Agenda and minutes

To elect the Chair of the Council for the 2023-24 Civic Year

Following the election, the Chair will make the Declaration of Acceptance of Office and sign the Roll of Members as Chair.

2.1       Cllr Alan Preest shared these past two years as Chair had been a privilege, honour, and pleasure. He had travelled the length and breadth of the county meeting many tremendous and inspirational people within our communities and reflected on the many visits and ceremonies he had been privileged to be a part of. Cllr Preest paid tribute to his colleague, mentor, and friend Cllr Phil Awford who had passed earlier this year. He paid thanks to many colleagues within the Gloucestershire Lieutenancy, Gloucestershire Academy of Music, Democratic Services, Senior Management, and officers across the Council with whom he had worked as Chair. A special thank you was paid to Cllr Stephen Hirst for being a brilliant and first-class Vice-Chair. Finally, he thanked members across the Chamber for their support throughout Council meetings, his family, friends, and work colleagues. Cllr Preest was immensely proud to have had this opportunity.

2.2       Members from across the Chamber paid thanks to Cllr Preest for his fair, patient, modest and considerate Chairing over the last two years. They were very grateful for his honest and upfront nature during management of Council meetings. It was recognised that these meetings were only a small part of the role as Chair and members congratulated Cllr Preest for doing his county proud, being a marvellous ambassador for Gloucestershire and representing the council in many ceremonies and royal visits.

2.3       As his final act as Chair, Cllr Preest presented Mr Bungard, Chief Executive of the Council, with his long service award for 25 years of service to the Council. He thanked Pete for all his support and the work he continued to do on behalf of the Council and people of Gloucestershire.

2.4       Tributes were paid to Pete from across the chamber, members thanking him for the years of service he had dedicated to the council, the support he had shown to members and for the great leadership he had shown through some very turbulent times. Although reflecting that members might disagree in the council chamber, they were all very aware of the excellent senior team who were working hard in the background and delivering on behalf of residents.

2.5       Cllr Preest invited nominations for the position of Chair of the Council for 2023/24.

2.6       Cllr Vernon Smith was proposed and seconded. In their nomination, the Leader and Deputy Leader highlighted that Cllr Smith was a dedicated, passionate, and enthusiastic councillor who was a true advocate for his communities and ambassador for the Council.

2.7       There being no other nominations it was:

RESOLVED that Cllr Vernon Smith be elected as Chair of Council for the 2023/24 civic year.

Cllr Vernon Smith made the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

2.8       Cllr Smith shared that he was very honoured and humbled to become the next Chair of Council and would endeavour to show the same level of commitment and fairness as his predecessor. He thanked members for their support.

To elect the Vice Chair of the Council for the 2023-24  Civic Year.

Following the election, the Vice Chair will make the Declaration of Acceptance of Office and sign the Roll of Members as Vice- Chair.

3.1       Members paid similar tribute to Cllr Stephen Hirst for his commitment, diligence and passion given to his role as Vice-Chair. Similar to the Chair, there was a lot more to the role than managing Council meeting and Cllr Hirst had given a lot of dedication to his civic duties.

3.2       The Chair invited nominations for Vice-Chair of Council for the 2023/24 civic year.

3.3       Cllr Susan Williams was proposed and seconded. In their nomination, the Leader and Deputy Leader emphasised the diligence and passion Cllr Williams gave in her role as a councillor. She was a very generous and kind person which would hold her in good stead to be a super ambassador for the Council and its communities.

3.4       There being no other nominations it was:

RESOLVED that Cllr Susan Williams be appointed Vice-Chair of Council for the 2023/24 civic year.

Cllr Williams made the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

3.5       Members congratulated both Cllr Smith and Cllr Williams on their election and wished them luck for their time in the roles.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 22 March 2023.

The minutes of the meeting held on 22 March 2023 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Please declare any disclosable pecuniary interests or personal interests that you may have relating to any specific matters which may be discussed at the meeting.

No declarations of interest were received.

Please see the briefing note, which does not accompany this agenda but will be circulated prior to the meeting.

Coronation Celebration

6.1       Along with the rest of the UK, the people of Gloucestershire came together on the bank holiday weekend of 6 May 2023 to celebrate the Coronation of HM King Charles III and Queen Camilla, and to mark this historic occasion in a variety of community gatherings and events.

6.2       Street Parties, Big Lunches and the Big Help Out on Monday 8 May not only provided the opportunity to reflect on the work and service of His Majesty the King, but to also showcase the value and importance of volunteering within our communities.

