Agenda, decisions and minutes
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Apologies To receive any apologies for absence. The quorum for Cabinet is 3 members.
Additional documents: Minutes: Apologies were received from Councillor Mike McKeown and Councillor Claire Bloomer. |
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Declarations of Interest To receive any declarations of interest from Members relating to items to be considered at the meeting. Additional documents: Minutes: Councillor Pellegram declared a potential interest in item 14 as the owner of a non-licensable HMO. After due consideration of the matter, the Monitoring Officer confirmed that Councillor Pellegram had no interest to declare in respect of that item and could therefore take part in the decision.
There were therefore no declarations of interest from Members.
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Leader's Announcements To receive any announcements from the Leader of the Council. Additional documents: Minutes: The Leader noted that the agenda was substantial due to the absence of meetings in June and August. The Leader formally welcomed Jane Portman, the newly appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer, to her first meeting of Cabinet at Cotswold District Council. The Leader noted, prior to discussion of the minutes, the recent passing of Alan McQuillan, a 102-year-old D-Day veteran from Kemble who had attended the VE celebrations in May. All those present were invited to stand for a minute's silence in his memory. |
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To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 8 May 2025. Additional documents: Decision: The purpose of this item was to consider the minutes of the meeting of Cabinet on 8 May 2025.
There were no amendments to the minutes.
The approval of the minutes was proposed by Councillor Mike Evemy, Leader of the Council and seconded by Councillor Juliet Layton, Deputy Leader and Member for Housing and Planning. This proposal was put to the vote and agreed by Cabinet.
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of Cabinet held on 8 May 2025 be approved as a correct record.
Voting Record: 4 For, 0 Against, 2 Abstentions. Minutes: The purpose of this item was to consider the minutes of the meeting of Cabinet held on 8 May 2025. There were no amendments to the minutes.
Approval of the minutes was proposed by Councillor Evemy, Leader of the Council and seconded by Councillor Layton, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning. The proposal was put to the vote and agreed by Cabinet.
Voting record: 4 For, 0 Against, 2 Abstentions.
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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: Minutes: No public questions were received. |
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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: Minutes: No member questions were received. |
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To note the decisions taken by the Leader and/or Individual Cabinet Members since the agenda for Cabinet 3 April 2025 was published. The following non-key decisions have been taken by individual Cabinet Members under delegated authority: 1. Cabinet Member for Communities Decision meeting 23 May 2025 – Decision relating to a consultation run by British Telecommunications Ltd on the removal of payphones from 16 locations across Cotswold District, in the light of consultation responses submitted to the Council. Non-key decision taken by the Cabinet Member for Communities on 23 May 2025 Date decision effective: 6 June 2025 See: Decision summary sheet. Additional documents: Minutes: One Cabinet Member decision taken since the agenda for Cabinet on 10 July was published and was reported to cabinet members.
Cabinet Member Delegated Decision 1. Councillor Clare Bloomer, Cabinet Member for Communities participated in a decision meeting on 23 May 2025 regarding a response to the British Telecommunications consultation on the removal of payphones from 16 locations across Cotswold District, in the light of consultation responses submitted to the Council.
The Cabinet Member for Communities considered the recommendations within the report, noted that the consultation had followed due process and resolved to: 1. Agree to the Council response for each affected kiosk 2. Agree to encourage British Telecommunications Ltd to keep open the offer of community adoption for telephone kiosks retained after the conclusion of the consultation process.
The decision was effective on 6 June 2025.
RESOLVED: Cabinet NOTED the decision. |
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Issue(s) Arising from Overview and Scrutiny and/or Audit and Governance To receive any recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and to consider any matters raised by the Audit and Governance Committee. Additional documents: Minutes: The Chair welcomed Councillor Gina Blomefield, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and proposed that the Committee’s recommendations be considered at the relevant points during consideration of the appropriate agenda items. Councillor Blomefield agreed to this approach. |
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Achieving Corporate Net Zero Purpose To recommend the creation of a Corporate Climate Change Board and note the actions to address the emissions performance gap.
Recommendation(s) That Cabinet resolves to:
Additional documents:
Decision: The purpose of the report was to recommend the creation of a Corporate Climate Change Board and note the actions to address the emissions performance gap.
