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 Tristan Wilkinson. |
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Declarations of Interest To receive any declarations of interest from Members and Officers, 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 held on 9 January 2025. Additional documents: Decision: The purpose of this item was to consider the minutes of the meeting of Cabinet on 9 January 2025. There were no amendments to the minutes.
The approval of the minutes was proposed by Councillor Joe Harris, Leader of the Council and seconded by Councillor Mike Evemy, Deputy Leader and Member for Finance and Transformation. This proposal was put to the vote and agreed by Cabinet.
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet meeting held on 9 January 2025 be approved as a correct record.
Voting Record: 5 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions Minutes: The minutes of the previous meeting 9 January 2025 were considered. There were no amendments.
A proposal to approve the minutes of the previous meeting held 9 January 2025 was proposed by Councillor Harris and seconded by Councillor Evemy.
RESOLVED: Cabinet approved the minutes of the meeting of Cabinet held on 9 January 2025 as a correct record.
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Leader's Announcements To receive any announcements from the Leader of the Council. Additional documents: Decision: There were no announcements from the Leader of the Council.
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: Decision: There was one Public Question : Andy Farmer introduced himself as a recent candidate in the Chesterton by-election. He explained that part of his campaign involved speaking to residents about their preferences for council spending, creating a wish list. He mentioned the possibility of an underspend from various grant funding streams at the end of the financial year and suggested that early planning could help the council spend this money effectively on residents.
Mr Farmer had collated a ‘wish-list’ which he had discussed with the Cabinet Member for Health , Culture and Visitor Experience and had a meeting arranged with the Economic Development Lead Officer to discuss further. An enquiry was made regarding the appropriate process for submitting non-grant-related spending requests, to which the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Transformation responded that such requests could be sent to him or the Deputy Chief Executive.
Mr Farmer also raised a question about parking charges, noting that potholes and car park charges were major concerns with residents. The removal of the “free after three” parking initiative was also questioned. It was explained that the initiative was removed due to financial constraints and changing trends since the COVID-19 pandemic. Financial pressure meant that the council could not afford to reintroduce the initiative.
However it was noted that some parking charges would be frozen and the introduction of 20-minute free parking bays was highlighted. It was also noted that car park ticket sales had increased in 2024 despite previous charge increases. The council was analysing data from a recent car parking consultation to inform future decisions.
Mr Farmer requested consideration for lower-income residents who struggle with parking costs, suggesting options like “free after four.” The Cabinet Member for Health, Culture and Visitor Experience acknowledged the request and mentioned that Trinity Road car park was free on weekends, offering an alternative for those facing cost challenges. Minutes: There was one Public Question : Andy Farmer introduced himself as a recent candidate in the Chesterton by-election. He explained that his campaign included gathering residents' views on council spending. 87 residents had provided input, with a resulting wish-list of some 47 items. He noted the potential for an underspend from various grant funding streams at the end of the financial year and suggested that early planning could help the council spend this money effectively on residents. Mr Farmer had already had discussions with Councillor Tristan Wilkinson, and was due to meet the Economic Development lead to discuss further.
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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: There were no member questions. |
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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 or to consider any matters raised by the Audit and Governance Committee. Additional documents: Minutes: There were no issues arising from Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 3 February 2025. |
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Schedule of Decisions taken by the Leader of the Council and/or Individual Cabinet Members No decisions have been taken by the Leader or Cabinet Members since the last meeting of Cabinet. Additional documents: Minutes: No individual Cabinet Member decisions have been taken since the previous meeting of Cabinet, held on 9 January 2025.
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UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund update February 2025 Purpose To update Cabinet on the delivery of UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund projects to date and seek approval for the approach to delivery of UKSPF projects in 2025/26 along with the necessary delegations.
Recommendation That Cabinet resolves to:
Additional documents:
Decision: The purpose of the report was to update Cabinet on the delivery of UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund projects to date and seek approval for the approach to the delivery of UKSPF projects in 2025/26 along with the necessary delegations.
In Councillor Wilkinson’s absence Councillor Harris, Leader of the Council, introduced the item.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Harris, Leader, and seconded by Councillor Layton, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning. This proposal was put to the vote and agreed by Cabinet.
RESOLVED that Cabinet : 1. Noted the progress with the delivery of UKSPF and REPF projects to date. 2. Noted that the Council has been awarded UKSPF funding of £327,146 for 2025/26. 3. Agreed to allocate up to £140,000 of funding for 2025/26 to Cirencester Growth Hub and up to £50,000 to a local employment and skills project 4. Delegated authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy and Environment, to allocate the remaining funding, having regard to the recommendations of the UKSPF Assessment Panel.
