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Weekly updates
Stroud Council Approves Housing Fraud Policy & Taxi Fare Hikes
This week, Stroud District Council held two significant meetings. On Tuesday, 25 June 2024, the Housing Committee convened, and on Thursday, 27 June 2024, the council discussed various local policies and initiatives.
Housing Committee Meeting Highlights
Swedish Timber Houses Redevelopment
The Housing Committee received an update on the proposed demolition and redevelopment of Swedish Timber Houses in The Avenue, Stinchcombe, The Knoll, Uley and Mount Pleasant, Wotton-under-Edge. Initial feedback from the Highway Authority confirmed that a Transport Statement and further ecological surveys will be required for the proposed developments. The council’s consultant, Hartley Consult, indicated that the existing public highway network has limited capacity to handle increased vehicular movements.
A minimum 7.3m wide access road…be provided from the site up to The Street.
The council also received a pre-application enquiry for a residential scheme comprising of 9 dwellings adjacent to the application site.
Housing and Tenancy Fraud Policy
The committee approved a new Housing and Tenancy Fraud Policy. This policy outlines the council's approach to preventing and investigating tenancy fraud to ensure that housing stock is occupied by those legally entitled. The policy update reflects the implementation of the new Housing Management System (Civica Cx) and changes to national guidance from the National Counter Fraud Authority and the Chartered Institute of Housing.
Temporary Accommodation Strategy
The committee also approved a new Temporary Accommodation Strategy, developed in partnership with P3. This strategy aims to prevent homelessness and provide high-quality temporary accommodation for those in need. Councillor Mattie Ross emphasized the council's commitment to this cause.
We're committed to doing everything we can to prevent homelessness and provide high-quality temporary accommodation for those who need it.
Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund
The council received an update on the progress of works funded by the government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund. The appointed contractor, E.ON, will begin work on 130 properties at Bisley Road, Stroud. Challenges include sourcing materials and products required for retrofit, with lead times for Air Source Heat Pumps now extending to 12-18 months.
Council Meeting Highlights
Taxi and Private Hire Policy
The council approved a new Taxi and Private Hire Policy and a revised schedule of taxi fares. The new policy requires licensed vehicles to be less than 5 years old at the time of first licence and not exceed 8 years old during the licence period. The revised fares include a 50p increase on the initial hire charge for Hackney Carriages and a 20p per mile increase for journeys longer than six miles.
Pavement Licences
A new policy for Pavement Licences was adopted, introducing a £100 application fee and a £50 annual renewal fee. This policy, mandated by the Business and Planning Act 2020, aims to ensure that pavements remain safe and accessible for all users.
Performance Monitoring
The council discussed a report on the performance of its services. There was a slight increase in the number of missed bins, which will be closely monitored.
Leisure Conditions Survey
Results from a survey conducted by Sport England on the condition of the district's leisure centres were reviewed. The survey indicated that users felt cleanliness in the wet side changing rooms was lacking, and there was a drop in users rating the overall condition of the facilities as good or very good. The survey covered The Pulse, Dursley, Stratford Park Leisure Centre, Stroud, and Vale View, Charlton Kings.
Other Business
- Strengthening Local Communities Grant: A £15,000 grant was approved for the Longitudinal Study of Young People in England.
- Household Support Fund Delivery Plan 2024: The council agreed on a delivery plan for the £3.6m Household Support Fund, which will provide support with food and energy costs to vulnerable households until March 2025.
- Play Area Action Plan: An update on the Play Area Action Plan was provided, highlighting the refurbishment of the play area at Stratford Park, Stroud. The chosen design offers a high level of inclusivity and a good range of play value.
These meetings underscore Stroud District Council's ongoing efforts to address housing, transportation, environmental sustainability, and community well-being. For more details on the meetings and to stay updated on future council activities, visit the Stroud Council meetings page.
Stroud Council Introduces Litter Champion Role and Advances M5 Junction 14 Plans
This week, Stroud Council held two meetings. The first was on Monday, 17 June 2024, but unfortunately, no video or transcript was provided for this meeting. The second meeting, the First Environment Committee of the new council, took place on Thursday, 20 June 2024.
Key Decisions and Discussions
Creation of a Member Champion Role for Litter
One of the significant outcomes of the Environment Committee meeting was the proposal to create a new member champion role for litter. This role aims to address litter issues more effectively within the district. The process for appointing a new member champion is outlined in the council's protocol, and a report will be prepared for the next full council meeting to formalize this role. This initiative aligns with the council's ongoing commitment to improving local environmental quality and community well-being.
M5 Junction 14 Design and Costings
The committee addressed public questions regarding the M5 Junction 14 design and costings. The council had previously approved a budget of £100,000 for this work at the 25 April 2024 council meeting. The design and costings are being developed in collaboration with National Highways to address concerns raised by inspectors during the local plan examination. This work is crucial for ensuring that the junction improvements meet the necessary standards and can be accurately costed for future funding applications.
Public Engagement and Transparency
The meeting included a robust public question session, highlighting the council's commitment to transparency and public engagement. Residents raised concerns about the funding and delivery of the M5 Junction 14 project, emphasizing the need for clear communication and timely updates. The council assured that detailed responses would be provided in writing, demonstrating their dedication to addressing public concerns comprehensively.
Committee Appointments
The committee also made several key appointments to various roles and external bodies. These appointments are essential for maintaining effective oversight and ensuring diverse representation in decision-making processes. For example, Councillor Chris Haynes was appointed as a performance monitor, and nominations were made for roles such as the Barclay Nuclear Stakeholders and the Cotswolds National Landscape Board.
