The Cabinet of Cheltenham Borough Council met on Tuesday 13 October 2026, approving a borough-wide smoke control area and the budget strategy, process, and timetable for 2027/28. The meeting also addressed air quality concerns and financial planning for the upcoming year.

Revocation of Smoke Control Areas and Declaration of a Borough-Wide Smoke Control Area

The Cabinet approved the proposal to revoke the existing 18 smoke control orders within Cheltenham and replace them with a single, borough-wide smoke control order. This decision aims to improve air quality by reducing harmful emissions from domestic burning, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which has been linked to serious health conditions such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Councillor Jamie Jamieson, Cabinet Member for Safety and Communities, presented the report, highlighting that domestic burning accounted for 27% of PM2.5 emissions in the UK in 2021, with wood burning being a significant contributor. The new order will provide clarity and consistency for residents, businesses, and enforcement officers. The decision is subject to consultation and confirmation by the Secretary of State.

Approval of Budget Strategy, Process and Timetable

The Cabinet approved the budget-setting timetable for 2027/28 and the associated budget strategy and principles. Councillor Peter Jeffries, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets, presented the report, outlining the process for developing the council's budget. Key principles include a standstill budget approach, meaning no assumed growth in service spending unless legally required or essential for corporate priorities. The strategy also endorses continued work on refreshing the Medium-Term Financial Strategy through four savings pillars: Staffing Establishment Review, Base Budget Challenge, Capital Programme Review, and Discretionary Services Review. The report noted that participation in a Gloucestershire Business Rates Pool is not currently considered financially beneficial. The Cabinet also requested that feedback from the Budget Scrutiny Working Group be considered in developing the initial budget proposals. The report highlighted the need to deliver further recurring savings and efficiencies to support a sustainable and balanced budget, noting a forecast pressure on General Balances for the current financial year, 2026/27.

Briefing Session

During the briefing session, Councillor Izaac Tailford, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Culture, Wellbeing and Public Realm, shared updates on the Cheltenham Literature Festival and the upcoming reopening of the museum wing at The Wilson. He also thanked Fran from the BID for her work and welcomed the new CEO, Julie. Councillor Rowena Hay, Leader of the Council, expressed frustration regarding the ongoing pause in the Local Government Reorganisation process, highlighting the impact on people's lives due to government indecision. She also provided an update on a meeting with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) regarding the Golden Valley development and the designated area status. Additionally, she announced that a preferred bidder for the Gloucestershire Airport is expected to be confirmed soon.

Councillor Steve Harvey, Cabinet Member for Waste and Recycling and Parks, Gardens and Green Open Space, reported on two operational decisions: the acquisition of four driver terminals for vehicles at the Swindon Road recycling area to comply with new digital waste tracking requirements, and the successful cost-saving of £150,000 on the purchase of replacement vehicles for collecting recycling skips. Councillor Jamie Jamieson, Cabinet Member for Safety and Communities, confirmed a grant agreement with Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) for children's activities during the October half-term.

Other Matters

The Cabinet also noted decisions made by Cabinet Members since the last meeting, including grant awards and policy consultations. The meeting concluded with the Cabinet moving into exempt business to discuss a property matter.