The County Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday 25 March 2026 was set to discuss a range of significant issues, including the county's potential involvement in a Foundation Strategic Authority, the expansion of renewable energy, and the financial strategy for the coming years. The meeting's agenda also included several motions addressing key local concerns such as support for farmers, men's mental health, highway maintenance, and councillor allowances.

Response to Government Invitation for a Foundation Strategic Authority

A key item on the agenda was the council's response to the government's invitation to express interest in forming a Foundation Strategic Authority (FSA). The report recommended that the council confirm its support for joining the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and endorse the Cabinet's expression of interest in forming a single-county Gloucestershire Foundation Strategic Authority as a precursor to WECA membership. This proposal stems from concerns about a devolution deficit and the potential for Gloucestershire's strategic alignment to be determined externally by the government, potentially impacting the county's economic links and Local Growth Plan. The report highlighted that Gloucestershire's strongest economic and labour market connections are southward with the WECA area.

Expanding Publicly Owned Renewable Energy in Gloucestershire

Motion 983, proposed by Cllr Ian Cameron and seconded by Cllr Richard Dean, sought to address the expansion of publicly owned renewable energy in Gloucestershire. The motion noted the geopolitical instability impacting fossil fuel markets and the associated economic and environmental costs. It highlighted Gloucestershire's suitability for renewable energy production, including wind speeds for onshore wind projects and the availability of council-owned land for development. The motion proposed establishing a cross-party Task-and-Finish Group to explore the feasibility of rapidly expanding public and community-owned renewable energy generation, identify suitable land, and assess different ownership and financing options. The group would report back to Cabinet with recommendations, and Cabinet would then develop a timetable for implementation.

Supporting Gloucestershire Farmers and Rural Businesses

Motion 979, proposed by Cllr Daryl Corps and seconded by Cllr Tom Bradley, aimed to support farmers and rural businesses facing a perfect storm of rising costs, poor weather, and market volatility. The motion highlighted the significant role of the agriculture-related food supply chain in Gloucestershire's employment. It asked Cabinet to undertake an urgent audit of council procurement to favour local acquisitions, review catering facilities to prioritise local produce, and report on the success of the Made in Gloucestershire programme. Additionally, it requested a plan from Public Health to promote services in rural communities to address mental health issues and an initiative to promote the benefits of eating locally-produced fresh products.

Addressing Male Suicide Rates in Gloucestershire

Motion 978, proposed by Cllr Alastair Chambers and seconded by Cllr Sajid Patel, expressed grave concern over the disproportionately high suicide rates among men in Gloucestershire and across England and Wales. The motion noted that men are about three times more likely to die by suicide than women and that suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50 in the UK. The council believed that targeted action, awareness campaigns, and support services are essential. It resolved to ask Cabinet to support and promote men's mental health initiatives, work with the Gloucestershire Suicide Prevention Partnership to strengthen local strategies, commission targeted communications campaigns to reduce stigma, and request a report outlining measurable actions to reduce male suicide rates locally.

Establishment of Local Highways Champions

Motion 980, proposed by Cllr Michael Rees and seconded by Cllr Ray Donaghue, suggested establishing a new role of Local Highways Champion within the Highways service. The motion noted that a significant proportion of reported highways issues are minor in nature and that residents often express a willingness to assist with such works. The proposed champions would work collaboratively with local communities to identify and coordinate minor maintenance activities, act as a visible point of contact, and escalate more serious defects. The motion also called for a formal review after 12 months to assess volunteer engagement, issues resolved, resident satisfaction, and operational impacts.

Councillor Allowances and Financial Recovery

Motion 977, proposed by Cllr Alastair Chambers, addressed the council's financial situation. The motion noted serious financial failings, resulting in budget deficits and depleted reserves, and stated that it is morally indefensible for elected members to continue receiving full allowances. The council resolved to advise and formally call upon all County Councillors to voluntarily forgo their basic and special responsibility allowances until the council's financial position is stabilised and independently verified. It also requested the Independent Remuneration Panel to review the council's allowance scheme and ensure transparency by publishing which councillors accept or decline allowances.

Establishing a Cross-Party Approach to Savings and Efficiency

Motion 981, proposed by Cllr Mark Howard, called for establishing a Cross-Party Savings and Efficiency Task Group to examine opportunities for improved efficiency and value for money across the council. The motion noted the financial strains faced by local authorities and the need for good financial stewardship. It proposed that the Executive bring forward an options report exploring potential savings and efficiencies, including digitisation, procurement, building rationalisation, and reducing duplication. The motion also called for each directorate to review its non-statutory expenditure and for the council to publish an annual summary of savings achieved.

Corporate Parenting Report

The council received an update on Corporate Parenting activity, highlighting the council's role as a Corporate Parent to children in care and care leavers. The report detailed the work of the Corporate Parenting Group, including upcoming summits on housing and education, employment, and training. Updates were provided on social care activities, including Ofsted inspections of children's homes and the supported lodgings scheme. The report also covered fostering activities, voice and participation initiatives involving children in care, and updates from the Virtual School on education, training, and employment outcomes.

Scrutiny and Working Group Update

An update was provided on the activities of various scrutiny committees and working groups. This included reports from the Adult Social Care and Communities Scrutiny Committee, Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Children and Families Scrutiny Committee, Environment Scrutiny Committee, Fire and Rescue Scrutiny Committee, and Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Updates were also given on the Gloucestershire Economic Strategy Scrutiny and the Gloucestershire Police and Crime Panel. Additionally, progress on the Inclusion in Mainstream Schools and Farming Inheritance Tax scrutiny task groups was outlined.

Appointments Committee Report

The council was presented with recommendations from the Appointments Committee regarding the revised Pay Policy Statement for 2026-27. The report detailed changes to the list of posts earning £100,000 or more and minor wording and format adjustments for clarity. The committee recommended the adoption of the revised Pay Policy Statement.

Pension Fund Annual Report

The Pension Fund Annual Report was presented, noting that Gloucestershire's Pension Fund received an award for the Best Pension Fund of the Year (small) at the 2025 LGC Investment Awards. The report also addressed questions regarding responsible investment, radiological weapons, and public involvement in the fund's annual review of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) risk management.

Constitution Committee Report

The council was asked to approve and adopt amended Terms of Reference for the Pensions Committee and consequential changes to the Officer Employment Procedure Rules and the Appointments Committee Terms of Reference. These changes included the authority for the Chair of the Investigating and Disciplinary Panel to suspend the Chief Executive, Head of Paid Service, Monitoring Officer, and Chief Financial Officer.