Subscribe to updates
You'll receive weekly summaries about Gloucestershire Council every week.
If you have any requests or comments please let us know at community@opencouncil.network. We can also provide custom updates on particular topics across councils.
Summary
Open Council Network is an independent organisation. We report on Gloucestershire and are not the council. About us
The Cabinet of Gloucestershire County Council met on Wednesday 22 July 2026. The meeting saw the approval and adoption of a new Property Maintenance Strategy for 2026-2029 and the approval of the adoption of a policy to charge for excess DIY waste at Household Recycling Centres.
Domestic Abuse Duty Funding: Allocation and Associated Commissioning and Contract Extension Decisions
Cabinet resolved to approve the allocation of £2,202,331 to fund various domestic abuse support services. This funding, comprising £1,667,872 from the Domestic Abuse (DA) Duty Funding and £534,459 from a historic grant underspend, will support projects and commissioning activities providing support in safe accommodation until June 2032.
Key decisions included:
- Approval of the award of call-off contracts to GreenSquareAccord Limited under the Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS) framework. These contracts cover core support for victims, support in safe accommodation, and training for professionals, with durations ranging from two to six years, including extension options.
- Approval of the allocation of £189,924 to £211,026 annually from the DA Duty Funding for housing support and management costs within the Places of Safety scheme until October 2030. This funding will be transferred to Gloucester City Council, the host local authority for the Gloucestershire Housing Partnership.
- Approval of a change to a previous decision to allocate up to £275,000 from DA Duty Funding to Gloucester City Council for a pilot Respite Rooms scheme, aimed at supporting victims with complex needs.
- Delegation of authority to the Executive Director of Children's Services to allocate £200,000 from the DA Duty Funding for wellbeing and recovery support for children and young people in safe accommodation.
- Approval of the allocation of an estimated £524,913 from DA Duty Funding and grant underspend to cover the costs of key roles and corporate support for domestic abuse services until June 2028. This includes funding for a Public Health Manager for domestic abuse, jointly funded roles with the Gloucestershire Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), and a Senior Public Health Officer.
- Delegation of authority to the Director of Public Health to allocate up to £270,000 to fund statutory partners within the Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board (LPB) to support their work with victims in safe accommodation.
- Approval of the allocation of £744,717 of historic grant underspend to cover potential funding gaps for support in safe accommodation projects after 2028/29.
- Approval of a change in the funding source for several projects from historic domestic abuse grant underspend or the council's domestic abuse budget to DA Duty Funding. This ensures better utilisation of funding and longer-term viability for projects.
The funding aims to meet the council's statutory duties under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and support the Gloucestershire Tackling Domestic Abuse Strategy 2025-28.
GCC Property Maintenance Strategy 2026-2029
Cabinet approved and adopted the new Property Maintenance Strategy for 2026-2029. This strategy outlines a clear approach to maintaining the council's property portfolio in a cost-effective, compliant, and sustainable manner. It aims to ensure assets remain safe, operational, and aligned with corporate objectives, with a focus on shifting from reactive repairs to planned, preventative maintenance to reduce long-term costs and extend asset life. The strategy also supports sustainability goals by improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. Authority was delegated to the Assistant Director of Asset Management and Property Services (AMPS) to implement the strategy.
Charging for excess DIY waste at Household Recycling Centres
A new policy was approved for the adoption of charging residents for disposing of excess Do-It-Yourself (DIY) waste at the council's five Household Recycling Centres (HRCs). This policy allows for a free allowance of DIY waste per visit, with charges applied to amounts exceeding this limit. The aim is to generate an estimated net revenue of £300k - £450k per year, contributing to the council's income targets and reducing the cost burden of managing DIY waste. The policy is compliant with government regulations, and a new online booking and payment system will be procured to facilitate its implementation. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Economy, Environment and Infrastructure to implement the policy and procure the necessary IT system.
