Agenda, decisions and draft 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 Andrea Pellegram. |
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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: There were no declarations of interest from Members. |
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To approve the minutes of the previous meeting of Cabinet held on 5 February 2026. Additional documents: Decision: The purpose of this item was to consider the minutes of Cabinet held on 5 February 2026.
The recommendation to approve the minutes was proposed by Councillor Mike Evemy and seconded by Councillor Tony Dale.
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 5 February 2026 be approved as a correct record.
Voting record: 6 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.
Minutes: The purpose of this item was to consider the minutes of Cabinet held on 5 February 2026.
The recommendation to approve the minutes was proposed by Councillor Mike Evemy and seconded by Councillor Tony Dale.
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 5 February 2026 be approved as a correct record.
Voting record: 6 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.
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Leader's Announcements To receive any announcements from the Leader of the Council. Additional documents: Minutes: There were no announcements from the Leader.
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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: There were no public questions. |
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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: There were no Member questions. |
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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. Additional documents: Minutes: No delegated decisions had been taken by the Leader and/or Individual Cabinet Members since the publication of the agenda for Cabinet 5 March 2026.
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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: Cabinet noted that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee had met earlier in the week to consider matters relating to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in the Cotswold District, and that the Committee had made no specific recommendations for Cabinet’s consideration. |
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Biodiversity Action Plan Purpose: To approve the biodiversity duty report for publication. Publication of this report is a legal requirement for all local authorities and must be completed no later than 26 March 2026.
Recommendations: That Cabinet resolves to: 1. Approve the biodiversity duty report within Annex A for publication. 2. Delegate to the Assistant Director – Planning Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning to make presentational and minor editorial changes for publication.
Additional documents: Decision: The purpose of this report was to present the Biodiversity Duty report to Cabinet for approval. Councillor Juliet Layton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, introduced the report, noting that its publication was a legal requirement for all local authorities under the Environment Act 2021 and was to be completed no later than 26 March 2026. The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Juliet Layton and seconded by Councillor Tristan Wilkinson.
Cabinet RESOLVED to: 1. Approve the Biodiversity Duty Report within Annex A for publication. 2. Delegate authority to the Assistant Director – Planning Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning to make presentational and minor editorial changes for publication.
Voting record: 6 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions. Minutes: The purpose of this report was to approve the biodiversity duty report for publication. It was noted that the publication of this report was a legal requirement for all local authorities and had to be completed no later than 26 March 2026. Councillor Juliet Layton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning introduced the report and explained that the Environment Act 2021 had strengthened the legal duty on public authorities to conserve and enhance biodiversity, and required local planning authorities to publish a report demonstrating how that duty was being met, including performance in delivering Biodiversity Net Gain, which had become mandatory for most developments since February 2024. The report outlined how biodiversity considerations were being incorporated across a range of Council services, including planning, green space management, climate and sustainability programmes, and partnership working with organisations such as Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and the Local Nature Partnership. The Council’s performance in delivering Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) was also highlighted It was noted that between February 2024 and December 2025 the Council had discharged 24 BNG plans, the highest number among authorities in Gloucestershire. The report identified opportunities to further strengthen the Council’s approach over the next five years, including the development of a Biodiversity Action Strategy. This strategy would be informed by the Gloucestershire Local Nature Recovery Strategy and the forthcoming review of the Council’s Ecological Emergency Action Plan, and would seek to embed biodiversity considerations more fully within corporate decision-making, monitoring, and reporting. Cabinet was asked to approve the Biodiversity Duty Report for publication, endorse the development of the Biodiversity Action Strategy, and delegate authority to the Assistant Director for Planning Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member, to make minor editorial and presentation changes prior to publication. The Leader commented that the report also highlighted two S106 agreements with significant BNG on site and invited any questions or comments.
