Agenda, decisions and minutes

To note any apologies for absence.

No apologies were received.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 10 October 2018 (minutes attached).

The minutes of the meeting held on 10 October 2018 were confirmed and agreed as a correct record of that meeting.

To  declare any pecuniary or personal interests relating to specific matters on the agenda.

Please see the information note (1) 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 was 4.00 pm on Thursday 13 December 2018

A written answer will be provided for each written question and presented to the questioner and to Cabinet Members in advance of the meeting. The questions and answers will be taken as read at the meeting and need not be read out. At the discretion of the Leader of Council, each questioner in attendance at the meeting will be allowed to ask one supplementary question in response to the answer to the original question.

A copy of all written questions and written answers circulated at the meeting will be attached to the signed copy of the minutes of the meeting.

Urgent questions

An urgent written question may be asked by a member of the public about any item on the Cabinet agenda for that meeting which the Chairperson considers could not have been reasonably submitted by the deadline for the receipt of written questions, provided he or she gives notice of the question to the Chief Executive by 12 noon the day before the meeting.

Public Questions

No public questions were considered at the meeting.

A total of 30 (member) questions were submitted for consideration prior to the meeting.

Please refer to the link below to view the responses to the questions: -

http://glostext.gloucestershire.gov.uk/documents/b14973/Cabinet%20Member%20Questions%20and%20Answers%20Wednesday%2019-Dec-2018%2010.00%20Cabinet.pdf?T=9

If unable to access the document at the link above, please go to the link below and select the ‘Cabinet Questions and Answers’ PDF document at the top of the web page: - 

http://glostext.gloucestershire.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=117&MId=8903&Ver=4

The following supplementary questions were asked at the meeting.

Question 1: Cllr Jeremy Hilton

Agenda item 8: Agenda item 8: Review of Parking On-Street and in County Council owned car parks

Cllr Hilton noted that the decision to reduce parking fees to £50 in 2014, (proposed to cover administrative costs), had been the result of an amendment to a council motion by the Liberal Democrat Group.

Cllr Hilton asked the Cabinet Member if he thought it was right for residents living in his division, (without off-street parking and subject to congestion from commuters), having to pay an extra £10.00 per parking permit?

Response by: Cllr Dave Norman (Cabinet Member: Public Protection, Parking and Libraries)

Cllr Norman thought this was the right decision. Referring to the parking fees charged over the past 7 years, he stated that the current proposal was still below that agreed in 2011. Cllr Norman said that he was comfortable with this decision.

Question 2: Cllr Jeremy Hilton

Agenda item 8: Agenda item 8: Review of Parking On-Street and in County Council owned car parks

Cllr Hilton referred to the surplus of £3m received from the issue of parking permits and on-street and penalty charges. Cllr Hilton suggested the current proposal would increase the council’s net income by 16.5% and asked if this was being greedy?

Response by: Cllr Dave Norman (Cabinet Member: Public Protection, Parking and Libraries)

Cllr Norman did not agree. 

Question 3: Cllr Jeremy Hilton

Agenda item 8: Agenda item 8: Review of Parking On-Street and in County Council owned car parks

Cllr Hilton asked the Cabinet Member to provide details of the income received from on-street parking charging and from parking penalties applied in the City of Gloucester?

Response by: Cllr Dave Norman (Cabinet Member: Public Protection, Parking and Libraries)

Cllr Norman agreed to provide the information after the meeting.  

Question 4: Cllr Jeremy Hilton

Agenda item 8: Review of Parking On-Street and in County Council owned car parks

Cllr Hilton questioned if including areas of Kingsholm in the annual review of parking benefitted local residents. Expressing concern that to increase permit charges to £60 per permit to park a first vehicle and £120 to park a second vehicle might prevent some residents from supporting the proposed increase in resident permit fees, Cllr Hilton asked the Cabinet Member if it was his intention to increase permit fees every year?

Response by: Cllr Dave Norman (Cabinet Member: Public Protection, Parking and Libraries)

Cllr Norman confirmed that the proposal applied to the current financial year. He  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To receive an update on the year-end forecast for the 2018/19 County Council’s Revenue and Capital Budgets.

