The Tewkesbury Borough Council's Executive Committee convened on 8 September 2025, approving measures ranging from financial strategies to environmental initiatives. Key decisions included approving the quarter one financial performance, a new fees and charges strategy, the administration of the Household Support Fund, and a digital strategy. The committee also recommended that the council approve an artificial intelligence policy and considered greenhouse gas reporting and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) joint committee decisions.

Financial Performance: Quarter One 2025/26

The committee reviewed the Financial Report Q1 2025-2026, which highlighted a projected surplus of £602,437, but after transferring ringfenced funding to reserves, the surplus was £500,995. The report detailed expenditure against the capital programme and approved reserves. The committee noted the Appendix A - General Fund Q1, Appendix B - Capital budgets Q1, Appendix C - Prudential-Indicators Q1, Appendix D - Reserves Q1, Appendix E - KPIs Q1 and Appendix F - Treasury Management Indicator Q1.

Fees and Charges Strategy

The Executive Committee approved the Fees and Charges Strategy Report and its Appendix A - Fees and Charges Strategy 2025. The strategy provides a framework for service managers to consider fees and charges, ensuring cost recovery and exploring income opportunities. It aims to ensure a robust process for reviewing and setting charges annually.

Household Support Fund Round 7

The committee approved the allocation of £209,455.65 from the Household Support Fund (HSF) Round 7, detailing how the funds would be administered to support vulnerable households. The funding will be divided as follows:

• £132,000 for supermarket vouchers for those on council tax support in Bands A-D.
• £57,455.65 for grants to food pantries, foodbanks, and Severn Wye to support vulnerable people with food, fuel, and essential supplies.
• £20,000 towards transport costs for young people.

The committee also agreed to grant authority to enter into necessary agreements with grant recipients and delegated authority to the Director of Communities for allocation of any unspent funds to support vulnerable households.

Digital Strategy 2025-2028

The Executive Committee approved the Digital Strategy Report and its Appendix 1 - Digital Strategy, which had been endorsed by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The strategy aims to maximise digital capabilities and foster a collaborative culture to support the people and communities of Tewkesbury Borough. It focuses on user experience, data, and technology, and aligns with the council's corporate plan and wider public policy initiatives. Councillor Mike Sztymiak, Lead Member for Transformation, highlighted the importance of the strategy for navigating local government reorganisation and enhancing service delivery.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy

The committee agreed to recommend to the Council that the Artificial Intelligence Policy Report and its Appendix 1 - AI Policy be approved. The policy provides a framework for the ethical adoption, deployment, and management of AI systems and tools, ensuring alignment with the council's values, legal obligations, and strategic goals.

Carbon Reduction Programme Report

The Executive Committee considered the Carbon Reduction Programme Report and its Appendix A - Annual GHG Emissions Carbon Reduction Report, which detailed greenhouse gas reporting and progress achieved in year five of the action plan. They also approved the recommended ongoing action plan moving into year six. The report highlighted a reduction in emissions across council services and progress in delivering actions to advance the council's carbon neutral ambition. The committee also reviewed Appendix B - Motion, regarding the climate and ecological emergencies.

Notification of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Joint Committee Decisions

The committee considered the CIL Joint Committee Decisions 14 July 2025 Report and its Appendix 1- Decisions, noting the decisions made by the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Joint Committee at its meeting on 14 July 2025. These decisions related to the allocation of CIL funding for infrastructure projects. The committee also reviewed the Appendix 2 - CIL Joint Committee TOR.

Executive Committee Forward Plan

The committee considered the Exec Forward Plan 2025-26 - 8 September 2025 and noted the forthcoming items.

Feedback from the Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee

The committee received Feedback from Chair of OS Monday 08-Sep-2025 09.30 Executive on matters discussed at its last meeting.