Agenda and draft minutes
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Election of a Chair Purpose Tofulfil Council’sobligation toelect aChair fora term ofoffice untilthe startof the AnnualCouncil meeting inMay 2027.The Chair cannot be amember ofthe Cabinet. Additional documents: Minutes: Councillor Mark Harris opened the meeting and then stood down for the first item on the agenda. Councillor Ray Brassington welcomed councillors, members of the public present, and those watching online. He introduced the first item of business, being the election of the Chair of Council for the Civic Year 2026/27, and called for nominations. Councillor Juliet Layton stood to nominate Councillor Mark Harris for a second term, commenting on his excellent chairing over the past twelve months. Councillor Tony Dale seconded the nomination. There wereno furthernominations forthe positionof Chairof Council,so the nomination was put to a vote and agreed by Council. Voting Record 30 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions Having beenelected, CouncillorHarris signedthe Declarationof Acceptanceof Office as Chair.The Proper Officer witnessed the signature. Councillor Harris expressed his gratitude for the honour of being re-elected Chair of Council and affirmed his commitment to the role.
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Appointment of a Vice-Chair Purpose Tofulfil Council’sobligation toappoint aVice-Chair fora termof officeuntil the start ofthe AnnualCouncil meetingin May2027. TheVice-Chair cannotbe a member of the Cabinet. Additional documents: Minutes: TheChair presidedover theappointment ofa Vice-Chairof Counciland nominated Councillor Ray Brassington for the position. The Chair called for a seconder. Councillor Paul Evans stood to second the nomination of Councillor Ray Brassington as Vice-Chair of Council for the Civic year 2026/27. There wereno furthernominations forthe positionof Vice-Chairof Council. The nomination was put to a vote and agreed by Council. Voting record: 29 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions. Councillor Craig Thurling did not vote. Having beenelected Councillor Brassingtonsigned theDeclaration ofAcceptance ofOffice as Vice-Chair. The Proper Officer witnessed the signature.
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Apologies Purpose To receive any apologies for absence. The quorum for Council is 9 members.
Additional documents: Minutes: Apologies were received from Councillor Helene Mansilla, Councillor Jon Wareing, Councillor Daryl Corps and Councillor Laura Hall-Wilson. |
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Announcements from the Chair, Leader or Chief Executive Purpose To receive any announcements from the Chair of the Council, the Leader of the Council or the Chief Executive. Additional documents: Minutes: The Chair invited Councillor David Fowles to speak. Councillor Fowles stood to thank officers and members for their good wishes and messages of support following his recent accident, stating that these had sustained him during his stay in the Acute Assessment Unit at Great Western Hospital. Councillor Fowles confirmed that he was recovering well and, after making a light-hearted remark about his appearance, reiterated his sincere gratitude for the kindness and support he had received.
The Chair then invited Councillor Joe Harris to speak. Councillor Harris stood to thank colleagues for their support during a recent Code of Conduct investigation arising from a Counter Fraud report, noting that no wrongdoing had been found. He welcomed the apology received from the Chief Executive and commented on the personal impact the matter and related social media speculation had had on both himself and his family. He also suggested that consideration be given to strengthening pastoral support for councillors facing high-profile allegations. The member informed Council that this would be his final meeting at Cotswold District Council following his decision to take up a new role. He paid tribute to Council officers for their dedication and hard work during recent challenges, including the pandemic; cost of living crisis; energy crisis and Brexit, and thanked councillor colleagues from across the political spectrum for their support, challenge and collaboration over the years. He reflected on his time serving on the Council, including ten years as Leader of his group and six years as Council Leader, and expressed pride in having encouraged others into public service. He concluded by stating that serving the Council had been an honour and thanked members and officers for their support throughout his political career.
The Chair then invited other Councillors to speak. Members paid tribute to Councillor Joe Harris on the occasion of his departure from the Council. It was noted that he had first become involved in local politics at a young age and had subsequently built a long and distinguished record of public service. Members highlighted his leadership of the Council, his campaigning ability, and his commitment to key priorities including housing, climate action, and service improvement. His work during the COVID-19 pandemic, including efforts to maintain public communication and engagement, was particularly recognised. Councillors across all groups acknowledged his visibility and energy in public life, his contribution at district, county, and national level as well as through the LGA, and his ability to engage with residents and colleagues alike. His mentoring of new councillors and support for colleagues at the start of their political careers was also noted. While acknowledging that political debate with him could be robust, members expressed respect for his dedication and commitment to public service. Several members thanked him personally for his support and wished him well for the future, and his new career, recognising the significant contribution he had made to the Council and the wider community.
The Chair then moved to his announcements and also paid tribute to Councillor Joe ... view the full minutes text for item 101. |
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Declarations of Interest Purpose To receive any declarations of interest from Members relating to items to be considered at the meeting. Additional documents: Minutes: There were nodeclarations ofinterest fromMembers present. |
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Announcement of the Leader on Cabinet Appointments Purpose For the Leader to update Council on the appointment of the Deputy Leader, the appointmentof Cabinetmembers andthe allocationof portfolio responsibilities. Additional documents: Minutes: The Leader presented the updated Cabinet portfolio responsibilities, noting that the document had been circulated as part of Agenda Item 6.
