The Gloucestershire County Council cabinet met on 23 July 2025, and made decisions on a range of issues, including approving contracts for safety enforcement cameras, structural maintenance, and network services. They also discussed and approved a new approach to adult social care, additional funding for waste management, and a strategy for tackling domestic abuse.

Key Decisions

Highways and Transport

Safety Enforcement Cameras Contract

The cabinet approved a contract with Jenoptik UK Limited for the supply and installation of road safety enforcement cameras and associated infrastructure. The contract, valued at up to £3.99 million over seven years, aims to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on the county's roads, with a target of reducing collisions by 50% by 2032. The council will allocate £200,000 annually from the Department for Transport Road Safety Block capital funding towards the project.

Councillor Roger Whyborn, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport & Strategic Highways, sought the approval, and the cabinet delegated authority to the Director of Highways and Transport to determine whether to exercise the two-year extension option and to enter into a service level agreement with the police regarding the safety cameras.

M5 Junction 10 Improvements Scheme

The cabinet delegated authority to procure highways professional services and meet the costs of statutory undertakers and authorities to support the delivery of the M5 Junction 10 Improvements Scheme. This decision allows the council to award a contract to AtkinsRéalis for highways professional services and commission statutory authorities and utility providers to relocate equipment as needed. The total project costs are estimated at £2.432 million.

Councillor Julian Tooke, Cabinet Member for Business, Economic Development, Planning and Infrastructure, sought the delegated authority.

Delivery of Structural Maintenance Works

The cabinet approved the procurement of a contract for carriageway resurfacing, estimated at £192 million over eight years. The contract aims to improve the condition of Gloucestershire's roads, with a focus on performance and social value.

Councillor Joe Harris, Cabinet Member for Highways, highlighted the importance of investment in fixing Gloucestershire's roads. The contract includes carbon reduction plans and ecological statements from bidders, with social value forming at least 15% of the tender evaluation.

Honeybourne Cycle Link Scheme

The cabinet agreed to adopt the role of scheme promoter for the Honeybourne Line Cycle Link Scheme, taking over from Great Western Railway (GWR). They also delegated authority to procure contracts for construction works related to the scheme. The total project costs are estimated at £2.432 million.

Councillor Roger Whyborn sought the delegated authority, noting that the decision supports the council's commitment to active travel and its climate change action plan.

Social Care and Public Health

Adult Social Care Operating Model

The cabinet approved a new Adult Social Care Operating Model, which involves Gloucestershire County Council providing a range of services currently delivered by Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust. These services include occupational therapy, reablement assessment, mental health social work, and supported accommodation. The aim is to create a more preventive model of care and improve the pace of change in adult social care.

Councillor Dr Kate Usmar, Cabinet Member for Adults' Support & Independence, sought the cabinet's approval for the changes. The cabinet also delegated authority to conduct a competitive procurement process for domiciliary care services and to terminate agreements with Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust and Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board.

Provision of Pathway 2 Beds in Gloucestershire Care Homes

The cabinet delegated authority to procure a framework agreement for short-term residential and nursing care, known as Pathway 2 beds, to support hospital discharges. This will allow the council to buy places in care homes to help people recover and return home after a hospital stay.

Councillor Dr Kate Usmar sought the approval, noting that the beds provide short-term care for people not yet ready to return home, supporting recovery and avoiding long-term care.

Gloucestershire Tackling Domestic Abuse Strategy

The cabinet approved the adoption of the Gloucestershire Tackling Domestic Abuse Strategy 2025-28. This strategy outlines the county's response to tackling domestic abuse, as required under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

Councillor Paul Hodgkinson, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Communities & Fire, sought the cabinet's approval. The strategy addresses domestic abuse, stalking, honour-based abuse, forced marriage, and child-to-parent abuse.

Procurement of a Suicide Bereavement Support Service

The cabinet delegated authority to procure a contract for a suicide bereavement support service for residents of Gloucestershire. This service aims to provide practical and emotional support to those affected by suicide.

Councillor Paul Hodgkinson sought the approval, noting that funding had been made available by NHS England to commission the service.

Tendering of Support Services for Refugees and Asylum Seekers

The cabinet delegated authority to procure a framework agreement for support services for refugees and asylum seekers. This framework will replace existing contracts and enable the council and district councils to commission support services as needed.

Councillor Paul Hodgkinson sought the approval, noting the substantial increase in the number of refugees worldwide and the need for flexible support services.

Other Matters

Framework Procurement for Network Services

The cabinet approved the award of a call-off contract to British Telecommunications Public Limited Company (BT) for the provision of network services. This contract covers the supply of network services for an initial period of three years, with options to extend for two additional one-year periods.

Councillor Colin Hay, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Finance, Assets & Transformation, sought the cabinet's approval.

Re-procurement of Stationery Contract

The cabinet delegated authority to procure a corporate stationery and office supply contract. This contract will replace the existing contract and aims to achieve better value for money.

Councillor Colin Hay sought the cabinet's approval, emphasising the need for officers to consider their habits and behaviours in relation to ordering stationery and supplies.

Grounds Maintenance Services for Schools and Corporate Properties

The cabinet delegated authority to procure a framework agreement for grounds maintenance services for schools and corporate properties. This framework will allow the council and participating schools to award call-off contracts for grounds maintenance services.

Councillor Colin Hay sought the cabinet's approval.

Gloucestershire Infrastructure Investment Fund

The cabinet approved a revised governance and decision-making process for the Gloucestershire Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF). This fund supports key infrastructure projects that unlock economic growth, create jobs, and deliver housing.

Councillor Julian Tooke sought the cabinet's approval for the revised process.

Youth Justice Plan

The cabinet recommended that the council approve Gloucestershire's Youth Justice Plan 2025/28. This plan sets out the county's approach to youth justice services and aims to reduce the number of young people entering the criminal justice system.

Councillor Ben Evans, Cabinet Member for Children's Safeguarding & Care, sought the cabinet's recommendation.

Adoption of Gloucestershire County Council's Local Development Guide

The cabinet approved the adoption of Gloucestershire County Council's Local Development Guide 2025. This guide provides information to local planning authorities, developers, and stakeholders about the infrastructure needed to mitigate the impacts of new developments.

Councillor Julian Tooke sought the cabinet's approval for the adoption of the guide.