Councillor Mike Evemy, Leader of the Council, introduced the item.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Mike Evemy and seconded by Councillor Tristan Wilkinson.
RESOLVED that Cabinet
Voting Record: 6 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain. Minutes: The purpose of the report was to recommend the creation of a Corporate Climate Change Board and note the actions to address the emissions performance gap.
The Leader introduced the item, noting that both Councillor Mike McKeown, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Digital, and Olivia McGregor, Climate Change & Carbon Reduction Lead, were unable to attend as originally planned. The Leader highlighted significant progress made on climate action, including a national rise of over 90 places in the latest scorecard, moving Cotswold District Council into the top six among all district councils. The improvements were particularly notable in areas such as food waste, transport, and biodiversity.
The Leader emphasised the importance of continued efforts to meet the 2030 CO? reduction targets, particularly in addressing emissions from the waste fleet and council buildings. Programmes such as Cotswold Home Solar and EV charger deployment were acknowledged for their wider community benefits.
Cabinet commended the significant progress made on climate action, highlighting the rapid improvement in the Council's national scorecard ranking. Councillors praised Councillor Mike McKeown for his leadership and commitment, noting the creation of the Corporate Climate Board as a positive step forward. It was acknowledged that while progress had been impressive, continued focus and effort were essential, particularly in addressing emissions from the waste fleet and council buildings.
Councillors recognised the importance of maintaining momentum, avoiding complacency, and striving for further improvements. The impact of climate change was emphasised through recent extreme weather events, reinforcing the urgency of local action. The dedication of officers, particularly Olivia McGregor, was acknowledged, and the value of collaborative work across Cabinet and departments was highlighted. The proposed Climate Board was welcomed as a focused and capable group to embed climate action across all workstreams. Cabinet was asked to approve the creation of a Corporate Climate Board to support accountability and drive continued progress.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Evemy and seconded by Councillor Wilkinson
The recommendations were put to the vote and agreed by Cabinet.
Voting record 6 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.
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Creative Cotswold's Action Plan - Culture Strategy Purpose To present Creative Cotswolds to Cabinet for approval.
Recommendation(s) That the Cabinet resolves to 1. APPROVE Creative Cotswolds as the Council’s approach to supporting the Cultural Sector.
Additional documents: Decision: The purpose of the report was to present Creative Cotswolds to Cabinet for approval.
The report was introduced by Councillor Paul Hodgkinson, Cabinet Member for Health Culture and Visitor Experience.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Paul Hodgkinson and seconded by Councillor Juliet Layton.
RESOLVED that Cabinet
Voting Record: 6 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain. Minutes: The purpose of the report was to present Creative Cotswolds to Cabinet for approval.
Councillor Paul Hodgkinson introduced the Creative Cotswolds action plan, aimed at celebrating and strengthening the district’s rich cultural sector. The plan, adapted from an earlier full strategy due to anticipated Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), focused on practical steps to promote collaboration among local cultural organisations, including the Corinium Museum, Barn Theatre, Cidermill Theatre, Longborough Opera, and festivals such as the Phoenix Festival in Cirencester.
The plan proposed regular coordination meetings, cross-promotion of events, improved online visibility using the hashtag #CreativeCotswolds, and the inclusion of cultural listings on cotswolds.com. A new permanent exhibition space at the Bingham Library was cited as early progress.
Members expressed strong support for the Creative Cotswolds Action Plan, noting the district’s wide-ranging cultural offerings, from professional theatres like Longborough Opera to smaller venues such as the Sundial Theatre and local pubs hosting live music and comedy. Specific examples mentioned included exhibitions by local artist Laurie Plant at the Bingham Gallery, and cultural events at Cotswold Lakes and local breweries.
The importance of linking culture with local economic and tourism development was highlighted, with councillors recognising the potential for mutual benefit to businesses and community wellbeing. The appointment of a dedicated Leisure and Culture Manager and support officer was welcomed as a positive step to deliver the plan. The crossover between culture, business, and wellbeing was seen as a key strength of the initiative. Officers and councillors were thanked for their work on the project.
