The Gloucestershire Economy, Climate Change and Waste Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to convene on Friday 25 September 2026. The meeting's agenda includes discussions on the county's Food and Farming Strategy, the delivery and investment plan for the Digital Infrastructure, Inclusion and Innovation Strategy, and the proposed engagement strategy for the Spatial Development Strategy.

GCC Food and Farming Strategy

The committee is scheduled to consider the draft Gloucestershire Food and Farming Strategy (2026-2030) ahead of its presentation to the Cabinet on 21 October 2026. This strategy aims to support a resilient, sustainable, and profitable food and farming sector in Gloucestershire, recognising its contribution to the county's economy, environment, and cultural identity. The strategy is informed by participation in the HARVEST project, a four-year European Union-funded initiative focused on understanding the challenges and opportunities within agriculture. Key pillars of the strategy include championing the sector, developing skills and innovation, supporting resilient business models, and fostering collaboration. The strategy also outlines the evolution of the Made in Gloucestershire initiative to support local producers and businesses.

Digital Infrastructure, Inclusion and Innovation Strategy - Delivery and Investment Plan

A report will be presented detailing the delivery and investment plan for the Digital Infrastructure, Inclusion and Innovation Strategy (DIIIS). This strategy, adopted by the Cabinet in January 2026, aims to improve digital infrastructure, promote digital inclusion, and foster digital innovation across Gloucestershire. A total budget of over £8 million is allocated across three themes: Digital Infrastructure, Digital Inclusion, and Digital Innovation. The plan outlines proposed investments in areas such as gigabit-capable broadband expansion, rural connectivity, 4G/5G mobile coverage improvements, a countywide digital inclusion service, and support for businesses to adopt digital technologies and enhance cyber resilience.

Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) - Informal Engagement Strategy

The committee is scheduled to provide feedback on the proposed strategy for maximising public engagement on the Spatial Development Strategy (SDS). This engagement period is planned for November and December 2026, following the anticipated publication of formal guidance on SDS preparation. The strategy aims to gather views from residents and stakeholders on key strategic issues for Gloucestershire, including climate, environment, health, homes, economy, movement, community, and infrastructure. The engagement will involve an online survey, in-person and online public events, and targeted outreach to seldom-heard groups. The aim is to ensure that residents' insights inform the development of the SDS, which will provide a high-level framework for land use and development across Gloucestershire.

Executive Director's Report

An Executive Director's Report will be presented for information, covering progress and proposals across various areas within Economy, Environment & Infrastructure. This report is to be taken as read, with members encouraged to submit questions in advance. The report details numerous forthcoming executive decisions, including those related to garden waste composting contracts, local transport plans, the Spatial Development Strategy's public engagement, and the Digital Infrastructure, Inclusion & Innovation Strategy. It also provides updates on major highway projects such as M5 Junctions 9 and 10, the Gloucestershire Cycle Spine, and structural maintenance. Traffic and transport matters, including Definitive Map Modification Orders and streetworks, are also covered, alongside updates on waste management, sustainability initiatives, and employment and skills programmes.

City Region Board Update

An update on the activities of the City Region Board will be provided. This standing item allows the committee to oversee the Board's work and hold it to account. Recent discussions at the Board included a review of the Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing sector, an update on the Local Transport Plan following public consultation, and progress reports on the Climate and Planning Manager role and the Strategic Economic Development Fund (SEDF). The Board also discussed the allocation of SEDF funding for economic analysis of the Gloucester-Cheltenham Growth Corridor and the South West Economic Growth Commission programme. An update on the Spatial Development Strategy and Local Plans within Gloucestershire was also presented.

Climate Leadership Gloucestershire Update

The committee is scheduled to note an update report from Climate Leadership Gloucestershire. This standing information item allows committee members to monitor and scrutinise their own authorities' involvement and progress towards the Climate Leadership Gloucestershire action plan. The report details updates on the Action Plan, including changes to priority actions, and a funding update, noting the unsuccessful National Lottery bid but success in a Proptech round for a net zero spatial planning tool. The report also covers progress on the Adaptation Theme, with new actions proposed to build preparedness, and the Energy Theme, including Local Area Energy Planning and community energy initiatives. An update on establishing Education as a core theme of Climate Leadership Gloucestershire is also included.

Quarter 1 2026/27 Performance Report

A performance report for the first quarter of 2026/27 will be presented for noting. This report provides a strategic overview of the council's performance, including measures related to household waste, Scope 1 and Scope 3 emissions, and renewable energy generation. It also includes a strategic risk scorecard, highlighting key risks such as the failure to mitigate and adapt to a volatile climate and challenges in securing funding for sustainable infrastructure.

Work Plan

The committee will review its annual work programme for 2026/27 and suggest items for future consideration. Members are encouraged to assess potential items against the question of whether scrutiny can add value, and to consider alignment with council priorities, areas of poor performance or high risk, public interest, and existing workstreams. The work programme includes standing items such as updates on the City Region Board and Climate Leadership Gloucestershire, as well as specific scrutiny items like the GCC Food and Farming Strategy and the Digital Infrastructure, Inclusion and Innovation Strategy.

Future Meetings

The dates for future committee meetings are scheduled to be noted. These include meetings on 27 November 2026, 29 January 2027, 19 March 2027, 28 May 2027, 23 July 2027, 24 September 2027, and 26 November 2027.