The Cabinet of Gloucestershire County Council met on Wednesday 10 June 2026 to discuss several key issues, approving responses to the government regarding structural changes in the county, adopting a new Green Skills Strategy, and agreeing to proceed with the M5 Junction 10 Improvements Scheme. The council also noted updates on the Council Strategy Action Plan and made decisions regarding e-scooter trials and a framework for support services.

Gloucestershire County Council's Response to Government on the Gloucestershire Structural Change Order

Cabinet agreed the County Council's position on matters to be determined by the Gloucestershire Structural Change Order (SCO). This involves making representations to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government regarding the content of the Order. The council stated a preference for a 'new council' model should the single unitary authority model be implemented. Authority was delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to finalise and submit these representations by 16 June. This decision is crucial as it will influence the final structure of local government in Gloucestershire, with the Secretary of State considering these representations when deciding the final content of the Order.

Council Strategy Action Plan Update, and Finance, Performance and Risk Monitoring Report: Q4 2025/26

Cabinet received an update on the delivery of the Council Strategy during the fourth quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. A significant underspend of £7.642 million was noted in the revenue outturn expenditure for 2025/26. Cabinet resolved to transfer this entire underspend to reserves: £1.070 million to the Local Government Reorganisation Reserve to meet identified transition costs, and the remaining £6.572 million to the Risk and Opportunities Reserve for future review. The report also highlighted that £25.656 million of savings were delivered against a target of £26.434 million (97% achievement) for 2025/26. Capital outturn for 2025/26 was £142.327 million against a revised budget of £150.568 million, indicating an in-year slippage of £8.241 million.

Green Skills Strategy

Cabinet approved the adoption of the Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) Green Skills Strategy 2026-2030. This strategy aims to create a collaborative organisation that acts as a single point of contact for training and upskilling to support the county's transition to Net Zero. It proposes establishing a Federated Green Skills Faculty, comprising universities, colleges, and training providers, to unify the green skills curriculum offer. A key component is the support for a Gloucestershire Retrofit Centre of Excellence, focusing on whole-house retrofit skills, and the launch of the Gloucestershire Green Skills Pledge for businesses. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Environment, Economy and Infrastructure, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, to implement the strategy and participate in the Federated Faculty. This initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy by localising in-demand skills and supporting the county's Net Zero ambitions.

Joint Minerals and Waste Plan

Cabinet delegated authority to the Executive Director – Economy, Environment & Infrastructure, Director of Economy and Environment, and the Assistant Director of Planning and Economic Development, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Nature, Climate & Waste Reduction, to undertake, approve, and publish all plan-making stages, evidence, and documentation required under the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026 for a new Minerals and Waste Plan. This delegation excludes the Proposed MWLP Consultation and Adoption stages, which will retain Cabinet and County Council oversight respectively. This decision is necessary to ensure the council can meet the statutory timetable for producing a new Minerals and Waste Local Plan, replacing outdated existing plans and reflecting current legislation and local priorities.

Gloucestershire E-Scooter Trial Extension and Proposed Procurement for Combined E-Scooter & E-Bike Scheme

Cabinet approved a 12-month extension to the current Gloucestershire e-scooter contract with Voi Ltd, commencing 1 July 2026. This extension is to allow the council to continue participating in the Department for Transport's (DfT) e-scooter trial. Furthermore, authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Environment, Economy and Infrastructure, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport and Strategic Highways, to procure and award a contract for a new Gloucestershire-wide joint e-scooter and e-bike scheme. This new contract is planned to commence on 1 July 2027, with options to extend for three further one-year periods. The introduction of e-bikes is intended to increase value for money, social value, and accessibility to shared micromobility services.

SHaRe Light Touch Open Admission Framework Agreement

Cabinet delegated authority to the Executive Director of Children's Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children's Safeguarding and Care, to procure a multi-supplier Light Touch Open Admission Framework Agreement. This framework, named SHaRe (Support, Help and Resources), will be used to commission a range of services for children, young people, and families. These include Short Breaks for children with disabilities, Floating Support for children and young people with disabilities, the Holiday Activity Food (HAF) programme, Inclusive Services, the Crisis and Resilience Fund, and Access to Resources for professional services in children's social care. The framework will have an initial period of six years, with an option to extend for a further two years, and will replace several existing commissioning arrangements.

Junction 10 Improvements Scheme – Notice to Proceed with Main Works

Cabinet approved the commencement of the main works for the M5 Junction 10 Improvements Scheme. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Economy, Environment and Infrastructure, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Business, Economic Development, Planning and Infrastructure, to exercise powers under the Development Consent Order, commission the main works, and implement the project programme. A Deed of Variation to secure negotiated terms of the main works contract will also be agreed. Additionally, Cabinet approved the earmarking of the Gloucestershire Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), estimated at £8.575 million, to manage short-term cashflow implications. The capital programme for the M5 Junction 10 Transport Improvement Scheme was also increased by £44 million, bringing the total budget to £407 million, funded by additional HIF, CIL, and future Section 106 funding. This decision allows the project to proceed in line with the Development Consent Order and the Homes England funding programme.