Proposals for Fire Cover Optimisation and Response Measures Review in Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service
Cabinet approved conducting an 8-week public consultation on proposals to optimise fire cover across Gloucestershire. The key proposal involves redeploying existing wholetime night-time resources from Cheltenham West to Cinderford to establish a wholetime day-crewed model in Cinderford. This move aims to better align resources with community risk and demand, particularly in the Forest of Dean district, which experiences higher levels of deprivation and vulnerability. The consultation will gather feedback to inform final recommendations before seeking Cabinet approval.
Recommissioning of the young people's healthy relationship support service
Cabinet delegated authority to the Director of Public Health to conduct a procurement process and award a contract for a domestic abuse and healthy relationship support service for young people in Gloucestershire. The new service, commencing April 2027, will have an initial two-year term with options to extend for a further two years twice, potentially running for six years. An allocation of £270,000 from the DA Duty Funding/domestic abuse grant underspend will part-fund the contract, including specific support for children and young people in safe accommodation. Additionally, a funding agreement with the OPCC will provide up to £60,000 per annum to fund a Children and Young Person Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (CHIDVA) role until March 2029.
Domestic Abuse Duty Funding: Allocation and Associated Commissioning and Contract Extension Decisions
In addition to the funding for safe accommodation support, Cabinet approved further allocations from the Domestic Abuse Duty Funding and historic grant underspend. This included:
- £2,202,331 for call-off contracts with GreenSquareAccord Limited under the GDASS framework for core support for victims, support in safe accommodation, and training for professionals.
- £189,924 to £211,026 annually for housing support and management costs within the Places of Safety scheme, with funding transferred to Gloucester City Council.
- £275,000 from DA Duty Funding to Gloucester City Council for a pilot Respite Rooms scheme.
- £200,000 from DA Duty Funding for wellbeing and recovery support for children and young people in safe accommodation.
- £524,913 for the allocation of roles and corporate support costs related to domestic abuse duties.
- £270,000 for a funding pot for the Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board (LPB) to support statutory partners' work with victims in safe accommodation.
- £744,717 of historic grant underspend to cover potential funding gaps for support in safe accommodation projects after 2028/29.
- A change in funding source for several projects from historic grant underspend or the council's domestic abuse budget to DA Duty Funding.
Refurbishment of The Birches
Cabinet approved a spend of £600,000 to refurbish The Birches building in Tewkesbury. The refurbishment will create improved space for vulnerable children and young people to receive support and undertake accredited programmes, as well as providing enhanced office space for the Youth Justice Service and establishing a dedicated Harm Outside the Home (HOTH) hub. Authority was delegated to the Assistant Director for Asset Management and Property Services (AMPS) to conduct a competitive procurement process and award the refurbishment contract.
M5 Junction 9 and A46 (Ashchurch) Transport Scheme
Cabinet delegated authority to the Executive Director of Economy, Environment and Infrastructure to award a call-off contract to AtkinsRealis for Highways Traffic and Transport services until March 2027, with a cost cap of £534k for work until October 2026, and to continue work on the Strategic Outline Case (SOC) and Outline Business Case (OBC) for the M5 Junction 9 and A46 (Ashchurch) Transport Scheme. Scheme approvals will be increased by £360k to match proposed spend. A further report is required in October 2026 to clarify government commitment to the scheme following expected delays in funding announcements.
Provision of a recycling, general waste, food and confidential collection service for Schools and Corporate property
Cabinet approved a proposed twenty-four-month extension to existing contracts for recycling, general waste, food, and confidential waste collection services for schools and corporate properties. The extension, commencing 1 May 2027, will run until 30 April 2029, allowing time to procure a replacement framework agreement that reflects requirements arising from Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
Cleaning and Caretaking at Schools and Corporate properties in Gloucestershire
A six-month extension was approved for existing call-off contracts for cleaning and caretaking services at the council's corporate properties and participating schools. This extension, commencing 1 August 2027, will provide time to procure a new four-year multi-supplier Framework Agreement, commencing 1 February 2028. The new framework will be divided into six geographical lots and will cover the council's corporate estate, participating schools, and external public sector partners. Authority was delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Corporate Resources to conduct the procurement process.