The Cabinet Member for Finance noted that the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) grant had been incorporated into the Revenue Support Grant as part of the Local Government Finance Settlement for the upcoming financial year. As a result, there would no longer be a separate, ring-fenced allocation for BNG funding from central government, and local authorities would therefore determine their own level of expenditure on BNG from the overall Revenue Support Grant. The Deputy Chief Executive, David Stanley confirmed that the Council currently held £45,000 of previously unspent BNG funding in reserve, which could be drawn down to support related activity. Should additional funding be required beyond this reserve, officers would need to seek Cabinet approval for further budget allocation. Councillor Tristan Wilkinson spoke to second the report and thanked Councillor Layton for her summary of the report. The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Juliet Layton and seconded by Councillor Tristan Wilkinson.
The proposal was put to the vote and agreed by Cabinet.
Voting record: 6 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.
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Gloucestershire Local Nature Recovery Strategy Purpose: To endorse the Gloucestershire Local Nature Recovery Strategy. Recommendation: That Cabinet resolves to: 1. Endorse the Gloucestershire Local Nature Recovery Strategy. Additional documents:
Decision: The purpose of the report was to endorse the Gloucestershire Local Nature Recovery Strategy. Councillor Juliet Layton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning introduced the Gloucestershire Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), a statutory strategy introduced under the Environment Act 2021 and approved by Gloucestershire County Council in January 2026. The report explained that the LNRS had been developed collaboratively with local authorities and partners, including the Gloucestershire Local Nature Partnership, and provided a spatial framework identifying opportunities for habitat creation, restoration and expansion at a landscape scale to support nature recovery. The report further outlined the statutory requirement for local planning authorities to have regard to the LNRS in fulfilling their biodiversity duties. The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Juliet Layton and seconded by Councillor Mike McKeown. Cabinet RESOLVED to: 1. Endorse the Gloucestershire Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Voting record: 6 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions. Minutes: The purpose of the report was to endorse the Gloucestershire Local Nature Recovery Strategy. The report was introduced by Councillor Juliet Layton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning. Councillor Layton noted that the Environment Act 2021 had introduced a statutory requirement for a Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) covering every area of England. The LNRS for Gloucestershire had been approved by Gloucestershire County Council, which had been appointed by Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) as the responsible authority. The strategy had been developed collaboratively with district, borough and city councils and key partners including the Gloucestershire Local Nature Partnership. Councillor Layton explained that the LNRS functioned as a spatial planning tool identifying landscape-scale opportunities for nature recovery, including areas where habitat creation, restoration or expansion would have the greatest impact. It was emphasised that the strategy was not prescriptive but provided guidance to public bodies, landowners, farmers and voluntary or private organisations to help target action where biodiversity benefits would be greatest. The strategy also identified areas of particular importance for biodiversity, where nature recovery measures should be prioritised, and where landowners undertaking habitat creation or restoration might be eligible for grant funding or enhanced payments through national schemes. Councillor Layton explained that local planning authorities were required under the strengthened biodiversity duty to conserve and enhance biodiversity and to have regard to the relevant LNRS in carrying out their functions. The strategy would therefore become an important reference point for planning decisions, policy development and wider corporate activity. It was further noted that Cotswold District Council had already begun implementing the approach, and had, working with the National Trust established a habitat bank at the Sherborne Estate aligned with the emerging LNRS measures. This work was intended to support high-quality biodiversity net gain delivery and demonstrated the Council’s commitment to partnership-led nature recovery. Cabinet noted that the LNRS had been approved by the County Council’s Cabinet in January 2026 and that endorsing the strategy would ensure that the Council was aligned with the county-wide approach and able to integrate the strategy into its planning, land management and biodiversity work. Members were recommended to read the full document which was publicly available online. The Leader thanked Councillor Juliet Layton for presenting the report and noted that the Local Nature Recovery Strategy was a comprehensive document, including detail on specific species and wider habitat measures. It was noted that the strategy would assist the Council and partner authorities across Gloucestershire in identifying opportunities to enhance nature recovery. Councillor Mike McKeown, in seconding the recommendation, welcomed the strategy as an important framework for restoring habitats and improving biodiversity across the district and county. He highlighted the role of healthy ecosystems in supporting climate resilience, including carbon storage and flood management, and referred to recent flooding during Storm Bert as an example of the impacts of poor land absorption. He added that the strategy was particularly significant for the Cotswolds, where the natural landscape was a key asset. ... view the full minutes text for item 213.
