The Cabinet of Cotswold Council met on Thursday, 8 January 2026, approving a range of policies and programmes, including updates to the fleet replacement programme, new HR policies, and the adoption of an updated equality policy. Significant decisions were also made regarding fees and charges for 2026/27 and the allocation of Community Infrastructure Levy funds.

Fleet Replacement Programme

Cabinet approved the replacement of up to thirty-one vehicles as part of the Capital Fleet Replacement Programme for 2026/27. This programme aims to decarbonise the council's waste services, a key contributor to the council's emissions. The approved steps include the purchase of one electric kerbside-sort vehicle and a shift to using Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as a replacement for diesel. This initiative is expected to increase forecast capital expenditure by £0.350m, bringing the total estimate for 2026/27 to £6.0m. Councillor Andrea Pellegram, Cabinet Member for Environment & Regulatory Services, introduced the report, highlighting that extending the life of existing vehicles was considered but rejected due to potential service disruption and higher maintenance risks. The measures are intended to balance operational reliability, legislative compliance, and climate objectives. The reprofiled capital expenditure for 2026/27 will be included in the Capital Programme for consideration by Cabinet and Council in February 2026.

Fees and Charges 2026/27

A revised schedule of fees and charges for 2026/27 was approved, with most charges set to increase by 3.8% in line with the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) to maintain revenue and mitigate budget pressures. Councillor Patrick Coleman, Cabinet Member for Finance, presented the report, noting that all proposed charges would be rounded appropriately and stated inclusive of VAT. Following discussion, amendments were made to the proposals. Pay and stay charges for car parks of one hour or less will be frozen at 2025/26 levels. There will be no season tickets available at Rissington Road car park. Additionally, a tourist levy and a minimum stay of two hours will be introduced at Maugersbury Road Car Park in Stow-on-the-Wold. The Cabinet also endorsed the rationale for the revised charges and approved the delegation of future decisions regarding Special Area of Conservation Fees to the Head of Planning Services. The changes to car parking arrangements align with the Car Parking Strategy approved on 20 November 2025.

Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Policy and Procedure Update 2025

Cabinet approved an updated Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Equity (EDIE) Policy and Procedure, which has been rewritten to incorporate the Supreme Court ruling. Councillor Mike Evemy, Leader of the Council, introduced the report, explaining that the updated policy provides practical guidance for managers and staff, supports fairness and consistency, and helps protect the council against legal claims. A key decision was to approve that 'care experienced' individuals be treated as if they were a protected characteristic, acknowledging the discrimination, stigma, and prejudice they often face. Authority was also delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to make minor amendments to the EDIE Policy to ensure timely updates without altering its strategic intent.

Carers Leave Policy and Procedure and Dogs at Work Policy

Two new policies were approved by Cabinet: the Carers Leave Policy and Procedure and the Dogs at Work Policy. Councillor Mike Evemy, Leader of the Council, explained that the Carers Leave Policy ensures compliance with legislation, outlining employees' statutory right to carer's leave for dependants with long-term care needs and the support available to help balance work and caring responsibilities. The Dogs at Work Policy sets out the limited circumstances under which dogs may be permitted in the workplace, prioritising a safe, productive, and respectful environment for all.

Community Infrastructure Levy - CIL Bid Recommendations

Cabinet agreed to allocate funding for three bids from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Strategic Fund. These include funding for cycle parking at the Cotswold National Cycle Network, a 3G pitch for Farmor's School, and Redesdale Hall Phase 2. Councillor Juliet Layton, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, introduced the report, noting that a multidisciplinary panel had reviewed the bids to ensure they were assessed legally, responsibly, strategically, and accountably. Authority was delegated to the Assistant Director Planning Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, to progress these funding bids, subject to due diligence checks.

Corporate Enforcement Policy

The Cabinet approved and adopted a revised Corporate Enforcement Policy. Councillor Mike Evemy highlighted that this policy enables officers to ensure compliance with the law, outlines the legislative framework and principles for investigations, mitigates legal risks, and demonstrates the council's commitment to necessity, proportionality, public interest, and transparency. Authority was delegated to the Chief Executive to approve future minor amendments to the policy.

Financial Performance Report 2025-26 Quarter 2

Cabinet reviewed and noted the second quarterly budget monitoring position for the 2025/26 financial year. The report informed members of significant budget variations and key financial issues. Cabinet approved additional transfers to earmarked reserves and endorsed the principle of transferring 100% of any year-end Planning Fee income above the budgeted level to the Planning Appeals earmarked reserve. Furthermore, the reallocation of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) capital budget was approved, with £0.229m allocated to Rural England Prosperity and £0.060m to UKSPF Capital.

Enforcement Agent Commissioning

Approval was given to initiate a procurement process to tender for Enforcement Agent services. Councillor Patrick Coleman, Cabinet Member for Finance, explained that this is necessary as the current contract expires on 2 October 2026, and the process will ensure service continuity and compliance with procurement regulations. The procurement exercise will be conducted via a Dynamic Purchasing System and in partnership with five other local authorities.

Minutes

The minutes of the Cabinet meetings held on 20 November 2025 and 26 November 2025 were approved as correct records.

Schedule of Decisions taken by the Leader of the Council and/or Individual Cabinet Members

Cabinet noted decisions taken by individual Cabinet Members since the previous meeting. This included a decision by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning to approve the procurement of an independent examiner for the Chipping Camden Neighbourhood Plan.