The Cotswold District Council Cabinet met on Thursday, 10 September 2026. Decisions included the adoption of updated policies on private sector housing civil penalties, counter fraud and anti-corruption, proceeds of crime and anti-money laundering, and grants management. The Cabinet also noted the Corporate Performance Report for Q1 2026/27.

Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace Spending 2026

Cabinet agreed to award £20,000 from the Cotswold Beechwoods SAC Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) Fund to the National Trust. This funding will support the Sherborne Big Nature Better Access project, which aims to upgrade a 425-metre section of path at Sherborne Park to create a fully accessible gravel route. The project scored 86 out of 100 in its assessment, exceeding the minimum threshold of 75, and is intended to provide an attractive alternative recreational destination to the Cotswold Beechwoods SAC, thereby reducing visitor pressure on the protected site. Councillor Mike Evemy, Leader of the Council, declared he was a former employee of the National Trust but had no current relationship with the organisation and no interest was declared.

Corporate Performance Report - Q1 2026/27

The Cabinet reviewed and noted the Corporate Performance Report for the first quarter of 2026/27, which combined financial performance, service delivery, and the strategic risk register. Overall performance was positive, with strong service delivery and a projected year-end underspend of £0.122 million. Key areas of pressure identified included uncertainty around Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), workforce capacity, Land Charges performance, the Ubico contract, and the financial sustainability of key services. Actions are being taken to manage these risks.

Cabinet noted the proposed increase of £27,000 to the Capital Programme for the installation of swimming pool covers at Bourton on the Water and Chipping Campden Leisure Centres, funded from the remaining balance of the Community Municipal Investment. Cabinet also noted the proposed additional transfers to earmarked reserves, including for planning fee income, investment income, and remaining year-end surplus. Authority was noted as being delegated to the Strategic Head of Housing, Property and Assets, Deputy Chief Executive, and Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, to progress to disposal, as set out in paragraph 4.12 of Annex A-1.

Establishing a Voluntary Joint Committee - Local Government Reorganisation

This item was withdrawn from the agenda due to the government's announcement on 7 September 2026 pausing the implementation of Local Government Reorganisation in Gloucestershire.

People and Culture Strategy Implementation Plan Years 2 and 3

Cabinet noted the years 2 & 3 implementation plan for the People and Culture Strategy (August 2026 – March 2028). This plan builds on the progress made in the first year, focusing on strengthening organisational culture, embedding workforce values, implementing a revised organisational structure, improving performance management, refreshing onboarding and mentoring, and delivering the retention strategy. A key focus will be on supporting staff through organisational change, developing future workforce capability, strengthening retention and recognition, and maintaining effective internal communication and employee engagement, particularly in light of the LGR uncertainty. Authority was noted as being delegated to the Director of Governance & Development, in consultation with the Leader, to make minor amendments to the plan in response to emerging organisational or legislative changes.

Private Sector Housing Civil Penalty Policy

Cabinet approved the Housing Civil Penalties Policy. This updated policy aligns the Council's civil penalties arrangements with the additional powers provided by the Renters' Rights Act 2025, enabling civil penalties to be issued as an alternative to prosecution for landlords in breach of regulations. The policy, based on national guidance and tailored for Cotswold District, includes a standard formula for calculating penalties to ensure consistency. Cabinet noted that an informal approach would continue to be prioritised to resolve issues before formal enforcement action.

Health and Safety Delegated Responsibility Framework

Cabinet approved the implementation of the Health and Safety Delegated Responsibility Framework. This framework aims to provide a clear, consistent, and proportionate approach to the development, approval, and implementation of health and safety policies across services delivered through Publica on behalf of the Council. It clarifies policy categories, approval routes, consultation, publication, monitoring, and review arrangements. Authority was delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to approve health and safety policies in line with the Framework attached, ensuring timely updates in response to legislative changes and best practice, while maintaining Cabinet's strategic oversight.

Review and approval of Grants Management Policy

Cabinet approved and adopted the Grant Management Policy. This policy establishes an overarching framework for the administration and management of grant funding, providing clear guidance on governance arrangements and the approach to administering grant funding for residents and businesses. It aims to maximise outcomes, minimise risk, and ensure funding delivers the greatest benefit to local communities. The policy details roles and responsibilities, eligibility criteria, funding agreements, assessment processes, conflict of interest arrangements, and due diligence checks. Authority was delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Finance Officer to approve future minor amendments to the policy.

Review and approval of updated Counter Fraud and Anti-Corruption Policy

Cabinet approved and adopted the Counter Fraud and Anti-Corruption Policy. The updated policy reflects legislative, regulatory, and operational changes since its last review in November 2022. It incorporates provisions relating to the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, including the new 'failure to prevent fraud' offence, and addresses cyber-crime responsibilities and due diligence concerning tax evasion. Fraud awareness and whistleblowing training is being delivered across the Council, and a request was made for a members' training session. Authority was delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Finance Officer to approve future minor amendments to the policy.

Review and approval of updated Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Policy

Cabinet approved and adopted the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Policy. This policy has been refined to reflect legislative and operational requirements and provides a clear framework for the Council's responsibilities in preventing and responding to money laundering. It outlines the responsibilities of the Council and the nominated Money Laundering Reporting Officer, and establishes the Council's approach to due diligence and reporting suspicious activity. Operational and procedural elements have been moved to a supporting internal procedure document. A supporting flowchart has been developed as a quick reference guide for employees, and awareness communications and targeted training are planned. Authority was delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Finance Officer to approve future minor amendments to the policy.