Understanding the Role of the Environment Committee
The Environment Committee plays a vital role in shaping policies and initiatives related to environmental sustainability, waste management, and public health within the district. This committee's decisions can significantly impact local environmental quality and community well-being. By focusing on issues such as litter management and infrastructure improvements, the committee works towards creating a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environment for all residents.
Conclusion
The discussions and decisions made during this week's Environment Committee meeting underscore the council's ongoing efforts to address environmental challenges and engage with the community. The creation of a member champion role for litter and the detailed planning for M5 Junction 14 improvements are steps towards enhancing local environmental quality and infrastructure. These initiatives reflect the council's commitment to sustainable development and community involvement, key themes that we have explored in previous updates.
For more details on the meetings and to stay updated on future council activities, you can visit the Stroud Council meetings page.
New Leadership, Community Plans, and Key Appointments: Stroud Council's Latest Decisions
This week, Stroud Council held a key meeting on Thursday, May 23, 2024. The meeting focused on the election of council positions, the approval of minutes, and the adoption of two neighbourhood development plans.
Election of Council Positions
Councillor Matthew Sargent was elected as Vice Chair of the Council for the Civic Year 2024/25. Councillor Catherine Braun was appointed as Leader, and Councillor Pete Kennedy as Deputy Leader. These appointments set the leadership framework for the upcoming year, ensuring continuity and strategic direction for the council's initiatives.
Neighbourhood Development Plans
The council adopted the Brimscombe and Thrupp Neighbourhood Development Plan and the Slimbridge Neighbourhood Development Plan. Both plans received strong support in referendums held on May 2, with 84.2% and 84.7% approval, respectively. These plans now form part of the development plan for Stroud District, guiding future development and land use in these areas. This adoption is a continuation of the council's efforts to empower local communities in shaping their environments, a theme we've discussed before.
Committee Memberships and Appointments
The council approved the membership of various committees, including the Audit and Standards Committee, with Councillor Bob Hughes appointed as Chair. The council also appointed representatives to several external bodies and working groups. These appointments are crucial for maintaining effective oversight and ensuring diverse representation in decision-making processes.
Independent Persons and Standards Subcommittee
Felida Piper and Adrian Stratton were reappointed as independent persons for a further two years, and the council will recruit an additional independent person. Additionally, three Parish and Town Council representatives will join the Standards Subcommittee. These appointments are vital for upholding ethical standards and ensuring accountability within the council.
Longfield Community Hospice
The Longfield Community Hospice was announced as Stroud District Council's Charity of the Year. The hospice provides free care for adults in Gloucestershire with life-limiting illnesses and support for their loved ones. This designation highlights the council's commitment to supporting essential community services and enhancing the well-being of its residents.
Conclusion
The meeting concluded with a reminder for councillors to collect their nameplates and microphone ID cards. The Chair thanked everyone for their cooperation and wished them a safe journey home.
These decisions and appointments are significant for the governance and development of Stroud District. The adoption of neighbourhood development plans, in particular, underscores the council's ongoing commitment to community-led planning and sustainable development.
Stroud Council's Key Decisions: M5 Junction, New Appointments, and Future Plans
This week, Stroud Council held a significant meeting on Thursday, April 25, 2024, which addressed key issues in local governance and community projects. The meeting covered several decisions that are crucial for the community's future development and operational efficiency. You can view the full meeting details here.
M5 Junction 14 Funding and Design Approval
The council approved a budget for the design and costing related to improvements at M5 Junction 14. This decision is pivotal as it supports the continuation of the local plan examination, which is integral to regional development and traffic management. The proponents argued that the improvements were essential for managing increased traffic and supporting local development. However, opponents raised concerns about the timing and necessity of the project, questioning if the outcomes would justify the investment. This decision reflects ongoing themes we've discussed about balancing development needs with fiscal responsibility.
Appointment of a New Monitoring Officer
Haley Sims has been appointed as the new monitoring officer. This role is critical for ensuring the council's operations adhere to legal and ethical standards. The decision was supported unanimously, indicating a smooth transition and continuity in the council’s oversight capabilities.
Eubico Five-Year Vision and Business Plan
The council reviewed and noted the business plan for Eubico, a key player in waste management. This plan aligns with the council's environmental goals and sets a strategic direction for the next five years. The implications of this decision extend to enhancing service efficiency and promoting sustainability, crucial aspects as the council aims to bolster its environmental initiatives.
Organizational Changes
A new Deputy Chief Executive role was created to strengthen leadership and facilitate succession planning within the council. This move is designed to enhance administrative capacity and ensure stability in the council’s executive team, which is essential for effective governance.
The meeting also included a moment of appreciation for outgoing members, acknowledging their contributions to local governance. This reflects the council's recognition of the importance of service and the impact of individual contributions on community development.
Each of these decisions has significant implications for the community, from improving infrastructure and traffic management to ensuring effective governance and environmental sustainability. These actions taken by the council this week are steps toward strategic growth and operational efficiency, shaping the future of Stroud in substantial ways.
Recent meetings
Community Services and Licensing Committee - Thursday, 26th September, 2024 7.00 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Audit and Standards Committee - Tuesday, 24th September, 2024 7.00 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Environment Committee - Thursday, 19th September, 2024 7.00 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Housing Committee - Tuesday, 17th September, 2024 7.00 pm
The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.
Development Control Committee - Tuesday, 10th September, 2024 6.00 pm
The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.
Licensing Sub-Committee - Monday, 19th August, 2024 2.00 pm
The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.
Council - Thursday, 18th July, 2024 7.00 pm
The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.
Audit and Standards Committee - Tuesday, 16th July, 2024 7.00 pm
The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.
Strategy and Resources Committee - Thursday, 11th July, 2024 7.00 pm
The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.
Development Control Committee - Tuesday, 9th July, 2024 6.00 pm
The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.
Upcoming meetings
No meetings found.