The Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 26 May 2026, was set to address several key administrative and policy matters. The agenda included the formal election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, the review of the Council's political balance following recent elections, and appointments to various committees and external bodies. Additionally, the meeting was scheduled to discuss the Members' Allowances Scheme for the upcoming year and to consider the renewal of the Statement of Gambling Policy.

Election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor

The meeting was scheduled to begin with the formal election of the Mayor and the appointment of the Deputy Mayor for the forthcoming municipal year.

Review of Political Balance

A review of the Council's political balance was on the agenda, a process mandated by legislation following changes in the Council's membership, such as those resulting from elections. This review ensures that seats on committees are allocated to political groups in proportion to their representation on the Council, as outlined in the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and associated regulations. The report detailed the proposed new political balance arrangements for various committees, including the General Purposes Committee, Planning Committee, and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Appointments to Committees and Other Bodies

Following the agreement on political proportionality, the Council was due to make appointments to its various committees, including chairing and vice-chairing arrangements. Appointments to external organisations representing the Council were also scheduled, alongside appointments to other Council bodies, some of which may not be councillors. The agenda included the notification of Cabinet and Opposition appointments, with Councillor Peter Mason listed as the Leader of the Council and Councillor Louise Brett as the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Safe and Genuinely Affordable Homes. Councillor Gary Malcolm was noted as the Leader of the Opposition.

Members' Allowances Scheme 2026-27

The Council was set to consider and agree the Members' Allowances Scheme for 2026-27. This annual review is required by law and takes into account advice from independent remuneration panels. The scheme outlines the types of allowances available to councillors, including basic, special responsibility, civic, travel, and carers' allowances. The basic allowance was set at £13,756.00, and the scheme detailed various Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs) for specific roles, with the Leader of the Council receiving the highest SRA at £62,814.52. The scheme also addressed provisions for maternity, paternity, adoption, and sick leave, as well as the process for electing to forgo allowances.

Statement of Gambling Policy

A significant item on the agenda was the review and approval of the Council's revised Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy for 2026–2029. As a licensing authority under the Gambling Act 2005, the Council is required to publish and review this policy at least every three years. The policy must align with the three licensing objectives: preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, ensuring gambling is fair and open, and protecting children and vulnerable persons. The report also sought the renewal of the Council's resolution not to issue casino premises licences, a decision first made in 2012 and reaffirmed periodically. The policy document itself provided detailed guidance on various aspects of gambling operations and premises, including licensing framework, risk assessments, types of premises, permits, and enforcement. Consultation responses indicated strong support for retaining the no-casino resolution and for a risk-based approach to licensing decisions.