Agenda and draft minutes
PDF 191 KBVenue: the Council Chamber - Council Offices, Trinity Road, Cirencester, GL7 1PX. View directions
Contact: Democratic Services
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Apologies To receive any apologies for absence.
The quorum for Council is 9 members.
Additional documents: Minutes: Apologies were received from Councillors Claire Bloomer, Tristan Wilkinson, Julia Judd, Roly Hughes
The Chair noted that Councillor Mike Evemy had indicated that he was running late. |
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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: None from the Members.
The Chair notified that there were a number of officers present employed by the Publica Group who would have a disclosable pecuniary interest in Agenda Item 7 and would leave the room. |
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To confirm the minutes of the meeting of Council held on 21 February 2024. Additional documents: Minutes: The minutes of the Full Council meeting on 21 February 2024 were considered as part of the pack.
RESOLVED: That subject to the changes being made, Full Council AGREED the minutes presented of 21 February 2024 as a true and accurate record.
Voting Record
26 For, 0 Against, 2 Abstentions, 6 Absent/Did not vote
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Presentation of Awards for Cotswold Photo Competition For the Chair and Leader to announce the winners of the Cotswold photo competition awards. Additional documents: Minutes: The Chair then moved to this item first ahead of the announcements from the Chair, Leader and/or Chief Executive.
The Chair noted the delight of having the photos on the wall which showcased many aspects of life in the Cotswolds. It was noted that the list of runners up and the winner along with the photos would be made available on the Council’s online social media pages.
The Chair then presented the awards to the runners up:
The Chair alongside the Leader of the Council then presented the winner of the photo competition Jill Bewley (Photo: Cotswold Ladies) with her prize. |
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Announcements from the Chair, Leader or Chief Executive To receive any announcements from the Chair of Council, Leader of the Council and/or the Chief Executive. Additional documents: Minutes:
The Chair of the Council then provided the following announcements:
The Leader then gave his announcements:
- The Council was required to produce a Local Plan for its area and make provision for local housing in the area. - The Government’s targets for housing required that the District provide 3,300 new homes which was recognised as controversial in any location. - The current system of infrastructure was based on new development coming forward and new sites being brought forward. - There were genuine concerns in Moreton-in-Marsh regarding development but that there had been some speculation as to the number of houses. - Council Officers and Members were doing their best to provide the best to live, work and visit. - The Council should work together to make infrastructure the best it can be.
The Leader finally noted that Councillor Jan Gronow from Cirencester Town Council had sadly passed away and paid tribute to their work within the community.
There were no announcements from the Chief Executive. |
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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 Council’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 Chair 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: Mr Boulter asked a question in relation to the new Council Tax Bills that had been issued for 2024/25 to residents and the yearly change elements for the different preceptors and how the increases matched up in terms of the overall increase. Mr Boulter noted that he had contacted the Deputy Leader as Cabinet Member for Finance and the Revenues Team about the presentation of the bill but had not received a satisfactory response.
Councillor Harris responded on behalf of Councillor Evemy and apologised for the unsatisfactory answered received. It was confirmed that the Deputy Chief Executive would investigate and respond directly on the issue raised by email. |
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A Member of the Council may ask the Chair, the Leader, a Cabinet Member or the Chair of any Committee 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 Chair 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.
The following questions were submitted in advance of the agenda publication:
Question 1 from Councillor Nikki Ind to Councillor Tony Dale, Cabinet Member for Economy and Council Transformation Following the recent Local Government Association survey, which found that most councils are aware of the agreement between mobile operators and the Government to switch off 2G and 3G mobile networks by 2033, can you please confirm to what extent is Cotswold District Council reliant on these networks, as opposed to the faster 4G and 5G technologies, and if we are currently reliant, what is the plan for upgrading systems to avoid loss of service? Clearly, any upgrades will have a financial impact on our already stretched budget, and I would like to be assured that provision has been made for this work. I am thinking primarily about parking meters, public toilets and alarm systems, but also waste in-cab technologies and telecare devices which may be being used by our residents.
