The Council meeting scheduled for Thursday 18 July 2024 was set to discuss a range of important matters, including a significant capital maintenance programme for Stratford Park Leisure Centre and Lido, the Gloucestershire Economic Strategy, and the council's treasury management activities. Other key items on the agenda included a bid to host EuroPride in 2027 and the appointment of a Member Champion for Litter and a Clean Environment.

Stratford Park Leisure Centre and Lido Capital Maintenance Programme

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the necessary capital maintenance for the Stratford Park Leisure Centre and Lido. The report outlined the sums required to begin a five-year capital maintenance programme, with a primary focus on the first year of investment in 2025. The report detailed the conditions survey findings, highlighting the need for repairs to the building fabric, mechanical and electrical systems, the Lido tank, plant room, and surrounds. The total proposed five-year capital repairs budget was £2.748 million. The officer recommendation was to approve this investment to allow detailed planning and delivery to commence, and to instruct the leisure services team to investigate a wider investment plan for the combined leisure estate. This aligns with the council's Strategy for Leisure and Wellbeing 2021-2040 and the Physical Activity Action Plan 2022-2025.

Gloucestershire Economic Strategy

The Council was scheduled to note Gloucestershire's Economic Strategy for 2024 to 2034. This strategy, adopted by Gloucestershire County Council on 15 May 2024, is intended to inform the work programme of the newly formed Gloucestershire City Region Board. The report highlighted that while district councils were consulted, they would have preferred to be more involved as partners in the strategy's preparation. Concerns were raised about the strategy's ambition, its relationship with climate change and equality objectives, and the statutory planning responsibilities of district councils. The recommendation was for the Council to note the strategy and authorise the Leader to express this at the Gloucestershire City Region Board, supporting the delivery of actions subject to business case agreement.

Annual Report on Treasury Management Activity and Prudential Indicators

The meeting was to receive the Annual Report on Treasury Management Activity and Actual Prudential Indicators for 2023/2024. This report detailed the council's treasury management activities in accordance with its Treasury Policy Statement and reported on the actual Prudential Indicators for the year, as required by the Prudential Code. The report provided a summary of treasury activity, including debt and investments, and outlined the investment strategy which prioritised security, liquidity, yield, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors. It also detailed borrowing outturn for 2023/24 and confirmed compliance with treasury limits and Prudential Indicators, with the exception of a minor breach related to automatic reinvestment of interest, which was resolved.

Gloucestershire Bid for EuroPride 2027

The Council was asked to agree in principle to support the Pride in Gloucestershire bid to host EuroPride in 2027. EuroPride is a significant annual LGBTQ+ event that combines a Pride march with cultural and advocacy events, attracting substantial visitor numbers and economic benefits. The report detailed the bid's rationale, which centres on Gloucestershire's reputation for inclusivity and aims to improve the UK's standing on LGBTQ+ rights. The proposed programme of events included a human rights conference, film festival, and the main Pride march and festival. Supporting the bid aligns with the Council's Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy and Policy.

Appointment of a Member Champion for Litter and Clean Environment

The meeting was scheduled to seek the support of the Council for a Member Champion for Litter and Clean Environment and to formally appoint a member to this role. This initiative arose from a question posed by a member of the public at the Environment Committee, highlighting the need for a dedicated champion to work with local volunteers and represent their interests. The role profile outlined the champion's duties, which include engaging in campaigns, educating residents, liaising with businesses and volunteers, and reporting to the Environment Committee. The appointment is intended to complement the work already undertaken by the Council's environmental health teams.

Annual Report of the Chair of the Audit and Standards Committee for 2023-24

The Council was to receive the Annual Report of the Chair of the Audit and Standards Committee for 2023-24. This report summarises the committee's activities and plans, providing assurance that the Council has adequate governance, risk management, and internal control frameworks in place. It covers the committee's oversight of internal and external audit, risk management, treasury management, information governance, and the statutory financial reporting process. The report indicated that the committee had a successful year in overseeing these arrangements, though further work was noted as needed in areas of counter fraud and risk management.