The Cabinet of Gloucester City Council met on 16 September 2026, approving the sale of Gloucestershire Airport and adopting new policies for affordable housing and homelessness prevention. The meeting also reviewed the council's financial performance for the first quarter of the year and updated its counter-fraud strategy.

Sale of Gloucestershire Airport

The Cabinet recommended to Council that delegated authority be given to the Leader of the Council, in consultation with senior officers, to complete the sale of Gloucestershire Airport and Gloucestershire Airport Limited to a preferred bidder. Officers will work with Cheltenham Borough Council to finalise the sale. The decision was made because neither council can afford to continue subsidising the airport, and Gloucester City Council is currently in Exceptional Financial Measures, making the sale crucial for its financial position. Alternative options considered included doing nothing (which would likely lead to closure), a joint venture with a third-party investor (deemed too commercially risky), or closing the airport and promoting the land for development (which would not align with the political commitment to the airport's future).

Financial Monitoring: April to June 2026

The Cabinet noted the council's financial position for the first quarter of the 2026-27 financial year. A forecast underspend of £242,000 was projected for the General Fund revenue budget, though this was cautioned as being early in the financial year. The report highlighted significant progress in rebuilding the council's financial controls, with timely and accurate financial information now available for proactive decision-making. Key variances included pressures in parking, commercial property, and cemeteries and crematorium services, partially offset by favourable movements in Minimum Revenue Provision and investment income. The report also detailed the capital expenditure for the quarter, showing £2.5 million spent against a budget of £33.7 million.

Treasury Management Update: Annual Report 2025/26

The Cabinet noted the annual report on the council's treasury management activities for the 2025/26 financial year. The report detailed the council's investment performance, with short-term investments yielding an average return of 3.25% and the CCLA investment fund returning 3.80%. No new long-term borrowing was undertaken during the year, with the council continuing to use short-term borrowing to support the capital programme due to lower short-term rates. The council operated within all approved treasury and prudential limits throughout the year.

Counter Fraud Policy & Strategy 2026-28

The Cabinet approved and adopted the updated Counter Fraud Policy and Strategy for 2026-28. This revised document reflects new legislation, including the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, addresses emerging fraud risks, and updates key personnel responsibilities. The strategy reinforces the council's zero-tolerance approach to fraud, bribery, corruption, theft, and money laundering, applying to all individuals and organisations dealing with the council.

Review of Parking Enforcement Services

The Cabinet approved a review of future service delivery arrangements for Parking Enforcement Services. This review will appraise two main options: bringing the service in-house or undertaking a competitive procurement exercise to retender the service. Authority was delegated to the Director of Place, Assets & Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Resources, to proceed with the most beneficial option following the review. The decision acknowledges that while the current outsourced service operates satisfactorily in some areas, performance has deteriorated in others, and the cost may no longer represent good value for money.

Policy for Delivering Local Lettings Plans for Affordable Housing Schemes

The Cabinet adopted the Local Lettings Plan Policy, which sets out the council's approach to agreeing these plans with registered providers for the allocation of new-build affordable housing schemes. The policy aims to support the creation of mixed, balanced, and sustainable communities by allowing for nominations based on specific local housing needs beyond standard waiting times and banding. This approach is intended to improve consistency and transparency for developers, registered providers, and prospective tenants.

Homeseeker Plus Policy

The Cabinet approved the amended Homeseeker Plus Policy, which governs the allocation of social housing across Gloucester. The policy has been updated to align with the latest legislation and statutory guidance, and to improve its clarity and robustness. The amendments followed a public consultation exercise, which indicated broad support for the proposed changes. The policy sets out eligibility and qualification requirements, banding criteria based on housing need, and the process for bidding on properties.

Infrastructure Funding Statement (IFS) 2025/26 CIL Report and Infrastructure List

The Cabinet approved the publication of the Infrastructure Funding Statement (IFS) Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Report for 2025/26 and the associated Infrastructure List. These documents are a statutory requirement under the CIL Regulations 2010 (as amended) and must be published by 31 December 2026. The CIL Report details CIL receipts and expenditure for the year, while the Infrastructure List identifies projects that may be funded by CIL. Delegated authority was given to amend the Infrastructure List if partner councils approve minor changes before publication.

Infrastructure Funding Statement (IFS) 2025-26 Part 2 S106 Planning Obligations

The Cabinet approved the publication of the Section 106 (S106) Planning Obligations report, which forms Part 2 of the Infrastructure Funding Statement for 2025/26. This report details the S106 planning obligations entered into, received, allocated, and spent during the financial year. It also includes information on affordable housing units completed and open space projects funded. Delegated authority was granted to the Director of Place, Assets & Regeneration to make minor amendments to the report prior to its publication.

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Joint Committee Decisions from the 13th July 2026 Meeting

The Cabinet noted the decisions made by the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Joint Committee on 13 July 2026. Key decisions included retaining the 75/25 split of the Infrastructure Fund for strategic and local strategic projects respectively, allocating a further instalment to the M5 Junction 10 scheme, and approving minor updates to the Joint Officer Working Group Terms of Reference. The committee also approved enforcement of the original M5 Junction 10 Scheme CIL grant funding agreement and a deed of variation for the Bus Rapid Transit project to defer payments.