The City Region Board of Gloucestershire Council met on Monday 13 July 2026 to discuss a range of economic development and planning matters. Key topics included the appointment of a new non-voting business member, an update on the Duke of Gloucester Barracks, and the financial position of the Business Rate Pool and Strategic Economic Development Fund (SEDF). The Board also reviewed the progress of local plans across the county.

Appointment of a Non-Voting Business Member

The Board was scheduled to consider the formal resolution to appoint Robert Stemp as a non-voting business member. This appointment, intended to strengthen business engagement and provide external perspective, was proposed for a fixed term of two years, from 13 July 2026 to 13 July 2028. Mr. Stemp, co-chair of the Gloucestershire Business Board (GBB), was noted for his experience in the digital/cyber sector and his track record in strategic economic initiatives.

Update on Duke of Gloucester Barracks, South Cerney

An update was scheduled regarding the planned investment at the Duke of Gloucester Barracks in South Cerney. This investment, amounting to £279 million, is intended to create a specialist cyber facility for the army, including new technical and training buildings, and modern accommodation for personnel. Construction was anticipated to begin in Summer 2027, with completion in Summer 2030. The project aims to be a pathfinder for 'Net Zero Carbon' by 2030 and includes significant social value targets, such as local SME spending and local labour sourcing.

Business Rate Pool and Strategic Economic Development Fund (SEDF)

The Board was set to receive an update on the Gloucestershire Business Rates Pool (GBRP) and the Strategic Economic Development Fund (SEDF). The GBRP, established to maximise business rates income retained within the county, was due to conclude in April 2026. The report indicated a provisional pool gain of £1.519 million for 2025/2026, with a portion ringfenced for Growth Hubs. The SEDF, funded by the pool, supports economic growth activities across Gloucestershire. The report noted that due to changes in the business rates retention system, there would be no GBRP from April 2026, meaning no further contributions to the SEDF were expected from this source. Updates on the allocation and progress of SEDF-funded projects, such as the Careers Hub and Invest in Gloucestershire, were also scheduled.

Local Plans Update

An update on the progress of local plans across Gloucestershire was on the agenda. This included information on the legacy Local Plans for Cotswold District Council and the Cheltenham, Gloucester and Tewkesbury Strategic & Local Plan (SLP), both of which were working towards submission deadlines. The report also detailed the transition of Forest of Dean District Council and Stroud District Council to the new, faster 30-month local plan-making system. The development of a countywide Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) was also discussed, with a note that its timetable was subject to the publication of secondary legislation and government decisions on devolution.

Cyber Sector Focus

A discussion on the cyber sector was also scheduled, though details were to follow.

Future Meetings

The Board was to note the schedule for future meetings, with dates set for September and November 2026, and throughout 2027.