6.3       In partnership with the Gloucestershire Voluntary Community Sector (VCS) Alliance, local volunteers were invited to join HRH The Princess Royal, Bishop Rachel and the Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, at a County Coronation Service at Gloucester Cathedral on Monday 8 May in recognition of their work and to highlight the positive impact of community volunteering. The people of Gloucestershire not only came together in celebration, but also, in appreciation of those who contribute so much to the wellbeing of our communities.

6.4       The Chair welcomed everyone to the new ‘Carolean Era’ - God Save The King.

Coronation Champions

6.5       Earlier in the year, Buckingham Palace announced the launch of ‘The Coronation Champions Award for Volunteers’ as an official Coronation Project to celebrate the extraordinary work of volunteers from across the country. In Gloucestershire, 3 volunteers were recognised and awarded the title of Coronation Champion. They included; Hashim Norat from Gloucester, Michael Charlton-Hubble from Lydbrook in the Forest of Dean and Lesley Greene from Stroud.

6.6       The Chair congratulated all three Champions.

Kings Award for Enterprise (Gloucestershire) Recipients 2023

6.7       Prior to 2023, Queen’s Award for Enterprise were awarded annually by HM The Queen in recognition of, and to encourage, outstanding achievements in the fields of international trade, innovation, sustainable development and promoting opportunity, (through social mobility). Announced on 21 April 2023, (HM The Queen’s Birthday), 148 organisations were recognised in this, the first iteration of the King's Award for Enterprise, with 148 organisations recognised, including 3 Gloucestershire based organisations.

6.8       On behalf of the Council, the Chair congratulated:

Doddl, Gloucestershire (awarded the Kings Award for Innovation)

Formed in 2017, this Nailsworth-based business distributes children’s cutlery to more than 30 countries.

Trackwise Designs PLC (awarded the Kings Award for Innovation)

Founded in 1989, this Tewkesbury based firm uses printed circuit technology to develop products for the aerospace, automotive, medical and scientific sectors.

Advanced Innergy, (AIS) (awarded the Kings Award for International Trade)

Based in Quedgeley, Marine manufacturer, Advanced Innergy, (trading as AIS), is a leading provider of subsea products, insulation and fire protection systems.

Mike Williams

6.9       Mike Williams former councillor and honorary alderman sadly passed away last week. Mike sat on the council between 1977 until 1993 before once again being elected between 2009 and 2013.

6.10    Mike sat on Planning Committee and Environment and also served on Stroud District Council. 

6.11    The Leader paid tribute to Mike for his length of service representing Stroud  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

Up to 30 minutes is allowed for this item.

To answer any written public questions about matters which are within the powers and duties of the County Council.

The closing date for receipt of questions was 10am on Monday, 15 May 2023.

However, questions that relate to reports on the agenda may be submitted up to 10am on Wednesday, 17 May 2023.

Please send questions to the Chief Executive marked for the attention of Stephen Bace (email stephen.bace@gloucestershire.gov.uk)

Questions received and proposed responses do not accompany this agenda but will be circulated prior to the meeting.

Forty-four public questions had been submitted prior to the meeting. The following supplementary questions were asked:

Question 3 – Paul Lilly stated that from his and the community’s perspective, the current Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) was not fit for purpose. He asked whether the Cabinet Member would agree to a site visit to resolve residents’ issues.

Cllr Dom Morris agreed to visit the site and suggested inviting representatives from the police to discuss enforcement.

Question 4 – David Redgewell asked whether a date had been set for a bus forum consultation with passengers.

Cllr Philip Robinson said that a date had not been set and that a draft Enhanced Partnership Agreement would need to be published in advance of any such consultation. He explained passenger groups would certainly be involved in the Enhanced Partnership Forum once established.

Question 5 – David Redgewell asked whether it would be possible to talk with South Gloucestershire Council and the Mayor for West England about the 84 and 85 bus services.

Cllr Philip Robinson explained they were looking into the 84 and 85 service problems. He could liaise with the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), but it was ultimately their decision what happened with the services. The Cabinet member was hopeful that new funding could be used to support initiatives in the local area, but he could not make any commitments at this time.

Question 6 – David Redgewell raised concern over the nearly £30,000 worth of damage that had been done to bus infrastructure in Cheltenham in the last 2 months. He asked whether more conversations could be had around prosecuting those causing this damage.

