The Stroud District Council meeting scheduled for 24 October 2024 was set to cover a range of important topics, including the adoption of a new Cultural Strategy, proposals for housing provision, and the council's budget strategy. Members were also scheduled to consider motions on issues such as pensioner fuel poverty, a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty, and racial equality, alongside discussions on civility in public life.

Review of Stroud District Council's Statement of Principles under the Gambling Act 2005

The Council was scheduled to consider a revised Statement of Principles for the period of January 2025 to January 2028, as recommended by the Community Services and Licensing Committee. This statement outlines the principles Stroud District Council will apply when exercising its functions under the Gambling Act 2005. The current statement was due to expire on 30 January 2025. The report indicated that formal consultation had taken place between 15 July and 12 August 2024, with responses received from Town and Parish Councils supporting the proposed statement. The draft statement, available in Appendix 1 of the report, included minor changes shown in red and a revised policy layout to align with the corporate policy template.

Cultural Strategy for Stroud District

A draft Cultural Strategy for Stroud district was presented, providing context, recommendations, and an action plan with resource implications for its adoption and implementation. The strategy aims to harness the creativity of the district's diverse communities to generate opportunities for connection, creation, and communication. It seeks to build on Stroud's heritage, character, and landscape to contribute to a greener, healthier, and more prosperous district. The strategy was developed through extensive consultation with elected members, cultural and voluntary sector organisations, Town and Parish Councils, and approximately 150 individual residents. The report recommended the approval and adoption of the strategy and its accompanying action plan, along with the allocation of £250,000 to support its delivery. Responsibility for overseeing implementation was proposed to be delegated to the Strategic Director of Communities, in consultation with the Strategic Director of Resources and the Chair of the Community Services and Licensing Committee.

Local Authority Housing Fund 3

The Council was to consider a request for an additional capital budget to deliver a scheme funded by the Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) round 3. Following the successful delivery of 20 properties under LAHF rounds 1 and 2 for people fleeing conflict, this new opportunity would provide additional housing for those fleeing conflict and those in need of temporary accommodation. Stroud District Council had been awarded £1.277 million in LAHF3 grant funding. The bid included the acquisition of four properties for households on the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ARCS) and the construction of four temporary accommodation units, with a requested capital budget of £1.2 million for the latter.

Budget Strategy and Draft Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP)

An updated Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) and the strategy for setting the budget for the 2025/26 year were presented for consideration. The report outlined the council's funding position, including assumptions for Council Tax and Business Rates income, and detailed inflation assumptions for pay, contracts, and fees and charges. It also highlighted adjustments to the draft MTFP, including the revenue impact of the capital investment in Stratford Park Leisure Centre and Lido, and increased IT costs. The report noted the ongoing financial pressures faced by local authorities and the importance of the MTFP in providing member oversight and control of the budget-setting process. The Council's reserves strategy, including the equalisation reserve and the business rates growth reserve, was also detailed.

Motions to Council

Several motions were scheduled for discussion:

• Changes to the Winter Fuel Allowance and Protecting Pensioners from Fuel Poverty: Proposed by Councillor Demelza Turner-Wilkes and seconded by Councillor Pete Kennedy, this motion sought to reaffirm the Council's support for pensioners and requested the Chief Executive write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer regarding the means-testing of the Winter Fuel Payment and investment in home insulation. The motion also committed to encouraging members to sign the 'Save the Winter Fuel Payment for Struggling Pensioners' petition.

• Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty: Proposed by Councillor Carol Kambites and seconded by Councillor John Callinan, this motion called for the Council to formally endorse the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. It also proposed writing to the Prime Minister, the Chair of the Local Government Association, and relevant Secretaries of State to advocate for a planned phase-out of fossil fuels and to update the Council's Carbon Neutral 2030 Strategy.

• Re-enforcing Council's Commitment to Racial Equality: Proposed by Councillor Elizabeth Stanley and seconded by Councillor Terry Cook, this motion aimed to reaffirm the Council's commitment to challenging racism and fostering cohesive communities. It urged the Council to consider the earliest review of its Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion policy in light of recent events.

Civility in Public Life

The Council was asked to consider public behaviour towards elected Members and promote civility in public life. The report recommended that the Council add its support to the Local Government Association's 'Debate Not Hate' public statement, use the LGA's toolkit to assess its own practices in tackling abuse and intimidation, and support the Jo Cox Civility Commission with a donation of £500. The report also highlighted the importance of adhering to the Council's Code of Conduct and Committee Etiquette Guidance.