The County Council of Gloucestershire Council met on Wednesday 13 May 2026 to discuss a range of significant issues, including proposed increases in housing numbers, the disproportionately high suicide rates among men in the county, and the need for fairer funding for schools and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services. Other topics scheduled for discussion included transparency in meat labelling, data security and the adoption of free and open-source software, the long-term solution for Lydbrook Bridge, the establishment of local highways champions, and the reinstatement of comprehensive weed management services.

Housing Numbers and Infrastructure Concerns

A motion proposed by Cllr Stephen Davies and seconded by Cllr Tom Bradley raised concerns about the proposed increases in housing numbers across Gloucestershire. The motion highlighted that several local authorities, including Cheltenham, Cotswold, and Stroud, had seen significant percentage increases in their housing targets. It was noted that many of these authorities lacked current local plans, making them vulnerable to developers gaining planning permission through appeals. The motion proposed that the Council ask the Cabinet to write to the Minister responsible for Housing to request a reduction in these numbers. It also suggested a workstream to address how all seven councils could collaborate on potential development sites, roads, and schools, and to work with NHS colleagues. A call was also to be made for local planning authorities and infrastructure partners to adopt an infrastructure-first approach, particularly concerning wastewater capacity.

Addressing Male Suicide Rates

Cllr Alastair Chambers proposed, and Cllr Sajid Patel seconded, a motion expressing grave concern over the disproportionately high suicide rates among men in Gloucestershire and across England and Wales. The motion noted that national statistics indicate men are approximately three times more likely to die by suicide than women, and that suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50 in the UK. The Council was asked to resolve that the Cabinet support and promote Men's Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention initiatives, work with the Gloucestershire Suicide Prevention Partnership to review and strengthen local preventative strategies, and commission targeted communications campaigns to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking. A report outlining measurable actions and outcomes to reduce male suicide rates locally was also requested within six months.

Fair Funding for Schools and SEND Services

A motion proposed by Cllr Linda Cohen and seconded by Cllr Cheryl Agg called for support for the F40 group and fair funding for Gloucestershire schools and SEND services. The motion noted the government's proposed reforms to the SEND system, highlighting the need for ambitious funding reforms to accompany these changes. It stated that historic protection factors in Department for Education funding formulas perpetuate inequities, resulting in some schools receiving significantly less per pupil than others. Gloucestershire, as a member of the F40 campaign, reportedly receives £30 million less per year than a demographically comparable county. The Council was asked to resolve that the Cabinet continue pressing for fairer funding, that Gloucestershire's Members of Parliament lobby the Department for Education to remove historic protection factors, and that all county councillors support the work of the F40 Group.

Transparency in Meat Labelling

Proposed by Cllr Leigh Challis and seconded by Cllr Vernon Gray, this motion addressed transparency in meat labelling across Gloucestershire County Council's remit. The Council noted that non-stun slaughter is recognised by veterinary and animal welfare bodies as a practice that can cause avoidable pain to animals. It was believed that transparency is essential for informed choice and public confidence, and that clear labelling of meat sourced from non-stun slaughter is a proportionate and practical measure. The Council was asked to request that the Cabinet introduce mandatory labelling for all meat procured or served within the Council's remit, clearly identifying products from animals slaughtered without prior stunning, and require suppliers and contractors to comply with this requirement.

Data Security and Open-Source Software

Cllr Craig Horrocks proposed a motion concerning data security, digital sovereignty, and the adoption of Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS). The motion noted the Council's reliance on proprietary software platforms from US-based companies and the implications of the US CLOUD Act 2018, which allows US authorities to compel disclosure of data held outside the United States. It highlighted that European governments have begun migrating their civil services to FOSS. The motion proposed that the Council resolve to ask the Cabinet to adopt FOSS by default in future software and platform decisions, provide clear written justifications where FOSS is not adopted, systematically review and migrate existing proprietary systems to FOSS, and ensure all new software is based on open standards and FOSS principles.

Lydbrook Bridge - Securing a Long-Term Solution

Proposed by Cllr Piers Camp and seconded by Cllr Leigh Challis, this motion addressed the ongoing closure of Lydbrook Bridge. The Council noted that the bridge has been closed since 2024 due to safety concerns, severing an important local and strategic route and forcing residents into lengthy detours. The motion highlighted that replacing temporary scaffolding would cost approximately £600,000, while a permanent restoration scheme estimated at £1.7 million had previously been unsuccessful in securing funding. The Council was asked to request that the Cabinet Member for Highways bring a comprehensive options appraisal to Full Council by Autumn 2026, instruct officers to make formal funding approaches to relevant bodies by the end of July 2026, and commit to monthly written progress updates. The Council also proposed writing to the Secretary of State for Transport to highlight the lack of adequate national funding mechanisms for historic, cross-boundary pedestrian infrastructure.