The recommendation was proposed by Councillor Paul Hodgkinson and seconded by Councillor Juliet Layton.
The recommendations were put to the vote and agreed by Cabinet.
Voting record: 6 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.
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LGA Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Review Purpose To consider the Local Government Association (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Report 2024.
Recommendation That Cabinet resolves to NOTE the report at Annex A. Additional documents: Minutes: The purpose of the report was to consider the Local Government Association (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Report 2024.
Councillor Mike Evemy introduced the report which was for noting.
Cabinet considered the follow-up report from the Local Government Association (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge review, which took place in November 2024, as a follow-up to the original LGA Peer Challenge conducted in October 2022. It was noted that the follow-up had been delayed to allow assessment of changes made after the first phase of the Publica transition to be taken into account. The report was broadly positive, recognising significant progress made by the Council in response to earlier recommendations; particularly in strengthening governance arrangements and enhancing the role and effectiveness of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, under the leadership of the current Chair.
It was noted that the peer team also reviewed financial governance during the transition, led by the former portfolio holder, Councillor Mike Evemy, and the Deputy Chief Executive, and provided advice on the second phase of the Publica transition. Cabinet welcomed the staff who formally joined the Council’s employment on 1 July 2025 as part of this second phase.
The report also referenced the need to consider organisational change in the context of potential local government reorganisation (LGR). The importance of organisational culture was highlighted, as was ongoing work on a new People and Culture Strategy. It was noted that the report would be presented for full discussion at Council the following week, and no decision was required at this meeting.
It was observed that the Overview and Scrutiny function had significantly improved in recent years, noting a marked contrast with its effectiveness a decade ago. The current Chair of Overview and Scrutiny, Councillor Gina Blomefield, was praised for their integral role in this progress and the positive impact of the constitutional provision allowing the opposition to hold the position was acknowledged. The contribution of the former Vice Chair, Gary Selwyn, was also recognised, highlighting the strength of the cross-party leadership.
RESOLVED that Cabinet NOTED the report.
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Planning Advisory Service (PAS) Peer Review and Action Plan Purpose To seek the Council’s endorsement of the findings of the PAS (Planning Advisory Service) Planning Service Peer Challenge report (May 2025) and the proposed Action Plan.
Recommendation(s)
Additional documents:
Decision: The purpose of the report was to seek Cabinet’s endorsement of the findings of the PAS (Planning Advisory Service) Planning Service Peer Challenge report (May 2025) and the proposed Action Plan.
Councillor Juliet Layton, Cabinet member for Housing and Planning, introduced the item.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Layton and seconded by Councillor Evemy with a change to the wording of the recommendations.
RESOLVED that Cabinet
Voting Record: 6 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain. Minutes: The purpose of the report was to invite Cabinet to welcome the findings of the Planning Advisory Service (PAS) Planning Service Peer Challenge report (May 2025) and to agree the proposed Action Plan
Before inviting Councillor Juliet Layton, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, to introduce the report, the Leader of the Council confirmed a minor amendment to the recommendations. The word “endorse” was to be replaced with “welcome” in reference to the report, and Cabinet was to “agree” the resultant action plan rather than “endorse” it, as the action plan would be owned and implemented by Cabinet.
Councillor Juliet Layton introduced the item and confirmed that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee had considered the report. She also noted that both she and the report authors had attended the Overview and Scrutiny meeting to address any questions and provide clarification.
Councillor Layton advised that the Planning Advisory Service (PAS) had conducted a peer review of the planning service from 25 to 27 March 2025, engaging with a wide range of stakeholders to assess strengths and identify areas for improvement. The review highlighted the strength and collaborative approach of the planning team, with particular praise for the positive working culture.
The newly appointed Assistant Director of Planning Services and the Director of Communities and Place were present during the feedback session, contributing to a sense of stability and renewed leadership. An action plan had since been developed in response to the PAS recommendations, and confidence was expressed in the team’s ability to deliver the actions within the proposed timescales.