Cllr Philip Robinson explained he was disheartened to see this behaviour, particularly given budget restraints. He explained it was a matter for the police and he would seek to have a conversation with the Police and Crime Commissioner about solutions.

Question 7 – David Redgewell asked whether the lost bus link from Tewkesbury to Worcester could be looked at again.

Cllr Philip Robinson explained that the service had ended several years ago. The Cabinet Member’s focus was on maintaining the current network rather than expanding it. He also explained that the train from Ashchurch to Worcester would reduce the feasibility of re-introducing a Tewkesbury-Worcester bus service.

Question 9 – David Redgewell asked what progress was being made on Mass Rapid Transit across the County.

Cllr David Gray explained that the County Council had made funds available to study Mass Rapid Transit and that public consultation would be carried out in due course.

Question 10 – David Redgewell asked whether more effort could be made to market transport links, perhaps in co-ordination with tourist organisations.

Cllr Philip Robinson explained that as the train companies were privately owned, they were primarily responsible for their own marketing. Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) did try to signpost and promote services and he was happy to explore what more could be done.

Question 23 – Anthony Smith explained that the 781bus service was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To consider the report of the Head of Democratic Services.

TO FOLLOW

Members considered the attached report on Committee membership and the decisions outlined at 2.1 and 2.2.

On being put to the vote, it was

RESOLVED

a)    To increase the size of the Environment Committee from nine to eleven members.

b)    To appoint members to the committees and other bodies shown from A1 to A12.

c)    To elect the chairs and vice-chairs of scrutiny committees as shown in 2.3.

Cllr Stephen Davies, Cabinet Member for Children’s Safeguarding and Early Years to present the Corporate Parenting report.

9.1       Cllr Stephen Davies, Cabinet member for Children’s Safeguarding and Early Years, presented the report. Members heard that the recent care leavers awards evening at Kingsholm was a great success and turnout. Thanks was given to all who helped to set up the event and congratulations to those who won awards. The success of this event had led to review of the Corporate Parenting Strategy and Cllr Davies looked forward to reporting back on this soon.

9.2       Since this report had been published, there had been a successful visit from the Care Leavers National Adviser and the Venture Community Hub, which was part of the Holiday Activity Fund Programme, had been recognised as 1 of 2 Southwest regional champions which was very well deserved.

9.3       The report reflected that Childrens Services were now seeing some consistent improvement across the service, although did not suggest there would not still be challenges ahead. There was general agreement that the Service as a whole was in a different place and the improvement journey continued.

9.4       Noting from the report that 25% of children in care were persistently absent from school, it was queried what in particular was being done to tackle this and whether there was a correlation between that and the number of care placement changes. The Cabinet Member confirmed he would provide a written response on this.

9.5       In response to a question, it was explained that the emphasis behind the Corporate Parenting Strategy was to make it clear what councillors could do within their role as a Corporate Parent. This largely related to oversight, ensuring every decision was made with care leavers in mind, it was not the purpose to individually know each child within their divisions. The point was taken however that it would be beneficial for care leavers to know how to contact their local councillor on any issues they may experience.

To receive any petitions from members without discussion

10.1     A petition from Cllr David Drew on the Stroud Parking Permit Scheme was presented to Cllr Dom Morris.

10.2     A petition from Cllr Rebekah Hoyland on Stagecoach’s Removal of Bus Route 24 was presented to Cllr Philip Robinson.

The Council’s Constitution provides for a maximum of two hours for debate on motions.  The time limit for member speeches is three minutes and the time limit for proposing a motion is five minutes.

In accordance with Procedural Rule 10.2 in Part 4 of the Council Constitution, the Chief Executive has prepared a short accompanying note for each motion in respect of any implications for climate change, resources, human rights and any other pertinent factors they may wish to include in accordance with the Council’s Policy Framework.

Gloucestershire biodiversity week

Proposed:  Cllr David Gray

Seconded:  Cllr Chloe Turner

 In 2019, this council declared a climate change emergency and committed to a carbon action plan. We believe that in addition to reducing our carbon outputs, ensuring the resilience of our ecosystem is essential to maintaining a healthy planet.

