Agenda, decisions and minutes

To note any apologies for absence.

No apologies were received.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 8 June 2016 (minutes attached).

The minutes of the meeting held on 8 June 2016 were agreed and signed as an accurate record of that meeting.

Cabinet members are invited to declare any pecuniary or personal interests relating to specific matters on the agenda.

Please see note (a) at the end of the agenda

No declarations of interest were made at the meeting.  

Up to 30 minutes is allowed for this item.

Written questions

To answer any written questions from a County Councillor, (or any person living or working in the county, or is affected by the work of the County Council), about any matter which relates to any item on the agenda for this meeting.

The closing date for the receipt of written questions is 4.00 pm on Thursday 14 July 2016. Please send written questions to the Chief Executive marked for the attention of Jo Moore, (email: jo.moore@gloucestershire.gov.uk)

Oral questions

To answer any oral questions from members of the public. An oral question may be asked by a member of the public about any item on the agenda for this meeting, provided notice of the question is given by the questioner to the Chief Executive’s representative, at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the meeting.

Depending on the nature of the questions, it may not be possible to provide a comprehensive answer at the meeting, in which case a written answer will be provided as soon as reasonably possible after the meeting. Questions received and proposed responses do not accompany this agenda but will be circulated prior to the meeting.

Public questions

No public questions were submitted for consideration at the meeting.

Member questions

Please refer to the following link to view the responses to the member questions submitted for consideration at the meeting.

http://glostext.gloucestershire.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=117&MId=8219&Ver=4

A total of 15 (member) questions were submitted for consideration, for which the following supplementary questions were asked at the meeting.

Question 1: Cllr Paul Hodgkinson

Item 10: Financial Monitoring Report

On a recent visit to Norway, I was amazed at the superior quality of roads, in comparison to the roads in the UK. The roads in the UK are in a dreadful condition. How much input will local councillors have to consider the list of schemes for which £3.1 funding has been allocated to the new programme for structural patching? It sounds to me like a ‘done deal’. There is no indication from the Local Highways Manager on how the £3.1 million will be spent.

Response by: Cllr Vernon Smith – Cabinet Member for Highways and Flood

I believe it is very important for local councillors to have an input to the new programme, via discussions with the appropriate Local Highways Manager. The Highways Team takes the allocation of funding very seriously and is currently working extensively to address this issue. There is also a Shadows Meeting on 21 July 2016, to which you are welcome to attend.

Question 2: Cllr Paul Hodgkinson

Item 10: Financial Monitoring Report

Response by: Cllr Ray Theodoulou – Cabinet Member for Finance and Change

You state the council’s general reserves are only 4.7 per cent of the council’s revenue budget in the 4 to 6 percentage deemed nationally prudent, and as approved as part of the MTFS. If as low as 4 per cent is acceptable, can the Cabinet Member give me his assurance he will place £3 million to bridge the gaps in the Highways Local Scheme and Adult Mental Health Services, post EU Referendum.

Response by: Cllr Ray Theodoulou – Cabinet Member for Finance and Change

I cannot give you this assurance. The council’s general reserves are ring-fenced, set aside for a rainy day or if unexpected issues go wrong. If Cabinet was able to utilise the reserves at a later date, or in a different way, it would, but this is not proposed at this time.

Question 3: Cllr Paul Hodgkinson

Item 10: Financial Monitoring Report

Given the current economic climate and the impact of the EU referendum, have you taken into account the allow extra time for the council to sell its surplus assets to achieve an estimated asset sales value of just under £23 million?   

Response by: Cllr Ray Theodoulou – Cabinet Member for Finance and Change

There is no reason to believe the value of the council’s assets will depreciate. On recent checks, the value of assets appears to be getting better. I agree, the current economic climate is patchy and can be volatile, but there is no hurry to dispose of the council’s assets – we  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To seek Cabinet approval of the Draft Minerals Local Plan for Gloucestershire for public consultation.

Cllr Nigel Moor, Cabinet Member for Fire, Planning and Infrastructure, sought Cabinet approval of the Draft Minerals Local Plan for Gloucestershire for public consultation.

Having considered all of the information, including known proposals and the reasons for the recommendations, Cabinet noted the report and, 

RESOLVED to: -

Approve the Draft Minerals Local Plan for Gloucestershire, (outlined in Appendix 1 to the Cabinet report), for public consultation.

