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: There were no apologies for absence. |
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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 Andrea Pellegram declared an interest in respect of Agenda item 10 and agreed to leave the Chamber for the duration of the item and the vote on that item. |
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To approve the minutes of the previous meeting of Cabinet held 10 July 2025. Additional documents: Decision: The purpose of this item was to consider the minutes of the meeting of Cabinet on 10 July 2025. There were no amendments.
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 10 July 2025 be approved as a correct record.
Voting record: 6 For, 0 Against, 2 Abstentions. Minutes: The purpose of this item was to consider the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 10 July 2025. There were no amendments to the minutes
Approval of the minutes was proposed by Councillor Paul Hodgkinson, Cabinet Member for Health, Culture and Visitor Experience, and seconded by Councillor Layton, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning. The proposal was put to the vote and agreed by Cabinet.
Voting record: 6 For, 0 Against, 2 Abstentions.
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Leader's Announcements To receive any announcements from the Leader of the Council. Additional documents: Minutes: The Leader congratulated all involved in the Phoenix Festival, noting it had been well supported by the Town Council and Crowdfund Cotswolds, and was a successful and well-attended community event. |
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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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Schedule of Decisions taken by the Leader of the Council and/or Individual Cabinet Members There were no decisions taken by the Leader and/or Individual Cabinet Members since the agenda for Cabinet 10 July 2025 was published.
Additional documents: Minutes: No decisions had been taken by the Leader or Cabinet Members since the previous Cabinet meeting; therefore, there were no items to report. |
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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: Decision: The attached response was given to the recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 1 September 2025 which asked that consideration be given to putting local social and /or archaeological artefacts on public display at the Council’s offices, including artefacts related to the history of local government in the area. Minutes: The Chair welcomed Councillor Gina Blomefield, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, who introduced the recommendation from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 1 September 2025 which asked that consideration be given to putting local social and /or archaeological artefacts on public display at the Council’s offices, including artefacts related to the history of local government in the area.
Cabinet discussed the recommendation and Councillor Paul Hodgkinson, Cabinet Member for Health, Culture and Visitor Experience, advised that the Council’s Leisure and Culture Manager would explore with the Museum operator, Freedom Leisure, opportunities to improve public access to the Museum’s extensive collection. |
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Preventing Homelessness Strategy 2025-2030 Purpose To present a new Preventing Homelessness Strategy which will assist the Council to deliver its statutory duties towards those households facing homelessness.
Recommendation(s) That Cabinet resolves to: 1. Approve the implementation of the Preventing Homelessness Strategy 2025-2030 with immediate effect. Additional documents:
Decision: The purpose of the report was to present a new Preventing Homelessness Strategy to assist the Council in delivering its statutory duties towards households facing homelessness.
Councillor Juliet Layton, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, introduced the report. The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Juliet Layton and seconded by Councillor Claire Bloomer.
RESOLVED that Cabinet Approved the implementation of the Preventing Homelessness Strategy 2025-2030 with immediate effect.
Voting Record: 8 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions. Minutes: Councillor Juliet Layton, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning introduced the report and presented the new Preventing Homelessness Strategy 2025 -2030 produced to comply with requirements of the Homelessness Act 2002 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
The strategy set out key priorities focused on shifting from reactive to preventative approaches. It was noted that homelessness in the Cotswolds had risen by 30% since 2020, despite progress in maintaining low levels of rough sleeping, delivering 458 affordable homes, and preventing homelessness for over 200 households in the past year. The report highlighted pressures from high housing costs (average £440,000 for a home; around £1,000 per month for a two-bed rental) and increasing demand. The Council received £369,227 in Homelessness Prevention Grant funding for 2025–26, with 49% ring-fenced for prevention, relief and staffing. Members noted that the annual ring-fenced Homelessness Prevention Grant supported this duty, with key outcomes to prevent single homelessness and rough sleeping, reduce family use of unsuitable temporary accommodation, and eliminate B&B placements beyond six weeks.
