The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Gloucester Council met on Monday 7 September 2026 to discuss the sale of Gloucestershire Airport, the adoption of a new Local Lettings Plan policy, and the council's financial monitoring. The committee also reviewed the annual report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for 2025-26 and discussed the potential insourcing of parking enforcement services.

Gloucestershire Airport Update

The committee received an update on the ongoing sale of Gloucestershire Airport. It was confirmed that the airport had been put on the market in early July, with Savills handling the marketing. A significant number of inquiries had been received, with some progressing to the data room stage, which contains more comprehensive information than previously available. Bids were expected to be completed by the end of September, with the aim of confirming a buyer and completing the sale by the end of the financial year.

Concerns were raised by Councillor Stephanie Chambers about the airport's reported monthly losses of approximately £300,000 and the perceived lack of frequent financial updates. Councillor Jeremy Hilton, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, stated that quarterly reviews were considered appropriate, with the next shareholder meeting scheduled for early October to review management accounts.

The sale is proceeding with the requirement that the buyer operates the airport for at least five years. Councillor Chambers questioned whether selling the site for housing development had been considered, given its potential to generate significant revenue. Councillor Hilton explained that the airport was being sold as an operational airport, with covenants on the land for aviation purposes and local planning documents requiring the central area to be retained for aviation. He stated that selling for housing would negatively impact existing businesses and was not being considered. The decision to sell as an operational airport was based on advice received in 2017 and agreements with Cheltenham Borough Council.

It was clarified that no loan payments or interest payments had been received from the airport since 2022. Councillor Terry Pullen, Leader of the Labour Group, expressed surprise at this, given previous assurances from airport directors. Alison Turner, Head of Finance and Resources, confirmed that while accruals were made in the accounts, no cash payments had been received.

The discussion also touched upon the data room, described as a secure online filing cabinet containing extensive information about the airport, accessible to bona fide bidders who sign a non-disclosure agreement. It was explained that the data room had been improved and made more robust based on learnings from the previous sale attempt.

Councillor Hilton reiterated his view that keeping the airport operational was beneficial for the local economy, supporting aviation-based businesses and creating skilled jobs. Councillor Pullen questioned why a full economic impact assessment had not been conducted, suggesting the decision was based on personal preference rather than comprehensive analysis. Councillor Hilton countered that advice had indicated such a study was unnecessary, as the existing businesses and tenancies were well-understood.

Councillor Karen James raised concerns about the lack of financial updates and the potential complacency in not chasing loan repayments. Councillor Hilton assured that officers were meeting regularly with the airport management and that there was no complacency. However, it was confirmed that detailed figures on the deficit were still being worked through.

The committee noted that a financial position update from the airport was expected on November 2nd.

Local Lettings Plan Policy

The committee considered a report on the proposed Local Lettings Plan Policy, which aims to ensure that new affordable housing schemes create mixed, balanced, and sustainable communities. Councillor Luke Shervey, Cabinet Member for Housing, explained that the policy would enable the council to work with housing providers to allocate homes to those most in need, while also addressing council priorities such as homelessness and managing anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Stephanie Chambers, Leader of the Conservative Group, inquired about the monitoring of the policy and the evidence base for its effectiveness in preventing anti-social behaviour. It was explained that the policy would be monitored at the outset of each scheme, with registered providers responsible for ongoing community development. Flexibility was noted, with the possibility of extending the plan beyond first letts if issues arose.

Councillor Terry Pullen raised a concern about the policy lapsing after first lets, potentially meaning that priority households might not be allocated if the registered provider did not deem them a priority. It was clarified that while the primary aim was to establish balanced communities from the outset, the plan could be extended in exceptional circumstances, such as persistent anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Linda Castle inquired about checks for individuals who might no longer need social housing due to changes in their financial situation, such as inheriting property. It was explained that current legislation does not require social housing tenants to give up their homes if their needs change.

The committee also discussed the challenges faced by individuals with chaotic lifestyles and no recourse to public funds, with officers explaining the council's limitations in providing direct accommodation for such cases, often requiring signposting to external agencies.

The policy was noted to apply to new build housing, and the question of whether similar systems were in place for older properties was raised. It was confirmed that property size generally determined household makeup, and that the council worked with registered providers to match households to specific areas based on needs and potential issues.