Local Highways Champions and Minor Highway Works

Proposed by Cllr Michael Rees and seconded by Cllr Ray Donaghue, this motion called for the establishment of Local Highways Champions to support community-led minor highway works. The Council noted that many reported highways issues are minor in nature and that local residents are willing to assist. It was believed that a clear, approachable link between communities and the Highways Department would enable quicker resolution of minor issues, improve communication, and encourage positive engagement. The motion proposed that the Cabinet establish a new role of Local Highways Champion, with up to 14 Champions across the county, to coordinate minor maintenance activities, act as a point of contact, and identify more serious defects for escalation. A formal review after 12 months was also requested.

Reinstatement of Weed Management Services

Proposed by Cllr Mark Howard and seconded by Cllr Jason Preece, this motion addressed the visible decline in the condition of highways and public infrastructure due to reduced weed removal services. The Council believed that effective weed management is a critical infrastructure maintenance function necessary to protect the integrity of roads, pavements, and drainage systems. Uncontrolled vegetation was noted to contribute to structural damage, public safety risks, and undermine civic pride. The motion asked the Cabinet to conduct a countywide assessment of high-impact locations, restore a robust, cyclical weed management programme with at least two comprehensive treatments per year, adopt an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach, and enhance the Council's Report It digital system to allow residents to flag weed growth causing damage.

Corporate Parenting Report

Cllr Ben Evans, Cabinet Member for Children's Safeguarding and Early Years, presented the Corporate Parenting Report. The report detailed the Council's role as a Corporate Parent to care-experienced children and young people, ensuring they have opportunities and outcomes comparable to other children. It highlighted recent Corporate Parenting Group activity, including progress on the Staying Safe and Achieving Your Potential priorities. Updates were provided on the GCC Supported Lodgings Scheme, Launch Pad, which has received Ofsted approval, and the positive impact of the Kinship Voices Event. The expansion of the Mockingbird programme and regional working on fostering recruitment and retention were also mentioned. The report noted ongoing efforts to improve placement stability and highlighted positive Ofsted inspections for the Council's in-house residential homes. Voice and participation activities, including presentations by Ambassadors on inclusion in schools and the redesign of The Hideaway young people's space, were also detailed. Updates on the Virtual School and Education, Training and Employment (ETE) initiatives included training for PGCE students and the return of the 'Making Music' event. Performance data for children in care and care leavers was presented, showing an increase in the number of children in care and ongoing challenges in securing local placements.

Constitution Committee Report

Cllr Colin Hay, Chair of the Constitution Committee, presented a report on the committee's recent meeting. The committee discussed the arrangements for determining the order of motions, agreeing to continue with the current rotation system to experience a full cycle before considering changes. Approval was sought for the process to appoint a new member to the Independent Remuneration Panel, with a selection panel to be formed. The committee also noted a report detailing an amendment to the Council's Whistleblowing Policy to include a reference to sexual harassment, in line with the Employment Rights Act 2025.

Calendar of Meetings for 2027

The agenda included an item to consider the Calendar of Meetings for 2027.

Motions to Council

Several motions were scheduled for debate:

• Motion 986: Housing Numbers (Proposed by Cllr Stephen Davies, Seconded by Cllr Tom Bradley) - As detailed above.
• Motion 985: Male Suicide Rates (Proposed by Cllr Alastair Chambers, Seconded by Cllr Sajid Patel) - As detailed above.
• Motion 984: Support for F40 and Fair Funding (Proposed by Cllr Linda Cohen, Seconded by Cllr Cheryl Agg) - As detailed above.
• Motion 987: Transparency in Meat Labelling (Proposer: Cllr Leigh Challis, Seconder: Cllr Vernon Gray) - As detailed above.
• Motion 991: Data Security, Digital Sovereignty and the Adoption of Free and Open-Source Software (Proposed by Cllr Craig Horrocks) - As detailed above.
• Motion 988: Lydbrook Bridge — Securing a Long-Term Solution (Proposed by Cllr Piers Camp, Seconded by Cllr Leigh Challis) - As detailed above.
• Motion 989: Establishment of Local Highways Champions to Support Community-Led Minor Highway Works (Proposer: Cllr Michael Rees, Seconder: Cllr Ray Donaghue) - As detailed above.
• Motion 990: Reinstatement of Comprehensive Weed Management and Removal Services (Proposed by Cllr Mark Howard, Seconded by Cllr Jason Preece) - As detailed above.