The Stroud District Council meeting scheduled for Thursday, 19 December 2024, was set to discuss a range of important local issues. Key agenda items included a significant investment in commercial units at Brimscombe Port, the council's commitment to clean energy through the UK100 Charter for Collaboration, and a review of polling districts and places.

Brimscombe Port Commercial Units

A key item on the agenda was the proposed purchase of commercial units to be developed at Brimscombe Port. The report pack indicated that the council was seeking approval and budget for this acquisition. This development is part of a larger vision to create a sustainable, mixed-use community at the eastern end of the canal, a priority outlined in the Council Plan. The council had previously committed capital investment to the project and secured funding from Homes England and the Brownfield Land Release Fund. The proposal aimed to give the council more control over the commercial space and its future occupiers, ensuring the development aligns with the council's vision for the site. The estimated cost for acquiring this commercial space was £630,000.

UK100 Charter for Collaboration

The council was scheduled to consider outlining the UK100 Charter for Collaboration. This charter asks local leaders to support the ambition of delivering clean energy alongside national climate goals. As a member of UK100 since 2020, the council's participation aligns with its existing climate commitments, including the declaration of a Climate Emergency in 2018 and the adoption of the Stroud District 2030 Strategy. The charter outlines key areas for collaboration between local authorities and national government, focusing on implementing local area energy planning, accelerating renewable energy growth, reforming planning to prioritise Net Zero, investing in a smarter grid, and engaging communities as partners. Signing the charter would involve supporting local implementation of the clean energy mission, developing Local Area Energy Plans, and upskilling councillors on renewable energy infrastructure.

Review of Polling Districts, Places, and Stations

A review of polling districts, polling places, and polling stations for the Parish Councils of Hamfallow and Randwick and Westrip was also on the agenda. This review was a consequence of the Local Government Boundary Commission for England's (LGBCE) recommendations to amend Gloucestershire's County boundaries. Stroud District Council was required to ensure that polling district boundaries were coterminous with the new parish ward arrangements and that electors have accessible facilities for voting. The report detailed proposed changes, including amendments to polling district boundaries and a potential change of polling station for Hamfallow (South Ward) from Berkeley Town Hall to Canon Park Pavilion. The review also considered accessibility requirements for voters with disabilities, as mandated by the Elections Act 2022 and the Equality Act 2010.

Appointments and Other Business

Several appointments were also scheduled for discussion:

• Appointment of an Independent Person and Parish/Town Council Representatives: The council was to appoint an Independent Person, as required by the Localism Act 2011, and Parish and Town Council Representatives to sit on the Standards Sub-Committee. Melvin Kenyon was recommended for appointment as an Independent Person, and Steve Tilley and Emma Trinder were recommended as Parish/Town Council Representatives.
• Appointment to the Independent Remuneration Panel: The council was asked to approve recommended appointments to the Independent Remuneration Panel, which reviews the Members’ Scheme of Allowances. Graham Russell, John Podmore, Wendy Stephenson, and Keira Stobie were recommended for appointment.
• Civic Timetable: Consideration was to be given to a timetable for the civic year 2025/26.
• Changes to Committee Membership and Appointment of Community Services & Licensing Committee Chair and Vice-Chair: This item was to be addressed via a verbal report.
• Ubico Growth Opportunities and Shareholder Agreement Review: Discussions were scheduled regarding Ubico, a teckal company wholly owned by local authorities, including Stroud District Council. The council was asked to authorise the Chief Executive to approve Ubico's exploration of growth opportunities with potential new shareholders and the design of a new company structure. Additionally, a routine review of Ubico's Shareholder Agreement was to be noted, with proposed revisions addressing inconsistencies and including Gloucester City Council as a new shareholder.