The strategy and action plan had been reviewed by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in May and no formal recommendations had been raised. The Committee had indicated broad support for the strategy. Councillor Paul Hodgkinson, Cabinet Member for Health, Culture and Visitor Experience, noted the strategy’s mention of vulnerable groups, including those experiencing domestic abuse and veterans, the report author reported that very few veterans presented as homeless in the Cotswold District Council area and currently none were recorded, though some occasionally appear on the waiting list.
Cabinet Members expressed their thanks to all the officers involved for their excellent work.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Juliet Layton and seconded by Councillor Claire Bloomer. The proposal was put to the vote and agreed by Cabinet. Voting Record: 8 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.
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Private Sector Housing Civil Penalties Policy and HMO Amenity Standards Purpose To review and renew the Civil Penalties Enforcement Policy andthe HMO Amenity Standards policy.
Recommendation(s) That Cabinet resolves to:
Additional documents:
Decision: The purpose of the report was to review and renew the Civil Penalties Enforcement Policy andthe HMO Amenity Standards policy to take account of legislative changes and new guidance from tribunal decisions.
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: 7 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions. Councillor Andrea Pellegram did not vote having declared an interest.
Minutes: Councillor Andrea Pellegram, Cabinet Member for Environment and Regulatory Services left the Chamber having declared an interest at the start of the meeting. Councillor Mike Evemy, Leader of the Council, introduced the report which covered a review and update of both the Civil Penalties Enforcement Policy and the Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Amenity Standards policy taking into account legislative changes and new guidance from tribunal decisions.
Civil Penalties Policy This policy was required to be in place in order to retain the option of serving a civil penalty for a housing offence, as an alternative to prosecution. Officers would continue to conduct their work in accordance with the Corporate Enforcement Policy, with the informal approach to resolution usually being the starting point. Proposed fines ranged from £500 to £30,000, depending on the seriousness of the offence(s). The forthcoming Renters Rights Bill was expected to require councils to use Civil Penalties, and their scope was being broadened to include harassment and illegal eviction. It was therefore considered important to have a robust and up-to-date policy in place.
The Policy had been developed nationally by Justice for Tenants, and a methodology had been provided for the calculation of fines together with a step-by-step procedure. This would ensure that good decisions were made and that they could be properly defended if appealed at Tribunal. The final decisions on fines would be made by the Head of Legal Services in consultation with the Business Manager for Environmental, Welfare and Revenue Services. The policy would be updated from time to time, although any significant changes to the Policy would be referred to the portfolio holder and brought to Cabinet.
HMO Amenity Standards It was noted that this policy applied to the inspection of all HMOs, not only those that were licensed. The policy was designed to provide guidance to officers, landlords and tenants and had been updated to reflect the change in definition of a licensable HMO.
It was noted that landlords were always given an opportunity to remedy issues before penalties or prosecution, with mitigating and aggravating factors taken into account. Complaints were mainly tenant-led, though proactive inspections were carried out on licensable HMOs.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Mike Evemy and seconded by Councillor Tristan Wilkinson. The proposal was put to the vote and agreed by Cabinet. Voting Record: 7 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions. Councillor Andrea Pellegram did not vote having declared an interest.
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Corporate Plan 2025-2028 refresh Purpose To seek Cabinet’s endorsement of a refreshed Corporate Plan for the period 2025 through to 2028. While the extant Corporate Plan was agreed last year, there have been significant changes nationally and locally which are reflected in the refreshed plan.
Recommendation (s) That Cabinet resolves to:
Additional documents:
Decision: The purpose of the report was to seek Cabinet’s endorsement of a refreshed Corporate Plan for the period 2025 through to 2028.The refreshed Corporate Plan reflected significant national and local changes since last year’s agreement on the extant Corporate Plan.
Councillor Mike Evemy, Leader of the Council, introduced the item. The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Mike Evemy and seconded by Councillor Patrick Coleman.
RESOLVED that Cabinet
Voting Record: 8 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.