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

RESOLVED to:

1.    Note the forecast revenue year end position as at the end of October 2018 for the 2018/19 financial year of a net £2.216 million overspend. This represents a £0.495 million improvement on the previous position reported to Cabinet.

2.    Note the forecast capital year end position as at the end of October 2018 of £99.837 million against the current budget of £97.988 million giving a £1.849 million overspend which will be funded through the additional funding approval request below.

3.    Note the forecast overspend in the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) of £4.22 million in 2018/19, which exceeds the £2.3 million of uncommitted DSG balances brought forward, and endorses on going discussions with the Schools Forum to agree actions to bring DSG back into balance.

4.    Note £2.530 million additional adult care grant funding announced by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the 2 October 2018.

5.    Approve that any GCC Business Rate Retention (BRR) pilot surplus, currently estimated at £2.4million in addition to the originally estimated £4.6 million, will be transferred to a Rates Retention Reserve. The MTFS Report elsewhere on the agenda recommends that £2.23 million of this additional BRR Pilot gain should be used to fund one off pressures within Children and Families in 2019/20.

6.    Approve the addition of £11.472 million to the Highway Capital budget funded from a variety of sources as outlined in the body of the report. This includes £7.905 million which is the Council’s share of the additional £420 million announced for highways maintenance by the Government in the Autumn Statement.

7.    Approve the addition of £0.045 million to the AMPS budget Capital funded by a contribution from the AMPS revenue budget.

Cllr Ray Theodoulou, Cabinet Member for Finance and Change, gave an update on the council’s financial position, based on actual figures reported at the end of October 2018.

Cllr Theodoulou confirmed that the forecast revenue year end position for the 2018/19 financial year had been positive, with a year end overspend of £2.2m, (this represented a £0.495m improvement on the report presented the previous month).

Members noted that the main improvements had been in the Technical and Corporate Budget (£1.05m) and Communities and Infrastructure Budget (£0.44m). Both improvements cover the adverse trend in the Children and Families Budget, (showing an additional adverse variance against budget of £0.9m).

Following publication of the agenda, a government announcement had confirmed that Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) would receive a one-off payment of £1.44m from the Central Government Business Rates Retention Levy. This payment would be used to offset in part the overall budgetary deficit referred to in the report. It was noted that the council would not be included in the next round of Business Rates Pilot Schemes.

Cllr Theodoulou advised that the Children and Families Budget continued to cause concern. This was largely due to the high cost of external placements and the use of agency staff.

Since publication of the agenda, the Secretary of State had confirmed budgetary support would be provided for the two year period 2018/19 and 2019/20. The funding, (estimated at £2.7m for Gloucestershire), would help offset existing pressures on the overspend in the Dedicated Schools Budget. The Schools Forum would consider actions to support this process at its meeting in January.

The Adults Budget reported a balanced position; achieved from the drawing down of £1.72m from the council’s share of the Adult Social Care additional funding that had been announced by the Secretary of State and an £0.8m allocation from the Business Rates Reserve.

Cllr Theodoulou confirmed that the MTC3 (Meeting the Challenge) target 2018/19 of £18.99m savings was likely to be achieved, but that this would be dependant on the success of the Adult Budget target being met.

A small overspend in the forecast outturn was noted, including the request for a further £11.472m for the Highways Budget. The overspend to be partially funded by the government funding that had been awarded in the Autumn Statement.

Outlining each of the recommendations set out within the report, Cllr Theodoulou asked Cabinet to note the updates on funding and subsequent intentions.

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

RESOLVED to:

1.    Note the forecast revenue year end position as at the end of October 2018 for the 2018/19 financial year of a net £2.216 million overspend. This represents a £0.495 million improvement on the previous position reported to Cabinet.

2.    Note the forecast capital year end position as at the end of October 2018 of £99.837 million against the current budget of £97.988 million giving a £1.849 million overspend which will be funded through the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To set out the budget strategy; detailed draft budget 2019/20 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) covering the period 2019/20 to 2021/22. Report to follow.

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

RESOLVED to:

Approve for consultation and scrutiny, the proposed detailed Revenue and Capital Budget for 2019/20, including Dedicated Schools Grant, (which will also be considered by the Schools Forum), and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) covering the period 2019/20 to 2021/22.