Geraldine LeCointe, Assistant Director of Planning Services, introduced herself to Cabinet and confirmed that she had joined the Council during the week of the PAS peer review. The officer noted the positive feedback received across all areas of the planning service, including policy, development management, and enforcement and confirmed that all 13 recommended actions would be taken forward, recognising this as an ambitious but achievable plan, supported by a strong team and aimed at improving services for residents and stakeholders. Regular updates on progress would be provided to Councillor Layton, and the action plan was seen as a valuable foundation for future local government reorganisation.
The Leader then invited Councillor Gina Blomefield, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to give the committee's view.
Cabinet received and appreciated three key recommendations from Overview and Scrutiny, as outlined by Councillor Blomefield:
Cabinet recognised the challenges in recruitment and retention and confirmed that resourcing enforcement would remain a priority within existing planning team resources, noting that the issue was not budgetary but due to difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff.
Cabinet agreed to arrange an all-member briefing on ... view the full minutes text for item 112.
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Purpose To consider the way forward for the Local Plan Update.
Recommendation That Cabinet resolves to: 1. RECOMMEND to Council to merge the two ongoing Local Plan projects: · the partial update of the adopted Cotswold District Local Plan (2011-2031); and · the Development Strategy and Site Allocations Plan, into a single comprehensive Full Local Plan Update in conjunction with incorporating work of the Gloucestershire Strategic Plan, where appropriate, with a view to submission in 2026 and adoption in 2027.
And, subject to Council approval of 1, Cabinet resolves to: 2. UPDATE the Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy in parallel with the Local Plan process. 3. INVEST in additional resources to accelerate the delivery of the Local Plan to enable the December 2026 submission deadline to be hit. 4. CONFIRM the delivery of the Local Plan as a Council priority. 5. RE-ESTABLISH the Local Plan Oversight Board and confirm a new Terms of Reference.
Additional documents:
Decision: The purpose of the report was to confirm the way forward for the Local Plan.
Councillor Juliet Layton, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, introduced the item.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Juliet Layton and seconded by Councillor Mike Evemy.
RESOLVED that Cabinet:
Recommended to Council to resolve to merge the two ongoing Local Plan projects currently known as: a) the partial update of the adopted Cotswold District Local Plan (2011-2031); and b) the Development Strategy and Site Allocations Plan, into a single comprehensive Full Local Plan Update, incorporating work of the Gloucestershire Strategic Plan, where appropriate, with a view to submission of the single Local Plan in 2026 and adoption in 2027.
Voting record: 6 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain
And further, subject to Council approving the merging of the plans at Full Council on 16 July 2025, Cabinet also RESOLVED to: 1. Update the Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy in parallel with the Local Plan process. 2. Invest in additional resources to accelerate the delivery of the Local Plan to enable the December 2026 submission deadline to be hit. 3. Confirm the delivery of the Local Plan as a Council priority. 4. Establish a Local Plan Oversight Board and confirm a new Terms of Reference.
Voting record: 6 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstai. Minutes: The purpose of the report was to confirm the way forward for the Local Plan.
Councillor Juliet Layton, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, introduced the report, recommending that Cabinet propose to Council the merging of the Partial Update of the Cotswold District Local Plan 2011–2031 with the Development Strategy and Site Allocations Plan into a single, comprehensive Local Plan. The proposal aimed to align with the Gloucestershire Strategic Plan where appropriate, with the objective of submitting the Local Plan to the Planning Inspectorate by December 2026 and securing adoption by late 2027.
To meet the submission deadlines a timetable was proposed:
It was noted that failure to meet this timetable could result in delays of 5 to 7 years if local government reorganisation led to the creation of a new unitary authority, which would likely require restarting the process.
The urgent need for an updated Local Plan to maintain control over development in the district was highlighted, especially in light of the revised government housing target of 1,036 new homes per year. Councillors also noted the challenge posed by the fact that approximately 80% of the district falls within the Cotswold National Landscape (formerly AONB), significantly limiting land available for development. The importance of using up-to-date evidence, including an updated flood risk map from the Environment Agency, to support the case for a more realistic housing requirement was noted.
Cabinet also noted the tension between government-imposed housing targets and the district’s climate ambitions. While higher-density urban development was more sustainable, members reaffirmed their commitment to delivering the best plan possible within current constraints and to challenging arbitrary housing targets where supported by robust evidence.
