Agenda and draft minutes
PDF 549 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 Councillor Gina Blomefield, Councillor Daryl Corps, Councillor David Cunningham, Councillor Andrea Pellegram and Councillor Jon Wareing. |
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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: The Chair drew members’ attention to Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, which provides that any member who is in Council Tax arrears of two months or more must declare this and is prohibited from voting on budget or Council Tax matters. Members’ records had been checked and, to the best of the Council’s knowledge, no members were in Council Tax arrears. Accordingly, all members were entitled to vote unless they indicated otherwise.
There were no declarations of interest. |
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To confirm the minutes of the meeting of Council held on 21 January 2026. Additional documents: Minutes: Council considered the minutes of the Council meeting held on 21 January 2026.
Councillor Evemy proposed the approval of the minutes. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Stowe, put to the vote and agreed by Council.
RESOLVED that the minutes of Full Council 21 January 2026 were approved as a true and accurate record.
Voting record: 27 For, 0 Against, 1 Abstention.
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Announcements from the Chair, Leader or Chief Executive To receive any announcements from the Chair of the Council, the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive. Additional documents: Minutes: Chair’s announcements: The Chair welcomed Councillor Craig Thurling as the new member for The Rissingtons ward, and wished him the best in his new role.
The Chair advised that the local Phoenix Festival was again seeking volunteers and funding. It was noted that the Council had been one of the largest contributors in previous years and might continue its support. Members were encouraged to promote involvement.
It was noted that the “Unsung Heroes” awards would not be presented at this meeting due to the budget-setting process. Nominations were invited from across the community for the March awards.
Finally, the Chair advised that a job fair would be held at the Council offices on 4 March 2026 and members were encouraged to promote the event.
Leader’s Announcements: The Leader welcomed Councillor Craig Thurling to his place in the Chamber.
Tribute was paid to Nigel Robbins, who had stepped down at the end of January 2026, after nearly 11 years’ service on the Council. Mr Robbins had served as Chair of the Council for two years, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, and for almost four years as Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee. He had also served eight years on Gloucestershire County Council. The Chair expressed thanks for his significant contribution to the Council and wished him well in his retirement, noting that he remained a member of Cirencester Town Council.
Members were reminded that the Government’s consultation on Local Government Reorganisation in Gloucestershire was open until 26 March 2026 and available on the GOV.UK website. Members were encouraged to respond to the consultation and to promote participation within their communities. It was noted that a decision from government was expected before the summer recess.
Chief Executive’s announcements: 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: There were two public questions:
Question 1 Mrs Sylvia Shepherd, a resident of Mayfield Park drew attention to the difficulties experienced by herself and fellow residents in getting her bins to the waste collection site by the road. Mrs Shepherd asked what support was available to assist herself and other older residents in the same position? She also asked whether a closer collection point could be provided for their use?
In the absence of the Cabinet Member for Waste and Environment, Councillor Juliet Layton responded. She declared that she knew Mrs Shepherd’s daughter and confirmed that she had no pecuniary interest in the waste service.
In response to a question from Mrs Shepherd regarding bin collections, it was reported that Ubico had advised officers that residents should not have individual bins, as waste facilities were provided at a communal collection point. However, it was noted that Mrs Shepherd and other residents on the site had individual waste provisions. Mrs Shepherd had a full set of recycling containers, a grey wheelie bin for residual waste, and a green garden waste wheelie bin, for which an annual licence fee was paid. Other residents had similar arrangements.
It was further noted that on 29 December 2025 Mrs Shepherd was issued with a replacement set of recycling bins, which she had not requested, indicating that individual waste provision was recognised in practice. Officers had previously provided Ubico with verbal and written information regarding Mrs Shepherd’s request for the reinstatement of assisted collection, which she had received prior to Covid due to a back condition.
The matter was noted as ongoing. The ward member, Councillor Paul Hodgkinson, was aware of the situation, and it was acknowledged that a resolution had not yet been reached. Further discussions with officers and, if necessary, the site manager would continue.
