Agenda item
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.
Minutes:
Chair’s announcements:
The Chair drew members’ attention to upcoming training and briefings. Treasury management training, provided by Arlingclose, had been scheduled for 27 January at 2:00 pm in the Chamber, prior to the Audit and Governance Committee meeting, and was open to all members. An all-member budget briefing had been scheduled via Teams for 10 February 2026 at 6:00 pm, ahead of the Council budget meeting on 23rd February 2026 at 6:00 pm.
Members were encouraged to attend.
The Chair highlighted that Councillor Laura Hall-Wilson would run the Cirencester 10k on 22 February 2026 for the Pied Piper Appeal, Gloucester Hospital’s charity. Members were encouraged to support her and sponsorship details were available via Democratic Services.
The Chair also informed members of the death of former Councillor Carol Topple, aged 90. She had moved to London, and her funeral had taken place in Putney. The Chair noted her long service and contributions to the Council and extended condolences to her family.
The Chair invited the Leader to speak.
Leader’s announcements:
The Leader provided an update on Cabinet changes. Councillor Tony Dale had rejoined the Cabinet on 1 January 2026, taking over from Councillor Paul Hodgkinson. The Leader thanked Councillor Hodgkinson for his service and welcomed Councillor Dale back. Councillor Claire Bloomer had also stepped down from the Cabinet for personal reasons. The Leader acknowledged her work since May 2023, particularly her championing of the Low-Income Family Tracker programme.
Rather than appointing a new Cabinet member, Councillor Bloomer’s responsibilities were reallocated among existing members: Councillor Patrick Coleman assumed cost of living support; Councillor Tony Dale, safeguarding; Councillor Juliet Layton, refugees; and the Leader took on liaison with the third sector, diversity, inclusion, and young people. Responsibility for member development was handed from the Leader to the Deputy Leader, Councillor Layton. Democratic Services was requested to update the website and circulate the revised list of Cabinet members and portfolios, effective immediately.
It was noted that Councillor Andrea Pellegram had stepped down from the Local Plan Oversight Board, and Councillor Patrick Coleman had been appointed as her replacement.
The Leader welcomed the Government’s changes to inheritance tax for farmers, noting the Council’s work and correspondence with the Chancellor. While the threshold increase would provide relief to farmers in the Cotswolds, the Council would continue to press the government and engage with local MPs to provide clarity to those concerned.
Concerns remained regarding housing targets imposed by the government. Feedback from public consultations, town and parish councils, and residents indicated strong opposition to the government’s targets, and the Leader confirmed the Council would share the results of the consultation with government, ensure ministers understood the serious consequences of the Council having to meet an excessive housing target, and committed to fight for its reduction while planning for genuinely affordable homes where needed.
Finally, the Leader updated members on local government reorganisation in Gloucestershire. A recent call with the Local Government Minister, officials, and over 300 council leaders and chief executives confirmed that seven-week consultations for phase three areas, including Gloucestershire, would begin in early February. All three proposals for Gloucestershire were expected to be consulted on, with decisions scheduled before the summer parliamentary recess and elections to the new shadow authority or authorities would be held in May 2027. The Chief Executive would provide further updates on preparations and the roles of senior officers.
The Chair thanked Councillor Claire Bloomer for her contributions, noting the positive impact of initiatives including the Unsung Heroes programme, which she co-led. Members were reminded that nominations for the next Unsung Heroes awards were open.
The Chair then invited the Chief Executive Officer to speak.
Chief Executive Officer’s announcements:
The Chief Executive provided an update on local government reorganisation in Gloucestershire. Following a competitive process, three Cotswold District Council officers had been appointed as leads to the programme work-streams: David Stanley (Finance), Helen Martin (Neighbourhoods and Communities), and Matt Abbott (Communications, Engagement and Branding). The Chief Executive confirmed that arrangements would be put in place to ensure there would be no detriment to the Council’s services and that further details would be provided in due course.
Members were also advised that the Government would announce the start date for the forthcoming seven-week public consultation, which would be open to all those with a connection to Gloucestershire, and that further information would be shared with members to support local engagement.
Supporting documents:
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