Cllr Nigel Moor, Cabinet Member for Fire, Planning and Infrastructure, sought approval of the Draft Minerals Local Plan for Gloucestershire to proceed to consultation.

Cllr Moor informed members that, as the local Mineral Planning Authority, (MPA), the County Council had a statutory responsibility for preparing the Local Minerals Development Plan. He stated that the proposed plan aimed to provide the policy framework for making decisions on planning applications for mineral development for Gloucestershire from 2018 to 2032, and bring in line the council’s proposals with the government policy outlined in the National Planning Policy Framework, (NPPF), 2012.

The existing plan, adopted in 2003, is under constant review. The aim of the new plan will be to play an important role in supporting economic growth to the minerals industry, other businesses and local communities in Gloucestershire through to 2032. Key minerals present in Gloucestershire include: sand and gravel, limestone, sandstone, clay, coal and potential oil and gas.

Seeking approval to go to public consultation before progressing to the more formal stages of adoption, (consideration by the Secretary of State and independent examination), the proposed plan includes 10 allocations for possible aggregate working, (sand & gravel or limestone), plus a suite of policies for determining future mineral-related planning applications. The 10 allocations have been published on previous occasions and have reduced from the 18 sites proposed in 2014.

A specific policy relating to oil and gas, including hydraulic fracturing (‘fracking’), was prepared in response to the Government’s decision to issue oil and gas licenses in Gloucestershire, (Policy MW06). There are no formal proposals for hydraulic fracturing at this time.

Cllr Moor believed the draft policy represented a prudent and balanced approach to updating the Minerals Local Plan, given the position of national policy and the potential environmental and amenity issues currently in existence.

Referring to the majority vote taken at the Environment and Communities Scrutiny Committee meeting on 13 July 2016, and the subsequent statement to Cabinet, (statement attached), Cllr Moor informed members that he was aware of the committee’s concerns and the proposal for a re-draft of Policy MW06 in relation to Oil and Gas.

Having sought the advice of officers, Cllr Moor advised members that, for the council to agree to such a proposal would be seen as a rejection of national policy. He explained that, one of the tests for approval of the proposed plan would be to ensure consistency with national policy. To go against government guidance could therefore render the plan ‘unsound’ by the Independent Inspector. Cllr Moor advised that, given such circumstances, the Minerals Local Plan could not be adopted, and would therefore hold very little weight in determining new mineral application proposals. Furthermore, the plan would have no weight at all in respect of matters deemed unsound, placing significant risk to the council when considering applications for hydraulic fracturing.

Cllr Moor announced he was not prepared to embark on a course of action that could result in significant abortive costs to the council. Whilst he respected  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To approve the optional 2 year extensions and variations to existing Carers Commissioned Services Contracts.

Cllr Dorcas Binns, Cabinet Member for Older People, sought to activate the clause in the council’s carer services contracts to extend for 2 years.

Having considered all of the information, including known proposals and the reasons for the recommendations, Cabinet noted the report and, 

RESOLVED to: -

Authorise the Commissioning Director: Adults, to invoke the above mentioned 2 year extension option under the following contracts and, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Older People, to make the proposed variations thereto:

• Carers Information,  Advice and Guidance Contract with Carers Gloucestershire
• Carers Assessments and Support Planning Contract with Carers Gloucestershire
• Carers Emotional Support Contract with Carers Gloucestershire
• Carers Voice Contract with Carers Gloucestershire
• Carers Breaks Contract with Guideposts

Cllr Dorcas Binns, Cabinet Member for Older People, sought approval to activate a clause in the council’s carers services contracts to extend the contracts for 2 years.

Cllr Binns informed members that the current service was delivered via 5 contracts, all of which needed to be extended at this meeting. To date, the contracted services had performed well and had significantly improved the range and number of services available for carers.

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Having been involved in the development and evaluation of the tendering process for the contracts, some carers had also been involved in developing the specifications for the contracts and in evaluating applications, services and presentations. Carers continued to be involved in the shaping of services through the Peer Evaluation process, where satisfaction rates are high. Some services required variations to the contracts in light of the Care Act 2014, for which the providers had responded positively to the proposed variations.

