. AGREED to the petition request to keep open the public conveniences in the High Street / Market Square, Stow-on-the-Wold and instead close the public conveniences in Maugersbury Road.
Voting Record
6 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstention
Minutes: The purpose of the report was for Cabinet to consider a petition submitted under the Local Petition Scheme (Part F of the Constitution) which had been referred to Cabinet by Full Council.
The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Mike Evemy, introduced the item to Cabinet as the portfolio holder for public conveniences and made the following points:
‘Agree to the petition request to keep open the public conveniences in the High Street / Market Square, Stow-on-the-Wold and instead close the public conveniences in Maugersbury Road’
The Leader invited Councillor Ben Eddolls, Chair of Stow-on-the-Wold Town Council, to address the Cabinet regarding the petition:
Councillor Claire Bloomer seconded and noted how the petition showed residents engaging with the Council and how the Council was able to respond in a positive way towards it.
The Cabinet reaffirmed its desire to engage with communities regarding any changes to local facilities.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Mike Evemy and seconded by Councillor Claire Bloomer.
|
|||||||||
|
Green Economic Growth Strategy Refresh Purpose To agree a refreshed version of the Council’s Green Economic Growth Strategy for consultation and to note the adoption by Gloucestershire County Council of the Gloucestershire Economic Strategy.
Recommendations That Cabinet resolves to: 1. Approve the draft Green Economic Growth Strategy for a four-week period of consultation as set out in Section 4. 2. Receive a further report setting out the results of the consultation and any amendments to the strategy arising from it to enable Cabinet to consider the strategy for adoption. 3. Note the adoption of the Gloucestershire Economic Strategy by Gloucestershire County Council’s Cabinet.
Additional documents:
Decision: The purpose of the report was to agree a refreshed version of the Council’s Green Economic Growth Strategy for consultation and to note the adoption by Gloucestershire County Council of the Gloucestershire Economic Strategy.
The Leader of the Council, Councillor Joe Harris, introduced the report on behalf of Councillor Tony Dale and outlined the recommendations to Cabinet.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Joe Harris and seconded by Councillor Paul Hodgkinson.
RESOLVED: That Cabinet 1. APPROVED the draft Green Economic Growth Strategy for a four-week period of consultation as set out in Section 4. 2. AGREED to a further report setting out the results of the consultation and any amendments to the strategy arising from it to enable Cabinet to consider the strategy for adoption. 3. NOTED the adoption of the Gloucestershire Economic Strategy by Gloucestershire County Council’s Cabinet.
Voting Record
6 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstention
Minutes: The purpose of the report was to agree a refreshed version of the Council’s Green Economic Growth Strategy for consultation and to note the adoption by Gloucestershire County Council of the Gloucestershire Economic Strategy.
The Leader of the Council, Councillor Joe Harris, introduced the report on behalf of Councillor Tony Dale and made the following points:
Cabinet highlighted the resilience of the Cotswold economy against a difficult national economic picture.
It was highlighted that the rollout of fast broadband and improving mobile phone coverage was important for the Cotswolds.
It was noted that it was important that tradespersons and developing their skills were included as part of the strategy.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Joe Harris and seconded by Councillor Paul Hodgkinson.
|
|||||||||
|
Public Health Funeral Policy Purpose To consider and approve a new policy in respect of Public Health Funerals
Recommendation That Cabinet resolves to: 1. Approve the Public Health Funeral Policy Additional documents: Decision: The purpose of the report was to consider and approve a new policy in respect of Public Health Funerals.
The Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulatory Services, Councillor Juliet Layton introduced the report and the recommendation to Cabinet.
The recommendation was proposed by Councillor Juliet Layton and seconded by Councillor Mike Evemy.
RESOLVED: That Cabinet 1. APPROVED the Public Health Funeral Policy Minutes: The purpose of the report was to consider and approve a new policy in respect of Public Health Funerals.
The Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulatory Services, Councillor Juliet Layton, introduced the report and outlined the following points:
The Deputy Leader, Councillor Evemy, seconded the recommendations and made the following points:
The recommendation was proposed by Councillor Juliet Layton and seconded by Councillor Mike Evemy.
|
|||||||||
|
Storage of Non-Motor Vehicles and Structures on the Public Highway Policy Purpose To consider and approve a new Policy in respect of the enforcement of Storage of Non-Motor Vehicles and Structures on the Public Highway
Recommendation That Cabinet resolves to: 1. Approve the Policy set out in Annex A Additional documents:
Decision: The purpose of the report was to consider and approve a new Policy in respect of the enforcement of Storage of Non-Motor Vehicles and Structures on the Public Highway.
The Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulatory Services, Councillor Juliet Layton introduced the recommendation to Cabinet.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Juliet Layton and seconded by Councillor Joe Harris.
RESOLVED: That Cabinet 1. APPROVED the Policy set out in Annex A Minutes: The purpose of the report was to consider and approve a new policy in respect of the enforcement of Storage of Non-Motor Vehicles and Structures on the Public Highway.
The Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulatory Services, Councillor Juliet Layton, introduced the recommendation to Cabinet and outlined the following points:
The Cabinet Member noted that these were for reported abandoned non-motorised vehicles only and not those in use.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Juliet Layton and seconded by Councillor Joe Harris.
|
|||||||||
|
Long-Term Empty Property Strategy 2024 - 2029 Purpose To present an updated Long Term Empty Property Strategy to support the management of long-term empty properties within Cotswold district
Recommendation That Cabinet resolves to: 1. Approve the implementation of the Long-Term Empty Property Strategy for 2024 - 2025
Additional documents:
Decision: The purpose of the report was to present an updated Long Term Empty Property Strategy to support the management of long-term empty properties within Cotswold district.
The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Mike Evemy introduced the item.
The Business Manager - Environmental, Welfare and Revenue Service answered queries from Cabinet on the policy.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Mike Evemy and seconded by Councillor Joe Harris.
RESOLVED: That Cabinet 1. APPROVED the implementation of the Long-Term Empty Property Strategy for 2024 – 2025. Minutes: The purpose of the report was to present an updated Long Term Empty Property Strategy to support the management of long-term empty properties within the Cotswold district.
The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Mike Evemy, introduced the item and outlined the following points:
- To gather relevant, accurate and current information about empty homes - Provide advice, assistance and guidance to landlords and property owner - To raise awareness of empty homes in the district and promote the strategy - To reduce the number of empty homes and return empty homes back into use, through all available and appropriate means
A question was raised regarding collaboration with the social rented sector on the policy to bring houses back into use. The Business Manager - Environmental, Welfare and Revenue Service set out to Cabinet how the Council will engage with owners of homes in order to find out why its empty and provide advice on bringing these back into use. It was noted that many of the barriers to changing these empty properties related to cost.
Cabinet noted the figure of 864 homes in the district that were classed as being ‘long term-empty’. A question was asked about how many of these were derelict and couldn’t be sold on and what would be done. It was noted that the figure of 864 was from the end of the 2023/24 financial year, and the current figure for the end of Q2 was now 545. Some more analysis was needed regarding the premium. For derelict properties, it was noted that all of the Council service areas would be involved in dealing with these properties as these were not easy to deal with.
Cabinet noted that it would be useful to see the breakdown for how long properties had been empty for and the impact of the additional Council Tax levies
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Mike Evemy and seconded by Councillor Joe Harris.
|
|||||||||
|
Assets of Community Value - Process Review Purpose To evaluate the current procedures and practices involved in the determination of Assets of Community Value (ACV). This review aims to assess the efficacy and transparency of the process by which assets are nominated, reviewed, and ultimately listed or rejected as ACVs. By identifying strengths and weaknesses in the current process, this review seeks to provide actionable insights and recommendations to enhance decision-making, and ensure compliance with legal and policy frameworks, to better serve the interests of the community.
