The Cotswold District Council Cabinet met on Thursday, 15 October 2026, approving a new Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy, the 2027/28 Budget Strategy and Medium Term Financial Strategy, and recommending an amendment to the Council Tax Premium policy for properties restricted to those aged 55 and over. The Cabinet also approved the write-off of an unrecoverable Council Tax debt exceeding £5,000.

Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy

The Cabinet approved the new Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy, which outlines the Council's approach to regulating housing standards and taking enforcement action in the private rented sector. Councillor Andrea Pellegram, Cabinet Member for Environment and Regulatory Services, explained that the policy incorporates new powers and duties from the Renters' Rights Act 2025, aiming to protect tenants, support responsible landlords, and ensure enforcement is clear, consistent, and proportionate. The policy will be reviewed every three years.

2027/28 Budget Strategy and Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) Update

The Cabinet approved the 2027/28 Budget Strategy and an updated Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) to 2030/31. Councillor Patrick Coleman, Cabinet Member for Finance, presented the report, highlighting that Cotswold District Council remains in a strong financial position compared to many other local authorities, with no immediate risk of requiring exceptional financial support. The strategy aims to maintain sound finances through local government reorganisation and includes the proposed procurement of replacement waste vehicles, which can be funded without borrowing. The report detailed progress in reducing a projected budget shortfall, with further work required to achieve a fully balanced budget. The strategy also addresses pressures from inflation and fuel costs, alongside savings and income generation measures.

Write off in excess of £5,000

The Cabinet approved the write-off of £5,760.12 in unrecoverable Council Tax debt. Councillor Patrick Coleman, Cabinet Member for Finance, explained that the debt dated back over six years and that all recovery and enforcement options had been exhausted. He noted that such write-offs are uncommon and reflect positively on the Council's collection efforts and residents' payment of Council Tax.

Council Tax Premium on second homes and long-term empties for properties restricted to those aged 55 years and over

The Cabinet recommended to Full Council that the Council Tax Premium policy be amended to provide an additional exemption for qualifying properties restricted to occupation by those aged 55 years and over. Councillor Patrick Coleman, Cabinet Member for Finance, explained that this amendment would allow executors or administrators to apply for a further exemption of up to 12 months for properties that have been unsuccessfully marketed for sale at a reasonable price following the death of the previous owner or occupier. This change aims to address difficulties in selling age-restricted properties. A minor wording amendment was agreed to clarify that the dwelling must have been marketed at a reasonable price.

Minutes of the previous meeting

The minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 10 September 2026 were approved, with one amendment to clarify that the pause in Local Government Reorganisation in Gloucestershire was in relation to the government's decision on the matter, not the entire reorganisation process.

Leader's Announcements

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Mike Evemy, thanked staff for their exceptional work in supporting residents evacuated following an incident at Welford. He also provided an update on Local Government Reorganisation, noting the anticipated government announcement and the uncertainty it created. Additionally, he announced a forthcoming meeting with Ros Savage MP and Baroness Sharon Taylor to discuss housing targets and wider issues affecting the district.