This week in Gloucestershire:

Council Considers Major Overhaul of SEND Services with £21.7 Million Grant

Gloucestershire County Council's Cabinet is set to meet on Wednesday 21 October 2026, with a significant agenda item focusing on the future of services for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The council is proposing to adopt a new SEND Reform Implementation Plan for 2026-2029, backed by a substantial £21.781 million grant from the Department for Education.

The plan aims to improve mainstream inclusion, increase access to specialist support, and ultimately enhance outcomes for children and young people with SEND. A key aspect of this proposal involves transferring up to £6.36 million to the Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (GICB) to fund specialist health practitioners. This move is intended to create a more integrated approach, ensuring that health and education services work seamlessly together.

• What this means for you: For families of children with SEND, this could mean a more streamlined and effective support system. The increased funding and focus on integration aim to reduce the current pressures and potential gaps in service provision, leading to better educational and health outcomes for vulnerable young people. However, the success of this plan will hinge on effective collaboration between the council and the GICB.

The Cabinet will also consider the Supporting Gloucestershire's Farming Businesses Strategy (2026 – 2030), which aims to bolster the resilience, sustainability, and profitability of the local agricultural sector. This strategy focuses on championing the sector, developing skills, supporting business models, and fostering collaboration.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Cabinet meeting agenda.

Pension Fund Faces Scrutiny on Climate Disclosures and Investment Strategy

The Pension Board is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 21 October 2026, with a packed agenda that includes a review of the Gloucestershire Pension Fund's financial performance, climate-related disclosures, and upcoming investment strategy.

The board will examine the Draft Audit Findings Report from KPMG for the 2025-26 financial year, which indicates a generally positive audit outcome with no significant issues identified. However, a control recommendation was raised regarding a late deficit contribution payment from Gloucester City Council, which has since been rectified.

A key focus will be the Fund's Taskforce on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures Report 2025-26. While progress has been made towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2045 and reducing the carbon footprint of its listed equity portfolio, the report acknowledges challenges in data quality, particularly for private markets and Scope 3 emissions.

The board will also discuss the implementation of the 2026 LGPS governance reforms, including proposed constitutional changes and the development of the Fund's investment strategy. The draft Investment Strategy Statement and Investment Policy Statement will be presented for comment, outlining the Fund's objectives, asset allocation, and responsible investment approach.

• What this means for you: The Gloucestershire Pension Fund manages the retirement savings of many local employees. Ensuring its financial health, responsible investment practices, and transparent climate disclosures are crucial for the long-term security of these pensions. The focus on climate risk management reflects a growing awareness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in investment decisions, which can have broader implications for the council's ethical standing and long-term sustainability goals.

The board will also receive updates on the Fund's funding position, which remains strong, and investment performance, noting that while the total market value has increased, performance over the last 12 months and three years has underperformed the strategic benchmark.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Pension Board meeting agenda.

Other matters

The Constitution Committee was scheduled to consider several proposed changes to the council's constitution. These included updates arising from new national regulations for pension schemes and planning functions, as well as proposals for electronic sealing and signing of documents. The committee was also scheduled to discuss amendments to emergency planning and social value team delegations. You can find more details about these discussions in the Constitution Committee meeting agenda.

The Appeals Board was scheduled to meet to consider appeals regarding charges for home to school transport. The meeting's agenda also included the approval of previous meeting minutes and the opportunity for public and members' questions. You can find more details about these discussions in the Appeals Board meeting agenda.

The Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss plans for winter preparedness, updates on maternity services, and the integration of NHS services across Gloucestershire and neighbouring areas. The committee also reviewed performance reports and the committee's work plan. You can find more details about these discussions in the Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting agenda.

This week in Gloucestershire:

Council Faces £2.4 Million Overspend as Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee Reviews Financial Health

Gloucestershire County Council's Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 30 September 2026, confronting a projected revenue overspend of £2.415 million for the 2026/27 financial year. The committee reviewed a report detailing this overspend, which is primarily driven by increased costs in Adult Social Care and Children & Families directorates.

• What this means for you: A significant overspend can put pressure on council services. While the committee's role is to scrutinise these figures, residents may be concerned about potential impacts on service delivery, particularly for vulnerable groups relying on Adult Social Care and Children & Families services. The report also detailed the council's savings programme for 2026/27, with a target of £37.169 million, and provided an overview of revenue reserves. The capital programme for 2026/27 was also reviewed, with a revised profile of £184.251 million.

