The Council meeting on Tuesday 29 September 2026 addressed concerns over the lack of grass cutting, the adoption of a new film classification policy, and updates to the council's constitution. A petition regarding grass cutting was ultimately not supported, while the film classification policy was unanimously adopted. Significant debate surrounded the constitutional changes, which were approved despite concerns about reduced democratic oversight in planning decisions.

Grass Cutting Petition Rejected

A petition calling for the reinstatement of grass cutting on Gloucestershire County Council-owned land within Tewkesbury Borough was debated. Mr Andrew Turner presented the petition, highlighting concerns about fire risk, difficulties for dog owners, litter, obstructed road views, and the negative impact on the borough's appearance for visitors. He urged the council to reconsider and reinstate grass cutting.

Councillor Philip Workman supported the petition, stating that the council had walked away from a 50-year commitment and that the current arrangements were an insult. He argued that the council had the financial surplus to fund the service.

However, Councillor Richard Stanley, Leader of the Council, proposed that the council not reinstate the grass cutting, aligning with the report's recommendation. He explained that while he understood the residents' concerns, the land was not owned by the borough council and they had no contract to cut it. He highlighted that many parishes were already working with the county council to arrange their own cutting, and that reinstating the service for one area would necessitate doing so across the entire borough, which was not financially viable. Councillor Stanley also pointed out that Tewkesbury Town Council had had opportunities to address the issue but had not done so. Councillor Matt Diamond-Brown, Lead Member for Finance and Asset Management, echoed these concerns, stating that reinstating the service would cost £84,000 annually, exceeding budgets for youth engagement and household support funds, and that the council faced a significant financial deficit.

Ultimately, the council voted against reinstating the grass cutting, with Councillor Stanley's proposal to not reinstate the service being carried.

Film Classification Policy Adopted

The council unanimously adopted a new Film Classification Policy. Councillor Murray Stewart, Lead Member for Environmental Services, presented the policy, explaining that it would provide a clear framework for how the council would handle requests to classify or reclassify films, particularly in exceptional circumstances where the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) had not made a decision or where a distributor requested a reclassification. The policy aims to ensure consistency across Gloucestershire, anticipating Local Government Reorganisation.

Councillor Cate Cody raised a point about the effectiveness of consultation, noting that few responses were received for the draft policy. Councillor Ian Yates, Vice-Chair of the Planning Committee, commended the collaborative approach taken with other Gloucestershire councils to create a consistent policy. The policy was approved unanimously.

Constitutional Updates Spark Debate

Significant debate surrounded proposed amendments to the council's constitution, primarily driven by new national legislation regarding the delegation of planning functions, which comes into effect on 31 October 2026. Councillor Sarah Hands, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Planning and Place Making, explained that the changes were necessary to ensure legal compliance and would align the council's constitution with the new framework, while aiming to preserve a role for elected members through a local triage and gateway process. She stressed that failure to comply could lead to legal challenges and reputational damage.

Councillor Jim Mason, Lead Member for Governance, highlighted additional changes to public participation, including allowing supplementary questions at council meetings and increasing speaking time at planning committees from three to four minutes per speaker.

Several councillors expressed concerns about the erosion of democratic oversight in planning decisions. Councillor Graham Bocking questioned time limits for public questions, and Councillor Gemma Madle raised concerns about the balance between officer and member decision-making, the notification process for ward councillors, and the transparency of decision-making. Councillor Matt Diamond-Brown questioned how ward councillors and parishes would be involved in the new triage system and proposed an annual report on the scheme's effectiveness.

The Head of Service for Democratic and Electoral Services clarified that the process for the triage system was still being worked out and that an annual report could be considered. Councillor Richard Stanley, Leader of the Council, and the Monitoring Officer emphasised the legal necessity of adopting the changes to avoid judicial review and significant costs.

Despite widespread reservations about the impact on local democratic input, the council voted to approve the amendments, acknowledging that compliance with the national legislation was mandatory. An amendment was agreed to write to the government expressing the council's dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the reforms.

Royal Mail Postal Deliveries Motion Carried

A notice of motion regarding the ongoing issues with Royal Mail postal deliveries was proposed by Councillor Paul McLean and seconded by Councillor Sarah Hands. The motion noted residents' concerns about delayed and non-arrival of post, and anecdotal reports of prioritisation of tracked and first-class deliveries. The council resolved to write to Royal Mail requesting a briefing and calling for improvements.

During the debate, several amendments were proposed and accepted, including writing to local MPs and Ofcom, and encouraging residents to provide evidence of issues. Councillors shared personal experiences of poor service, highlighting the impact on vulnerable residents, businesses, and the local economy. Councillor Deborah Harwood, who had 14 years of experience working in the post office, spoke about the vital importance of letters for those who are unwell or elderly and not online. Councillor Richard Stanley noted that a priority mail code for NHS letters had not resolved the issue. The motion was carried unanimously.

Other Business

The council also noted changes to political balance and committee membership following a change in group affiliation for Councillor H C McLain. The meeting concluded with the exclusion of the public for separate business, which included the approval of minutes from a previous meeting and a resolution regarding the Mitton Footpath Bridge. An extraordinary meeting was announced for 27 October concerning the strategic and local plan.