The Leader formally congratulated Councillor Evans on his appointment to the Cabinet, as Cabinet Member for Health and Communities. His portfolio included public health, safeguarding, and community safety partnership functions previously overseen by Councillor Tony Dale, as well as liaison with the voluntary and third sector, previously held by the Leader. It was also noted that Councillor Evans would take lead responsibility for work relating to young people and older people, including the Council’s response to dementia-friendly communities, it was confirmed that a report on this work was expected to be brought to the July Council meeting.
Members were advised of minor associated portfolio adjustments, including a change in title for Councillor Dale to Cabinet member for Leisure, Culture and Visitor Experience. The Leaderconcluded bythanking councillorsfor theirsupport andlooked forwardto working with members and officers to enhance the district. RESOLVED: FullCouncil NOTEDthe appointmentsof theCabinet portfolioholders.
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Appointment to Committees 2026-27 Purpose Thisreport setsout thosematters reservedto Councilat itsAnnual Meeting: · To make appointments to Committees for the Civic Year 2026/27. · Tomake appointmentsto thepositions ofthe Chairand Vice-Chairof Committees for the Civic Year 2026/27.
Recommendations ThatFull Councilresolves to: 1. DETERMINEthat, inaccordance withSection 15of theLocal Government andHousing Act1989 (“theAct”), theCouncil shallcontinue toapply the political balance provisions under the Act to committees as shown in Annex A; 2. APPOINTCouncillorsto serveon theCouncil’s Committeesand working groups as set out in Annex B for a term of office expiring at the next Annual Meeting of the Council; 3. APPOINTChairs andVice-Chairs forthe Council’sCommittees andworking groups as shown in Annex B; 4. NOTEthe arrangementsfor substitutionsset outin part4 ofthe report.
AnnexB tobe circulated separately. Additional documents:
Minutes: The Leader, Councillor Mike Evemy introduced the item on committee nominations and working groups, referring Members to Annex B.
It was reported that the Council was required to review committee memberships annually and that Annex A set out the political balance calculations. Members were reminded that political balance arrangements had been agreed at the previous meeting in March 2026 and remained unchanged; accordingly, the existing committee allocations were carried forward for the new civic year.
Councillor Mike Evemy, proposed the nominations as set out in Annex B on an en bloc basis, the nominations were seconded by Councillor Tom Stowe.
There being no questions or objections, the Chair moved to the vote.
Voting record: 30 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.
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Record of Attendance 2025/26 Purpose For Council to note the record of attendance for Members in the Civic Year 2025/26.
A Member Attendance report will be published as a supplement once Council meetings for the Civic Year 2025/26 are completed. Additional documents: Minutes: The Leader, Councillor Mike Evemy introduced the report on member attendance for the civic year 2025/26 highlighting that the report was to note.
A query was raised regarding the recording of attendance for Members acting as substitutes on committees, suggesting that such attendance should be recorded as attendance as a substitute member rather than as an observer, in order to better reflect Members’ contributions.
Officers clarified that Members attending as substitutes were recorded as having attended the meeting as a committee member, while the “observer” category referred to Members attending in a non-voting capacity, often in connection with portfolio responsibilities or committee liaison roles. It was noted that substitute attendance was therefore already reflected within the attendance figures. It was further noted the distinction between substitute Members, who were entitled to vote, and observers, who were not.
The Chair further highlighted that attendance records related specifically to meetings of Cotswold District Council.
RESOLVED: Full Council NOTED the Record of Attendance 2025/26 report. |
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Appointments to Outside Bodies 2026-27 Purpose This report provides Council with a current list of appointments to Outside Bodies for the civic year 2026/27.
Recommendations That Council resolves to: 1. CONFIRM the appointments to the Gloucestershire County Council Economic Strategy Scrutiny Committee and the Gloucestershire County Council Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, as set out in Annex A Table 1. 2. NOTE the appointments to outside bodies by the Leader of the Council in respect of executive functions, as set out in Annex A Table 2;
Annex A to be circulated separately.
Additional documents: Minutes: The Leader introduced the report on appointments to outside bodies and scrutiny committees.
It was proposed that Councillor Angus Jenkinson continue as the Council’s representative on the Gloucestershire County Council Economic Strategy Scrutiny Committee and Councillor Dilys Neill continue on the Gloucestershire County Council Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The Conservative Group nominated Councillor David Fowles as substitute member for both committees.
Members were also advised of the establishment of the Gloucestershire Local Government Reorganisation Joint Scrutiny Panel, comprising two representatives from each Gloucestershire authority to scrutinise work relating to local government reorganisation. Councillor Angus Jenkinson was nominated as the administration representative and Councillor Gina Bloomfield was nominated as the Conservative Group representative.