Question 2 A second question was raised by Mrs Shepherd regarding decking installed by her neighbour shortly after they had moved in. After a visit from the enforcement team, the neighbour had also erected a wooden fence which was actually attached to Mrs Shepherd’s garage and which left no boundary. The effect was to prevent repairs to Mrs Shepherd’s garage being carried out. Mrs Shepherd asked how the installation could be considered compliant with planning regulations, given that it obstructed access and affected her property, she reported that she had been advised by LEASE (the Lease Advisory Service) to write to the Council to seek clarification as to why this was not deemed a planning breach? Mrs Shepherd asked what her options were and sought advice as to what she needed to do to resolve the situation.
Councillor Juliet Layton, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning responded that the Council’s enforcement team had inspected the site and confirmed that the decking complied with planning regulations, including fire-safety requirements. However, because the decking was so close to the resident’s garage and prevented access, it would be considered a civil matter rather than a planning or enforcement issue. Councillor Layton advised ... view the full minutes text for item 75. |
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Member Questions No Member Questions have been submitted prior to the publication of the agenda. Additional documents: Minutes: There were no member questions. |
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Appointments to Committees For Council to consider the following the resignation of former councillor Nigel Robbins: 1. The appointment of a member to the vacant Liberal Democrat seat on the Audit and Governance Committee. 2. The appointment of a Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee. Additional documents: Minutes: The purpose of this report was to consider the following recommendations following the resignation of former councillor Nigel Robbins: 1. The appointment of a member to the vacant Liberal Democrat seat on the Audit and Governance Committee. 2. The appointment of a Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee.
The Leader, Councillor Mike Evemy, introduced the item and clarified that former councillor Nigel Robbins had served as Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee and had occupied a seat allocated to the Liberal Democrat Group on that Committee.
It was noted that a by-election was pending and that there would be a subsequent opportunity to review the political balance of the Council and make any necessary appointments. As the next meeting of the Audit and Governance Committee was not scheduled until April, it was confirmed that no nomination would be made at this meeting of Full Council to fill the vacant Liberal Democrat seat on the Committee.
Councillor Mike Evemy nominated Councillor Helene Mansilla to serve as Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee for the remainder of the municipal year.
Councillor Juliet Layton seconded the recommendation and Councillors were encouraged to support the nomination.
There were no questions for clarity.
The Chair then moved to the vote on the resolution as proposed by Councillor Mike Evemy and seconded by Councillor Juliet Layton.
Voting Record: 28 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.
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Budget Council Protocol The Council’s Constitution (Part G Appendix D) includes the Budget Protocol (link to Budget Protocol) which sets out the procedures followed at the Budget Council meeting.
In view that the Budget Council meeting day is a Monday rather than the usual Wednesday (i.e. brought forward by 2 days), the deadline included in the linked document for amendments needs to be brought forward by 2 days reflecting the Full Council decision on the change of date.
For clarity, the deadline is: no later than 3.00 p.m. on the Thursday [19 February 2026] before the Council meeting [on Monday 23 February 2026]
from: no later than 3.00 p.m. on the Monday before the Council meeting Additional documents: Minutes: The Chair introduced the Budget Council Protocol and reminded attendees and the viewing audience that the full protocol was available online.
The Chair made it clear that the Budget Council Protocol, Part G Appendix D of the Council’s Constitution, would be followed in debating and setting the Budget for 2026-2027. |
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2026-27 Revenue Budget, Capital Programme and Medium Term Financial Strategy Purpose: To present the Revenue Budget for 2026/27, Capital Programme and Medium-Term Financial Strategy for 2026/27 to 2029/30.
Recommendation: That Council resolves to approve: 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 £7,419,716 for this Council 4. the Council Tax level for Cotswold District Council purposes of £163.93 for a Band D property in 2026/27 (an increase of £5) 5. the Capital Programme, set out in Annex D 6. the Annual Capital Strategy 2026/27, as set out in Annex E 7. the Annual Treasury Management Strategy and Non-Treasury Management Investment Strategy 2026/27, as set out in Annex F 8. the Strategy for the Flexible use of Capital Receipts, as set out in Annex H 9. that £2m is set aside in a new earmarked reserve Council Priority: LGR Transition through the releasing of £2m of the balance currently held in the Financial Resilience Reserve. 10. the balances and reserves forecast for 2026/27 to 2029/30 as set out in Section 7 of the report.
