The County Council is scheduled to convene on Wednesday 16 September 2026, with a packed agenda that includes discussions on road safety, council policies, and the future of local services. Several motions are set to be debated, covering a range of community and operational issues.

A Strong Voice for Every Community

Councillor Martin Horwood and Councillor Jeremy Hilton are proposing a motion that recognises the distinct needs of Gloucestershire's various communities, including its city, towns, and rural areas. The motion highlights the importance of these differences being reflected in future governance and decision-making arrangements, particularly as Local Government Reorganisation progresses. It advocates for strong local democracy and effective representation, ensuring residents can influence decisions affecting their communities. The motion asks Cabinet to work constructively with partners to champion local priorities and community identity, and to promote a model of reorganisation that combines efficient service delivery with robust local democratic accountability and meaningful community engagement.

A Gloucestershire Road-Safety Education Pathway from Early Years to Adulthood

Councillor Leigh Challis and Councillor Chris Mayo are bringing forward a motion concerning road safety education. The motion notes that while 20mph speed limits have been a focus, road safety education needs to begin much earlier for long-term behavioural change. It highlights that habits formed in early childhood significantly impact lifelong road safety behaviour, and that current education in Gloucestershire is inconsistent and lacks age-appropriate tools. The motion also points out the unique risks presented by Gloucestershire's rural road network. The Council is asked to consider a preventative, lifelong approach to road safety, believing that a unified, county-wide programme, potentially featuring age-appropriate mascots, would be more effective than signage and enforcement alone. Cabinet is requested to commission a costed feasibility report, develop a pathway from Early Years to Post-16, launch a mascot design competition, and ensure the programme reflects Gloucestershire's rural context.

Increased Scrutiny of Outsourcing Proposals

Councillor Richard Dean and Councillor Craig Horrocks are proposing a motion that calls for increased scrutiny of outsourcing proposals. The motion notes concerns raised by workers, trade unions, and councillors regarding the lack of consultation, continuity of care, and staff morale following changes to the Adult Social Care Operating Model, specifically concerning the procurement of domiciliary care. The Council believes that outsourcing can be short-term thinking that leads to higher long-term costs, fragmentation of services, and damaging consequences for workers. The motion resolves that any future proposals to outsource, externalise, transfer, or substantially recommission services should be subject to adequate consultation with stakeholders, referred to the relevant scrutiny committee in time to make recommendations before a final decision, and undergo a full assessment of impact on staff, service users, and value for money. The Council also affirms its preference for services to be delivered directly by the council where this best protects accountability and quality.

Reinstatement of Support for Community Speed Watch Cameras and Vehicle Activated Signage (VASs) Schemes

Councillor Tom Bradley and Councillor Daryl Corps are proposing a motion to reinstate support for Community Speed Watch Cameras and Vehicle Activated Signage (VASs) schemes. The motion notes that speed is a contributing factor in a significant percentage of collisions in Gloucestershire and that excessive vehicle speed is a common concern for residents. It highlights that Community Speed Cameras and VASs have been shown to effectively reduce speeds and that Community Speed Watch schemes enable local volunteers to work with Gloucestershire Constabulary. The Council further notes that many applications for the Community 20 & Safer Roads initiatives will not progress in the first tranches, and that Highways Officer support for the siting of new cameras and signs has been withdrawn. The motion calls for dedicated funding to be reinstated for these localised road safety initiatives, prioritising communities not currently included in the Safer Roads & Community 20s programme, and for Highways Officer support to be reinstated.

Protecting Public Comments and Transparency on Council Social Media

Councillor Alastair Chambers and Councillor Stuart Graham are proposing a motion focused on protecting public comments and transparency on council social media. The motion notes the increasing use of social media by the Council and its members to communicate with residents, and that social media is an important way for residents to express their views. Concerns have been raised that genuine public comments, not breaching moderation rules, are being removed from council-controlled pages, which can give a misleading impression of public opinion. The Council believes that legitimate public criticism is vital for a healthy democracy and that social media accounts should not suppress reasonable criticism. The motion resolves that all Gloucestershire County Council-managed social media accounts should adopt and publish clear moderation guidelines, ensure comments are not removed solely for criticism if they adhere to the rules, record the reason for removal, and establish a regular review of deleted comments. It also calls for an annual summary of moderation activity and training for staff on political neutrality and transparency. The relevant scrutiny committee is asked to review current arrangements.