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Infrastructure Funding - Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Project Purpose: The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a charge levied on development to help fund infrastructure. It is a vital mechanism for supporting the delivery of infrastructure to underpin sustainable growth across the District, while also creating opportunities for projects that enhance local communities.
The Council introduced a CIL charge in 2019; at which time a process for stakeholders to apply for CIL funding was put in place. Now, with experience of operating the process, is an appropriate time to review it for best practice.
The existing process allows stakeholders to make ‘bids’ for CIL funding once a year, during the period of March – May. Concise guidance for making bids is available on our website. Once the bid period closes, an officer panel convenes to consider the bids, applying an existing high-level scoring system.
Having now completed two strategic bid rounds under the existing process, the Council has gained valuable insights, supported by stakeholder feedback, into how the process can be further strengthened. A review by officers has identified opportunities to enhance transparency, engagement, collaboration, and ensure ongoing alignment with the Council’s strategic priorities and the Development Plan. There are opportunities to improve the effectiveness of the bid cycle, ensuring that CIL funding continues to be allocated legally, responsibly, strategically, and accountably, and in line with the CIL Regulations 2010 (as amended) support development of our area.
The purpose of this report is to seek delegated authority for the Associate Director of Planning, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing, to implement a programme of enhancements.
Recommendation: That Cabinet resolves to: 1. Delegate authority to the Assistant Director, Planning Service in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing to implement a CIL Enhancement Programme detailed at Section 3 of this report.
Additional documents: Decision: The purpose of the report was to seek delegated authority for the Associate Director of Planning, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing, to implement enhancements to the Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding bid process.
The report was introduced by Councillor Juliet Layton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, who explained that the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), adopted in 2019, was collected from most developments to fund strategic infrastructure.
Drawing on experience from the first two funding rounds and stakeholder feedback, the report proposed enhancements to improve transparency, strengthen alignment with the Council’s Corporate Plan and Infrastructure Development Plan, introduce a year-round bidding process with assessments between October and December, and improve monitoring and reporting. It was noted that these changes related only to the allocation process and not the charging schedule
The recommendation was proposed by Councillor Juliet Layton and seconded by Councillor Patrick Coleman. Cabinet RESOLVED to: 1. Delegate authority to the Assistant Director, Planning Service in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing to implement a CIL Enhancement Programme detailed at Section 3 of this report.
Voting record: 6 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions. Minutes: The purpose of the report was to seek delegated authority for the Assistant Director of Planning, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing, to implement enhancements to the Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding bid process.
The report was introduced by Councillor Juliet Layton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, who explained that the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), adopted in 2019, was collected from most developments to fund strategic infrastructure to support local communities. Members were advised that 5% of receipts were used for administration, while 15% was allocated to town and parish councils without a neighbourhood plan and 25% to those with a neighbourhood development plan, with a five-year spending period for those allocations.
It was reported that the Council had operated CIL since 2019 and had completed two strategic funding rounds. A review of the process, informed by experience and stakeholder feedback, had identified opportunities to improve transparency, strategic alignment and collaboration in the allocation of funds. The proposed changes related to the allocation process rather than the charging schedule. The current single annual bidding window would be replaced with a year-round application process, with bids assessed by officers between October and December. The revised approach would strengthen alignment with the Council’s Corporate Plan and Infrastructure Delivery Plan, improve engagement with parishes, community groups and infrastructure partners, and introduce clearer strategic criteria for assessing bids. Monitoring and reporting would also be enhanced to better demonstrate the impact of funded projects. Members were advised that the report sought delegated authority for the Assistant Director for Planning Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member, to implement the proposed improvements in time for the next funding round. Members discussed the proposed enhancements to the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) allocation process. Councillor Mike Evemy noted that the programme aimed to improve the process based on experience from previous funding cycles and ensure alignment with the Council’s corporate priorities, while maintaining the distinction between CIL-funded projects and infrastructure delivered through other mechanisms such as Section 106 agreements. The updated governance arrangements were welcomed, in particular the emphasis on community engagement. The importance of involving members and parish councils as consultees during bid assessment to ensure local input and support was noted. The Kemble to Cirencester cycle path, funded through CIL, was cited as an example of successful collaboration with strong local buy-in, contributing to sustainable transport and community benefits. It was noted that, historically, CIL or equivalent funds had been used for village halls, but current community needs were broader, including health, wellbeing, and mental health provision, particularly for younger residents. It was emphasised that the revised governance should ensure CIL funding targeted infrastructure that delivered tangible benefits for communities. The Director of Communities and Place, noted that consideration had been given to balancing allocations between strategic climate emergency and sustainable, healthy community projects, with the current approach focusing on weighting the scoring matrix to achieve the appropriate mix of infrastructure. The recommendation was proposed by ... view the full minutes text for item 214.