GCC funding for carer support services is allocated via the Better Care Fund.  Members were advised that the cost of the proposed contract extension was within existing budget, (currently £3.058 million). Gloucestershire County Council to contribute £1.989 million and the Clinical Commissioning Group £1.069 million. The council’s contribution over 2 years will be £3.978 million.

Having considered all of the information, including known proposals and the reasons for the recommendations, Cabinet noted the report and, 

RESOLVED to: -

Authorise the Commissioning Director: Adults, to invoke the above mentioned 2 year extension option under the following contracts and, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Older People, to make the proposed variations thereto:

• Carers Information,  Advice and Guidance Contract with Carers Gloucestershire
• Carers Assessments and Support Planning Contract with Carers Gloucestershire
• Carers Emotional Support Contract with Carers Gloucestershire
• Carers Voice Contract with Carers Gloucestershire
• Carers Breaks Contract with Guideposts

To endorse outline proposals for Gloucestershire County Council, along with 5 other councils, (Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire), to develop the Adoption West Regional Adoption Agency (RAA), and to approve public engagement and consultation on the outline proposals.

Cllr Paul McLain, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People and Strategic Commissioning, sought to endorse outline proposals for Gloucestershire County Council, along with 5 other councils, to develop the Adoption West Regional Adoption Agency (RAA), and to approve public engagement and consultation.

Having considered all of the information, including known proposals and the reasons for the recommendations, Cabinet noted the report and, 

RESOLVED to: -

1)    Agree to support proposals for Gloucestershire County Council to join with Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Wiltshire councils to develop the Adoption West Regional Adoption Agency, and

2)    Approve public engagement and consultation on the proposals outlined in the published decision report

Cllr Paul McLain, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People and Strategic Commissioning, presented proposals for Gloucestershire County Council, (along with 5 other councils), to participate in the development of the Adoption West Regional Adoption Agency (RAA). In doing so, the cabinet member to also seek approval for public engagement and consultation.

Cllr McLain informed members that ‘to do nothing’ (Option 1), was not an option. Stipulated by new government policy, Cllr McLain believed Option 2, (to proceed with Adoption West plans and consult on the proposals), offered the council more opportunities and significant benefits from its participation in the development of a regional adoption agency.

Commending the high performance of the adoption team at Gloucestershire County Council, Cllr McLain believed the proposal afforded the council sufficient scope and flexibility from which to maintain current good practice.

It was suggested the 10 week consultation commence as quickly as possible, commencing on 25 July 2016 and ending in October. 

Having considered all of the information, including known proposals and the reasons for the recommendations, Cabinet noted the report and, 

RESOLVED to: -

1)    Agree to support proposals for Gloucestershire County Council to join with Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Wiltshire councils to develop the Adoption West Regional Adoption Agency, and

2)    Approve public engagement and consultation on the proposals outlined in the published decision report

1)    To seek authorisation for the direct award of twenty seven 6 month interim recyclate contracts to each of the incumbent contractors for the period 7 August 2016 to 31 January 2017, and to

2)    Establish and operate a five year EU compliant Dynamic Purchasing System for the delivery of recyclate services to the Household Recycling Centre Service with an estimated total value of £5m.

Cllr Ray Theodoulou, Cabinet Member for Finance and Change, sought to implement the recommendations included within the published decision report to maintain the Household Recycling Centre Service, ensuring compliance with the Council’s statutory duty under Section 51 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and meeting the Council’s obligation for the letting of contracts.

Having considered all of the information, including known proposals and the reasons for the recommendations, Cabinet noted the report and, 

RESOLVED to authorise: -

1. The Commissioning Director: Communities and Infrastructure, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Change, to:

a.    Direct award 6 month interim recyclate contracts to each of the incumbent contractors set out in Paragraph 2.3 of the published decision report for the period 7th August 2016 to 31st January 2017, with a total estimated value for all the contracts of £0.52m;

b.    Conduct an EU compliant competitive tender process for the creation of a 5 year Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for the provision of recyclate services to the Household Recycling Centre Service, commencing on 1st February 2017, with an estimated total value of £5m over its term; and to authorise

2. The Commissioning Director: Communities and Infrastructure:

a.    Throughout the term of the DPS, to admit or remove contractors to the DPS in accordance with the required selection criteria or any revised selection criteria set out in the DPS; and

b.    To procure recyclate services from contractors  under the DPS and award contracts for recyclate services, up to the value of £499k in respect of  any single contract. Any contract with a value of £500k or more must be the subject of a separate Cabinet decision; and

c.    To report back to Cabinet on an annual basis throughout the term of the DPS, detailing the total value of the contracts let under the System for that year and cumulatively.