Voting Record 5 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstention
Minutes: The purpose of the report was to update Cabinet on the delivery of UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund projects to date and seek approval for the approach to the delivery of UKSPF projects in 2025/26 along with the necessary delegations.
In Councillor Wilkinson’s absence Councillor Harris, Leader of the Council, introduced the item.
The report highlighted the successful attribution of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) & Rural England Prosperity Fund grants which had funded multiple projects over recent years, delivering tangible benefits to the district.
It was highlighted that the Council remained committed to strong communities, sustainable economic growth, and climate action.
The grants had funded strategic investment supporting communities, local businesses, and skills development.
Recent key achievements were mentioned including:
Future plans (2025-26) were discussed with the £327,000 additional funding to be invested in business skills, community support, and climate-aligned projects.
It was confirmed that there would be ongoing funding for the Growth Hub and employment programmes, alongside new opportunities for engagement. Expressions of interest had already been received for efficient and effective projects delivering real benefits to residents.
Special thanks were extended to officers, stakeholders, and community partners, with special recognition for Councillors Tony Dale and Tristan Wilkinson, and the Economic Development Lead.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Harris, Leader, and seconded by Councillor Layton, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, put to the vote and agreed by Cabinet.
Voting Record 5 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstention
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Review of Parking Charges and Season Tickets Purpose The report proposes changes to the day tariffs and season ticket fees in the district car parks to take effect from 1April 2025.
Recommendation That Cabinet resolves to:
Additional documents:
Decision: The purpose of the report was to detail proposed changes to the day tariffs and season ticket fees in the district car parks to take effect from 1st April 2025.
The Cabinet Member for Health, Culture, and Visitor Experience introduced the item.
The recommendations were proposed by the Cabinet Member for Health, Culture, and Visitor Experience, Councillor Hodgkinson and seconded by Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Transformation, Councillor Evemy.
RESOLVED that Cabinet 1. Approved the freezing of car park charges for short stays of ½ hour or 1 hour at all the Council’s Car Parks; 2. Approved the car park charges for stays of 2 hours or more being increased by 2.7% (rounded to 10p), to reflect CPI inflation between October 2023 and October 2024 as per Annex B; 3. Noted the proposed charges for Rissington Road Car Park include the tourism levy increases from 50p to 60p agreed November 2024; 4. Approved increasing the fee for season tickets as per Annex D, reflecting a higher than inflationary increase to reflect the high level of subsidy offered for season tickets; 5. Approved the updating of the Parking Order to reflect agreed changes.
Voting Record 5 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstention
Minutes: The purpose of the report was to detail proposed changes to the day tariffs and season ticket fees in the district car parks to take effect from 1st April 2025.
The Cabinet Member for Health, Culture, and Visitor Experience introduced the item.
Thanks were extended to the Parking Manager, her team, and to the parking enforcement officers for their work.
The recommendations in the report were proposed by Councillor Hodgkinson, Cabinet Member for Health, Culture, and Visitor Experience, seconded by Councillor Evemy, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Transformation, put to the vote and agreed by Cabinet.
Voting Record 5 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstention
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2025/2026 Fees and Charges Purpose The purpose of this report is to present a revised schedule of fees and charges for 2025/26. The report also describes the rationale for the revised charges compared to current charges for 2024/25. Revised charges are presented at Annex A alongside current charges for 2024/25.
Recommendation That Cabinet resolves to:
Additional documents: Decision: The purpose of the report was to present a revised schedule of fees and charges for 2025/26. The report also described the rationale for the revised charges compared to current charges for 2024/25. Revised charges were presented at Annex A alongside current charges for 2024/25.
The report was presented by the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Transformation, Councillor Evemy.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Evemy, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Transformation and seconded by Councillor Claire Bloomer, Cabinet Member for Communities.
This proposal was put to the vote and agreed by Cabinet.
RESOLVED that Cabinet: 1. Endorsed the rationale for revising fees and charges as set out in the report; and 2. Approved the implementation of revised fees and charges for 2025/26 as detailed in Annex A from 1 April 2025.
Voting Record: 5 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions. Minutes: The purpose of the report was to present a revised schedule of fees and charges for 2025/26. The report also described the rationale for the revised charges compared to current charges for 2024/25. Revised charges were presented at Annex A alongside current charges for 2024/25.
The report was presented by the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Transformation, Councillor Evemy.
It was noted that this report was an annual review of fees and charges to account for inflation and ensure cost recovery for services.
