The Community Services and Licensing Committee of Stroud Council met on Thursday 30 January 2025, approving plans for community safety, council priorities, and household support funding. The committee also recommended support for the Dr Jenner House Museum's bid for World Heritage Site status.

Stroud District Community Safety Partnership (SDCSP) Plan

The committee considered the Stroud District Community Safety Partnership (SDCSP) Plan, which details how community safety issues will be tackled. The plan proposed reducing the five key priorities to three to focus efforts where the partnership can have the most impact. The three revised priorities are: tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB), reducing violence against women and girls (VIAWG) and exploitation, and building stronger, more cohesive communities. The committee resolved to adopt the revised SDCSP Plan for 2023-2026.

Draft Council Plan 2025-2029

The committee reviewed the draft Council Plan for 2025-2029, which outlines the council's priorities and objectives for the next four years. The plan is structured around five key priorities: Environment, Climate and Nature; Communities and Wellbeing; Local Economy; Housing; and Working for our Communities. Following public consultation, which indicated strong agreement with most priorities, the committee resolved to recommend the draft Council Plan to the Strategy and Resources Committee for approval.

Household Support Fund 6 Delivery Plan Oct 24 - Mar 25

The committee considered the proposed allocation of Household Support Funding for October 2024 to March 2025. This funding, provided by the Department for Work and Pensions via Gloucestershire County Council, is intended to support residents impacted by the rising cost of living. Stroud District Council has been allocated £150,188, with a significant portion dedicated to supermarket vouchers distributed through community partners and hubs, reflecting increased demand. The committee resolved to approve the Household Support Fund Delivery Plan.

Letter of Support for Dr Jenner House Museum

The committee was asked to consider supporting the application by the Dr Jenner House Museum in Berkeley for World Heritage Site status. The museum is recognised as a valuable local and national asset, promoting the legacy of Edward Jenner and vaccination. The committee resolved to delegate responsibility to the Chair of the Committee, in consultation with the Strategic Director of Communities, to write to the Chair of The Dr Jenner House Trust expressing support for the museum's application.

Member/Officer Reports

The committee received several updates:

• Museum in the Park (Cowle Trust): A report highlighted the museum's achievements, including a revised Collections Development Policy, progress on a new Collections Management System, and an increase in visitor figures. The museum retained its Visit England Visitor Attraction Assurance Scheme Award, with an improved overall score.
• Citizens Advice: Statistics for April to December 2024 showed that benefits and tax credits, debt, and housing were the top issue areas for clients. The report also provided an update on the Advice First Aid pilot project and the ongoing administration of the Household Support Fund.
• Salix Project Update: No specific details were provided in the agenda for this item.
• Crowdfunding Information Sheet: An update on the Stroud Funding initiative, a partnership with Spacehive, was presented. Round One saw 39 projects create pages, with 8 successfully hitting their targets and 9 still crowdfunding. Plans for Round Two included updated website information and new SDC-run workshops for project owners.
• Youth Strategy Progress Information Sheet: Work on developing a collaborative Youth Strategy for the district, supported by Active Gloucestershire, is underway. Following adult stakeholder workshops, a youth consultation programme commenced in January 2025. The final strategy is expected to be presented to the committee in September 2025.
• Fixed Penalty Notices: An information sheet detailed proposed increases to Fixed Penalty Notice charges for offences such as fly-tipping, littering, and graffiti, aligning with new government regulations and other local authorities in Gloucestershire. The aim is to act as a greater deterrent.

Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme for the remainder of the 2024-25 civic year, noting upcoming items for future meetings.