Cllr Ray Theodoulou, Cabinet Member for Finance and Change, presented the council’s draft budget proposals for 2019/20, together with the revised Medium Term Financial Strategy, (both documents are currently out for consultation).

Cllr Theodoulou informed members that the MTFS and draft budget had been prepared using the best estimates from the official Financial Settlement that had been formally announced on 13 December 2018. It was noted that any changes announced following publication of the agenda indicated a net reduction in resources in the proposed revenue budget of £272,000. The additional £2.53m aligned to Adult Social Care, (announced in the Autumn Statement), had been confirmed. All other changes would be incorporated into the final budget proposal, including the proposal to use £2.7m additional funding to help offset pressures in the Dedicated Schools Grant Budget.

The proposed budget for 2019/20 of £428.356m represents a 4.99% Council Tax increase; this includes the Social Care Levy of 2%. Based on the proposals, Band D Council Tax to increase by £61.48 per annum to £1293.69.

Continued capital investment to include the following investments:  Communities and Infrastructure (£316m); Schools and Children Facilities (£166m); Business Support (£93m); and Adults Services (£25m). Funding will be sourced from developers, capital grants and capital receipts. No external borrowing is planned, although some internal borrowing may be considered.

The revised MTFS Strategy to focus on working with communities and partners. Work to continue on the Vision 2050 Project, including support to local businesses. Acknowledging the challenges of having to make savings and protecting the most vulnerable in society, the Leader of the Council referred to the continued and significant investment in the county.

Cabinet members summarised the key investments within their budget portfolios. Speaking positively about the proposals, members confirmed that the financial commitments were in response to meeting the budget challenges and priorities for their areas.

A revised Due Regard Statement, (based on the amended and updated proposals to the MTFS), Draft MTFS, Council Strategy, and supporting policy documents, to be considered at the Cabinet meeting on 30 January 2019, followed by final recommendations to Council on 13 February 2019.

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

RESOLVED to:

Approve for consultation and scrutiny, the proposed detailed Revenue and Capital Budget for 2019/20, including Dedicated Schools Grant, (which will also be considered by the Schools Forum), and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) covering the period 2019/20 to 2021/22.

To consider changes to the Children & Families Capital Programme.

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

RESOLVED to:

Approve the following changes to the Children & Families Capital Programme, (as set out in the published decision report),

1. An addition of £0.150 million to the approved scheme for the Ashchurch Primary School, funded from the approved Basic Need Provision.

2. Expansion of Brockworth Primary Academy, funded by £0.932 million from the approved Basic Need Provision and £0.068 million from a developer s106 contribution.

3. Expansion of Churchdown Parton Manor Junior School, funded by a £0.300 million transfer from the approved Basic Need Provision.

4. Expansion of Finlay Community Primary School, funded by a £1.300 million transfer from the approved Basic Need Provision.

5. Expansion of Isbourne Valley Primary School, funded by a £0.220 million transfer from the approved Basic Need Provision.

6. An addition of £0.900 million to the approved scheme for the expansion of The John Moore Primary School, funded from the Basic Need Provision.

7. Expansion of The Rissington School, funded by a £0.824 million transfer from the approved Basic Need Provision.

8. Expansion of Balcarras Secondary School, funded by a £0.350 million transfer from the approved Basic Need Provision.

9. Expansion of Pittville Secondary School, funded by a £0.325 million transfer from the approved Basic Need Provision.

10. Expansion of Leckhampton Primary School, funded by £3.500 million from the approved budget for Cheltenham Primary Places.

11. £0.092 million scheme for additional facilities at The Ridge Academy, funded from the approved High Needs Specialist Provision Fund Budget.

12. An addition of £0.105 million to the approved scheme for The Milestone School, funded from the approved High Needs Specialist Provision Fund budget.