Question 2 from Councillor Chris Twells to Councillor Mike Evemy, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance:
The Leader appointed seven Cabinet Members following last year's local elections. Will the Deputy Leader tell us on how many days each Cabinet Member spent time on site here at Trinity Road since their appointment? I understand this data will be stored by the council via our security passes.
Question 3 from Councillor Chris Twells to Councillor Joe Harris Leader of the Council:
Many residents have contacted me to express their concern at the lack of progress with the Dolphins Hall project in Tetbury, which lies in my ward. The project was supposed to have been funded mainly via Section 106 contributions. There has been little obvious progress on site and the latest reports from Tetbury Town Council suggests that the project now requires at least another £50,000. ... view the full agenda text for item 33. Additional documents: Minutes: The Member Questions and responses can be found at the attached Annex A.
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Publica Review- Local Partnerships Transition Plan Purpose To consider the Local Partnerships report and to approve the recommendations therein.
Recommendations That Full Council Resolves to: 1. Approve the recommendations set out in the Local Partnerships report 2. Instruct the Interim Programme Director to prepare a detailed transition plan, building on the recommendations set out in the Local Partnerships report, for subsequent agreement by Cabinet and Council. Additional documents: Minutes: The Chair invited those Publica colleagues who felt that they should leave the room to do so. It was noted that an officer from the ICT team would remain in the room to support the technology, as ICT was not part of the proposed transition.
The Chair invited the Leader of Council to introduce the report.
The Leader of the Council, Councillor Joe Harris, made the following report:
Councillor Tony Dale as seconder then reserved his right to speak.
Council noted the resource required and the complexities of the work in insourcing services back to the Council.
Council noted the uncertainties regarding the financial costs for insourcing services from Publica and the need for more financial information as part of the transition plan.
Council noted the need for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to be involved in examining the transition plan.
Council asked about the need for the Council to be more fleet of foot in delivering services and cost savings as this was not mentioned in the report. There were also questions around customer services and procurement not being brought back in-house under the proposals and how these would be managed as key parts of the Council.
Councillor Harris noted that procurement and customer services were heavily integrated within Publica, and that this arrangement was working well. Furthermore, this current process was identifying services in the short to medium term that could be brought back to the Councils. However, the points raised around the key considerations of cost savings and service delivery would be taken onboard.
Councillor Mike Evemy joined the meeting during the debate.
Council noted the work done by customer services staff in difficult circumstances.
Council raised a number of ... view the full minutes text for item 34. |
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Amendments to the Constitution - Report of the Constitution Working Group Summary/Purpose To consider proposals from the Constitution Working Group for amendments to the Constitution to update Part E2, the Employee Code of Conduct.
Recommendation(s) That Full Council resolves to: 1. Authorise the Director of Governance & Development (Monitoring Officer) to update Part E2, the Employee Code of Conduct in the Constitution. Additional documents: Minutes: The Chair then invited those Publica staff who had left the room for the previous item back into the meeting.
The Chair invited the Leader, Councillor Joe Harris, to introduce the item. In doing so, the following points were made:
Councillor Mike Evemy in seconding the recommendations made the following points:
Council welcomed the contents of the report and specifically the inclusion of the Nolan Principles as part of the Employee Code of Conduct.
RESOLVED: That Full Council
1. AGREED to authorise the Director of Governance & Development (Monitoring Officer) to update Part E2, the Employee Code of Conduct in the Constitution.
Voting Record
30 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstention, 4 Absent/Did not vote
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Report on Urgent Decision Purpose To report to Cabinet and Council on a decision taken by the Chief Executive Officer under urgency powers.
Recommendation That Full Council resolves to: 1. Note the decision taken as set out in Annex A. Additional documents: Minutes: The purpose of the report was to report to Cabinet and Council on a decision taken by the Chief Executive Officer under urgency powers.
