This week in Gloucester:

Airport Sale Moves Forward, Housing Policies Updated, and Financial Controls Strengthened

Gloucester City Council's Cabinet met this week, making significant decisions that will shape the city's future. Key among these was the recommendation to proceed with the sale of Gloucestershire Airport, a move aimed at improving the council's financial health and ensuring the airport's long-term viability. New policies for affordable housing were also adopted, and a positive financial monitoring report highlighted strengthened controls.

Airport Sale Recommended to Council

The Cabinet has recommended to the full Council that delegated authority be granted to the Leader of the Council, Councillor Jeremy Hilton, to finalise the sale of Gloucestershire Airport and its share capital. This decision comes after acknowledging that neither Gloucester City Council nor Cheltenham Borough Council can continue to subsidise the airport's operations, which require substantial investment.

The sale is a critical step for Gloucester City Council, which is currently operating under Exceptional Financial Measures. The proceeds from the sale are expected to significantly improve the council's financial standing with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). While officers will work with Cheltenham Borough Council to complete the sale, alternative options were considered. These included inaction, which could lead to the airport's closure, or a joint venture with a third-party investor, which carries considerable commercial risk. Closing the airport and redeveloping the land was discounted due to the council's commitment to its future.

The sale literature emphasizes the requirement for the airport to operate for at least five years, and the land is protected by green belt and planning policies. The future of the airport's role as a significant engineering and skills hub for the South West was a key concern raised during public questions, with assurances given that the objective is to sell to investors who can operate and invest in the airport.

• Why it matters: This decision directly impacts the future of a significant local asset and the council's financial stability. For residents, it means a clearer path towards financial recovery for the council, potentially safeguarding other essential services. For those working at or connected to the airport, it offers a chance for continued operation and investment, preserving vital regional skills.
• Learn more: Read the full report on the Sale of Gloucestershire Airport.

New Policies to Boost Affordable Housing

The Cabinet also adopted new policies designed to increase the availability and suitability of affordable housing in Gloucester. The Local Lettings Plan Policy sets out how the council will agree on plans with registered providers for the allocation of new-build affordable housing. This policy aims to foster mixed, balanced, and sustainable communities by allowing nominations based on specific local needs, in addition to standard allocation criteria. Developed in consultation with registered providers, it seeks to improve consistency and transparency for developers, providers, and prospective tenants.

Furthermore, the amended Homeseeker Plus Policy was approved. This policy governs the allocation of social housing across Gloucester, ensuring that homes are allocated fairly based on need and aligning with the latest legislation and statutory guidance. Following a public consultation that showed broad support, these amendments aim to improve clarity and robustness, ensuring the policy remains fit for purpose and responsive to local housing pressures.

• Why it matters: These policies are crucial for ensuring that new affordable housing developments meet the diverse needs of Gloucester residents. For those on the housing waiting list, these changes offer a clearer and potentially more responsive system for accessing suitable homes, contributing to the creation of stronger, more integrated communities.
• Learn more: Details on the Local Lettings Plan Policy and the Homeseeker Plus Policy are available.

Financial Controls Strengthened, Forecast Underspend

A positive financial monitoring report for April to June 2026 indicates a forecast underspend of £242,000 for the Council's General Fund revenue budget. Councillor Declan Wilson, Cabinet Member for Resources, cautioned that this forecast is based on only three months of activity and should be treated with care. However, he highlighted significant progress in rebuilding the council's financial controls, with timely and accurate financial information now available to identify pressures early and make proactive decisions.

The report detailed adverse pressures in areas such as parking, commercial property, and cemeteries and crematorium. However, these were offset by favourable variances in Minimum Revenue Provision and investment income. Cabinet members expressed encouragement at the improved financial reporting and forecasting, thanking officers for their work. The Treasury Management Year-End Annual Report 2025/26 was also noted, confirming that the council operated within all treasury and prudential limits throughout the financial year, prioritising the security of public money, liquidity, and yield.

• Why it matters: Strong financial management is essential for the council to deliver services effectively and efficiently. An underspend and improved controls mean that public money is being managed responsibly, potentially freeing up resources for other priorities. For residents, this translates to greater confidence in the council's ability to manage its finances and provide essential services.
• Learn more: Review the Financial Monitoring Report and the Treasury Management Annual Report.

Other Matters

Constitutional Changes to Planning and Scrutiny

The General Purposes Committee met to discuss proposed changes to the council's constitution. Amendments to the national scheme of delegation for planning applications were recommended to ensure legal compliance with new regulations coming into force on 31 October 2026. These changes will streamline the process for determining planning applications, with a greater emphasis on officer delegation for certain types of applications. The committee also recommended removing the requirement for members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to declare party whipping, arguing that the committee operates independently and that such declarations are not necessary.

• Why it matters: These changes aim to modernise and clarify council procedures. For residents, the planning application changes could mean a more efficient determination process, while the scrutiny rule change reflects a move towards a more streamlined and trust-based approach to oversight.
• Learn more: Read about the National Scheme of Delegation for Planning Applications and Constitutional Changes: Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules.

Counter Fraud Strategy Updated

The Cabinet approved an updated Counter Fraud Policy and Strategy for 2026-28. This revised document reflects new legislation, emerging fraud risks, and updated personnel responsibilities, reinforcing the council's zero-tolerance approach to fraud, bribery, and corruption. The strategy emphasizes risk assessment, internal controls, and data analysis, ensuring robust arrangements are in place to protect public money.

• Why it matters: A strong counter-fraud strategy is vital for safeguarding public funds. This updated policy demonstrates the council's commitment to preventing and tackling fraud, ensuring that taxpayer money is used for its intended purpose – delivering services to residents.
• Learn more: The Counter Fraud Policy & Strategy 2026-28 is available.

Review of Parking Enforcement Services

A review of future service delivery arrangements for Parking Enforcement Services has been approved. With the current contract due to end in late 2026, the review will assess options for bringing the service in-house or undertaking a new procurement exercise. The review will consider financial and operational improvements, service standards, staffing, and social value implications.

• Why it matters: This review could lead to improvements in how parking is managed in Gloucester, potentially impacting residents through better service delivery, cost-effectiveness, and road safety.
• Learn more: Details of the Review of Parking Enforcement Services can be found.