The Community Services and Licensing Committee met on Thursday 30 January 2025 to discuss the draft Council Plan 2025-2029, the Household Support Fund, the Stroud District Community Safety Partnership Plan, and a letter of support for Dr Jenner House Museum. Key decisions included recommending the draft Council Plan to the Strategy and Resources Committee, approving the allocation of the Household Support Fund Delivery Plan, adopting the revised Stroud District Community Safety Partnership Plan, and delegating responsibility to the Chair to write to the Dr Jenner House Trust supporting their application for World Heritage Site status.

Draft Council Plan 2025-2029

The committee reviewed the draft Council Plan 2025-2029, which sets out the strategic direction for the Council over the next four years. The plan includes five overarching priorities: Environment, Climate & Nature; Communities & Wellbeing; Local Economy; Housing; and Working for our Communities. The draft plan was developed over several months, with input from policy committees, public consultation, the Stroud Local Strategic Partnership, Parish and Town Councils, and the Youth Council. The accompanying Delivery Plan, in Appendix A, sets out specific aims, objectives, and actions. The committee noted that the Devolution White Paper had been published, and officers would keep the Plan under regular review. The Plan would come into force on 1 April 2025 once approved by Council.

The committee resolved to recommend to the Strategy and Resources Committee that the draft Council Plan 2025-2029 be agreed and recommended to Council, and to note the accompanying Delivery Plan and its role in supporting the Council Plan.

Household Support Fund 6 Delivery Plan Oct 24 - Mar 25

The Community Health and Wellbeing Manager explained that the Household Support Fund is provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to Gloucestershire County Council (GCC), who then allocate it to the six district councils. The fund supports frontline community hubs and organisations delivering on community needs. Stroud District Council (SDC) had seen an increase in demand from delivery partners for vouchers and support linked to increased energy costs. A commitment for a seventh funding allocation from DWP was expected.

The committee resolved to approve the allocation of the Household Support Fund Delivery Plan.

Stroud District Community Safety Partnership (SDCSP) Plan

The Head of Community Services introduced the report on the SDCSP, which focuses on reducing crime and Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) with statutory agencies and organisations. The initial SDCSP Plan was approved in September 2023 with five priorities. Due to limited funding for crime prevention, a revised SDCSP Plan was produced in November 2024, retaining three priorities: ASB, violence against women and girls, and serious violence and community cohesion. Five videos commissioned from serious violence grant funds, focusing on the effects of ASB, would be used to educate within schools.

The committee resolved to adopt the revised SDCSP 2023-2026 plan.

Letter of Support for Dr Jenner House Museum

The Strategic Director of Communities advised that the report outlined a request for the Chair of the Committee to write to the Dr Jenner House Trust on behalf of SDC to support the process to obtain World Heritage Site Status. The first stage involves writing to the UK Government for endorsement from the Government to UNESCO. The application process is lengthy due to the prestige and profile associated with the status. 2030 will mark the 50th anniversary since the formal eradication of Smallpox, of which the Dr Jenner House Trust Museum was one of the first locations where vaccinations began.

The committee resolved to delegate responsibility to the Chair of the Committee to write to the Chair of The Dr Jenner House Trust indicating support for the Museum's application for World Heritage Site status.

Member/Officer Reports (To Note)

The committee received several Member/Officer reports for noting:

• Gloucestershire Health Overview Scrutiny Committee: There was no update to provide.
• Museum in the Park (Cowle Trust): The Member report had been circulated prior to the Committee, and there were no further questions raised.
• Citizens Advice: Councillor Edmunds queried the support provided to those in Council Tax arrears. The Community Health and Wellbeing Manager advised that SDC were collating data and looking at how best to share this data within communities to identify and prioritise resource allocation for reducing arrears and financial struggles.

Salix Project Update

Councillor Boyle asked about procedures and penalties for contractors who do not meet contractual requirements and timeframes. The Head of Community Services explained that penalties had been put on companies for delays, but no further penalties could be added, and alternative solutions were being sought. She would ask the Head of Property Services to provide more detail.

Crowdfunding Information Sheet

Councillor Robison asked if a date was known for the second round of Crowdfunding. The Chair advised that it was already open and an information sheet would be included in the Members Weekly Update, along with details on community workshops.

Youth Strategy Progress Information Sheet

Councillor Robinson commented that he was looking forward to the feedback following an event held at Forest Green Rovers on the Strategy.

Fixed Penalty Notices

Councillor Robinson informed the Committee of issues relating to graffiti in his County division and had reached out to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, who had recently provided Cheltenham Borough Council with funds to tackle graffiti.

Work Programme

The following changes were made to the work programme:

• Kingshill House Member report added to all meetings.
• Community Grant Allocation – March 2025.
• Removal of Bulky Waste from March 2025 as the report would be considered by Environment Committee instead.

The committee resolved to note the update to the Work Programme.

The meeting closed at 8.19 pm.