The Leader, Councillor Joe Harris, introduced this item and made the following points:
Councillor Evemy seconded the recommendation to note:
The Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee noted that whilst the use of the powers was accepted, an error like this should not occur again in future.
A Member suggested that opposition group leaders should be consulted on urgent decisions . The Monitoring Officer confirmed that Urgency Powers would involve consultation with the Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee who was required under the Constitution to be an opposition Member. The Leader accepted the point made and stated that this point would be taken up by the Constitution Working Group.
RESOLVED: That Full Council NOTED the decision taken by the Chief Executive under urgency powers. |
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Council Tax Second Home Premiums Purpose To consider the proposals to introduce a Council Tax Premium on second homes and apply a premium to long term empty properties after one year.
Recommendations That Full Council resolves to:
a) Premium of 100% for dwellings which are unoccupied and substantially unfurnished (Empty Homes Premium) after 1 year up to 5 years of becoming empty; b) Premium of 200% for dwellings which are unoccupied and substantially unfurnished (Empty Homes Premium) between 5 years and 10 years; c) Premium of 300% for dwellings which are unoccupied and substantially unfurnished (Empty Homes Premium) for 10 years or more.
Additional documents: Minutes: The purpose of the report was to consider the proposals to introduce a Council Tax Premium on second homes and apply a premium to long term empty properties after one year.
The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Evemy, introduced the recommendations and made the following points:
There were two questions raised in respect of paragraph 4.5 of the report if the period by which a home remained empty ‘reset’ with transfer of ownership and how the provisions on couples living separately would be applied. The Chair on the advice of the Deputy Leader then invited the Business Manager for Environmental, Revenues and Welfare to answer the questions. It was noted in response that a property with a premium having already been applied, would continue on the same timeframe as under the previous owner. It was noted in consideration for officers to clamp down on avoidance of Council Tax premiums and there were checks that could be used to enforce the policy.
There was a question about the financial implications as part of the report and the £3.3 million of extra revenue of which £246,000 would be retained by the Council. It was noted that the purpose of the empty homes premiums was to disincentivise the retention of empty homes and it was asked if the income generated from this premium was therefore likely to be lower. The Deputy Leader noted that the figures in paragraph 5.3 would be on the second homes premium and the estimate was not on the empty homes due to the point raised. The Deputy Chief Executive confirmed that the projections were based on the second homes premium only. On the empty homes premium, it was noted by the Deputy Chief Executive that the change in the legislation was to reduce the timeline for charges on empty homes from 2-5 years to 1-5 years and the existing policy of 2-5 years was the basis for the Council Tax estimates set out in the Budget passed at February Council. The collection fund ... view the full minutes text for item 37. |
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Council Tax Reduction for Care Leavers Purpose To consider proposals to extend the age that Care Leavers can receive a reduction in Council Tax from 21 years to 25 years
Recommendations That Full Council resolves to; 1. Approve to extend the age that a care leaver can receive a reduction in their council tax from 21 years to 25 years; 2. Approve to include those care leavers from outside of Gloucestershire County within the offer; 3. Approve the amended Eligibility Criteria as set out in Annex A Additional documents: Minutes: The purpose of the report was to consider proposals to extend the age that Care Leavers could receive a reduction in Council Tax from 21 years to 25 years.
The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Evemy, introduced and made the following points:
Councillor Stowe seconded and made the following points:
Council noted the excellent Corporate Parenting briefing provided to Members.
It was noted that there should be support for transition to paying for Council Tax and helping to support care leavers to manage their money.
The Deputy Leader summed up and made the following points:
RESOLVED That the Full Council: 1. APPROVED to extend the age that a care leaver can receive a reduction in their council tax from 21 years to 25 years; 2. APPROVED to include those care leavers from outside of Gloucestershire County within the offer; 3. APPROVED the amended Eligibility Criteria as set out in Annex A
Voting Record
30 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstention, 4 Absent/Did not vote
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Pay Policy Statement 2024/25 Purpose To consider the Council’s Pay Policy Statement for 2024/25.
