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Agenda and minutes

Venue: the Council Chamber - Council Offices, Trinity Road, Cirencester, GL7 1PX. View directions

Contact: Democratic Services 

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Items
No. Item

27.

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.

28.

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.

29.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 243 KB

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. 

 

  • The Chair raised one amendment on Page 10 of the document pack, that the voting record should be 25 For, 6 Abstentions, 3 Absent.
  • Councillor Stowe raised on Page 17; the first bullet point should read pay instead of salary as this was more accurate of what Councillor Stowe said in his summing up of the amendment raised at the meeting.

 

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

 

For

Against

Abstention

Absent/Did

not vote

Andrew Maclean

 

Gina Blomefield

Angus Jenkinson

Chris Twells

 

Tony Slater

Claire Bloomer

Clare Turner

 

 

Julia Judd

Daryl Corps

 

 

Mike Evemy

David Cunningham

 

 

Roly Hughes

David Fowles

 

 

Tristan Wilkinson

Dilys Neil

 

 

 

Gary Selwyn

 

 

 

Helene Mansilla

 

 

 

Ian Watson

 

 

 

Jeremy Theyer

 

 

 

Joe Harris

 

 

 

Jon Wareing

 

 

 

Juliet Layton

 

 

 

Len Wilkins

 

 

 

Lisa Spivey

 

 

 

Mark Harris

 

 

 

Michael Vann

 

 

 

Mike McKeown

 

 

 

Nigel Robbins

 

 

 

Nikki Ind

 

 

 

Patrick Coleman

 

 

 

Paul Hodgkinson

 

 

 

Ray Brassington

 

 

 

Tom Stowe

 

 

 

Tony Dale

 

 

 

 

30.

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:

 

  • Jimmy Dickinson – Photo: Enjoying summer at Cotswold Water Park (Lake 86)
  • Rob Mashford – Photo: Sunset over Lechlade music festival and the Thames
  • Nicky Legg – Photo: The Parish Church, Cirencester, as seen from Tar Barrow

 

The Chair alongside the Leader of the Council then presented the winner of the photo competition Jill Bewley (Photo: Cotswold Ladies) with her prize.

31.

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 Chair had attended a number of events within the District which included the unveiling of the replica mosaic at Brewery Court in Cirencester, the Cotswolds Homes Interiors Business Festival and the 1st year celebration of the Cirencester Pantry, and the Moreton-in-Marsh Local Plan event.
  • The Chair thanked officers for the organisation of the Cotswold Homes Interiors Business Festival and the Local Plan events happening within the District. The Chair also wished to congratulate Mary Cobbett for her work at the Cirencester Pantry for making it a success.
  • The Local Plan consultation event was running until 7 April and the public were encouraged to participate.
  • The Chair also encouraged Members to review the Corporate Parenting and Supporting Care Leavers Member Briefing recording and slides to see the important work and lived experiences by Gloucestershire County Council Care Leaver Ambassadors.

 

The Leader then gave his announcements:

 

  • The Leader also noted the atmosphere at the Cotswold Home Interior Festival. 
  • The Leader wished to congratulate the winner and runners up of the Cotswold Photo Competition.
  • The Leader then gave an announcement on the Local Plan Update currently taking place and made the following points:

-       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 places 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.

32.

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.

33.

Member Questions pdf icon PDF 68 KB

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.

 

 

 

34.

Publica Review- Local Partnerships Transition Plan pdf icon PDF 137 KB

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:

 

  • In highlighting the background, an options appraisal was undertaken to examine the future of some Council services remaining within Publica following a Local Government Association Peer Review towards the end of 2022.
  • Full Council at its meeting on 22 November 2023 considered and approved the Publica Review report recommendations from Human Engine. The options appraisal from Human Engine recommended that the Council return a majority of the services from Publica to the partner councils.
  • Publica would continue to deliver a number of support and customer service functions for the councils. 
  • The work had begun on the transition through the appointment of Andrew Pollard as the Interim Programme Director and the recruitment of Local Partnerships consultancy through the Local Government’s Associations Transformation Fund to provide a bridging report to the final transition plan later in 2024.
  • The use of Local Partnerships was to help set out some of the key consideration as part of the transition plan to navigate the complex requirements in transferring employees back to council employment such as governance and service design.
  • The Local Partnerships team engaged with Council staff and Publica staff and management during this process to understand the current position.
  • The timescales and services set out were indicative which would feed into the transition plan based on their previous experience.

 

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.

35.

Amendments to the Constitution - Report of the Constitution Working Group pdf icon PDF 83 KB

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:

 

  • The Employee Code of Conduct was an important document that set out the principles which Council employees would act under.
  • The last update to the Employee Code of Conduct had taken place in 2007 and therefore it was important that a review of the document be undertaken.  
  • A review of the Business Conduct Policy which Publica operates had taken place in 2023 and the document before Council was noted as aligning closely to this.
  • This policy would be kept under review as services return to the Council. 

