The South Gloucestershire County Council meeting on Wednesday 26 June 2024 covered a range of significant topics, including the election of the Chair and Vice-Chair, public questions on transport and infrastructure, and several motions addressing road safety, minimum service levels legislation, and historic forced adoptions.

Election of Chair and Vice-Chair

Councillor Vernon Smith was re-elected as Chair of the Council for the 2024/25 Civic Year, following a recorded vote. Councillor Susan Williams was appointed as Vice-Chair, unopposed.

Public Questions

Cross-Border Transport Services

David Redgewell inquired about a meeting between South Gloucestershire Council, the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), and Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) to discuss cross-border transport services. Councillor Philip Robinson confirmed a meeting was scheduled for June 2024.

Bus Driver Recruitment in Stroud

David Redgewell asked about efforts to improve bus driver recruitment in Stroud. Councillor Philip Robinson explained that GCC was exploring using its Employment Skills Hub to develop bus driver training opportunities and marketing, targeting specific groups such as veterans, refugees, and NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) young people.

Transport Links Between Tewkesbury and Worcester

David Redgewell also asked about reinstating transport links between Tewkesbury and Worcester. Councillor Philip Robinson stated that while GCC was interested in improving these links, Worcestershire County Council was not supportive of reinstating the service.

The Gloucestershire Charter

Adrian Oldman asked if Parish and Town Councils could be involved in revising The Gloucestershire Charter. Councillor Mark Hawthorne reassured that the Charter had not been revised without consulting different partners.

Wildfire Risk Awareness

Anthony Burton questioned whether the voluntary sector could help raise awareness of wildfire risks. Councillor David Norman responded that GCC and the Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) would look at engaging the voluntary sector and community groups to aid communication of national and regional guidance.

Motions

Road Safety

Councillor Roger Whyborn proposed a motion on road safety, highlighting the high number of serious road incidents in Gloucestershire. The motion called for a task and finish group to scrutinise the effectiveness of the new Road Safety Policy and the resources allocated to it. Councillor Dave Norman proposed an amendment to establish a cross-party cabinet panel instead. The friendly amendment was accepted, and the motion was carried.

Minimum Service Levels Legislation

Councillor David Drew proposed a motion opposing the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023, arguing that it placed severe restrictions on the right to strike. The motion called for the Council Leader to work with trade unions to avert the use of work notices. The motion was ultimately lost after debate.

Apology for Historic Forced Adoptions

Councillor John Bloxsom proposed a motion calling for a formal apology for the historic forced adoption of children of unmarried women. The motion also called for the UK Government to issue a formal statement of apology and to fund specialised counselling services. An amendment proposed by Councillor Stephen Davies, which removed the call for an apology but focused on practical support for victims, was carried. The substantive motion was then passed.

Members' Questions

Several members raised questions on various topics, including the Baunton village green application, highways maintenance, and the resurfacing of roads. Councillor Dom Morris confirmed that members would be informed first about highways resurfacing schemes in the future.

Annual Scrutiny Report 2022/23

Councillor Alan Preest introduced the Annual Scrutiny Report 2022/23, emphasizing the importance of attending scrutiny meetings. Questions were raised about the Cabinet's response to the Rural Estate Scrutiny Task Group and the draft spatial planning document.

Gloucestershire Pension Fund Annual Report 2022/2023

Councillor Lynden Stowe presented the Gloucestershire Pension Fund Annual Report 2022/2023. A member of the Pension Committee disputed some of the investment belief statements, particularly those relating to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations.

Calendar of Meetings for 2025

The calendar of meetings for 2025 was approved, with a member raising concerns about the scheduling of multiple committees in the same week.

For more details, you can refer to the Printed minutes 22052024 1000 County Council.