Additional documents:
Minutes: The purpose of this report was to present the Revenue Budget for 2026-27, Capital Programme and Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026-27 to 2029-30. The Chair invited the Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Patrick Coleman, to propose the administration’s budget. Councillor Coleman noted this was the third budget of the Council’s second-term Liberal Democrat administration, highlighting the Council’s financial remodelling over seven years despite challenges including COVID-19, high inflation, the cost-of-living crisis, and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). He praised staff professionalism and noted significant savings, including £500,000 per annum from waste collection reorganisation. The proposed £5 annual Band D Council Tax increase was intended to support the 2026 budget. Councillor Coleman reported that the transition of Publica staff to the Council had improved retention, recruitment, and efficiency, delivering annual savings of £500,000 alongside restored pension scheme funding. Continued support for low-income residents via the Low-Income Families Tracker (LIFT) had helped 49 households out of fuel poverty, assisted 54 with water bills, and secured 181 new Council Tax Reduction claims.
On the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), Councillor Coleman welcomed the multi-year finance settlement but expressed concern at the late government announcement, which reduced the funding floor by £700,000 for 2027–28 and 2028–29. The waste fleet replacement programme would be funded from existing resources without borrowing and included greener vehicles. The Financial Resilience Reserve was forecast to rise to £4.3 million. Strong public support for the budget during consultation was noted. Councillor Coleman moved recommendations 1–10, thanking officers and scrutiny members and commending the budget for approval. The Chair invited Councillor Tristan Wilkinson to speak as seconder, who reserved his right. Councillor Stowe, Leader of the Conservative Group, also reserved his right to respond. The Chair then invited Councillor Stowe to propose the Conservative Group’s amendments in accordance with the Budget Council Protocol. Councillor Stowe then spoke to the amendment proposal: Amendment Part 1 Establish the “Cotswold District Council Legacy Fund Reserve” - £190,000. This is to be funded by reallocating funds from the “Council Priorities: Capacity Building” earmarked reserve. £5,000.00 to be allocated to each Ward Member (£170,000 plus £20,000 administration costs) to support suitable projects in their wards. Projects are to leave a lasting legacy after CDC ceases to exist and are to align with the Council’s priorities including “Preparing for the Future.” Examples – supporting youth activity, improving the public realm, improving the local environment and biodiversity. Amendment Part 2 Additional funding of £40,000 to be allocated to the Planning Services Budget to be used to strengthen the Planning Enforcement Team. Additional funding of £38,471 to be allocated to the Land Drainage and Flood Defence Budget to create a new Cotswold Flood Team Assistant Role. These are to be funded by capping the Communications Budget at £300,000. Councillor Stowe further commented: Amendment Part 1 – Cotswold District Council Legacy Fund (£190,000)
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Council Tax 2026/27 Purpose: To set the Council Tax and precepts for 2026/27.
Recommendation: That, subject to confirmation of Gloucestershire County Council’s precept, Council resolves to: 1) Agree for the purposes of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 Section 35(2), that there are no special expenses for the District Council in 2026/27;
2) Note that, using their delegated authority, the Deputy Chief Executive calculated the Council Tax Base for 2026/27:
(a) for the whole Council area as 45,261.49 [item T in the formula in Section 31B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended (the “Act”)]; and
(b) for dwellings in those parts of its area to which a Parish Precept relates as in the attached Schedule 1.
3) Agree that the Council Tax requirement for the Council’s own purposes for 2026/27 (excluding Parish Precepts) is £7,419,716.
4) Agree that the following amounts be calculated for the year 2026/27 in accordance with Sections 31 to 36 of the Act:
(a) 52,952,023 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A (2) of the Act, taking into account all precepts issued to it by Parish Councils and any additional special expenses.
