The Council meeting on Wednesday 23 September 2026 saw significant debate and decisions regarding changes to planning delegation, the review of polling stations, and the council's treasury management performance. Key decisions included the adoption of a new national scheme of delegation for planning functions, which will see more decisions made by officers, and approval to consult on proposed changes to polling stations to reduce costs. The council also noted and approved its treasury management outturn report for the 2025-26 financial year, which showed a surplus in investment income.

National Scheme of Delegation for Planning Functions

Council resolved to adopt changes to its constitution to implement the new National Scheme of Delegation for planning functions, which came into effect on 31 October 2026. This new scheme, introduced by the government, will significantly alter how planning applications are handled. Under the scheme, most planning applications, including householder extensions and residential developments of up to nine homes (Schedule 1 applications), will be automatically delegated to officers for decision. Larger or more sensitive developments (Schedule 2 applications) will only be referred to the Planning and Licensing Committee if a nominated committee member and a nominated planning officer mutually agree that the application has local significance or raises a major planning issue, a process known as the 'gateway test'. Applications from members or officers will also be subject to this gateway test.

The decision was met with considerable discussion and concern from councillors, who expressed disappointment that the changes would reduce the role of elected members in planning decision-making. Councillor Dilys Neill, Chair of the Planning and Licensing Committee, acknowledged that the council had no choice but to implement the new legislation, but highlighted that members believed the changes failed to recognise the important role local councillors play in providing local insight and democratic legitimacy. Councillor Tom Stowe and Councillor David Fowles both stated they would be abstaining from the vote, with Councillor Fowles calling the changes an intrusion and expressing a desire for the current government to be replaced. Councillor Juliet Layton proposed two minor amendments to the committee protocol, which were accepted. Despite the widespread reservations, the recommendations were ultimately approved by 29 votes to 19, with 4 abstentions.

Polling Station Review

Council approved the commencement of a consultation on proposed changes to polling stations across the district. The Electoral Matters Working Group recommended reviewing polling stations with fewer than 150 electors to reduce election costs, which have risen significantly in recent years. The average cost of running a polling station for a day is £880, and the last district and parish elections cost approximately £250,000. The proposed changes aim to consolidate polling stations in areas with low electorates, with 14 stations identified for review and 13 having proposed alternative locations.

The decision to consult was supported by councillors, though concerns were raised about the impact on accessibility and convenience for electors, particularly the elderly and those with limited mobility. Councillor David Cunningham highlighted that three polling stations in his ward were affected and stressed the importance of advertising postal voting options. Councillor Julia Judd expressed her strong opposition to the proposals, viewing them as another nail in the coffin for democracy and expressing concern about the potential for people to miss out on voting if they misunderstand postal voting rules. Councillor Mike Evemy, Leader of the Council, emphasised that the council had a responsibility to spend money wisely and that the consultation was a necessary step to gather feedback before any final decisions were made. The council voted 29 to 4 in favour of proceeding with the consultation.

Treasury Outturn Report 2025-26

Council received and approved the Treasury Management Outturn Report for the financial year 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026. The report detailed the council's treasury management performance, noting that it operated within its approved limits and prudential indicators, with the exception of the 'Interest Rate Risk' indicator. Investment income for the year generated a surplus of £1.505 million, exceeding the budget by £0.367 million, largely due to sustained higher interest rates and higher than budgeted cash balances.

Councillor Patrick Coleman, Cabinet Member for Finance, presented the report, highlighting the positive returns achieved through diversified investments in pooled funds. He noted that the council had no requirement to borrow externally and had significant internal borrowing capacity. The report detailed the council's investment portfolio, including short-term borrowing, long-term investments, and cash equivalents. Councillor Angus Jenkinson sought clarification on the meaning of approve in the context of the report, and David Stanley, Deputy Chief Executive and S151 Officer, explained that it meant formally accepting the report's content, which related to past events. Councillor Ray Brassington also questioned the level of detail provided on the funds, and David Stanley offered further training and cautioned against solely focusing on past performance when selecting investments. The report was unanimously approved.

Other Matters

• Local Government Reorganisation (LGR): Item 9, concerning the establishment of a Joint Voluntary Committee for Local Government Reorganisation, was withdrawn due to the government's announcement pausing the LGR process in Gloucestershire. Leader of the Council, Councillor Mike Evemy, informed members that this pause created uncertainty for staff and that elections for the current council would now be held in May.
• Member Questions: Several member questions were addressed, including concerns about fly-tipping due to new charges for DIY waste introduced by Gloucestershire County Council, the financial implications of the paused LGR, the printing timeline of the 'Cotswold Together' magazine, and the allocation of employment land in the local plan. Councillor Laura Hall-Wilson questioned the council's approach to asylum accommodation, and Councillor Gina Blomefield raised issues regarding the poor condition of road signs.
• Announcements: The Chair, Leader, and Chief Executive made several announcements, including details of upcoming consultations on the County Council's local transport plan and Sirencester Hospital, and congratulations to Councillor Paul Evans on his appointment to the Gloucestershire Health and Wellbeing Board. The Leader also provided an update on the pause in local government reorganisation, noting that officers were meeting with civil servants and that a statement was expected in the House of Commons on 12 October. The public consultation period for the Local Plan Regulation 19 was extended to 3 November 2026.

The meeting was held on Wednesday, 23 September 2026.