The following changes were discussed
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Evemy, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Transformation and seconded by Councillor Claire Bloomer, Cabinet Member for Communities, put to the vote and agreed by Cabinet.
Voting Record: 5 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.
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Budget 2025/26 and Medium Term Financial Strategy Purpose To present the Revenue Budget for 2025-2026, Capital Programme and Medium-Term Financial Strategy for 2025-2026 to 2028-2029.
Recommendation Cabinet is requested to consider and approve for recommendation to Council:
Cabinet is recommended to approve delegation to the Council’s Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance
Additional documents:
Decision: The purpose of the report was to present the Revenue Budget for 2025/26, the Capital Programme and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy for 2025/26 to 2028/29.
The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Transformation introduced the item.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Evemy, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Transformation and seconded by Councillor Harris, Leader. This proposal was put to the vote and agreed by Cabinet.
RESOLVED Cabinet approved for recommendation to Council: 1. the Medium-Term Financial Strategy set out in Annex B 2. the Budget Pressures and Savings for inclusion in the budget, set out in Annex C 3. the Council Tax Requirement of £7,065,418 for this Council 4. the Council Tax level for Cotswold District Council purposes of £158.93 for a Band D property in 2025/26 (an increase of £5) 5. the Capital Programme, set out in Annex D 6. the Annual Capital Strategy 2025/26, as set out in Annex E 7. the Annual Treasury Management Strategy and Non-Treasury Management Investment Strategy 2025/26, as set out in Annex F 8. the Strategy for the Flexible use of Capital Receipts, as set out in Annex H 9. the balances and reserves forecast for 2025/26 to 2028/29 as set out in Section 7 of the report. 10. Formally noted the renewal of the CIVICA OpenRevenues 3-year software contract from 01 June 2025 with an annual fee of £0.106m (an increase of £0.031m over the previous annual contract value)
RESOLVED: Cabinet approved delegation to the Council’s Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance to: 11. Agree changes to the General Fund Summary arising from the Local Government Finance Settlement and the Business Rates Retention Scheme estimates prior to submission to Council.
Voting Record: 5 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstention. Minutes: The purpose of the report was to present the Revenue Budget for 2025/26, the Capital Programme and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy for 2025/26 to 2028/29.
The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Transformation, Councillor Evemy introduced the report and emphasised that the Budget 2025/26, the Capital Programme and the Medium -Term Financial Strategy were crucial documents for consideration. Following the decision of Cabinet the final determination of the Council's budget and the setting of Council Tax would happen on Monday 24 February at Full Council.
· A draft Budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) had been presented before Christmas after a provisional government funding settlement had been announced. · It was noted that a reduced budget consultation had taken place in January 2025 due to staffing changes and a by-election, this had led to only 46 responses instead of the usual 400 plus. · The final government settlement had been received in the first week of February 2025 and was the worst funding settlement in nearly six years, with no increase in core government support or provision for inflation. The settlement was cash-neutral after accounting for the maximum allowable Council Tax increases. · The Rural Services Delivery Grant, £800,000 funding was removed but later replaced through an alternative government mechanism. · The Deputy Chief Executive and Deputy Leader had presented the financial position and answered questions at the recent Overview and Scrutiny Committee. · It was noted that the increase to employer National Insurance contributions would cost the Council £400,000 annually, with government funding covering only £133,000, leaving a significant shortfall. · A £4 million funding gap was initially projected before Christmas, but revised assumptions and plans including service transformation, efficiency improvements, and revenue reserve utilization had reduced that figure. · A £2 million loss of government funding was expected from 2026/27 onward. · There had been recent positive news around Pooled Funds suggesting the Council would not need to set aside reserves for potential investment losses. · Significant future costs were included in the Capital Program, including £5m for waste vehicle replacements in 2026/27, which would require potential borrowing of £2.87m. · A projected surplus of £662,000 for the next year would align with the Council’s motion from November 2023 to set aside surpluses in preparation for future financial challenges. · However it was noted that future funding would remain unclear due to continued consultation on proposed changes to local authority funding, and uncertainty around potential mitigation measures. · It was noted that the Council received £1.5 million this year from Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Funding, this was to support waste and recycling services, shifting costs onto producers. · Risks around EPR funding were seen as: § Uncertainty about whether the Council could retain the full amount. § Lack of clarity around future funding levels. § Uncertainty as to whether producers might alter packaging to reduce their costs, which could positively impact the environment but reduce Council funding.
The Deputy Chief Executive confirmed that an updated version of the report with clarifications, but no major financial changes would be prepared ... view the full minutes text for item 67.
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Carried