Council notes:

• Biodiversity is essential for keeping our county’s unique and beautiful wildlife healthy, sustainable, and productive.
• Biodiversity is relevant to many Council services and functions, such as planning, highways and land/property management.
• Tenants in our rural estates are already leading the way in ecological and biodiverse innovation.
• The new obligations given to the county council under the Environment Act 2021. Specifically:
  • The introduction of a Local Nature Recovery Strategy, for which the county council is the lead authority.
  • The requirement for a minimum of 10% biodiversity net gains from all new development from 2023.
• The county council is a member of Climate Leadership Gloucestershire which has identified biodiversity as well as food and farming as two of its strategic thematic priorities.

Therefore, Council resolves to:

• Pass a declaration recognising the importance of biodiversity and committing all council decisions to give the same level of consideration to biodiversity as carbon when determining environmental impacts.

• Call Cabinet to commit the Council to Hosting a Gloucestershire biodiversity week in which we can actively promote ways in which residents, schools, businesses and Parish and Town councils can get involved to help maintaining the biodiversity of our county.

We in turn commit to lead by example and follow good biodiversity practices when choosing our Highways Local schemes, supporting Parish and Town councils and other community groups. We also endeavour to pursue a biodiversity net gain on council land wherever possible, including opportunities for offsetting credits for supply to developers under the Gloucestershire Climate and Nature Fund. To emphasise the importance biodiversity in our corporate decision making, we will include ecological impact assessments alongside climate change implications assessments in cabinet reports.

Gloucestershire County Council to enshrine being a Care Leaver as a Protected Characteristic

Proposed: Cllr Rebecca Halifax

Seconder: Cllr Ben Evans

This Council Notes:

1. The Independent Review of Children’s Social Care, published in May 2022 (The “Macalister review”), recognised the often negative outcomes for people with care experience and recommended that the government should make ‘Care Experienced’ a protected characteristic.
2. That there is a range of barriers and discrimination care leavers can face throughout life, including but not limited to:
   1. 70% of people who have been in  ...  view the full agenda text for item 11.

Motion 916 – Gloucestershire biodiversity week

11.1    Cllr David Gray proposed, and Cllr Chloe Turner seconded the following motion (this also reflected a friendly amendment from the Labour Group):

In 2019, this council declared a climate change emergency and committed to a carbon action plan. We believe that in addition to reducing our carbon outputs, ensuring the resilience of our ecosystem is essential to maintaining a healthy planet.

Council notes:

·         Biodiversity is essential for keeping our county’s unique and beautiful wildlife healthy, sustainable, and productive.

·         Biodiversity is relevant to many Council services and functions, such as planning, highways, and land/property management.

·         Tenants in our rural estates are already leading the way in ecological and biodiverse innovation.

The new obligations given to the county council under the Environment Act 2021. Specifically:

·         The introduction of a Local Nature Recovery Strategy, for which the county council is the lead authority.

·         The requirement for a minimum of 10% biodiversity net gains from all new development from 2023.

·         The county council is a member of Climate Leadership Gloucestershire which has identified biodiversity as well as food and farming as two of its strategic thematic priorities.

Therefore, Council resolves to:

·         Pass a declaration recognising the importance of biodiversity and committing all council decisions to give the same level of consideration to biodiversity as carbon when determining environmental impacts.

·         Call Cabinet to commit the Council to Hosting a Gloucestershire biodiversity week in which we can actively promote ways in which residents, schools, businesses and Parish and Town councils can get involved to help maintaining the biodiversity of our county.

We in turn commit to lead by example and follow good biodiversity practices when choosing our Highways Local schemes, supporting Parish and Town councils and other community groups.  We also endeavour to pursue a biodiversity net gain on council land wherever possible, including opportunities for offsetting credits for supply to developers under the Gloucestershire Climate and Nature Fund. To emphasise the importance of biodiversity in our corporate decision making, we will include ecological impact assessments alongside climate change implications assessments in cabinet reports.

11.2    Cllr Gray was very pleased to bring this motion today, reflecting on his recent viewing of the David Attenborough programme where Gloucestershire’s wonderful countryside was well represented. Whilst an enjoyable programme, it very much highlighted how much biodiversity the UK had lost, with many species extinct or in serious and rapid decline.

11.3    He highlighted that GCC had not been idle in the face of the global climate crisis. It had been 4 years since its climate emergency declaration, which had resulted in great progress against its Climate Change Action Plan. These actions included the planting of 130,000 trees to date, designing and beginning to build the 26-mile cycle spine, the replacement of fleet vehicles with electric, installation of electric vehicle chargers and the establishment of Climate Leadership Gloucestershire.

11.4    It was recognised that nature recovery required a broader approach than one that just focused on carbon, putting biodiversity on the same level  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

Up to 45 minutes is allowed for this item.