Recommendation That Cabinet resolves to: 1. Consider the recommendations in the annexed review; 2. Agree to the proposal to formally notify ward members on validation of Asset of Community Value nominations. Additional documents: Decision: The purpose of the report WAS to evaluate the current procedures and practices involved in the determination of Assets of Community Value (ACV). This review aimed to assess the efficacy and transparency of the process by which assets are nominated, reviewed, and ultimately listed or rejected as ACVs. By identifying strengths and weaknesses in the current process, this review sought to provide actionable insights and recommendations to enhance decision-making, and ensure compliance with legal and policy frameworks, to better serve the interests of the community.
The Cabinet Member for Health, Leisure and Parking, Councillor Paul Hodgkinson introduced the item on behalf of Councillor Lisa Spivey.
The Community Partnership Officer also addressed Cabinet on the policy.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Paul Hodgkinson and seconded by Councillor Joe Harris.
RESOLVED: That Cabinet 1. AGREED the recommendations in the annexed review; 2. AGREED to the proposal to formally notify ward members on validation of Asset of Community Value nominations. Minutes: The purpose of the report WAS to evaluate the current procedures and practices involved in the determination of Assets of Community Value (ACV). This review aimed to assess the efficacy and transparency of the process by which assets were nominated, reviewed, and ultimately listed or rejected as ACVs. By identifying strengths and weaknesses in the current process, this review sought to provide actionable insights and recommendations to enhance decision-making, and ensure compliance with legal and policy frameworks, to better serve the interests of the community.
The Cabinet Member for Health, Leisure and Parking, Councillor Paul Hodgkinson, introduced the item on behalf of Councillor Lisa Spivey and made the following points:
The Community Partnership Officer was invited to address Cabinet and made the following points:
Cabinet asked a question regarding how these assets link to assets Neighbourhood Development Plans. The officer clarified that assets written into Neighbourhood Development Plans, or the Local Plan, would trigger planning restrictions. This would be different to those applied to Assets of Community Value which is largely sale restrictions. However, it could be a material consideration in planning.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Paul Hodgkinson and seconded by Councillor Joe Harris.
|
|||||||||
|
Purpose To seek members’ approval to adopt the updated Menopause Policy & Procedure as shown in Appendix A.
Recommendation That Cabinet resolves to:
Additional documents: Decision: The purpose of the report was to seek members’ approval to adopt the updated Menopause Policy & Procedure as shown in Appendix A.
The Cabinet Member for Cost of Living and Inclusion, Councillor Claire Bloomer introduced the recommendation.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Claire Bloomer and seconded by Councillor Paul Hodgkinson.
RESOLVED: That Cabinet 1. APPROVED the updated Menopause Policy & Procedure for implementation. 2. DELEGATED AUTHORITY to the Chief Executive in consultation with Cabinet Member for the Cost of Living and Inclusion to make subsequent amendments that may be necessary in line with legal changes and best practice. Minutes: The purpose of the report was to seek members’ approval to adopt the updated Menopause Policy & Procedure as shown in Appendix A.
The Cabinet Member for Cost of Living and Inclusion, Councillor Claire Bloomer, introduced the recommendation and made the following points:
The Cabinet Member for Health, Leisure and Parking seconded the recommendation and made the following points:
It was noted that it was important that men and women were made aware of these symptoms.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Claire Bloomer and seconded by Councillor Paul Hodgkinson.
|
|||||||||
|
Schedule of Decisions taken by the Leader of the Council and/or Individual Cabinet Members To note the decisions taken by the Leader and/or Individual Cabinet Members.
The schedule of decisions will be circulated at the meeting as a late paper following the Cabinet Member Decision Making Meeting scheduled for 3 October 2024 (2.30pm). Additional documents: Decision: The purpose of the report was to note the decisions taken by the Leader and/or Individual Cabinet Members.
The Deputy Leader noted for the record a correction to the call-in date which should have read ’11 October’ and not ’11 September’.
RESOLVED: That Cabinet NOTED the decisions taken. Minutes: The purpose of the report was to note the decisions taken by the Leader and/or Individual Cabinet Members.
The Deputy Leader noted for the record a correction to the call-in date which should have read ‘11 October’ and not ‘11 September’. The Senior Democratic Services Officer noted this for correction.
RESOLVED: That Cabinet NOTED the decisions taken. |
Carried