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HomeSeekerPlus Policy Review Purpose: The HomeseekerPlus Policy has been in place since 2016 and was last reviewed in 2022. Due to legislative and other changes, the policy needs to be updated. It is considered good practice to consult the public and associated stakeholders on the new policy therefore the HomeseekerPlus partnership is seeking approval to consult and implement suggested changes. Although there are no recommended or set timeframes for how often allocations policies should be reviewed, it is anticipated that this the revised HomeseekerPlus Policy will remain in place until after the completion of the Local Government Reorganisation.
Recommendations: That Cabinet resolves to: 1. Approve the draft Policy amendments for public consultation. 2. Delegate authority to the Business Manager for Housing, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning and the Publica Executive Director – Operations, to adopt the new policy following consideration of the consultation responses. Additional documents: Decision: The purpose of the report was to present to Cabinet an updated HomeseekerPlus Policy to replace the policy which had been in place since 2016 and had last been reviewed in 2022. Councillor Juliet Layton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning introduced the report which explained that the current Homeseeker Plus Policy, had been updated to reflect legislative changes, national guidance, and operational learning. Revisions addressed statutory duties, updated case law, and clarified definitions on eligibility, priority need, and housing circumstances. The update strengthened operational processes, verification, and reassessment, supported consistent decision-making, incorporated best practice for safeguarding and vulnerable households, and aligned with national expectations. The policy was expected to remain in place until after local government reorganisation, providing a stable framework during structural change. The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Layton and seconded by Councillor Mike Evemy. Cabinet RESOLVED to: 1. Approve the draft Policy amendments for public consultation. 2. Delegate authority to the Business Manager for Housing, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning and the Publica Executive Director – Operations, to adopt the new policy following consideration of the consultation responses.
Voting record: 6 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions. Minutes: The purpose of the report was to present to Cabinet an updated HomeseekerPlus Policy to replace the existing policy, which had been in place since 2016 and was last reviewed in 2022. Councillor Juliet Layton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, explained that the policy had required updating in light of significant legislative changes, updated national guidance, and operational learning across the partnership. Members were advised that the proposed revisions aimed to ensure the policy remained fair, transparent, legally compliant, and aligned with statutory guidance on choice-based letting for social housing. The review addressed new statutory duties, including those relating to domestic abuse and the armed forces, and updated case law affecting eligibility, priority need, and local connection. Officers had also proposed clearer definitions and strengthened operational processes regarding medical and welfare needs, overcrowding, under-occupation, and threatened homelessness, as well as improved verification, reassessment, and suspension procedures to maintain an accurate register. The updated policy incorporated best practice from across the sector, strengthened safeguarding and support for vulnerable households, and was expected to remain in place until after local government reorganisation, providing stability during structural change. Members were advised that questions on the detailed policy should be directed to council officers due to the sensitive and nuanced nature of the policy. The Leader invited questions from Cabinet Members. Councillor Patrick Coleman queried the emergency banding for downsizing within the HomeSeeker Plus policy, seeking clarification on whether it applied to the whole of Gloucestershire or only Gloucester City. Councillor Juliet Layton confirmed that the scheme operated across Gloucestershire and West Oxfordshire, in partnership with seven local authorities and social housing landlords, enabling tenants to bid for properties through a choice-based lettings system. Councillor Mike Evemy seconded the recommendation, noting minor wording amendments to clarify that the policy would be adopted following consideration of consultation responses. He thanked housing officers, for their work supporting residents to access and maintain housing and prevent homelessness. Members were advised that the consultation would commence in May, with the revised policy subsequently adopted following consideration of responses from the partnership authorities. Cabinet noted that the HomeSeeker Plus policy would continue to operate across all districts and boroughs in Gloucestershire and West Oxfordshire, providing a consistent framework through local government reorganisation. The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Layton and seconded by Councillor Mike Evemy. The proposal was put to the vote and agreed by Cabinet.