 

Councillor Mike Evemy in seconding the recommendations made the following points:

 

  • The recognised Trade Unions which staff were represented by had endorsed the new Code of Conduct.
  • There had been HR Policy updates recently with Member oversight from the HR Policies Task and Finish group led by Councillor Cunningham as part of the HR Policies Updates and this work built on that.

 

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

 

For

Against

Abstention

Absent/Did

not vote

Andrew Maclean

 

 

Claire Bloomer

Angus Jenkinson

 

 

Julia Judd

Chris Twells

 

 

Roly Hughes

Clare Turner

 

 

Tristan Wilkinson

Daryl Corps

 

 

 

David Cunningham

 

 

 

David Fowles

 

 

 

Dilys Neil

 

 

 

Gary Selwyn

 

 

 

Gina Blomefield

 

 

 

Helene Mansilla

 

 

 

Ian Watson

 

 

 

Jeremy Theyer

 

 

 

Joe Harris

 

 

 

Jon Wareing

 

 

 

Juliet Layton

 

 

 

Len Wilkins

 

 

 

Lisa Spivey

 

 

 

Mark Harris

 

 

 

Mike Evemy

 

 

 

Michael Vann

 

 

 

Mike McKeown

 

 

 

Nigel Robbins

 

 

 

Nikki Ind

 

 

 

Patrick Coleman

 

 

 

Paul Hodgkinson

 

 

 

Ray Brassington

 

 

 

Tom Stowe

 

 

 

Tony Dale

 

 

 

Tony Slater

 

 

 

 

36.

Report on Urgent Decision pdf icon PDF 98 KB

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:

 

  • The report was to note the urgent decision taken by the Chief Executive.
  • Cabinet was not able to consider the version of the Corporate Plan 2024-2028 report at its meeting. As part of the Policy and Budgetary Framework, Cabinet would need to agree to recommend the Corporate Plan to Council.
  • In the absence of this decision, the Chief Executive took an urgent decision to recommend to Full Council in January in consultation with the Leader and Deputy Leader.

 

Councillor Evemy seconded the recommendation to note:

 

  • Cabinet in hindsight would have perhaps provided a delegation to the Chief Executive to avoid the use of the powers but it was important that the urgency powers were used.

 

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.

37.

Council Tax Second Home Premiums pdf icon PDF 81 KB

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:

  1. Agree from 01 April 2024, to levy the maximum level of premium for Empty Homes as set out in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023.

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.

  1. Agree in principle from 01 April 2025 to the implementation of a premium (Second Homes Premium) of 100% for dwellings that are no one’s sole or main residence and which are substantially furnished as set out in paragraph 4.7 of the report.
  2. Agree to issue the mandatory notice of 12 months to all owners of second homes that a premium will commence from 1 April 2025; and,
  3. Note that where premiums are to be applied, the Council is mindful of the current consultation by government which recommends exceptions in certain circumstances outlined within this report. Subject to the outcome of that consultation, a further report may be presented to Cabinet and Council prior to the implementation of the Council's policy on premiums taking into account statute, the Council's requirements and any guidance given by the Secretary of State.

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:

 

  • The legislation to give councils the necessary powers had been anticipated for some time alongside the guidance for these measures.
  • However, the timescale for implementation of 12 months was required to provide the formal notification for the second homes premiums. This required a Council decision before 1 April 2024 so that it could come into effect on 1 April 2025.
  • The new premium for empty properties would increase the premium from 50% to 100%.
  • The need for affordable housing was important and the new premiums would support this.
  • Homes being maintained as second homes within the District would have a new premium of 100% Council Tax from April 2025.
  • It was noted at paragraph 4.7 of the report that the purpose of the recommendations was to discourage residential properties being taken out of use. The Council would not seek to apply the levy to permanent holiday accommodation. This was noted as accounting for 20% of the homes outlined in the report.

 

 

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.

38.

Council Tax Reduction for Care Leavers pdf icon PDF 107 KB

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:

 

  • There had been a Corporate Parenting and Care leavers Briefing setting out councillors’ the responsibilities as corporate parents.
  • The Council had a duty of care for those in care and those who have left care within the District.
  • There were 864 young people in care in Gloucestershire and 29 were in the Cotswold District.
  • Care leavers within the new policy were those aged between 18-25. There were 560 such people across Gloucestershire and 13 within the District.
  • The difficult circumstances of care leavers were important to recognise.
  • The policy would provide support for those leaving care with their Council Tax within the District along with identical motions across Gloucestershire.

 

 

Councillor Stowe seconded and made the following points:

 

  • The wellbeing of residents should be at the centre of the Council’s decisions in order to support their life development.
  • The impact on the Council’s finances was relatively small compared to the positive impact on the lives of care leavers.

 

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:

 

  • Councillor Evemy had spoken with officers on the point of care leavers at the end of their Council Tax exemption and processes would be in place to help give the right direct support.
  • It was noted that from the briefing that there were 15 ambassadors on Gloucestershire County Council’s Corporate Parenting Panel which raised the issue of access to leisure and housing. It was noted that the Deputy Leader would see how the Council could support access to housing and leisure facilities.

