The Cabinet of Gloucestershire Council met on Wednesday 22 April 2026 to approve a significant transformation programme, adopt a new economic growth plan for the county, and make decisions on several key service reviews and infrastructure projects. The meeting saw the approval of the Stronger Futures programme, aimed at modernising council operations and achieving financial savings, alongside the adoption of the Gloucestershire Local Growth Plan (2025-2035) to guide economic development.

Creating a Stronger Future (Stronger Futures ) - Approval of Full Business Case and Investment

Cabinet approved the Stronger Futures Full Business Case¹ and an upfront investment of £3.4 million to mobilise and deliver the programme. This initiative focuses on three key areas: technology (including digital and artificial intelligence), third-party spend, and organisational design, pay, and reward. The programme aims to strengthen corporate control, modernise ways of working, and deliver evidenced savings, with savings only being recognised once validated by Finance. Authority was delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive/Executive Director: Corporate Resources to conduct procurement processes for delivery support for the Technology and Organisational Development workstreams, with contract values not exceeding £1.3 million and £1.2 million respectively.

Gloucestershire's Local Growth Plan (2025–2035)

The Cabinet adopted Gloucestershire's Local Growth Plan (LGP) 2025–2035², a document co-created by all seven local authorities in the county. The plan outlines priorities for sustainable and inclusive economic growth over the next decade, superseding the previous Gloucestershire County Council Economic Strategy (2024–2034). It is structured around five core economic missions: Talent and Future Skills; Employment and Health for People and Places; Thriving Communities and Culture; Environment, Housing and Infrastructure; and Innovation, Investment and Enterprise. The plan also identifies key high-growth sectors for Gloucestershire, including Secure Technologies and Digital, Agri-Tech, Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing, and Energy Transition and Low Carbon Innovation. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director for Economy, Environment and Infrastructure to make minor updates to the plan, ensuring it remains current and reflects any impacts of Local Government Reorganisation.

Review of Service Options for Great Western Court Reablement Unit

Cabinet approved the closure of the Great Western Court (GWC) Reablement Unit³. The decision was based on the unit no longer meeting the optimal model for reablement care, with individuals responding better to support in their own homes. Furthermore, the Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (GICB) indicated that future Pathway 2 provision would require nursing care, which GWC does not provide. The unit has experienced low occupancy and high operational costs. Cabinet agreed to declare GWC surplus to the Council's property requirements and reinvest the staffing budget and resources into home-based reablement and prevention services. Authority was delegated to the Assistant Director – Asset Management and Property Services to dispose of the site. Redundancy and pension costs for staff were estimated at £910,000, with efforts to mitigate compulsory redundancies through redeployment.

Cotswold Canal Trust Stroudwater Canal Restoration (Walk Bridge Scheme)

Delegated authority was granted to the Executive Director of Economy, Environment & Infrastructure, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways, to approve a £1 million capital contribution towards the design and construction costs of a replacement highway structure at Walk Bridge⁴. This contribution is crucial for the Stroudwater Canal restoration project, enabling the canal to become navigable at this location. The decision also allows for the determination of Gloucestershire County Council's role in the project's planning, design, and construction stages, subject to the involvement not exceeding the allocated £1 million. The total estimated cost of the scheme is approximately £16 million, with the Council's contribution being a critical element to unlock further funding, including from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service Community Risk Management Plan 2026-2030

Cabinet approved and resolved to publish the Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service's Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2026-2030⁵. This plan is a statutory requirement and sets out how the Service will allocate resources and implement strategies to mitigate identified risks effectively over the next four years. The CRMP is informed by comprehensive risk assessments and public consultation, aiming to prevent fires and other emergencies, protect people and property, and ensure an effective response. Key risks identified include flooding, dwelling fires, non-residential fires, road traffic collisions, hazardous materials incidents, and wildfires. The plan outlines aims and objectives to create a skilled and inclusive workforce, modernise rural response, adapt skills and assets to evolving risks, become a greener and more efficient service, and achieve outstanding assessments.