The Cabinet of Forest of Dean Council was scheduled to consider a range of policy updates and strategic plans. Key discussions were scheduled to include the adoption of new enforcement policies for private sector housing, the progress of the Lydney Neighbourhood Development Plan, and the refresh of the Nature and Climate Strategy. The meeting was also scheduled to address the initial scoping phase for a new Local Plan for the district.

Civil Penalty and Enforcement Policy

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider the Civil Penalty and Enforcement Policy for private sector housing, presented by Councillor Jackie Dale, Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities. This policy was scheduled to be renewed to incorporate changes brought about by the Renters' Rights Act 2025, aiming to improve standards in the private rented sector through advice and regulation. The policy outlines the methodology for issuing civil penalty fines as an alternative to prosecution, with expanded enforcement powers against landlords and letting agents.

Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy

Councillor Jackie Dale, Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities, was also scheduled to present the Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy. This policy was intended to set out the Council's approach to regulating standards in private sector housing, ensuring alignment with new powers and duties introduced by the Renters' Rights Act 2025 and other relevant housing legislation. The policy adopts a tiered enforcement model, preferring informal resolution where possible before moving to formal actions such as statutory notices, civil penalties, or prosecution for more serious breaches.

Lydney Neighbourhood Development Plan 2025-2043

Councillor Adrian Birch, Cabinet Member for Strategy and Built Environment, was scheduled to present the Lydney Neighbourhood Development Plan 2025-2043. The report was to cover the examiner's report into the examination of this plan. The examiner recommended proceeding to a referendum if proposed changes were made to the plan, which would then form part of the adopted Development Plan for planning decision-making in the Forest of Dean.

New Local Plan - Scoping

Councillor Adrian Birch, Cabinet Member for Strategy and Built Environment, was also scheduled to present a report on the New Local Plan - Scoping. This report was to seek approval to carry out Local Plan Scoping Consultation and agree a revised Local Plan timetable. Scoping consultation is the preliminary stage of the new gateway process for developing a local plan, seeking views on what the plan could cover and how the Council should engage with stakeholders.

Nature & Climate Strategy (Refresh)

Councillor Jackie Fraser, Cabinet Member for Environment, was scheduled to present the refreshed Nature & Climate Strategy. Following member engagement and public consultation, the report was to seek agreement on the final draft targets and actions for the strategy, as well as approval for its structure and outline content. The proposed plan was to launch in Autumn 2026, with targets set for nature recovery, carbon reduction, and climate adaptation.

Forward Plan

The Cabinet was scheduled to note the forward plan, which outlines future items for discussion and decision-making.

Public and Member Questions

The agenda also included provisions for members of the public and non-executive members of the council to ask questions.