Cllr Ray Theodoulou, Cabinet Member for Finance and Change, sought approval of the recommendations outlined in the published decision report to enable continuity of the Household Recycling Centre Service. He stated that the proposals aimed to ensure compliance with the Council’s statutory duty under Section 51 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and the Council’s obligation for the letting of contracts.

Cllr Theodoulou updated members on changes to the council’s current contract, and the need to operate the Household Recycling Centre Service via a number of additional contracts, working in support of the new contract with Ubico Ltd, due to commence on 7 August 2016. The timing of the impending contract meant that the decision needed to be taken urgently. Cllr Theodoulou confirmed that the 27 short-term contracts ranged in value, with no individual contract exceeding the relevant EU procurement threshold.

Cllr Theodoulou also sought to establish a dynamic purchasing system for the delivery of recyclate services to the Household Recyling Centre, allowing the council to become more flexible in its response to changes in market conditions and to seek better value for money as markets became more competitive in terms of cost and quality.  

Having considered all of the information, including known proposals and the reasons for the recommendations, Cabinet noted the report and, 

RESOLVED to authorise: -

1. The Commissioning Director: Communities and Infrastructure, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Change, to:

a.    Direct award 6 month interim recyclate contracts to each of the incumbent contractors set out in Paragraph 2.3 of the published decision report for the period 7th August 2016 to 31st January 2017, with a total estimated value for all the contracts of £0.52m;

b.    Conduct an EU compliant competitive tender process for the creation of a 5 year Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for the provision of recyclate services to the Household Recycling Centre Service, commencing on 1st February 2017, with an estimated total value of £5m over its term; and to authorise

2. The Commissioning Director: Communities and Infrastructure:

a.    Throughout the term of the DPS, to admit or remove contractors to the DPS in accordance with the required selection criteria or any revised selection criteria set out in the DPS; and

b.    To procure recyclate services from contractors  under the DPS and award contracts for recyclate services, up to the value of £499k in respect of  any single contract. Any contract with a value of £500k or more must be the subject of a separate Cabinet decision; and

c.    To report back to Cabinet on an annual basis throughout the term of the DPS, detailing the total value of the contracts let under the System for that year and cumulatively.

To seek approval to go out to public consultation on the principles of the Sexual Health Services Review from 29 July 2016 for a period of twelve weeks.

Cllr Andrew Gravells, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities, sought Cabinet approval to go out to public consultation on the principles of the Sexual Health Services Review from 29 July 2016 for a period of twelve weeks.

Having considered all of the information, including known proposals and the reasons for the recommendations, Cabinet noted the report and, 

RESOLVED to: -

1)    Approve the consultation principles for the Sexual Health Services Review as set out in Paragraph 1.9 of the published report; 

2)    Authorise the Director Public Health to undertake a 12 week public consultation exercise commencing on 29 July 2016 in accordance with the principles approved under Recommendation 1 of the report, and

3)    Requires the Director Public Health to report the results of the consultation exercise undertaken in accordance with Recommendation 2 of the report back to Cabinet as part of any proposals for the future delivery of Sexual Health Services in Gloucestershire.

Cllr Andrew Gravells, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities, sought approval to go out to public consultation on the principles of a Sexual Health Services Review of Gloucestershire.

Cllr Gravells informed members that this proposal had arisen from changes brought about by the Health and Social Care Act in 2012, whereby the responsibility for sexual health services in Gloucestershire had transferred from the sole responsibility of the National Health Service to new commissioning arrangements with Gloucestershire County Council,  the Clinical Commissioning Group and NHS England.

In response to the changes, the outcomes of a Sexual Health Needs Assessment, (undertaken in 2015), identified several key challenges for Gloucestershire. In addition, there was clear evidence of the need to address a number of inequalities that existed, relating to age, ethnicity, sexuality, poverty and social exclusion.