The committee also reviewed the Corporate Finance Report, which provided an update on the Quarter 1 end-of-year forecast for the 2026/27 County Council's Revenue and Capital Budgets.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting agenda.

Pension Fund Faces Scrutiny Over Investment Strategy and Climate Disclosures

The Pension Committee met on Tuesday 29 September 2026 to discuss the Gloucestershire Pension Fund's financial statements for 2025-26, including draft audit findings. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to considering the draft Investment Strategy Statement and Investment Policy Statement, which were presented for consultation.

The committee reviewed the Fund's third report based on the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework for the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026. This report provides an update on actions taken by the Fund to support the transition to a low-carbon economy and manage climate risks within its investments. Key achievements highlighted included a commitment to achieving net zero financed emissions by 2045 and progress towards a 50% total fund carbon reduction by 2030.

• What this means for you: The Gloucestershire Pension Fund manages the retirement savings of many local government employees. Ensuring its sound financial management and responsible investment practices is crucial for the long-term security of these pensions. The focus on climate-related disclosures and net zero commitments reflects a growing awareness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in investment decisions, which can have broader implications for the council's ethical standing and long-term sustainability goals.

The committee also discussed progress on LGPS governance regulatory reforms, including proposed changes to officer roles and the recruitment of an Independent Person. Updates on the Fund's funding position, investment performance, and responsible investment activities were also on the agenda, alongside operational and governance matters.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Pension Committee meeting agenda.

Other matters

The Gloucestershire Health and Wellbeing Partnership met on Tuesday 29 September 2026. While no specific details are available for this meeting, such partnerships typically focus on improving the health and wellbeing of residents across the county, often by coordinating services between the council, NHS, and other local organisations. These discussions are vital for ensuring that vulnerable groups receive comprehensive support and that public health initiatives are effectively implemented.

You can find more details about this meeting in the Gloucestershire Health and Wellbeing Partnership meeting agenda.

This week in Gloucestershire:

Council Faces £2.4 Million Overspend as Cabinet Approves Financial Strategy

Gloucestershire County Council's Cabinet met on Wednesday 23 September 2026, confronting a projected revenue overspend of £2.415 million for the 2026/27 financial year. In response, the Cabinet endorsed a financial strategy designed to reduce this deficit and approved a significant capital budget reprofiling of £39.803 million.

The overspend is primarily driven by increased costs in Adult Social Care and Children & Families, though partially offset by an underspend in Technical & Countywide services. The council's Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit is also a growing concern, forecast to reach £193.165 million by March 2027.

• What this means for you: A significant overspend can put pressure on council services. While the Cabinet has approved a strategy to address this, residents may be concerned about potential impacts on service delivery or future budget allocations. The large DSG deficit highlights ongoing challenges in funding education for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The Cabinet also approved the forecast use of reserves at £78.720 million, indicating a reliance on these funds to manage the current financial situation.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Cabinet meeting agenda.

Transport Plans for Public Consultation: New Local Transport Plan, Rail, and Active Travel Strategies Approved

In a move to shape the future of travel across the county, the Cabinet approved the draft Gloucestershire Local Transport Plan (LTP) for public consultation. This plan, running from 1st October to 15th November 2026, will be accompanied by draft Active Travel and Rail Strategies, also open for public engagement.

The LTP aims to guide transport development from 2026/27 to 2029/30 and will be submitted to the Department for Transport. The strategies focus on improving connectivity, promoting sustainable travel, and enhancing rail services.

• What this means for you: These plans will influence how you travel in Gloucestershire for years to come. The focus on active travel and rail could mean improved cycling infrastructure, better bus services, and enhanced rail links, aiming to reduce reliance on cars and cut carbon emissions. Your feedback during the consultation is crucial in shaping these important initiatives.

Authority has been delegated to finalise these strategies following public feedback, and the Gloucestershire Local Transport Delivery Plan (LTDP) for 2026/27 to 2029/30 was approved for submission to the Department for Transport.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Cabinet meeting agenda.

Audit and Governance Committee Reviews Financial Health and Compliance

The Audit and Governance Committee met on Thursday 24 September 2026 to scrutinise the council's financial statements and governance arrangements for the year ending 31 March 2026. The committee was set to review reports from external auditors KPMG, the Annual Governance Statement, and treasury management activities.

