The Council considered recommendations for updating its constitution, including changes to urgency powers and the introduction of a Local Ward Member Protocol. They also considered a collaboration agreement for a Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit and a Community Governance Review for Upper Rissington.

Report of the Constitution Working Group

The Council considered proposals from the Constitution Working Group to modernise the Council's Constitution. Key changes included updating Part D8 of the Constitution, which relates to the Chief Executive's urgency powers, and introducing a Local Ward Member Protocol. The updated wording for urgency powers aims to enhance transparency by requiring notification to the leader/deputy leader of the largest Opposition Group, or all Group leaders if no single party has overall control. The new Local Ward Member Protocol is designed to ensure that local councillors are kept informed about significant developments affecting their electoral wards, aiming to uphold the principle of no surprises for elected members. The Council was asked to authorise the Director of Governance & Development (Monitoring Officer) to update Part D8 and approve the addition of the Local Ward Member Protocol to the Constitution.

Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit Collaboration Agreement

The Council considered the Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit Partnership Collaboration Agreement. This agreement establishes a partnership between Cheltenham and Tewkesbury Borough Councils and Cotswold, Forest of Dean, Stroud, and West Oxfordshire District Councils. The Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit (CFEU), formed in 2017, aims to mitigate fraud risk and reduce criminal activity and financial loss across the partner authorities. Cotswold District Council acts as the host authority for the CFEU staff. The revised agreement is for a term of 10 years, with options for extension, and aims to provide a comprehensive, efficient, and cost-effective service through collaboration and shared resources.

Moreton-in-Marsh Working Group Membership

The Council considered the membership of the Moreton-in-Marsh Working Group and an updated Terms of Reference for the group. This working group was established to help shape future growth in Moreton-in-Marsh, acting as a forum for information, feedback, and recommendations to Cabinet and Council. The updated Terms of Reference include a revised membership list, specifying the regularity of meetings (up to four times per year) and terms for member swaps. The membership comprises representatives from Cotswold District Council, Gloucestershire County Council, Moreton-in-Marsh Town Council, neighbouring Parish Councils, the Moreton-in-Marsh Neighbourhood Development Plan Group, Moreton Against Over Development (MOAD), local residents, businesses, community organisations, and educational institutions.

Community Governance Review - Upper Rissington

The Council considered the Terms of Reference for a Community Governance Review concerning the boundary between Upper Rissington and Great Rissington parishes. This review was initiated following a request from Upper Rissington Parish Council to transfer land containing a skatepark from Great Rissington to Upper Rissington. The skatepark is currently maintained by Upper Rissington Parish Council but lies outside its boundary. The review process will involve consultation with relevant stakeholders, and a final recommendation will be presented to the Council for a decision on whether to implement the boundary change.

Programme of Meetings for 2025/26

The Council considered the proposed programme of Council and committee meetings for the 2025/26 civic year. A key change proposed was the move of the next budget meeting from Wednesday, 26 February 2025, to Monday, 24 February 2025, at 6:00 pm, to allow additional time for Council Tax billing. The Council was asked to delegate authority to the Director of Governance and Development (Monitoring Officer) and the Democratic Services Business Manager to make necessary adjustments to the meeting schedule and to set dates for specific committees and training sessions. The programme reflects the current committee structure, with a notable change being the scheduling of Overview and Scrutiny Committee meetings prior to each Cabinet meeting to facilitate pre-decision scrutiny.