The Forest of Dean District Council's Full Council is scheduled to convene on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, to discuss a range of significant policy matters and motions. Key topics include proposals for addressing poverty at the end of life, potential changes to the tenure of council chairs and vice-chairs, and a motion concerning the protection of specialist housing for older and vulnerable residents. A substantial portion of the meeting is also dedicated to debating motions regarding the Forest of Dean UNESCO Biosphere Reserve application, including calls for an independent business case and a review of consultation processes, as well as a motion advocating for a televised national emergency briefing on the climate and nature crisis.

Poverty at the End of Life

A motion proposed by Councillor Julia Gooch seeks to address poverty experienced by individuals and families facing terminal illness. The motion highlights research indicating that over 100,000 people die in poverty in the UK each year, with those living with a terminal illness being at increased risk. The Council is being asked to consider enhanced Council Tax Support for low-income households affected by terminal illness, potentially including a 100% reduction in Council Tax liability. It also proposes prioritising these households for support through the Council's Crisis and Resilience Fund and working with organisations like Marie Curie to ensure best practices are followed.

Protection of Specialist Housing for Older and Vulnerable Residents

Councillor Stuart Graham has put forward a motion concerning the protection of specialist housing designated for older and vulnerable residents. The motion acknowledges the Council's statutory responsibilities towards homeless individuals and its participation in the Homeseeker Plus common allocations scheme. However, it expresses concern that specialist accommodation intended for older and vulnerable residents may be allocated to individuals whose age, support needs, or behavioural history make such accommodation inappropriate. The motion proposes adopting the principle that specialist housing should be treated as a distinct resource, not general social housing. It calls for clear age and eligibility restrictions to be applied, the identification of specialist developments for Local Lettings Plans, and a thorough suitability assessment for applicants to such accommodation, with particular regard for the safety and wellbeing of existing residents. The motion also suggests a review of Section 106 agreements and a push for clearer provisions within the Homeseeker Plus policy to protect specialist elderly, sheltered, and extra-care developments.

Forest of Dean UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Application

Two motions address the proposed Forest of Dean UNESCO Biosphere Reserve application. Councillor Stuart Graham's motion, titled Independent Business Case, Consultation Integrity, Public Expenditure and Governance Assurance, raises concerns about the economic evidence supporting the designation. It argues that the 2019 economic appraisal was preliminary and not a full business case, and that the widely cited 3.89:1 benefit-to-cost ratio is not sufficiently reliable for current use. The motion proposes suspending the current consultation, commissioning an independent business case that addresses all five dimensions of the Five Case Model (Strategic, Economic, Commercial, Financial, and Management), and reviewing the 2019 appraisal against HM Treasury's Green Book guidance. It also calls for the complete withdrawal of the 3.89:1 figure from current use and a review of all related council material.

A separate motion, proposed by Councillor Bernie O'Neill, also focuses on the Forest of Dean UNESCO Biosphere Reserve application. This motion highlights concerns about effective consultation with key community groups, such as the Forest of Dean Commoners Association, Verderers, and Freeminers. It proposes continuing local consultation with all parish and town councils, establishing a representative community panel to examine the proposal, conducting a balanced review of evidence, and publicly releasing the panel's findings. Crucially, it calls for a district-wide referendum to be held alongside the May 2027 elections, with the Council committing to honour the electorate's decision.

Motion on Televising the National Emergency Briefing on the Climate and Nature Crisis

Councillor Jacob Sanders has put forward a motion supporting the National Emergency Briefing initiative's call for a primetime televised national emergency briefing on climate and nature. The motion notes that the initiative aims to reset public understanding of the threats and benefits of bold action, with briefings to be delivered by trusted independent experts. The Council is being asked to publicly support this call, inform local residents of its decision, make council-operated venues available for community screenings, and write to Matt Bishop MP and the National Emergency Briefing team to express its support. The Council previously declared a Climate Emergency on 6 December 2018 and believes that clear, authoritative communication is vital given the scientific evidence of rising threats to food security, health, infrastructure, economy, and national security.

Rotation and Tenure of Chairs and Vice-Chairs

Councillor Julia Gooch has also proposed a motion regarding the rotation and tenure of Chairs and Vice-Chairs of the Council and its committees. The motion acknowledges the importance of experience and continuity in these roles but also stresses the need for opportunities for a broader range of elected members to develop leadership skills. It suggests amending the Council's Constitution to limit service as Chair or Vice-Chair to a maximum of two consecutive years, with a minimum two-year break required before eligibility to serve again in such positions. The motion also calls for Vice-Chair appointments to be part of genuine succession pathways and for appropriate training and handover arrangements.

New Gateway Plan Making System - Scoping Consultation

Councillor Adrian Birch, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Strategy and Built Environment, is scheduled to present a report on the New Gateway Plan Making System - Scoping Consultation.

Lydney Neighbourhood Development Plan 2025-2043

Councillor Adrian Birch is also set to present a report concerning the Lydney Neighbourhood Development Plan 2025-2043.

Cabinet and Scrutiny Committee Reports

The Leader of the Council and the Chair of the Strategic Overview and Scrutiny Committee are expected to provide reports on recent activities, followed by a question-and-answer session with council members. This will cover updates from both the Cabinet and the Strategic Overview and Scrutiny Committee.