The Leader also referred Members to the executive appointments to outside bodies set out in Annex A, Table 2.
The resolution was proposed by Councillor Mike Evemy and seconded by Councillor Juliet Layton.
The Chair then moved to the vote on the recommendations of the Outside Bodies report.
Voting record: 30 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.
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In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12, the following Motion has been received:
Motion 2026/003: Protecting our Cotswolds hospitals Proposed by: Councillor Paul Hodgkinson Seconded by: Councillor Claire Bloomer
Motion: Rural community hospitals in the Cotswolds at Cirencester, Moreton, Fairford and Tetbury provide essential, accessible healthcare close to home. They ease pressure on larger hospitals such as Cheltenham and Gloucester, support older and recovering patients, and ensure that people in rural areas are not forced into long, difficult journeys for routine treatment and rehabilitation. Any cuts, closures or “temporary” service changes at any of the Cotswolds’ hospitals undermine this lifeline. When community hospitals lose services, patients face longer waits, families take on increased travel burdens and already stretched NHS services become even more strained. With thousands of new homes planned and an ageing population in the Cotswolds, we need greater investment in our rural hospitals, not further reductions. We call on this Council to show its support for the future of Cotswolds' NHS services, for the Leader of the Council to write to Gloucestershire's NHS emphasising that all temporary withdrawals of services should be just that - temporary, not permanent and for our local hospitals to be used as much as possible. Recognising this, Full Council resolves to: 1. Request that the Leader of the Council write formally to Gloucestershire's NHS to seek assurances regarding the long-term future and sustainability local community hospital facilities emphasising that all temporary withdrawals of services should be just that - temporary, not permanent and to advocate for maximum utilisation of local community hospital facilities; 2. Agree the vital role played by rural community hospitals in Cirencester, Moreton-in-Marsh, Fairford and Tetbury in providing accessible healthcare to residents of the Cotswolds.
Additional documents: Minutes: Councillor Paul Hodgkinson was invited to propose Motion 2026/003: Protecting our Cotswolds Hospitals.
In proposing the motion, Councillor Hodgkinson highlighted the importance of community hospitals across the Cotswolds, including facilities in Cirencester, Moreton-in-Marsh, Fairford and Tetbury. He stated that local hospitals provided essential healthcare services close to home, including rehabilitation, outpatient services, diagnostics, and minor injury provision, while also reducing pressure on larger acute hospitals.
Councillor Hodgkinson expressed concern regarding the gradual reduction of services within community hospitals and noted that residents were increasingly sceptical of assurances that service reductions described as “temporary” would later be restored. He stressed the importance of transparency, accountability, and meaningful consultation where changes to local healthcare provision were proposed. He further noted the importance of local healthcare services within a rural district with an ageing population and planned housing growth, and referred to significant public support for protecting local hospitals.
During the debate, Members from across the Chamber spoke in support of the motion and made the following points:
· Community hospitals played a vital role in supporting elderly and vulnerable residents, particularly those requiring rehabilitation or treatment closer to home. · Minor Injury Units and local outpatient services were highly valued by residents and often provided quicker and more accessible treatment than larger acute hospitals. · Local hospitals had played a significant role during the COVID-19 pandemic, including acting as vaccination centres and supporting wider community healthcare provision. · Rural healthcare provision was particularly important given transport challenges within the Cotswolds and the increasing demand arising from an ageing population and planned housing growth. · Members expressed concern regarding the long-term reduction and centralisation of healthcare services and the impact this could have on local communities. · It was noted that stronger community healthcare and social care provision could help reduce pressure on larger hospitals and improve patient outcomes. · Members also recognised the important contribution made by NHS staff, volunteers, and community organisations supporting local healthcare services.
Councillor Claire Bloomer seconded the motion, expressing strong support. She highlighted the importance of community hospitals in providing accessible healthcare in rural areas, reducing pressure on larger hospitals, and supporting local communities. She also noted the impact of reduced services over time and the challenges faced by residents travelling longer distances for treatment due to limited public transport provision.
In summing up, Councillor Hodgkinson thanked Members for their support and reflected on positive experiences reported by residents of local hospitals and staff. He reiterated the importance of protecting community hospitals and ensuring that any temporary service reductions did not become permanent by default. He welcomed the suggestion of members that, when writing to NHS England, the Leader should seek clarity on the definition of “temporary”, including an appropriate timeframe, to prevent the term being applied too loosely or without clear limitation. Concerns were expressed that measures described as temporary could otherwise become effectively permanent in the absence of proper review or accountability. He welcomed the cross-party support for the motion and urged Members to support it unanimously.
The Chair then moved to ... view the full minutes text for item 107.
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Next meeting The next meeting of Council will be held on 15 July 2026. Additional documents: Minutes: The next meeting of Full Council was confirmed as being on Wednesday 15 July 2026 at 6:00 pm |
Carried