13. An addition of £0.274 million s106 developer contributions for Dursley CofE Primary School.

14. An addition of £0.061 million s106 developer contributions for Treetops Nursery at Dursley CofE Primary School.

15. An addition of £0.080 million s106 developer contributions for The Cotswold School 6^th Form.

16. An addition of £0.215 million s106 developer contribution for Bourton-on-the-Water Primary School.

17. An addition of £0.094 million academy and school contributions for various projects.

18. An addition of £35.807 million Basic Need Grant allocation for 2020/21.

Cllr Lynden Stowe, Cabinet Member: Economy, Skills and Growth sought approval of changes to the Children’s and Families Capital Programme.

Approved in February 2018, including the award of £6.5m basic needs provision and £1m high needs specialist provision for the Schools Capital Programme, Cllr Stowe updated members on the councils ongoing investment to meet the current and future needs of children and young people in Gloucestershire.

Cllr Stowe confirmed that the council had been awarded a basic needs allocation of £36m for 2020-21, for which it was proposed the funding be added to the capital programme to help deliver the Schools Places Strategy Implementation Plan, involving a £45m investment in the county’s schools over the next two years, (excluding the £30m allocation for the school approved for Cheltenham).

Members noted that council would be asked to consider further plans for 2019/20, (and beyond), as part of its ongoing commitment to investing in new schools, improving buildings and expanding facilities at schools throughout Gloucestershire. A communications strategy is in place to raise the profile of the council’s pledge.

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

RESOLVED to:

Approve the following changes to the Children & Families Capital Programme, (as set out in the published decision report),

1. An addition of £0.150 million to the approved scheme for the Ashchurch Primary School, funded from the approved Basic Need Provision.

2. Expansion of Brockworth Primary Academy, funded by £0.932 million from the approved Basic Need Provision and £0.068 million from a developer s106 contribution.

3. Expansion of Churchdown Parton Manor Junior School, funded by a £0.300 million transfer from the approved Basic Need Provision.

4. Expansion of Finlay Community Primary School, funded by a £1.300 million transfer from the approved Basic Need Provision.

5. Expansion of Isbourne Valley Primary School, funded by a £0.220 million transfer from the approved Basic Need Provision.

6. An addition of £0.900 million to the approved scheme for the expansion of The John Moore Primary School, funded from the Basic Need Provision.

7. Expansion of The Rissington School, funded by a £0.824 million transfer from the approved Basic Need Provision.

8. Expansion of Balcarras Secondary School, funded by a £0.350 million transfer from the approved Basic Need Provision.

9. Expansion of Pittville Secondary School, funded by a £0.325 million transfer from the approved Basic Need Provision.

10. Expansion of Leckhampton Primary School, funded by £3.500 million from the approved budget for Cheltenham Primary Places.

11. £0.092 million scheme for additional facilities at The Ridge Academy, funded from the approved High Needs Specialist Provision Fund Budget.

12. An addition of £0.105 million to the approved scheme for The Milestone School, funded from the approved High Needs Specialist Provision Fund budget.

13. An addition of £0.274 million s106 developer contributions for Dursley CofE Primary School.

14. An addition of £0.061 million s106 developer contributions for Treetops Nursery at Dursley CofE Primary School.

15. An addition of £0.080 million s106 developer contributions for The Cotswold School 6^th Form.

16. An addition of £0.215  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To consider proposals relating to on-street parking and in County Council owned car parks.

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

RESOLVED to:

Authorise the Lead Commissioner Community & Infrastructure, in consultation with the Lead Cabinet Member responsible for parking, to:

1.         Publish and implement a revised schedule of charges for on-street pay & display parking, and for permits and waivers.

2.         Publish and implement a schedule of charges at Arle Court and Waterwells Park and Ride carparks.

3.         Investigate opportunities for using new and developing technologies to manage parking.

Cllr Dave Norman, Cabinet Member: Public Protection, Parking and Libraries, outlined the recommendations set out within the report before seeking approval to authorise the Lead Commissioner: Community and Infrastructure, in consultation with the Cabinet Member, to publish and implement a revised schedule of charges for on-street pay and display parking and for parking permits and waivers.

Cllr Norman also sought to publish and implement a schedule of charges at the Arle Court and Waterwells Park and Ride car parks and look at opportunities for using new and developing technologies to manage parking.

Referring to the recommendations from the Air Quality Task Group on 6 June 2018, including the recommendation for the Council to take measures to reduce congestion and encourage alternative modes of transport, Cllr Norman emphasised the need for effective management as a significant contributor to achieving both outcomes.