Cllr Gravells proposed that the council’s Public Health Team undertake a review of Sexual Health Services in Gloucestershire to establish whether there was a more efficient and effective model from which the council could respond to the challenges identified by the Sexual Health NeedsAssessmentundertaken in 2015. The aim of the review would be to develop a cost effective approach to the delivery of Sexual Health Services across Gloucestershire, focussing on the needs of those most vulnerable to poor sexual health outcomes. 

Cllr Gravells proposed that a public consultation, focussing on the principles identified by the review, run for a twelve week period from 29 July 2016. Key areas for consideration included: improving access; understanding and responding to the needs of key vulnerable groups;  prevention; and promoting use of technology and self care, where appropriate to access services. Feedback from the consultation to be used to shape the approach for the design of the future delivery model for Sexual Health Services.

Member’s attention was drawn to the Due Regard Statement to the report. Cllr Gravells advised members that, in considering the likely impact of the recommendations, there was no indication of any disproportionate negative effect upon those with protected characteristics. The principles to be consulted on aimed to reduce any inequalities already in existence for those groups who had been previously identified through the Sexual Health Needs Assessment as having a higher burden of need and poorer access. Cllr Gravells highlighted the importance of reaching hard to reach groups and gave his assurance that every effort would be made to ensure an authentic approach was taken during the consultation.

Having considered all of the information, including known proposals and the reasons for the recommendations, Cabinet noted the report and, 

RESOLVED to: -

1)    Approve the consultation principles for the Sexual Health Services Review as set out in Paragraph 1.9 of the published report;

2)    Authorise the Director Public Health to undertake a 12 week public consultation exercise commencing on 29 July 2016 in accordance with the principles approved under Recommendation 1 of the report, and

3)    Requires the Director  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

To provide an update on the year-end forecast for the 2016/17 County Council’s Revenue and Capital Budgets.

Cllr Ray Theodoulou, Cabinet Member for Finance and Change, provided an update on the year-end forecast position for the 2016/17 County Council’s Revenue and Capital Budgets.

Having considered all of the information, including known proposals and the reasons for the recommendations, Cabinet noted the report and, 

RESOLVED to: -

1)    Note the forecast revenue year end position, as at the end of May 2016 for the 2016/17 financial year, of a net £0.16 million underspend,

2)    Note the forecast capital year end position of a small under-spend of £0.028 million for 2016/17.

3)    Agree the following changes to the capital programme:

a)    That the approved capital programme be increased by £0.3 million to fund capital works which will enable children centre buildings to be adapted and made suitable for the provision of a wider range of services. This increase will be funded by a revenue contribution from the Services to Families with Young Children Reserve.

b)    That a new £3.1 million scheme for a programme of structural patching be included in the approved capital programme, financed from £1.006 million DfT Pothole Action Fund grant, £0.807 million approved 2015/16 revenue contribution, £1.0 million from the Communities & Infrastructure reserve and a £0.28 million transfer from the Minor Works budget.

c)    That the approved capital programme be increased by £1.501 million for three flood alleviation schemes at Whaddon (£1.288 million), Anne Hathaway Drive, Churchdown (£0.071 million), and Medway Crescent, Brockworth (£0.142 million), financed by Flood Defence Grant Aid.

d)    That £0.231 million be transferred from the unallocated Basic Need grant funding to a new Lakefield C of E Primary School project, within the approved capital programme.

e)    That £0.5 million be transferred from the Future Secondary Basic Need allocation to the Pittville School project, within the approved capital programme.

f)     That a new £2.4 million scheme for Bournside School be included in the approved capital programme, financed from the transfer of £2.187 million from the Future Secondary Basic Need allocation and £0.213 million from s106 funding, increasing the overall capital programme by £0.213 million.

g)    That the £5.875 million scheme and the associated s106 contributions for a new school at Hunts Grove be removed from the approved capital programme, on the basis that the developer will be building the school.

h)    That a new £1.409 million scheme for Social Care projects be included in the approved capital programme, financed from Social Care Capital grant, increasing the overall approved capital programme by £1.409 million.

i)     that a new £0.51 million scheme for two Fire Appliances and a new £0.13 million scheme for Road Traffic Control Equipment be included in the approved capital programme for the Fire & Rescue Service, financed through a revenue contribution to capital from the capital financing budget.