Voting record: 6 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.
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Delegated Approval to Award Contract (Parking) Purpose: The purpose of this report is to seek approval of delegated authority to award the contract for pay and display machines for car parks. Recommendation: That Cabinet: 1. Delegates authority to the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Health, Culture and Visitor Experience to award the contract for the supply, installation and on-going services to the most advantageous supplier.
Additional documents:
Decision: The purpose of the report was to seek approval of delegated authority to award the contract for pay and display machines for car parks. The report was introduced by Councillor Tony Dale, Cabinet Member for Health, Culture and Visitor Experience who explained that the existing machines were increasingly outdated, required frequent maintenance, and were difficult for users, necessitating a full refresh of the parking estate. The tender process was outlined and it was noted that procurement was being accelerated to enable the timely replacement and operation of machines within the current budget year. The recommendation was proposed by Councillor Tony Dale and seconded by Councillor Mike Evemy. Cabinet RESOLVED to: 1. Delegate authority to the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Health, Culture and Visitor Experience to award the contract for the supply, installation and on-going services to the most advantageous supplier. Voting record: 6 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.
Minutes: The purpose of the report was to seek approval of delegated authority to award the contract for pay and display machines for car parks. The report was introduced by Councillor Tony Dale, Cabinet Member for Health, Culture and Visitor Experience who explained that the existing machines were increasingly outdated, required frequent maintenance, and were difficult to use, necessitating a full refresh of the parking estate. The proposed procurement set out the types, locations, and operational requirements of new machines, including installation, commissioning, servicing, and removal of old machines. The process included a four-week tender period, with evaluations conducted by a dedicated parking and procurement team. It was noted that authority would be delegated to the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Health, Culture and Visitor Experience, to award the contract for the supply, installation, and ongoing operation of the new parking machines to the most advantageous supplier. Members were informed that the new machines were expected to provide faster, easier, and more reliable payment options for residents and visitors, enhancing the overall parking experience across the District. Councillor Dale noted that procurement had been accelerated to enable the timely replacement and operation of machines within the current budget year. The Leader invited questions from Cabinet Members. Councillor Juliet Layton welcomed the proposals for new parking machines, noting the importance of speed, clarity, and accessibility, including for users with disabilities. Councillor Tony Dale acknowledged that while no solution would have all desired features, simplicity, clarity, and speed were paramount, and emphasised that the new machines should be future-proofed to enable mobile payments and efficient maintenance. He expressed confidence in the parking and procurement teams to deliver a fit-for-purpose solution and confirmed that any compromises would be reported back to Cabinet. Councillor Tristan Wilkinson supported the approach, praising its user-centric design and clarity of requirements, noting that this methodology could serve as a model for other Council procurements. Officers confirmed that customer feedback had informed the specification and that the evaluation team would ensure all criteria were considered. In summing up Councillor Tony Dale welcomed the decision, noting it was timely, well-considered, and supported the early delivery of the service. Councillor Dale confirmed that he would monitor progress to ensure there were no delays. The recommendation was proposed by Councillor Tony Dale and seconded by Councillor Mike Evemy. The proposal was put to the vote and agreed by Cabinet. Voting record: 6 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.
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Next Meeting The next meeting of Cabinet will be held on 16 April 2026 at 6.00pm. Additional documents: Minutes: The next meeting date of Cabinet was confirmed as 16 April 2026 at 6.00 pm..
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Carried