The policy was recommended for adoption by Cabinet.

Financial Monitoring Quarter 1 Report

The committee reviewed the Quarter 1 Financial Monitoring Report for the 2026-27 financial year. Councillor Declan Wilson, Cabinet Member for Resources, highlighted that this was the first time in several years that accurate financial information was available following a cyber-attack in 2021. The report indicated that major issues were present in parking, commercial property, and cemeteries and crematoria, with the impact of high interest rates also being a concern.

Councillor Terry Pullen questioned the reduction in the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) contribution from £1 million to £200,000, asking if this had masked an overspend. It was explained that this was due to more accurate profiling of expenditure, with costs being pushed into the next financial year. However, it was acknowledged that this saving was masking overspends in other areas.

Concerns were raised about the Forum car park, operated by Q Parks, with income being described as slowed down due to low usage. Discussions were ongoing to improve this, with potential measures including new signage and addressing the road layout.

The Eastgate Market was reported to be £128,000 in the red, with historical issues of poor financial management, tenant arrears, and inconsistent rents. It was stated that a standard agreement was now in place for all traders, and a significant change was coming with a new market planned.

Issues with the crematorium maintenance budget were also discussed, with the age of cremator number three being a particular concern, exceeding its expected lifespan. Spare parts were becoming difficult to obtain, necessitating investment in new equipment.

The report also detailed an employer's pension cost pressure of £23,000, which was confirmed to be the council's contribution to the superannuation scheme. The cost of printing and postage for the annual canvas was also clarified as a separate item.

A forecast overspend of £112,000 on leisure was attributed in part to a contribution to Freedom Leisure due to delays in their capital project.

The committee also discussed the council's reliance on short-term borrowing due to high long-term interest rates, with a preference for short-term rates of around 4-4.5% over nearly 6%.

The report highlighted that the council was working to rebuild its revenue reserves, reduce borrowing, reset budgets, and improve in-year budget monitoring accuracy.

Annual Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee 2025-26

The committee reviewed its Annual Report for 2025-26. Councillor Andrew Gravells MBE, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, highlighted the committee's busy and varied year, covering topics from finances to housing and regeneration. He stressed the importance of constructive scrutiny and the committee's role as a critical friend to the Cabinet.

Councillor Terry Pullen raised concerns about a quote from an MHCLG report stating that Acceptance of challenge from O&S to decisions or proposals is not always welcomed as openly as it could be by cabinet and openness by cabinet could be improved. He suggested that this indicated a need for improved working relationships between scrutiny and cabinet, and that scrutiny deserved parity of esteem with the cabinet. He also raised the issue of reports being received late on Fridays, making it difficult to adequately prepare for Monday meetings. The committee agreed to discuss this further at a special meeting.

Councillor Anne Radley echoed the concerns about late reports, highlighting the equality implications for members with slower reading speeds. She emphasised the need for timely information to allow for proper scrutiny.

The committee adopted the annual report.

Bringing Parking Enforcement Services In-House through TUPE Transfer

The committee considered a report on the potential insourcing of the council's operational parking enforcement function. Councillor Declan Wilson, Cabinet Member for Resources, explained that the current contract, signed in 2018, was due for review. The options were to bring the service in-house, continue with the existing contractor, or procure a new one. The report highlighted that the council was paying a significant premium for outsourced delivery, suggesting it may not represent value for money.

Councillor Anne Radley inquired about the expertise required to manage the service in-house, particularly regarding knowledge of the business and preventative thinking. It was suggested that existing staff would be transferred under TUPE arrangements, retaining expertise. The potential for a unified system across all car parks was also discussed.

Councillor Howard Hyman suggested that recommendations be made to Cabinet regarding the refurbishment of toilet facilities in car parks, particularly at Westgate Street car park, which he felt were not up to scratch. This suggestion was to be taken away as a follow-up action.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee Work Programme and Council Forward Plan

The committee received the latest version of its Work Programme and the Council's Forward Plan. There were no specific questions or comments raised on this item.

The meeting concluded with the confirmation of the date for the next meeting on Monday 2nd November 2026.