Cllr Ray Theodoulou, Cabinet Member for Finance and Change, gave an update on the year-end forecast position for the 2016/17 County Council’s Revenue and Capital Budgets.

Cllr Theodoulou informed members that the forecast revenue year end position for 2016/17 had been forecast to show a net £0.16 million underspend and a forecast capital year end position with a slight under-spend of £0.028 million.

Despite the positive ‘overall’ revenue position, Cllr Theodoulou reported significant variances in some service areas. The two areas of greatest challenge included; Adult Services, currently forecast to show an overall breakeven position, (based on full use of the Adult Social Care Levy and use of the Care Act Reserve); and Children and Families, forecasting a £1.1m overspend, (reduced from £2.7m by the Vulnerable Children’s Reserve)..

Cllr Theodoulou explained that the financial pressure in Children and Families was mainly due to the increased number of children coming into care and the increasing complexity of many of the cases the council was having to respond to. Cllr McLain, Cabinet Member for Children and Families and Strategic Commissioning, informed members that this position was not unique, and that several other authorities were experiencing a similar number of number of children coming into care. Cllr McLain did not anticipate a reduction in the number of children coming into care and believed it would be necessary to consider retaining reserves to cover the necessary costs.

Cllr Theodoulou reported a capital budget of £91.6m, with current expenditure, (reported at the end of May 2016), at £3.5m. Members were advised that this rate of expenditure was expected to increase during forthcoming months.

Referring to changes in the capital programme, following approval of the MTFS at the council meeting in February 2016, Cllr Theodoulou identified three specific issues for members attention. These included: - 

1)    Creation of a £300,000 capital scheme aimed at ensuring Children’s Centre buildings can be adapted and made suitable for the provision of a wider range of services;

2)    Purchase of 2 new replacement fire appliances, (at a cost of £510,000), to ensure continued firefighter and community safety;

3)    Fund £130,000 towards financing the replacement of Road Traffic Collision equipment and ensure continuing road user safety.

Having considered all of the information, including known proposals and the reasons for the recommendations, Cabinet noted the report and, 

RESOLVED to: -

1)    Note the forecast revenue year end position, as at the end of May 2016 for the 2016/17 financial year, of a net £0.16 million underspend,

2)    Note the forecast capital year end position of a small under-spend of £0.028 million for 2016/17.

3)    Agree the following changes to the capital programme:

a)    That the approved capital programme be increased by £0.3 million to fund capital works which will enable children centre buildings to be adapted and made suitable for the provision of a wider range of services. This increase will be funded by a revenue contribution from the Services to Families with Young Children Reserve.

b)    That a new  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

To set out the overall context and outline the process and timetable for refreshing the Council Strategy and Medium Term Financial Strategy for the period 2017/18 to 2019/20.

Cllr Ray Theodoulou, Cabinet Member for Finance and Change, provided an update on the context and process for refreshing the Council Strategy and for producing the three year Medium Term Financial Strategy for the period 2017/18 to 2019/20.

Having considered all of the information, including known proposals and the reasons for the recommendations, Cabinet noted the report and, 

RESOLVED to: -

Agree the proposed process for reviewing and developing the Council Strategy and formulate the MTFS covering the period 2017/18 to 2019/20.

Cllr Ray Theodoulou, Cabinet Member for Finance and Change, gave an update on the context and process for refreshing the Council Strategy and for producing the three year Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for the period 2017/18 to 2019/20.

Advising members that the next stage of the MTFS was likely to be difficult, and that the council was under constant pressure to make further savings, Cllr Theodoulou confirmed that the amount of overall funding for Gloucestershire had not, as yet, been confirmed for 2017/18, but that it was anticipated funding would reduce by approximately £11m, supplemented by a proposed increase in council tax of 3.99%.

In addition to reduced funding, Cllr Theodoulou alerted members to the need to compensate for potential financial pressures and unavoidable cost increases anticipated during 2017/18, for which it would be necessary to identify £30m of savings to balance the budget.

Having considered all of the information, including known proposals and the reasons for the recommendations, Cabinet noted the report and, 

RESOLVED to: -

Agree the proposed process for reviewing and developing the Council Strategy and formulate the MTFS covering the period 2017/18 to 2019/20.