The Deputy Chief Executive and S151 officer and the Cabinet Member for Finance spoke to the financial implications of delivering the Local Plan and councillors noted that a total of £1 million had been allocated to the Local Plan programme to date. This included:
The Cabinet Member for Finance confirmed that any residual funding gaps would be manageable within existing contingency planning.
Cabinet acknowledged the need for external consultancy support to meet tight delivery timescales and noted that some consultancy costs had already been anticipated in the budget forecasts.
Officers also confirmed that further resource requirements would be monitored closely, and contingency funding options considered by the Deputy Chief Executive and S151 Officer as work progressed.
Cabinet noted forecast savings of between £300,000 and £400,000 by moving from a twin-track Local Plan update to a single comprehensive plan, thereby reducing duplication of process, consultation, and evidence gathering.
Cabinet considered the establishment of a Local Plan Oversight Board, to meet monthly and monitor delivery. The Board would include:
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Licenced HMO fee policy and HMO Amenity Standards policy Purpose To renew the HMO Licensing policy setting fees and the licence period.
Recommendation That Cabinet resolves to: 1. APPROVE the new HMO licence fees, to apply from September 12025 2. APPROVE the licence period increase to 5 years.
Additional documents:
Decision: The purpose of the report was to review the HMO Licensing fees and the licence period.
Councillor Andrea Pellegram, Cabinet Member for Environment and Regulatory Services, introduced the report.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Andrea Pellegram and seconded by Councillor Patrick Coleman
RESOLVED that CABINET:
Voting Record: 6 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain. Minutes: The purpose of the report was to renew the HMO Licensing policy setting fees and the licence period.
Councillor Andrea Pellegram, Cabinet Member for Environment and Regulatory Services introduced the report which reviewed the Council’s enforcement of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing, proposing an increase in the maximum license period from three to five years to benefit compliant landlords and allow focus on higher-risk properties. The report also addressed license fees, which consist of a non-refundable initial application fee and a subsequent fee covering inspection costs. The revised fees were designed to recover costs without generating surplus or significantly increasing landlords’ expenses. A discount was recommended for landlords with a good compliance record who reapply promptly. The recommendations were to amend HMO license fees effective 1 September 2025 and to extend license durations to five years.
Councillor Pellegram thanked Paul Lankester, Principal Environmental Health officer for his work and support.
There were no questions for clarity.
The recommendation was proposed by Councillor Andrea Pellegram and seconded by Councillor Patrick Coleman.
The recommendations were put to the vote and agreed by Cabinet.
Voting record: 6 For, 0 Against ,0 Abstentions.
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15 Service Performance Report 2024-25 Quarter 4 Purpose To provide an update on progress on the Council’s priorities and service performance for Q4 2024-25.
Recommendation That Cabinet resolves to NOTE overall progress on the Council priorities and service performance for 2024-25 Q4 (January-March 2025). Additional documents:
Decision: To provide an update on progress on the Council’s priorities and service performance 2024/25 Q4 (January to March 2025).
Councillor Mike Evemy, Leader of the Council introduced the report which was duly NOTED by Cabinet. Minutes: The purpose of the report was to provide an update on progress on the Council’s priorities and service performance for Q4 2024-25.
The report was introduced by Councillor Mike Evemy, Leader of the Council, given that the report had been presented to Overview and Scrutiny on 14 July Councillor Evemy confirmed that he and the officer were happy answer questions.
It was noted that Councillor Andrea Pellegram was responsible for street signs and that the report should be updated on p.189 to reflect that.
Members noted that leisure centre performance had exceeded targets, with gym memberships and visitor numbers performing strongly despite the fragile economy. This success was attributed to Freedom Leisure, the provider in place for nearly two years. It was also reported that delivery of the cultural strategy, previously listed as behind target, had now commenced.
Concerns were raised regarding the unresolved crossing issues on the Spine Road in South Cerney, which were seen as critical for health, safety, tourism, and active travel. Members requested an update, noting the involvement of the sustainable transport officer. Clarification was provided that the issue related to a road crossing near a historic bridge, which could not be moved and continued to present constraints.
ACTION: Business Information and Performance Lead to provide an update on the Spine Road Crossing.