Cllr Norman referred to the introduction of permitted parking and parking charges in Gloucester and Cheltenham, and in the centre of Cirencester,  following extensive public consultation and through the Traffic Regulation Order process.

As a point of clarification, (following an issue raised by Cllr Jeremy Hilton earlier in the meeting), the Leader of the Council noted that there had been no increase in permit charges since 2011 and that the proposed permit charges of £60.00 and £20.00 was still less than that those charged 5 years ago.

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

RESOLVED to:

Authorise the Lead Commissioner Community & Infrastructure, in consultation with the Lead Cabinet Member responsible for parking, to:

1.         Publish and implement a revised schedule of charges for on-street pay & display parking, and for permits and waivers.

2.         Publish and implement a schedule of charges at Arle Court and Waterwells Park and Ride carparks.

3.         Investigate opportunities for using new and developing technologies to manage parking.

To consider and approve the Gloucestershire School Places Strategy 2018-2023 and associated Implementation Plan.

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

RESOLVED to:

Approve the Gloucestershire School Places Strategy 2018-2023             

The County Council has a statutory duty to ensure sufficient local school places are provided for children and young people of statutory school age. Since 2008, the council has provided over 5000 additional primary school and 2000 additional secondary school places in Gloucestershire.

Cllr Lynden Stowe, Cabinet Member: Economy, Skills and Growth, stressed the importance of noting the impact the increased population growth was having on the number of school places required for the County. Increased demand for school places, particularly in the Gloucester and Cheltenham areas, continued to warrant the creation of new primary and secondary schools for Gloucestershire (funded through Section 106 developer contributions and basic needs capital).

Cllr Stowe sought approval of the Gloucestershire School Places Strategy 2018-23 and associated Implementation Plan. If approved, the strategy would be used to inform future capital investment priorities for the Council to meet its statutory obligations in providing sufficient school places for Gloucestershire.

Cabinet members spoke in support of the proposals and welcomed the continuing investment in new schools

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

RESOLVED to:

Approve the Gloucestershire School Places Strategy 2018-2023

Cllr Lynden Stowe, Cabinet Member for Economy, Skills and Growth, to update members on the transport proposals emerging from the West of Cheltenham Transport Improvement Schemes.

Cllr Stowe to seek approval of the business cases associated with the Growth Deal 3 allocation of funding for submission to the GFirst Local Enterprise Partnership. 

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

RESOLVED to:

i)             Approve the proposed portfolio of works associated with the £22M Growth Deal 3 allocation for the West Cheltenham Transport Improvement Schemes and the development of the Full Business Cases for submission to GFirst LEP, subject to future Cabinet approval, if required; and 

ii)            Approve entering into a funding agreement with the GFirst LEP to commission £3.3M of funding 2018/19

Cllr Lynden Stowe, Cabinet Member: Economy. Skills and Growth, updated members on the transport improvements emerging as part of the proposed West Cheltenham Transport Improvement Schemes.

Seeking authorisation to proceed with the preparation of business cases and scheme development of transport schemes associated with the £22m Growth Deal 3 allocation for the Cheltenham Cyber Business Park project approved in 2017, Cllr Stowe referred to the ongoing issue of traffic congestion to the West of Cheltenham. 

Cllr Stowe confirmed that a list of schemes had been identified for consideration as part of a programme of highway schemes proposed for delivery as part of the Growth Deal funding allocation. The schemes had been assessed in terms of their deliverability by March 2021 and would need to be submitted to the Gloucestershire First (GFirst) Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Board for approval by Autumn 2019.

Cllr Nigel Moor, Cabinet Member: Environment and Planning, commended the huge accolade for the County, the Council’s ability of delivering projects on time and in budget. He supported the proposals and emphasised the importance of good partnership working. 

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

RESOLVED to:

i)             Approve the proposed portfolio of works associated with the £22M Growth Deal 3 allocation for the West Cheltenham Transport Improvement Schemes and the development of the Full Business Cases for submission to GFirst LEP, subject to future Cabinet approval, if required; and 

ii)            Approve entering into a funding agreement with the GFirst LEP to commission £3.3M of funding 2018/19

To seek approval for the Lead Commissioner: Highway Authority to conduct a competitive tender process to award a contract in respect of Lydney Cycling Improvement proposals.