Minutes: The purpose of the report was to seek Cabinet’s endorsement of a refreshed Corporate Plan for the period 2025 through to 2028. The refreshed Corporate Plan reflected significant national and local changes since last year’s agreement on the extant Corporate Plan. The previous update had been agreed in January 2024, but a further refresh was required following the Government’s announcement on local government reorganisation and the potential abolition of the authority on 1 April 2028. Cabinet emphasised the importance of producing a more succinct plan, removing actions already achieved, and focusing on priorities to be delivered before reorganisation.
Councillor Mike Evemy, Leader of the Council, introduced the item. Cabinet considered the refreshed Corporate Plan, introduced by the Leader and presented by the report author. It was noted that the report had been subject to scrutiny by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 1 September 2025.
Key changes to the extant plan included the introduction of a new priority, preparing for the future, which was linked to LGR, and the embedding of the Local Plan across all six existing priorities. It was confirmed that the final plan would combine the text and action plan into a single designed document, with photographs and member contributions to make it more accessible and engaging. Members would be consulted individually on attributed quotes before publication.
During discussion, members commended the clarity and accessibility of the document and welcomed the incorporation of Cabinet Members’ top three priorities. Minor drafting amendments were suggested. Members highlighted the importance of climate action, including fleet renewal, and the need to hand over a “clean council” to the successor unitary authority. The aspiration to prepare for the future and to build a lasting legacy for the Cotswolds was strongly supported. Members also noted that financial sustainability had been taken into account in preparing the plan.
Cabinet resolved to recommend the Corporate Plan 2025–2028 to Council on 24 September 2025, subject to modifications to member quotes and minor drafting amendments, and delegated authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, to finalise the design.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Mike Evemy and seconded by Councillor Patrick Coleman. The proposal was put to the vote and agreed by Cabinet.
Voting Record: 8 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.
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Service Performance Report 2025-26 Quarter 1 Purpose To provide an update on progress on the Council’s priorities and service performance for Q1 2025-26 (April-June 2025).
Recommendation(s) That Cabinet resolves to: 1. Note overall progress on the Council priorities and service performance for Q1 2025-26 (April-June 2025). Additional documents:
Decision: The purpose of the report was to provide an update on progress on the Council’s priorities and service performance
Councillor Mike Evemy, Leader of the Council, introduced the item, which was for noting.
RESOLVED that Cabinet · Noted overall progress on the Council priorities and service performance for 2025-26 Q1 (April-June 2025). Minutes: The purpose of the report was to provide an update on progress on the Council’s priorities and service performance Q1 (April to June 2025).
Councillor Mike Evemy, Leader of the Council, introduced the item, which was for noting. Cabinet considered the Service Performance Report for Quarter 1 (April–June 2025), which had also been reviewed by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The report highlighted key achievements, including the successful transition of staff back from Publica on 1 July 2025, delivery of the Parish and Town Council Summit in June with over 100 attendees, and continued success of the Crowdfund Cotswold initiative.
Performance data showed strong results in several areas, including non-domestic rates collection ahead of target, planning applications determined within timescales, and a reduction in missed bin collections to below target for the first time in over a year. Leisure centre visits had increased significantly, and gym memberships were broadly on target. Areas for improvement included planning appeals, where outcomes varied depending on committee and officer recommendations, and affordable housing delivery, which had achieved two completions in the quarter. Officers confirmed minor amendments to the report, including updated information on biodiversity work at Cotswold Lakes and a correction to a chart legend. Positive comments were made on the clarity of the report, the importance of improving affordable housing delivery, and the need to monitor planning appeals and enforcement more closely. Members also noted the value of cross-team working, improvements in climate action, waste management, food premises inspections, and the successful media campaign on fly-tipping. Metrics for planning enforcement were agreed to be included in future reporting. Thanks and congratulations were extended to officers for their work across a wide range of service areas, with particular recognition of progress on climate change, waste management, planning performance, and the support provided to residents through initiatives such as the Low-Income Family Tracker.
Councillor Blomefield, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, was invited to make any comments around the report resulting from the Committee meeting on 1 September 2025. There were no formal recommendations, however key points highlighted included:
Members noted that the first meeting of the Moreton-in-Marsh Working Group was scheduled for the following week, with a wider meeting planned for later in September or early October, in line with the Local Plan timetable. Cabinet noted that solar installations generally did not require planning permission except for listed buildings, and that monitoring could be explored using digital tools to identify trends and improve data collection. ... view the full minutes text for item 129. |
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People and Culture Strategy Purpose To approve the People & Culture Strategy attached at Annex A and accompanying year 1 implementation plan at Annex B.