Members discussed the electrification of taxis in relation to climate goals, and it was agreed that while Councillor Mike McKeown, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Digital, would lead, close coordination with the Councillor Andrea Pellegram, the Cabinet Member responsible for licensing, would be necessary to support implementation.
It was further noted that 45 households had installed solar and attention was drawn to Cotswold Housing First an exemplary model helping those in most need to resolve the challenges they faced.
Cabinet welcomed the fact that 14 village halls had received grants from the Rural England Prosperity Fund.
Councillor Blomefield, as Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee, informed Cabinet that she wished to invite representatives from Freedom Leisure to attend a meeting together with the responsible Cabinet Member for Health, Culture and Visitor experience
It was noted that planning service performance had exceeded all application determination targets, and the rate of appeals allowed remained well below target, which was welcomed. While the Planning Advisory Service had raised concerns about reliance on extensions of time, it was acknowledged this practice was common and appropriate in certain circumstances. Members highlighted the importance of continued focus on underperforming areas, with portfolio holders committing to work with lead officers to improve future outcomes. The receipt of grant funding to support delivery was also noted positively.
RESOLVED that Cabinet NOTED the report. |
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Financial Performance Report 2024-25 Quarter 4 Purpose To set out the final outturn position for the 2024/25 financial year.
Recommendation(s) That Cabinet resolves to:
Additional documents:
Decision: On being proposed and seconded the proposal was put to the vote.
RESOLVED that CABINET:
Voting Record: 6 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain. Minutes: The Purpose of the report was to set out the final outturn position for the 2024/25 financial year.
David Stanley, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, introduced the report which had been reviewed at Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
A positive outturn for the 2024/25 revenue budget was reported. While the original 2024/25 budget had anticipated a contribution of £516,000 to the Financial Resilience Reserve, the actual outturn delivered a surplus of £778,000 — an additional £262,000 above budget.
Cabinet was reminded of the Council motion approved in November 2023, which required the replenishment of the Financial Resilience Reserve following the use of £1.852 million to balance the budgets for 2022/23 and 2023/24. Based on current projections, contributions to the reserve could total £1.874 million across 2024/25 and 2025/26, representing a more favourable position than originally expected.
It was confirmed that the additional £262,000 surplus would be transferred to the Council’s Transformation Reserve to support service redesign and prepare for potential local government reorganisation.
Cabinet was informed that the Council had been contacted by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) and invited to a meeting on 22 July 2025 to discuss transitional arrangements under the Fair Funding Review. Cotswold District Council, along with Stroud and Tewkesbury, had been identified as potentially facing a negative funding adjustment. In view of this and other financial risks, Members were advised to exercise caution and prioritise essential spending.
Councillor Patrick Coleman, Cabinet Member for Finance, expressed concern that the outcomes of the Fair Funding Review were likely to disadvantage smaller, rural councils such as Cotswold. He acknowledged the longstanding structural funding challenges but commended the proactive financial planning undertaken. He noted that the Council had secured significant capital receipts and praised the Deputy Chief Executive Officer for maintaining close oversight of national developments and making effective use of external financial advice from consultants PIXEL.
Councillor Gina Blomefield raised concerns regarding underperformance in car park enforcement and income from annual parking permits and requested that these matters be included in the Council’s Scrutiny Programme for autumn 2025. It was confirmed that enforcement activity had already been strengthened, and that a revised Parking Strategy would be presented to Cabinet in October or November 2025.
Cabinet reiterated the importance of maximising local revenue sources in light of expected reductions in government grant funding. Councillors welcomed the 2024/25 outturn surplus and supported the transfer of part of the surplus to the Transformation Reserve. It was further noted that although current higher interest rates and limited borrowing had temporarily benefitted the Council’s financial position, significant future challenges remained. These included the impact of the Fair Funding Review and the potential for local government reorganisation within the coming years.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Patrick Coleman and seconded by Councillor Mike Evemy.
The recommendations were put to the vote and agreed by Cabinet.
Voting record: 6 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.
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Next Meeting. The date of the next Cabinet meeting is 4 September 2025. Additional documents: Minutes: The next meeting of Cabinet was noted as being on 4 September at 6pm. |
Carried