Standing Together Against Hate and Division

Councillor Colin Hay (TBC) is proposing a motion, seconded by a TBC councillor, to stand together against hate and division. The motion notes that Gloucestershire County Council serves a diverse population and that tolerance and respect are vital. It further notes increasing tension, polarisation, and division across the UK, with widely reported incidents of hate crime. The Council believes that hate, discrimination, and prejudice are incompatible with Gloucestershire's values, and that the county's strength lies in its diversity. Public representatives have a duty to challenge hatred and foster communities where all residents feel safe and valued. The Council resolves to reaffirm its commitment to the Gloucestershire Anti-Hate Statement, condemn all forms of hate crime, and requests the Leader to issue a public statement reaffirming commitment to inclusion and encouraging residents to reject hatred. It also asks the Chief Executive to continue supporting staff networks and equality initiatives, and invites all councillors to sign and publicly support a pledge against hate and discrimination.

Prioritising Local Statutory Responsibilities (Local Impact Test)

Councillor Vernon Smith and Councillor Vernon Gray are proposing a motion to prioritise local statutory responsibilities through a Local Impact Test . The motion notes that the Council's primary duty is the delivery of local public services and that debating international or foreign policy matters diverts time and resources from pressing local priorities. The Council believes that elected members have a primary duty to represent residents on matters within the Council's control and that national or international issues should only be debated if they have a direct, quantifiable, and demonstrable impact on Gloucestershire's service delivery, public finances, local infrastructure, or community safety. The Council asks Cabinet to request the Constitution Committee to review Standing Orders to introduce a formal Local Impact Test for all future Motions on Notice, requiring motions to explicitly demonstrate their relevance to the Council's powers or direct impact on Gloucestershire.

Reopening the Black Bridge (Stowfield Viaduct), Lydbrook

Councillor Piers Camp and Councillor Ray Donaghue are proposing a motion concerning the reopening of the Black Bridge (Stowfield Viaduct) in Lydbrook. The motion notes that the historic viaduct, jointly owned by Gloucestershire and Herefordshire Councils, carries a key section of the Wye Valley Walk and is used by over 20,000 people annually. It has been closed since 2024 on safety grounds, with the existing temporary scaffolding due to be removed. The Council has estimated that replacing the scaffolding would cost around £600,000. The motion highlights a long-standing failure to safeguard the asset and notes that reopening the bridge was described as a top priority in August 2025, with residents expecting a spring 2026 reopening that did not occur. The Council believes that after almost a decade of temporary fixes, priority must be given to reopening the bridge, and that the cost of inaction outweighs the cost of reopening. The motion asks Cabinet to commit to reopening the bridge on a temporary basis, direct the Cabinet Member for Highways to provide a report on a delivery programme and options appraisal for a permanent solution, seek a joint commitment from Herefordshire Council, and request that inspection findings and cost estimates be published. It also calls for a review of the capital maintenance budget allocated to bridges and structures and for public progress reports.

Project 33: Improving Access to Public Rights of Way and Community Wellbeing in Coleford

Councillor Leigh Challis and Councillor Ray Donaghue are proposing a motion regarding improvements to public rights of way in Coleford. The motion notes that Coleford has 33 public rights of way, many of which have historically required significant improvement. It highlights that over the past five years, work has been done to improve access, with 24 stiles replaced by gates, significantly improving accessibility. Accessible walking routes are recognised as contributing positively to physical and mental health, reducing isolation, and strengthening community cohesion. However, further investment is needed to complete the removal of remaining stiles, improve key routes, and ensure long-term sustainability. The Council believes Coleford has the potential to be a 'stile-free parish' and that the wider Forest of Dean could benefit from similar initiatives. The motion asks Cabinet to support the completion of the 'stile-free parish' vision, explore and allocate funding for improvements, promote Coleford as a model of best practice, encourage partnership working, and support initiatives linking rights of way with wellbeing.

Corporate Parenting Report

Councillor Ben Evans, Cabinet Member for Children's Safeguarding and Care, will present an update on Corporate Parenting activity. The report will cover the responsibilities of a Corporate Parent, which is to ensure that care-experienced children and young people have opportunities and outcomes comparable to other children. It will detail the activity of the Gloucestershire Corporate Parenting Group, including planning for working practices and reviewing standing orders. The report will also provide updates on social care, including findings from the Gloucestershire Brightspots survey, highlighting strengths and areas for development in services for children in care. Information on the enhanced stability service, foster carer conference, and responses to Department for Education consultations will also be included. Updates on children's homes and supported accommodation provision, as well as the Voice and Participation Team's work with care-experienced young people, will be presented. Finally, exam results for care leavers in higher education and support for those not in education, employment, or training will be shared.