Recommendation(s) 1. That Cabinet resolves to:
Approve the four core workforce values:
Additional documents:
Decision: The purpose of the reports was to seek Cabinet’s approval of the People & Culture Strategy (Annex A) and the accompanying Year 1 implementation plan (Annex B).
Councillor Mike Evemy. Leader of the Council, introduced the report. The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Mike Evemy and seconded by Councillor Andrea Pellegram.
RESOLVED that Cabinet: 1. Approved the People & Culture Strategy as detailed in Annex A 2. Approved the four core workforce values: a. We put our communities first: b. We are one team: working for our residents and businesses c. We are business focussed: ensuring efficiency, effectiveness and good value for money d. We are set up for success: to deliver against our corporate priorities 3. Approved the year 1 implementation plan as detailed in Annex B (September 2025 – August 2026) 4. Noted the Internal Communications & Engagement Strategy as detailed in Annex C
Voting Record: 8 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions. Minutes: The purpose of the reports was to seek Cabinet’s approval of the People & Culture Strategy (Annex A) and the accompanying Year 1 implementation plan (Annex B).
Councillor Mike Evemy. Leader of the Council, introduced the People and Culture Strategy 2025–28 report, which had been developed following the first phase of staff returning from Publica in November 2024. The strategy groundwork had been carried out by Innovation Central, aimed to align and develop the workforce alongside organisational priorities, establish workforce values, and provide a behavioural framework to support positive and productive work environments. Staff engagement and consultation had informed the strategy and its associated year one implementation plan. Now, additional consideration was also being given to forthcoming Local Government Reorganisation. The strategy incorporated four core workforce values which were also key to the Corporate Plan:
The internal communications and engagement strategy was also noted as being an important part of the strategy.. Members raised the following points:
Cabinet welcomed the strategy, noting its timeliness and importance in preparing the workforce for future organisational changes.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Mike Evemy and seconded by Councillor Andrea Pellegram. The proposal was put to the vote and agreed by Cabinet. Voting Record: 8 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.
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Financial Performance Report 2025-26 Quarter 1 Purpose To set out the first budget monitoring position for the 2025/26 financial year.
Recommendation(s) That Cabinet resolves to:
Additional documents:
Decision: The purpose of the report was to present the first 2025/26 budget monitoring position to Cabinet and seek Cabinet’s endorsement of the proposed financial management approach and related reserve transfers.
Councillor Patrick Coleman, Cabinet Member for Finance, introduced the report. The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Patrick Coleman and seconded by Councillor Mike Evemy.
RESOLVED that Cabinet:
Voting Record: 8 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.
Minutes: The purpose of the report was to present the first 2025/26 budget monitoring position to Cabinet and seek Cabinet’s endorsement of the proposed financial management approach and related reserve transfers.
Councillor Patrick Coleman, Cabinet Member for Finance, introduced the report and highlighted the early agreement of the July pay award, which provided certainty for staff and finance teams, the implementation of a vacancy management process, the creation of earmarked reserves for transformation and capacity building, and the establishment of a planning appeals reserve to manage financial risks from increased housing targets and speculative development applications.
Members raised the following points:
The Chair of Overview and Scrutiny, Gina Blomefield, welcomed the vacancy management process, emphasising its potential to improve efficiency and ensure the right staff were deployed. She also highlighted the need for clarification of cemetery income shortfalls and requested that interest rates be reported in percentages to aid understanding.
Action Deputy Chief Executive to ensure that percentage interest rates were made available.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Patrick Coleman and seconded by Councillor Mike Evemy. The proposal was put to the vote and agreed by Cabinet
Voting Record: 8 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.
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Next Meeting Additional documents: Minutes: The next scheduled meeting of Cabinet is on 16 October 2025, and will start at 6.00pm. |
Carried