Key discussions were scheduled to include:

• KPMG Audit Findings: An assessment of the council's financial statements and its arrangements for economy, efficiency, and effectiveness.
• Annual Governance Statement: A review of the council's governance framework and planned actions to enhance good governance.
• Statement of Accounts: Approval of the council's financial statements for the year, including the Gloucestershire Pension Fund Accounts.
• Ombudsman Complaints: Review of how the council handles complaints escalated to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.
• Data Protection: An update on compliance with data protection legislation.
• Treasury Management: A mid-year review of the council's borrowing and investment strategies.

• Internal Audit Plan: Approval of the plan for internal audits for the remainder of the financial year.

• What this means for you: The Audit and Governance Committee plays a vital role in ensuring the council manages public money responsibly and operates with integrity. Their review of financial statements and audit findings provides assurance that the council is accountable and transparent in its operations.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Audit and Governance Committee meeting agenda.

Other matters

The Gloucestershire Economy, Climate Change and Waste Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Friday 25 September 2026. Discussions were scheduled to focus on the county's Food and Farming Strategy, the delivery and investment plan for the Digital Infrastructure, Inclusion and Innovation Strategy, and the proposed engagement strategy for the Spatial Development Strategy. The committee was also to review the Quarter 1 2026/27 performance report and its own work plan. You can find more details about these discussions in the Gloucestershire Economy, Climate Change and Waste Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting agenda.

This week in Gloucestershire:

Reablement Service Future Sparks Debate: Council Faces Scrutiny Over Service Transfer

Gloucestershire County Council's County Council met on Wednesday 16 September 2026, with a significant portion of the agenda dedicated to a motion concerning the future of the county's reablement service. The motion, proposed by Councillor Alastair Chambers and seconded by Councillor Stuart Graham, aimed to protect the service, listen to staff concerns, and ensure residents have a say in its future.

The motion highlighted the vital role of reablement in helping residents regain independence after illness or hospitalisation, noting its potential to reduce hospital stays and long-term care needs. However, it also brought to attention concerns raised by frontline reablement workers regarding proposals to transfer the service and its workforce outside the direct control of Gloucestershire County Council.

The proposed resolutions included pausing any transfer implementation until appropriate scrutiny and consultation had occurred, and reaffirming the council's commitment to high-quality reablement. Crucially, the motion called upon the Cabinet to retain Gloucestershire County Council's reablement service in-house.

However, accompanying notes revealed that changes to the GCC Reablement service had already taken place on 1 September 2026, with workers transferred to new providers under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protected Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE). It was also stated that a public consultation was not possible given the decision had already been made and implemented. This has led to criticism that the council has bypassed proper democratic scrutiny and consultation.

• What this means for you: The reablement service is crucial for helping individuals recover and maintain independence after illness or injury. Any changes to its delivery can have a direct impact on the quality and continuity of care for vulnerable residents. The concerns raised by staff and the lack of prior consultation suggest potential disruption and a failure to adequately consider the human element of these service changes.

The meeting also included discussions on the Youth Justice Plan for 2026/27, corporate parenting updates, and the annual reports from the Audit & Governance Committee Chair and the Scrutiny Committee. Several other motions were debated, covering topics from road safety and social media transparency to community energy and the reopening of local infrastructure.

You can find more details about these discussions in the County Council meeting agenda.

Protecting Vulnerable Children: Appeals Board Hears Home to School Transport Charges

The Appeals Board met on Monday 14 September 2026 to consider appeals regarding charges for home to school transport. This is a critical service that ensures children, particularly those with special educational needs or from disadvantaged backgrounds, can access education. The board's decisions directly impact families' ability to get their children to school, potentially affecting attendance and educational outcomes.

The primary focus of the meeting was the hearing of appeals concerning these charges. The report pack provided to the board members contained detailed information relating to these appeals. The board members scheduled to consider these appeals were Cllr Stuart Graham, Cllr Beki Hoyland (Leader of the Green Group), and Cllr Steve Robinson (Vice-Chair of Council).

The agenda also included provisions for public and members' questions, with deadlines for submission set for Monday 7 September 2026. Additionally, a section was allocated for the potential exclusion of the press and public from discussions, citing reasons related to information about individuals or financial and business affairs, as permitted under section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972.