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

RESOLVED to:

Authorise the Lead Commissioner; Highway Authority to:

(1)  Conduct a public procurement law compliant competitive tender process for the award of a contract to a single supplier for the construction of the Lydney Cycling Improvements Scheme.

(2)  Upon conclusion of the competitive tender process, and in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning, to enter into a contract with the preferred provider evaluated as offering the Council best value for money for delivering the construction of the Lydney Cycling Improvements Scheme.  In the event that the preferred provider for the contract is either unable or unwilling to enter into that contract with the Council then the Lead Commissioner; Highways Authority  is authorised to enter into such contract with the next willing highest placed suitably qualified provider; and

(3)  To make any ancillary legal orders that might be required to successfully implement the scheme.

Cllr Nigel Moor, Cabinet Member: Environment and Planning, presented proposals seeking to award a contract for the construction of the Lydney Cycling Improvement Scheme.

Cllr Moor explained that the scheme had been developed with the aim of promoting cycle usage and reducing car journeys in Lydney. Consistent with the core aims of the Forest of Dean District Council (FODDC), in supporting a greener, heathier environment, the scheme aimed to promote sustainable economic growth, a safer and more secure transport system and provide better access to local services. The proposals lie within the context of the Lydney Transport Strategy and adopted Local Transport Plan.

Funding for the scheme to be funded by GFirst LEP Board, with the aim of having the contract in place and scheduled for delivery in Spring 2019.

Cllr Moor thanked local member, Cllr Alan Preest, for his continued support with the proposals.

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

RESOLVED to:

Authorise the Lead Commissioner; Highway Authority to:

(1)  Conduct a public procurement law compliant competitive tender process for the award of a contract to a single supplier for the construction of the Lydney Cycling Improvements Scheme.

(2)  Upon conclusion of the competitive tender process, and in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning, to enter into a contract with the preferred provider evaluated as offering the Council best value for money for delivering the construction of the Lydney Cycling Improvements Scheme.  In the event that the preferred provider for the contract is either unable or unwilling to enter into that contract with the Council then the Lead Commissioner; Highways Authority  is authorised to enter into such contract with the next willing highest placed suitably qualified provider; and

(3)  To make any ancillary legal orders that might be required to successfully implement the scheme.

To authorise the Head of Property Services to conduct a competitive tender process for the award of a contract for the construction of the Quayside House re-development, including a 500 space multi storey carpark.

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

RESOLVED that:

1.    Subject to the approved detailed business cases developed, and in consultation with the Lead Cabinet Member for Finance and Change and statutory officers, approve the proposed scheme to create:

a)    Quayside House Office Hub and two GP practices and associated infrastructure

b)    A 500 space multi storey car park.

2.    Subject to (1) above, authorise the Head of Property Services, in consultation with the Lead Cabinet Member for Finance and Change, to  conduct a compliant competitive tender process for the award of  contract(s) to suppliers for the construction of:

a)    Quayside House Office Hub and two GP practices and associated infrastructure

b)    A 500 space multi storey car park

3.    Upon conclusion of the competitive tender process, and in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Change, enter into contract(s) with the preferred provider(s) evaluated as offering the Council best value for money for delivery of the services. 

In the event that the preferred provider(s) for the contract(s) is either unable or unwilling to enter into those contract(s) with the Council then the officer is authorised to enter into such contract with the next willing highest placed suitably qualified provider(s).

Cllr Ray Theodoulou, Cabinet Member for Finance and Change, sought cabinet approval to conduct a competitive tender process and the award of a contract for the construction of Quayside House redevelopment. The proposal to include the creation of a 500 space multi storey car park, (subject to the agreement of a satisfactory detailed business case).

Outlining the proposed phasing for the project, Cllr Theodoulou confirmed two phases, the first to consider the funding aspect for the redevelopment of Quayside House and the second to consider the funding for the construction of the multi storey car park. A local development order had been approved by Gloucester City Council.