 

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

 

For

Against

Abstention

Absent/Did

not vote

Andrew Maclean

 

 

Claire Bloomer

Angus Jenkinson

 

 

Julia Judd

Chris Twells

 

 

Roly Hughes

Clare Turner

 

 

Tristan Wilkinson

Daryl Corps

 

 

 

David Cunningham

 

 

 

David Fowles

 

 

 

Dilys Neil

 

 

 

Gary Selwyn

 

 

 

Gina Blomefield

 

 

 

Helene Mansilla

 

 

 

Ian Watson

 

 

 

Jeremy Theyer

 

 

 

Joe Harris

 

 

 

Jon Wareing

 

 

 

Juliet Layton

 

 

 

Len Wilkins

 

 

 

Lisa Spivey

 

 

 

Mark Harris

 

 

 

Mike Evemy

 

 

 

Michael Vann

 

 

 

Mike McKeown

 

 

 

Nigel Robbins

 

 

 

Nikki Ind

 

 

 

Patrick Coleman

 

 

 

Paul Hodgkinson

 

 

 

Ray Brassington

 

 

 

Tom Stowe

 

 

 

Tony Dale

 

 

 

Tony Slater

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

39.

Pay Policy Statement 2024/25 pdf icon PDF 105 KB

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:

 

  • This annual statement was previously part of the appendices to the Budget papers but it was important for officers and for Members to review the paper on its own.
  • The salaries of the statutory officers had to be published in the public domain.
  • The policy statement included the Council’s approach to areas such as severance and pay protection.
  • On Page 121 of the pack, the role of the Performance and Appointments Committee was outlined in regard to the statutory officers’ the terms and conditions, retirement and grievances.
  • The report noted the median pay at section 10.2.

 

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

 

For

Against

Abstention

Absent/Did

not vote

Andrew Maclean

 

 

Claire Bloomer

Angus Jenkinson

 

 

Julia Judd

Chris Twells

 

 

Roly Hughes

Clare Turner

 

 

Tristan Wilkinson

Daryl Corps

 

 

 

David Cunningham

 

 

 

David Fowles

 

 

 

Dilys Neil

 

 

 

Gary Selwyn

 

 

 

Gina Blomefield

 

 

 

Helene Mansilla

 

 

 

Ian Watson

 

 

 

Jeremy Theyer

 

 

 

Joe Harris

 

 

 

Jon Wareing

 

 

 

Juliet Layton

 

 

 

Len Wilkins

 

 

 

Lisa Spivey

 

 

 

Mark Harris

 

 

 

Mike Evemy

 

 

 

Michael Vann

 

 

 

Mike McKeown

 

 

 

Nigel Robbins

 

 

 

Nikki Ind

 

 

 

Patrick Coleman

 

 

 

Paul Hodgkinson

 

 

 

Ray Brassington

 

 

 

Tom Stowe

 

 

 

Tony Dale

 

 

 

Tony Slater

 

 

 

 

 

40.

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:

  1. To implement a process enabling members of the public to contact their respective ward councillors, with nominations of ‘unsung hero’ volunteers.  At each Full Council, up to four unsung heroes will be announced by the chair/leader. These unsung heroes will be chosen following a review of all nominations at a meeting of the Chair, Vice Chair and portfolio holder for Cost of Living. The chosen nominees would then be invited to attend the council meeting. If they are able to attend, they would then be presented with a letter of thanks, signed by the leader and chair of the council and the Ward Member, alongside this, they would be also presented with an unsung hero pin badge. 
  2. To resource and host a biannual coffee morning to promote volunteering opportunities and express gratitude to those who selflessly serve. This would be open to all volunteers, regardless of winning.
  3. To note that the programme shall stand as a testament to our deep appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the public in supporting and enriching our community.

 

 

 

 

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:

 

  • The officers were thanked for all the work that had gone into it.
  • The motion was necessary for the wellbeing and vitality of communities.
  • It was imperative to recognise the selfless dedication of volunteers in the communities inspired by example of King Charles III.
  • The cost-of-living crisis had meant that volunteers were relied upon more to deliver services to residents.
  • The work of volunteers benefited their personal and professional development and strengthened the bonds within communities.
  • The motion would establish a process for the public to nominate unsung heroes, of which four would be chosen to be recognised at a Full Council meeting. They would receive a letter of thanks and a pin badge.
  • In addition, a biannual coffee morning would be established for all volunteers to promote their work and thank them for their service.

 

Councillor Ind seconded and made the following points:

 

  • Councillor Ind was delighted with the idea brought by Councillor Bloomer.
  • The example of volunteers was important in communities and particularly in Tetbury with the friendship café and community fridge which provided vital support for residents.
  • Volunteers’ work often goes under the radar, and this would help the Council recognise those within the District doing that work.
  • The work was also noted as an extension of former Councillor Julian Beales work with Community Champions. 

 

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.

41.

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.