The City Region Board meeting scheduled for 6 March 2026 was set to cover a range of economic and strategic planning matters for Gloucestershire. Key discussions were expected to focus on the health of the retail and hospitality sectors, updates on the Transitional Spatial Development Strategy (tSDS), and the financial position of the Business Rate Pool and Strategic Economic Development Fund (SEDF).

The Retail and Hospitality Sectors in Gloucestershire

The board was scheduled to consider recommendations from a report detailing the current health and challenges faced by the retail and hospitality sectors across Gloucestershire. This report, originating from Cotswold District Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee, highlighted significant pressures on these sectors due to factors such as increased operating costs, changing consumer behaviour, and the impact of national economic policies. The report noted that while town centres in Cotswold District had remained relatively healthy, with vacancy rates generally below the national average, many businesses were struggling to remain viable. Recommendations from the Cotswold District Council report included writing to local Members of Parliament to lobby on behalf of businesses facing increased business rates and employment costs, continuing to liaise with agents and landlords to advertise vacant retail properties, and considering how to minimise the loss of retail space to residential conversions, particularly in smaller towns. The report also suggested developing an integrated strategy for town centre economies and writing to the government to highlight the vulnerability of high streets and small communities.

Transitional Spatial Development Strategy (tSDS) Update

An update was planned on the progress of the Transitional Spatial Development Strategy (tSDS) for Gloucestershire. This strategy is being developed in response to the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, which reinstates a strategic planning system for England. The tSDS aims to create a countywide strategy by working with the existing Local Plans of the district councils. The report indicated that the City Region Board would provide strategic oversight of the tSDS production, ensuring it remains focused on strategic importance and aligns with the local growth plan. The board was expected to be informed about the future decisions required as the production timetable progresses, with a draft policy consultation anticipated for late autumn 2026 and a pre-submission publication consultation in early autumn 2027. The report also mentioned a government consultation on sensible geographies for SDSs, suggesting potential future devolution outcomes for the county.

The Business Rate Pool and Strategic Economic Development Fund (SEDF) Position Update

The board was scheduled to receive an update on the financial position of the Gloucestershire Business Rates Pool (GBRP) and the estimated balance of the Strategic Economic Development Fund (SEDF). The GBRP aims to maximise business rates income retained within the county through a 50% rates retention system, with the resulting SEDF being allocated to support economic growth activities. The report detailed the final outturn position for the 2024/25 Business Rates Pool, which resulted in a contribution to the SEDF. An estimated pool gain for 2025/26 was also presented, with a significant portion allocated to the SEDF. The update included information on the allocation of SEDF funding, such as the approved funding for Growth Hubs Gloucestershire, and highlighted that the year 1 allocation for the Growth Hub had been initially funded from the City Region Board's existing pot, reducing its unallocated balance. The report also provided an update on the revised scope for the Resilient Future Lab project at Hartpury University, which would focus on energy management programmes, and noted the ongoing preparation of grant agreements for awarded projects.

Together Gloucestershire Project Update

A project update was expected for Together Gloucestershire, though details were to follow.

Work Plan

The board was scheduled to review its work plan and consider items for future meetings. A previous request to add an item about government investment in the Duke of Gloucester barracks for the Army's Cyber Regiment was noted as having been added to the June meeting agenda.

Exclusion of the Public and Press and Exempt Minutes

The agenda indicated that consideration would be given to excluding the public and press for a specific item due to the likely disclosure of exempt information. Following this, the board was scheduled to approve the exempt minutes from the meeting held on 30 January 2026.