Members were informed that the project would assist with the regeneration of this area of the Quayside site, (already prepared for development following investment from the GFirst LEP). It was hoped the proposals would enable further investment in this section of the City.

The outline business case for the development estimated a capital cost for the scheme of £23.5m, for which funding would be sourced through £16m capital receipts (Phase 1) and from borrowing (Phase 2). The proposed business case for the development had been incorporated in the Draft Medium Term Financial Strategy and would be subject to approval by Full Council in February 2019.

Cabinet members spoke in support of the proposals. Responding to questions, the Leader of the Council gave his assurance that parking for key workers when visiting the Council would be an significant issue when considering phase 2 of the development.

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

RESOLVED that:

1.    Subject tothe approved detailed business cases developed, and in consultation with the Lead Cabinet Member for Finance and Change and statutory officers, approve the proposed scheme to create:

a)    Quayside House Office Hub and two GP practices and associated infrastructure

b)    A 500 space multi storey car park.

2.    Subject to (1) above, authorise the Head of Property Services, in consultation with the Lead Cabinet Member for Finance and Change, to  conduct a compliant competitive tender process for the award of  contract(s) to suppliers for the construction of:

a)    Quayside House Office Hub and two GP practices and associated infrastructure

b)    A 500 space multi storey car park

3.    Upon conclusion of the competitive tender process, and in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Change, enter into contract(s) with the preferred provider(s) evaluated as offering the Council best value for money for delivery of the services. 

In the event that the preferred provider(s) for the contract(s) is either unable or unwilling to enter into those contract(s) with the Council then the officer is authorised to enter into such contract with the next willing highest placed suitably qualified provider(s).

To consider a report on the Government’s Emissions Reduction Pledge (ERP) 2020, including an update on the Council’s proposals to reduce carbon emissions and deliver sustainable development in Gloucestershire.

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

RESOLVED that:

1.    Cabinet sign up to the Emissions Reduction Pledge 2020, committing to report annual carbon emissions performance to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), with emissions from maintained schools included but shown separately,and to publish this performance on the Council's website.

2.    Officers, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment & Planning, review the Council’s ambition and the effectiveness of its policies in delivering sustainable development in Gloucestershire, with a stakeholder workshop to be held by the end of March 2019.

Cllr Nigel Moor, Cabinet Member: Environment and Planning, referred to the seriousness of the threat on the nation from the effects of Climate Change.

Cllr Moor informed members that the UK was legally committed to cutting carbon emissions (1990 levels) by 80% by 2050. He confirmed that the government had recently asked the Committee on Climate Change to review this target in light of the latest scientific evidence. As a result, it was anticipated the target would be tightened to ‘carbon neutral’ by 2050.

Cllr Moor assured members that to sign up to the government’s Emissions Reduction Pledge would help underline the council’s already proactive and ambitious approach to reducing its carbon emissions and help respond to the urgent need to tackle climate change. He stated that the County Council had already been hugely successful in reducing carbon emissions and had more than halved its emissions in a shorter time period than that specified by the government’s voluntary target for public sector organisations. (One of the successes had been the implementation of the LED Lighting programme). Cllr Moor confirmed that the council’s 52% reduction in eleven years was significantly ahead of the national target.

Pledging to taking a leading role across the County, Cllr Moor stated how important it was take further steps to becoming carbon neutral and reported that becoming a more sustainable county was one of the ambitions outlined in the ‘Looking to the Future 2019-22’ strategic plan.

Outlining some of the challenges to achieving a carbon neutral position, Cllr Moor encouraged his colleagues to sign up to the Government pledge and agree to holding a climate change summit in 2019. Cllr Moor believed this would bring together individuals and organisations across the county and help develop ideas and approaches to further reduce the council and the county’s carbon emissions.  Cabinet members spoke in support of the proposals.

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

RESOLVED that:

1.    Cabinet sign up to the Emissions Reduction Pledge 2020, committing to report annual carbon emissions performance to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), with emissions from maintained schools included but shown separately,and to publish this performance on the Council's website.

2.    Officers, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment & Planning, review the Council’s ambition and the effectiveness of its policies in delivering sustainable development in Gloucestershire, with a stakeholder workshop to be held by the end of March 2019.