Recommendation That Full Council resolves to: 1. Approve the Pay Policy Statement for 2024/25. 2. Agree that the Pay Policy Statement 2024/25 will be updated and republished to reflect any changes to the senior management structure at that point. Additional documents: Minutes: The purpose of this item was to consider the Pay Policy Statement 2024/25.
The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Mike Evemy, introduced and made the following points:
Councillor Joe Harris formally seconded the report.
Councillor Jenkinson wished to record the value of officers within the Council and their work.
RESOLVED: That Full Council 1. APPROVED the Pay Policy Statement for 2024/25. 2. AGREED that the Pay Policy Statement 2024/25 will be updated and republished to reflect any changes to the senior management structure at that point.
Voting Record
30 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain, 4 Absent/Did not vote
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Notice of Motions In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12, the following Motions have been received:-
Motion A: The Unsung Heroes Award
Proposer: Councillor Lisa Spivey Seconder: Councillor Nikki Ind
Recognising the invaluable contributions of unsung heroes within our communities, Council is inspired by the ethos of community service set by King Charles at the beginning of his reign. Council should seek to encourage others to engage in volunteer work and acknowledge the essential role volunteers play in sustaining vital community services. As more pressures are placed on our communities, it is so important to recognise those unsung heroes. Volunteering allows community members to be actively engaged and help address needs and issues they care about. This builds stronger bonds within a community. Volunteering provides opportunities for people to gain work experience, build skills, and make professional connections. This can benefit volunteers individually as well as strengthen the overall workforce. Volunteering often connects people from different backgrounds and builds understanding between diverse groups within a community. Volunteering is associated with benefits like better health, lower stress, and a longer lifespan for those who volunteer. When people volunteer it not only helps the community but can also enhance the lives of the volunteers. Acknowledging the cost-effective nature of this approach in the current economic climate and the rising cost of living, underscores the critical reliance on volunteers for community well-being. Recognising the pivotal role volunteers play in sustaining essential services such as Citizens Advice, Cotswold Friends, food banks, Churn Project and many others, this Council resolves:
Additional documents: Minutes: Councillor Mark Harris as Vice Chair of Council then took the Chair as Councillor Ind was the seconder of the motion.
Councillor Lisa Spivey introduced the motion on behalf of Councillor Bloomer who had given apologies for absence. The following points were made:
Councillor Ind seconded and made the following points:
Council noted the previous work of Councillor Julian Beale and how volunteers were previously recognised. It was noted that this motion would be on an ongoing basis rather than just a one-off event.
Council commented that there should be a coffee meeting in the north and one in the south of the District.
Council noted that it would be appropriate to also recognise teams rather than just individuals.
Council asked which team was picking this up and it was confirmed that this would be the Communities Team. It was also noted that a nominations email address would be created for this.
Council noted the importance of involving town and parish councils in identifying individuals.
RESOLVED: That Full Council AGREED to pass the following motion:
Recognising the invaluable contributions of unsung heroes within our communities, Council is inspired by the ethos of community service set by King Charles at the beginning of his reign.
Council should seek to encourage others to engage in volunteer work and acknowledge the essential role volunteers play in sustaining vital community services.
As more pressures are placed on our communities, it is so important to recognise those unsung heroes. Volunteering allows community members to be actively engaged and help address needs and issues they care about. This builds stronger bonds within a community.
Volunteering provides opportunities for people to gain work experience, build skills, and make professional connections. This can benefit volunteers individually as well ... view the full minutes text for item 40. |
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Next meeting The next meeting will be the Annual Council meeting on Wednesday 15 May 2024 at 6pm. Additional documents: Minutes: The next meeting was noted as the Annual Council on Wednesday 15 May 2024.
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