Agenda item
Announcements from the Chair, Leader or Chief Executive
- Meeting of Annual Council, Council, Wednesday, 20th May, 2026 6.00 pm (Item 101.)
- View the background to item 101.
Purpose
To receive any announcements from the Chair of the Council, the Leader of the Council or the Chief Executive.
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 Harris, stating that he was very proud of his contribution and legacy. He noted that Councillor Harris had made a significant impact on the political landscape in the Cotswolds, contributing to increased political engagement and changes in local representation over a number of election cycles.
The Chair observed that under his leadership the Liberal Democrat Group had grown substantially in representation and had led the Council for two terms, and described this as a key part of his legacy in changing local politics. He further noted that Councillor Harris was leaving public office at a point of success in his political career and commended the manner of his departure.
The Chair concluded by wishing him every success in his new career.
As part of his announcements the Chair commented on his future involvement with an operator of a leisure-based activity in the Cotswold Water Park. He stated that he had previously worked with the operator for approximately 10 years in a marketing and advisory capacity, and that this engagement might in due course relate to planning applications before the Council concerning the regularisation and potential expansion of existing facilities.
He confirmed that he was not a director, shareholder, or office holder in the organisation, and that no planning applications or pre-application submissions had yet been made. The Chair then advised that he had discussed the matter with the Monitoring Officer and the Director of Planning and had agreed a protocol for future engagement to ensure there was no unfair advantage arising from his position as a Councillor. He emphasised that he was making the declaration in the interests of transparency.
The Chair then reminded Members that, with effect from 11 May 2026, the Local Government Pension Scheme would be available to eligible elected Members in England under the age of 75. He noted that details had been circulated and were available on the Member portal.
A planning training session for all Members on Wednesday 3 June at 2.00 pm was also highlighted. Members were encouraged to attend regardless of previous attendance, including both Planning Committee Members and those not serving on the Committee, in order to ensure a sufficient pool of trained Members for any necessary substitutions. The importance of attendance was emphasised, and Members were reminded of the significance of planning matters within their wards.
The Leader was then invited to speak.
The Leader advised Members of a government consultation recently issued in relation to proposed local government structural changes. It was reported that a meeting of Gloucestershire leaders had taken place, attended by Councillor Wilkinson on behalf of the Leader and Councillor Spivey, Leader of Gloucestershire County Council, together with officials from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
Members were informed that a draft Structural Changes Order had been issued for comment, providing for the abolition of existing councils and the creation of new unitary arrangements. The deadline for responses had been set as 16 June, and concern was noted regarding the limited timescale and the fact that this preceded the Government’s final decision on the preferred model for Gloucestershire.
It was reported that each of the seven councils had been asked to respond to 10 questions covering the three options submitted.
The Leader confirmed that, following discussions with the Chief Executive and fellow leaders, a report would be brought to Cabinet on 4 June to agree the Council’s response. It was noted that this was an executive consultation and that the final decision rested with Government.
Members would be invited to submit comments, and further information, including the consultation document, would be circulated. It was also noted that discussions were ongoing between Gloucestershire leaders and Chief Executives to explore areas of common ground, including governance matters such as naming conventions and returning officer arrangements.
Members were advised of the anticipated timetable, including a Government decision ahead of the parliamentary recess, and potential legislation the following year, with implications for implementation and elections. Consideration was also being given to referring the matter to Overview and Scrutiny prior to Cabinet.
The Leader concluded by paying tribute to Councillor Joe Harris. He reflected on first meeting him in 2010 and campaigning alongside him in 2011, noting his early political involvement, including becoming Mayor of Cirencester at the age of 20 and later serving as Group Leader. Councillor Joe Harris’s role in strengthening the Group’s electoral position and supporting the formation and leadership of the administration from 2019, as well as his earlier work in opposition during challenging electoral periods was noted.
The Leader noted his strategic leadership, including development of the Council’s corporate priorities and contributions to wider local government work, including at the LGA. He thanked Councillor Joe Harris for his leadership, support, and service, and wished him well for the future.
There were no announcements from the Chief Executive.