• What this means for you: Decisions on home to school transport charges can place a significant financial burden on families. For those with limited incomes or with children requiring specialised transport, these charges can be a barrier to education. The Appeals Board plays a vital role in ensuring fairness and considering individual circumstances.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Appeals Board meeting agenda.

Public Health Initiatives and Adult Social Care Updates Under Review

The Adult Social Care and Communities Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 15 September 2026, reviewing a range of initiatives aimed at improving public health and the delivery of adult social care services.

Key discussions included:

• Enabling Healthier Lifestyles: The committee received an update on the performance of the Adults' Healthy Lifestyles Service and discussed proposed new strategies for tobacco control and healthy weight. The Gloucestershire Tobacco Control Strategy (2026-2031) aims for a Smokefree Gloucestershire by 2030, while the Gloucestershire Healthy Weight Strategy (2026-2036) seeks to create environments where healthy choices are the easy choice.
• Adult Social Care Services: Updates were provided on the integration of 85 Occupational Therapy colleagues into Adult Social Care, the Adult Social Care annual report, and progress on the new-build care homes programme in Stonehouse, Cinderford, and Tewkesbury/Coombe Hill. A briefing on the Community Reablement model was also presented, highlighting its role in helping people regain independence after illness or hospital discharge.

• Public Health Initiatives: The committee was informed about Gloucestershire's approach to the government's Neighbourhood Health Framework, the revised Chief Medical Officer's Physical Activity Guidelines, and a government consultation on tobacco and vapes. Updates were also provided on refugee support services and a bid for Operation Valour Hub funding to establish an armed forces veterans hub.

• What this means for you: These discussions directly impact the health and wellbeing of residents. The focus on healthier lifestyles, obesity reduction, and integrated health and social care aims to improve quality of life and ensure vulnerable individuals receive the support they need. The integration of occupational therapists and the progress on new care homes are crucial steps in strengthening the social care system.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Adult Social Care and Communities Scrutiny Committee meeting agenda.

Planning Committee Considers Sand Pit Extension Amidst Green Belt Concerns

The Planning Committee met on Thursday 17 September 2026 to consider applications for the variation of conditions on existing planning permissions at the Shurdington Road Sand Pit, Cheltenham. These applications, submitted by Elliotts (Cheltenham) Ltd, sought to extend the operational life of existing facilities until October 2046.

The core planning consideration for these applications was the interpretation and application of national Grey Belt policy within the Green Belt. The Green Belt is a planning designation designed to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open. The Grey Belt policy allows for development in certain areas of the Green Belt if it is demonstrated that there is an unmet need and that the development is essential.

The committee considered four applications, all recommending planning permission be granted subject to conditions. These applications concerned the extension of an aggregate washing plant, a temporary extension to a recycling yard, a temporary waste transfer station, and a picking station.

• What this means for you: Decisions on quarrying and waste management facilities have a direct impact on the local environment, landscape, and potentially on residents living nearby due to noise, dust, and traffic. The interpretation of Green Belt policy is crucial for balancing development needs with environmental protection.

The committee was also scheduled to receive a Performance Report for Planning Development Management and Monitoring & Enforcement, summarising planning decisions taken between April 2025 and March 2026.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Planning Committee meeting agenda.

Fire and Rescue Service Modernisation: New Training Facility and Performance Updates

The Fire and Rescue Scrutiny Committee met on Friday 18 September 2026 to review significant developments within Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS). A key item was the update on the development of a new training facility at Coombe Hill and the enhancement of five satellite training sites. This programme, with a capital allocation of £46.7 million, aims to ensure the Service maintains a modern, resilient, and in-county training capability. The new facility is designed to support operational competence, organisational resilience, and future workforce requirements by addressing emerging risks such as flooding, wildfire, and electric vehicle incidents.

The committee also received an update on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and its potential impact on the Community Safety Directorate. Performance data for the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year was noted, indicating that while the availability of wholetime appliances met targets, the rate of Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSVs) undertaken was slightly below target, though the percentage of HFSVs to vulnerable individuals exceeded the target. The Annual Statement of Assurance for 2025-26 was also reviewed, highlighting GFRS's removal from enhanced monitoring by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS).

• What this means for you: Investment in modern training facilities ensures our firefighters are equipped to handle the evolving risks they face. This directly impacts the safety and effectiveness of the fire service in protecting our communities. Performance data provides insight into the service's operational efficiency and areas where focus may be needed.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Fire and Rescue Scrutiny Committee meeting agenda.