(b) £39,934,694 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A (3) of the Act.
(c) £13,017,510 being the amount by which the aggregate at 4(a) above exceeds the aggregate at 4(b) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31A(4) of the Act, as its Council Tax requirement for the year (Item R in the formula in Section 31B of the Act).
(d) £287.60 being the amount at 4(c) above (Item R), all divided by Item T (1(a) above), calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31B of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year (including Parish Precepts and Special Expenses);
(e) £5,597,794 being the aggregate amount of all special items (Parish Precepts and Special Expenses) referred to in Section 34(1) of the Act as per the attached Schedule 2.
(f) £163.93 being the amount at 4(d) above less the result given by dividing the amount at 4(e) above by Item T(2(a) above), calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 34(2) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which no Parish Precept or special item relates;
(g) the amounts shown in Schedule 2 being the amounts given by adding to the amount at 4(f) above, the amounts of the special item or items relating to dwellings in those parts of the Council’s area shown in Schedule 2 divided in each case by the amount at 2(b) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 34(3) of the Act, as the basic amounts of its Council Tax for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which one or more special items relate;
(h) the ... view the full agenda text for item 80. Additional documents: Minutes: The purpose of the report was to set the Council Tax for 2026-27.
The Cabinet Member for Finance introduced the report and made the following points:
Councillor Coleman formally moved the resolution and urged all Councillors to support the setting of the precept.
The Chair invited any questions for clarity. There were no questions for clarity.
Councillor Mike Evemy seconded the report and chose to speak to supplement Councillor Coleman’s remarks, particularly for members voting on the council tax for the first time. Councillor Evemy noted that the council tax amounts for each parish or town council were displayed from Band A to Band H, with the prescribed multiples from six-ninths to eighteen-ninths, in accordance with legislative requirements. Members were reminded that calculations were referenced to Band D, which had been set at £5 for Cotswold District Council. This resulted in a Band D Council Tax of £163.93, with Band A at £109.29 and Band H at £327.86.
There were no contributions in debate.
The Chair invited Councillor Coleman to sum up; Councillor Coleman indicated that he had no further points to add.
The Chair then moved to the vote on the report recommendations proposed by Councillor Coleman and seconded by Councillor Evemy.
Voting record: 28 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.
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Pay Policy Statement 2026 Purpose: To consider the Council’s Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27.
Recommendation: That Council resolves to approve the Pay Policy 2026/27. Additional documents: Minutes: The purpose of the report was to consider the Council’s Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27 and to clarify the Council's strategic stance on pay, to provide direction for members and officers making detailed decisions on pay and to provide the residents of the Cotswold district with a clear statement of the principles underpinning decisions on the use of public funds.
The Chair invited the Leader, Councillor Mike Evemy, to introduce the report. Councillor Evemy presented the Pay Policy Statement for the forthcoming financial year and advised that, in accordance with the Localism Act 2011, the Council was required to approve and publish the statement annually by 31 March. It was noted that the policy now applied to approximately 120 additional employees who had returned from Publica, significantly increasing its scope.
Councillor Evemy explained that the statement promoted transparency, fairness and local accountability, enabling residents to understand senior staff remuneration, pay relationships across the workforce, the basis for determining pay, and compliance with equal pay legislation. The policy was commended to Members for approval.
The Chair invited any questions for clarity; there were no questions for clarity.
Councillor Juliet Layton stood to second the resolution and indicated she had nothing further to add.
The Chair moved to the debate. There being no debate, the Chair declared that there was no requirement to sum up.
The Chair then moved to the vote on the Pay Policy 2026-27 proposed by the Leader Councillor Mike Evemy and seconded by Councillor Juliet Layton.
Voting Record: 28 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.
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Notice of Motions No motions have been received for this meeting of Council. Additional documents: Minutes: There were no motions. |
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Next meeting The next meeting of Council will be held on Wednesday 18 March 2026 at 2.00pm.
Additional documents: Minutes: The next meeting of Full Council was confirmed as being scheduled for 18 March 2026 at 2.00 pm. |
Carried
Rejected