The County Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday 18 February 2026 was set to cover a wide range of significant topics, including the adoption of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026/27 to 2029/30, which includes the draft budget and council tax precept for 2026/27. Discussions were also scheduled on corporate parenting, the council's constitution, and updates from scrutiny committees and working groups. Additionally, the meeting agenda included the presentation of the Gloucestershire Pension Fund Annual Report for 2024/25.

Policy and Budget Framework - Medium Term Financial Strategy

A substantial portion of the meeting was dedicated to the consideration of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026/27 to 2029/30, encompassing the draft budget and council tax precept for 2026/27. This included a detailed report and recommendations on the MTFS, along with several appendices: Appendix 1, the Draft Budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy; Appendix 2, the S151 Officer Review of the Budget (S25 Statement); Appendix 3, the Budget Consultation Feedback Report; Appendix 4, the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee (COSC) Budget Scrutiny Minutes; and Appendix 5, the Equality Impact Assessment. The proposals included a 4.99% council tax increase, comprising a 2.99% general increase and a 2% adult social care precept. The report detailed changes to the revenue budget following the final settlement and outlined forward draft plans for the revenue budget up to 2029/30. It also covered the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) allocation, reserves strategy, and the capital programme, which included significant investment in economy, environment, and infrastructure, as well as schools and children's facilities. The report also addressed the implications of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) on financial contributions and governance.

Corporate Parenting

Councillor Ben Evans, Cabinet Member for Children's Safeguarding and Care, was scheduled to present the Corporate Parenting Report. This report aimed to update the Council on corporate parenting activity, outlining the responsibilities of a corporate parent to ensure care-experienced children and young people have opportunities and outcomes comparable to other children. The report detailed activity from the Corporate Parenting Group, social care updates including celebrations for Care Leavers Month, the launch of Gloucestershire's Kinship Local Offer, and progress on the Supported Lodgings scheme. It also highlighted work on voice and participation, including direct engagement with care-experienced children and young people, training for direct work and relational practice, and contributions to strategy and service development. Updates on the Virtual School and Education, Training, and Employment (ETE) were also included, alongside performance reporting and analysis for children in care and care leavers.

Constitution Committee Report

Councillor Colin Hay, Chair of the Constitution Committee, was set to present proposed changes to the Council's constitution. These included amended Terms of Reference for the Pensions Committee, reflecting government-led changes to LGPS investment pooling and the Fund's transition to LGPS Central. Additionally, the committee sought approval for consequential changes omitted from original recommendations in 2021, specifically amendments to the Officer Employment Procedure Rules and the Appointments Committee Terms of Reference, which would grant the Chair of the Investigating and Disciplinary Panel the authority to suspend the Chief Executive, Head of Paid Service, Monitoring Officer, and Chief Financial Officer (S151 Officer).

Scrutiny and Working Group Update

Councillor Gary Luff, Chair of the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee, was scheduled to provide an update on recent scrutiny activity. This included reports from the Adult Social Care and Communities Scrutiny Committee, the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, the Children and Families Scrutiny Committee, the Environment Scrutiny Committee, and the Fire and Rescue Scrutiny Committee. The update also covered activity from the Gloucestershire Police and Crime Panel and ongoing work by various scrutiny task and finish groups, including those focused on Inclusion in Mainstream Schools, Farming Inheritance Tax, and the Scrutiny of the Draft 2026/27 Budget.

Gloucestershire Pension Fund Annual Report 2024/2025

The Council was to note the Gloucestershire Pension Fund Annual Report and the Pension Board's Annual Report for 2024/25. The Pension Fund Annual Report provides information on the management of the Fund, an analysis of investment activity and performance, details of Fund membership, and a summary of Fund benefits. It also contains the formal accounts of the Fund for the year ended 31st March 2025 and copies of the Fund's strategy and policy statements. The Pension Board's Annual Report includes information on the work programme undertaken by the Board, along with any risks or concerns identified.

Members' Questions

The agenda also included an item for Members' Questions, allowing councillors to raise matters within the powers and duties of the County Council.

Public Questions

An opportunity was scheduled for the public to ask written questions about matters within the powers and duties of the County Council.

Petitions

The meeting was also to receive any petitions presented to the Council.

Report from Cabinet

A report from the Cabinet was scheduled, likely to provide an update on recent decisions and ongoing workstreams.

Announcements

An item for announcements was included, with a briefing note to be circulated prior to the meeting.

Apologies for Absence

The meeting was to note any apologies for absence.

Minutes

The minutes of the previous meeting were scheduled for confirmation and signing as a correct record.

Declarations of Interest

Attendees were asked to declare any interests, with a note referring to the end of the agenda for further information.

Chair's Opening of Council

The Chair was scheduled to open the Council meeting with a statement.