Scrutiny Update

Councillor Gary Luff, Chair of the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee, will introduce a report updating the Council on the latest scrutiny activity. This will include information from various scrutiny committees, such as the Adult Social Care and Communities Scrutiny Committee, Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Children and Families Scrutiny Committee, Environment Scrutiny Committee, and Fire and Rescue Scrutiny Committee. The update will also cover the work of the Joint Economy, Climate Change & Waste Scrutiny Committee and the Gloucestershire Police and Crime Panel. Additionally, progress reports from working groups, including the Inclusion in Mainstream Schools Scrutiny Task and Finish Group and the Farming Inheritance Tax Scrutiny Task and Finish Group, will be presented. A specific report from the Adult Social Care and Communities Scrutiny Committee will address concerns raised regarding 'healthy life expectancy' rates in the county.

Youth Justice Plan 2026/27

Councillor Ben Evans, Cabinet Member for Children's Safeguarding and Care, will present the Youth Justice Plan 2026/27. This plan forms part of a three-year strategy for Gloucestershire Youth Justice Service (YJS) from 2025-2028. The report will outline the YJS's return to Gloucestershire County Council, strengthening integration with Children's Services. It will detail progress against the five key priorities of the strategy: workforce integration, implementation of the 'Child First' framework, promoting inclusion and reducing disproportionality, improving the health and wellbeing of children within the YJS, and ensuring an effective response to victims of crime. The plan will also address the findings of the HM Inspectorate of Probation inspection and outline an improvement plan. Performance against national KPIs, including first-time entrants, re-offending rates, and the use of custody, will be presented, alongside actions for the coming year and additional YJB reporting requirements.

Audit & Governance Chair's Annual Report

Councillor Chloe Turner, Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee, will present the annual report on the committee's contribution to the Council's oversight of risk and governance for 2025-26. The report will detail the committee's role and responsibilities, its membership, and its achievements throughout the year. Key areas covered will include internal audit, external audit, risk management, regulatory and governance matters, treasury management, and the annual statement of accounts and Annual Governance Statement. The report will also outline the committee's work programme and training activities, concluding with an opinion on the standard of governance, risk management, and audit arrangements in place.

Motions

In addition to the reports, a number of motions are scheduled for debate:

• Motion 1009: A Strong Voice for Every Community (Proposer: Cllr Martin Horwood, Seconder: Cllr Jeremy Hilton) - Focuses on ensuring distinct community needs are recognised during Local Government Reorganisation.
• Motion 1003: A Gloucestershire Road-Safety Education Pathway from Early Years to Adulthood (Proposer: Cllr Leigh Challis, Seconder: Cllr Chris Mayo) - Calls for a comprehensive, lifelong road safety education programme.
• Motion 1011: Increased Scrutiny of Outsourcing Proposals (Proposer: Cllr Richard Dean, Seconder: Cllr Craig Horrocks) - Advocates for more robust scrutiny of proposals to outsource council services.
• Motion 1008: Reinstatement of Support for Community Speed Watch Cameras and Vehicle Activated Signage (VASs) Schemes (Proposer: Cllr Tom Bradley, Seconder: Cllr Daryl Corps) - Seeks to reinstate funding and support for local road safety initiatives.
• Motion 1007: Protecting Public Comments and Transparency on Council Social Media (Proposer: Cllr Alastair Chambers, Seconder: Cllr Stuart Graham) - Aims to ensure transparency and fairness in the moderation of comments on council social media.
• Motion 1010: Standing Together Against Hate and Division (Proposer: Cllr Colin Hay, Seconder: TBC) - A motion to reaffirm the Council's commitment to inclusion and condemn hate and division.
• Motion 1004: Prioritising Local Statutory Responsibilities (Local Impact Test) (Proposer: Cllr Vernon Smith, Seconder: Cllr Vernon Gray) - Proposes a test to ensure council time is focused on local statutory responsibilities.
• Motion 1005: Reopening the Black Bridge (Stowfield Viaduct), Lydbrook (Proposer: Cllr Piers Camp, Seconder: Cllr Ray Donaghue) - Calls for the reopening of the Black Bridge on a temporary basis while a permanent solution is developed.
• Motion 1006: Project 33. Improving Access to Public Rights of Way and Community Wellbeing in Coleford. (Proposer: Cllr Leigh Challis, Seconder: Cllr Ray Donaghue) - Focuses on improving access to public rights of way in Coleford to enhance community wellbeing.