The Cheltenham Borough Council meeting on Monday 13 October 2025 saw councillors discuss a range of important local issues, including the results of a community governance review, changes to polling stations, and recommendations for councillor allowances. A key decision was made to approve the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel regarding councillor allowances.

Community Governance Review - Stage 1 Results and Recommendations

The council considered the initial findings of a community governance review, which aimed to gather public opinion on potential changes to parish and town council boundaries and governance. The review, which involved a public survey and detailed proposals, highlighted a desire for further consultation on several areas.

Key recommendations for the next stage of the review include:

• A full review of the boundaries for Swindon Village Parish and Prestbury Parish, including the Wyman's Brook area, to determine the most appropriate parish.
• An examination of the unparished area between Prestbury and Charlton Kings to assess its potential incorporation into existing councils.
• Consideration for the establishment of a new parish for Benhall and The Reddings.
• A direct public consultation on the potential creation of a Town Council for Cheltenham, outlining its potential responsibilities and boundaries.

During the debate, councillors expressed varying views on the implications of these proposals. Councillor Victoria Atherstone raised concerns about the potential disproportionate burden on residents in unparished areas if a large town council were to be formed, particularly regarding the management of town centre assets and associated precepts. Councillor Izaac Tailford advocated for the establishment of a town council to ensure representation for all of Cheltenham, especially in light of potential unitary authority changes, and stressed the importance of clear communication with residents. Councillor Frank Allen supported the extension of Swindon Parish Council to encompass the entire ward, citing the need for better representation and funding for deprived areas. Councillor Dr Steve Steinhardt welcomed the potential for a parish in Benhall and The Reddings, while acknowledging the need for clear communication with residents. Councillor Mike Collins highlighted the complexity of boundary definitions and the low response rate from some areas, emphasizing the need for further engagement in stage two. Councillor Rowena Hay, Leader of the Council, acknowledged the concerns about deprivation and representation, noting that the review was initiated due to the potential impact of local government reorganisation. She also suggested that some form of remuneration for parish councillors could be beneficial. The council unanimously approved the report and its recommendations for further consultation.

Interim Review of Polling Districts, Polling Places, and Polling Stations for St Mark's Ward

The council reviewed the polling arrangements for St Mark's Ward, following concerns raised about the suitability of the previously designated polling station at The Umbrella public house. After considering feedback from councillors, political parties, and electors, the recommendation was to change the polling station for polling district OA to The Common Ground, Cheltenham, Brooklyn Road (formerly St Marks and Hester's Way Community Association). This venue was favoured for its central location within the ward, accessibility, and parking facilities. A contingency plan was also discussed, involving the potential use of the Oasis sports hall and a standby porter cabin in case of unforeseen circumstances at the primary venue. The recommendation was approved unanimously.

Recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel

The council considered recommendations from the Independent Remuneration Panel regarding Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs) for councillors. The panel recommended increasing the SRA for the Chair of the Cabinet Housing Committee to £5,363 per year and for the Vice Chair to £1,823 per year, both backdated to 1 October 2025. These increases aim to align the allowances with those paid to chairs of regulatory committees, such as Planning and Licensing, reflecting the significant responsibilities of the role. The panel also noted the allowances for co-opted members. Councillor Victoria Atherstone supported the recommendations, noting the substantial workload involved in housing matters. Councillor Rowena Hay also expressed her thanks to the outgoing chair of the Independent Remuneration Panel, Graham Russell. The recommendations were approved with one abstention.

2024-25 Audit, Compliance and Governance Annual Report

Councillor Adrian Bamford, Chair of the Audit, Compliance and Governance Committee, presented the committee's annual report for 2024-25. The report summarised the committee's work in overseeing internal and external audits, counter-fraud measures, risk management, IT security, corporate governance, and financial reporting. Councillor Bamford highlighted the committee's role in ensuring high standards of governance and acknowledged the work of the finance team, audit colleagues, and staff involved in corporate governance, risk management, and cybersecurity. He noted that the council had signed off both the 2022-23 and 2023-24 accounts during this period, attributing the delay to a national backlog in external audits. Councillor Chris Day and Councillor Julian Tooke, both members of the committee, spoke to thank Councillor Bamford for his leadership and highlighted the importance of the committee's work, particularly in counter-fraud and cybersecurity. The report was noted by the council.

2024-25 Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report

Councillor Jackie Chelin, Vice-Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, presented the committee's annual report for 2024-25. The report detailed the committee's activities, including its work on various scrutiny task groups and its engagement with other council committees. Councillor Chelin thanked the Governance, Risk and Assurance Manager, Victoria Bishop, and the Democratic Services team for their support. She highlighted the committee's broad remit and its flexibility in addressing current issues of concern. Councillor Ashleigh Davies and Councillor Jan Foster spoke to commend Councillor Tabi Joy, the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, for her leadership and the significant workload undertaken by the committee. Councillor Izaac Tailford also acknowledged the importance of the committee's role in holding the administration to account. The report was noted by the council.