To answer any written member questions about matters which are within the powers and duties of the County Council.

The closing date for receipt of questions was 10am on Monday, 15 May 2023.

However, questions that relate to reports on the agenda may be submitted up to 10am on Wednesday, 17 May 2023.

Please send questions to the Chief Executive marked for the attention of Stephen Bace (email stephen.bace@gloucestershire.gov.uk)

Questions received and proposed responses do not accompany this agenda but will be circulated prior to the meeting.

As background information, the Cabinet Decisions for the meeting held on 29 March 2023 can be found at:

https://glostext.gloucestershire.gov.uk/mgDelegatedDecisions.aspx?bcr=1&DM=117C

Cabinet Member Decision statements for the period 11 March 2023 to 5 May 2023 can be found at:

https://glostext.gloucestershire.gov.uk/mgDelegatedDecisions.aspx?XXR=0&&DR=11%2f03%2f2023-05%2f05%2f2023&ACT=Find&RP=0&K=0&V=0&DM=3&HD=0&DS=2&Next=true&NOW=11042023091053&META=mgdelegateddecisions

Sixty-one Member questions had been submitted prior to the meeting. The following supplementary questions were asked:

Question 1 – Cllr David Drew asked whether the Cabinet member would meet with Stroud District Council and Stonehouse Town Council to give clarity over plans for railway station development in the area.

Cllr David Gray agreed to meet with the local councils.

Question 3 – Cllr David Drew asked why the County was paying to repair a wall on Slad Road, and why it had led to the closure of the road for so long.

Cllr Dom Morris explained that the Council owned the wall and so it was our responsibility to fix it. The repair had taken longer than planned which is why the road closure had to be extended.

Question 5 – Cllr Graham Morgan raised concern that the lack of public transport in some areas was leading to the isolation of residents and asked how much of the 2011 decision by the Council to cut subsidies by 20% was affecting the issues seen today. He also asked the Cabinet Member to encourage Stagecoach to only use single-decker buses for routes on narrow country lanes.

Cllr Philip Robinson reassured that the council had already been encouraging Stagecoach to use suitable vehicles for the roads they travel, and that he and officers were constantly considering the wellbeing impact on residents of public transport changes.

Question 6 – Cllr Chris McFarling asked whether the Cabinet member would re-consider writing to central government to increase active travel investment. He also asked that such a letter emphasised the urgent need to decarbonise the transport sector in response to the climate emergency.

Cllr David Gray explained that Gloucestershire had been attracting a considerable amount of funding for active travel but agreed to consider writing further on this issue.

Question 7 – Chris McFarling asked if the Cabinet member would reassure Council that investment and promotion of jobs in the green economy would be budgeted for at the earliest opportunity.

Cllr Philip Robinson confirmed he could give that assurance and explained that the Employment and Skills Hub was already identifying skills and jobs in this area. He invited Cllr McFarling to visit the Hub to see the work already being done.

Question 8 – Cllr Chloe Turner asked whether additional data on other fines referred to in the Cabinet Member’s written response could be shared.

Cllr Dom Morris agreed that he was happy to provide further data and reiterated that fines were acting as a successful deterrent to utilities companies overrunning their roadworks permits.

Question 14 – Cllr Wendy Thomas reiterated that her original question asked for data on the Forest of Dean Robin service as well as North Cotswold.

Cllr Philip Robinson apologised for the omission and agreed to send the data. He shared that anecdotally, feedback was very positive.

Question 18 – Cllr John Bloxsom asked for confirmation that the council representative on the Cotswold Canal Trust had changed and if so, asked for clarification  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

Cllr Mark Hawthorne MBE, Chair of the Constitution Committee, introduced the item and referred to the recommendations made at the Constitution Committee meeting on 31 March 2023.

On being put to the vote it was

RESOLVED that the recommendations as set out in the Constitution Committee report be approved.

The report was noted.

To appoint a member to the Severn Estuary Partnership.

15.1    The Chair invited nominations for appointment to the Severn Estuary Partnership until May 2025.

15.2    Cllr Chris McFarling was proposed and seconded.

15.3    There being no other nominations it was:

RESOLVED that Cllr Chris McFarling be appointed to the Severn Estuary Partnership until May 2025.

To approve the calendar of meetings for 2024.

RESOLVED to approve the calendar of meetings for 2024 as shown at Item 16 of the agenda.