Gloucestershire Safeguarding Adults Board Strategy 2026-29
Cabinet approved the three-year Gloucestershire Safeguarding Adults Board (GSAB) Strategy for 2026-29. The strategy aims to reduce the impact of abuse on adults at risk through three workstreams: Reducing Risk, Raising Awareness, and Improving Practice. The strategy will be implemented within existing resources, with no additional funding required.
Youth Justice Plan 2026 - 27
Cabinet recommended that the Council adopt the Youth Justice Plan 2026/2027 as part of the Council's Budget & Policy Framework. This annual update forms part of a three-year strategy for the Gloucestershire Youth Justice Service (2025-2028) and focuses on workforce integration, the 'Child First' framework, promoting inclusion, improving health and wellbeing, and ensuring an effective response to victims.
Re-commissioning of the Children and Young People's Advocacy Service
Authority was delegated to the Executive Director for Children's Services to conduct a preliminary market engagement exercise and a competitive procurement process for a new Children and Young People's Advocacy Service. The proposed contract will have an initial three-year term with an option to extend for up to two years, and will include a parental advocacy element funded by the Families First Partnership Programme. The estimated annual contract value is approximately £269,521, rising to £307,380 with inflationary uplifts.
Direct Award of Support & Maintenance contract for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service Vision5 and Integrated Communication Control Systems
Cabinet approved the direct award of a five-year call-off contract to NEC Software Solutions UK Limited (NEC) for system maintenance and support services for the Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) Fire Control Room's Vision 5 and Integrated Communications Control System (ICCS). The contract value is £611,265 excluding VAT and Indexation, funded from the GFRS revenue base budget. This ensures the continued safe, secure, and reliable operation of these critical systems.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
-
Proposals for Fire Cover Optimisation and Response Measures Review in Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service
Recommendations ApprovedThe Director of Children's Services decided on 16/06/2026 to appoint preferred tenderers to a new multi-supplier open framework agreement for supported accommodation for 16 & 17 year old looked after children and care leavers. The framework will allow for the admission of new suppliers and the procurement of call-off contracts for supported accommodation services.
The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Assets and Transformation decided on 21/07/2026 to approve a modification to increase the value of the Minor Reactive Works and Statutory Servicing Framework Agreement from £5.6 million to £8.1 million. This will enable the variation of call-off contracts for ongoing statutory servicing and reactive minor works until a new framework commences.
The Interim Assistant Director of Asset Management & Property Services decided on 12/06/2026 to award a works contract to Snape Contracting for the supply of an additional bedroom to a private homeowner's property as part of a pilot project to support foster carers. The contract has a maximum cost of £115,200 and works are expected to be completed before the end of 2026.
-
Recommissioning of the young people’s healthy relationship support service
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet approved recommendations for the recommissioning of the young people’s healthy relationship support service on 22/07/2026. The decision authorises the Director of Public Health to conduct a competitive procurement process, award the contract, and determine contract extensions. This includes allocating £270,000 from the Domestic Abuse Duty Funding/grant underspend and entering into a funding agreement with the OPCC for a CHIDVA.
-
GCC Property Maintenance Strategy 2026-2029
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet approved and adopted the Property Maintenance Strategy 2026-2029 on 22/07/2026. The Assistant Director of Asset Management and Property Services was delegated authority to implement the strategy.
Sarah Scott, Executive Director of Adult Social Care, Wellbeing and Communities, decided on 19/08/2025 to award a contract for Adult Social Care Improvement to Newton Consulting Limited for an initial period of four months, with an option to extend for two months. This decision followed a mini-competition process.
Nina Philippidis, Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Corporate Resources, decided on 02/12/2025 to award a contract for actuarial services to the Gloucestershire Pension Fund to Hymans Robertson LLP for an initial period of four years, with an option to extend for three years. This decision followed a mini-competition process.
Colin Chick, Executive Director of Economy, Environment and Infrastructure, decided on 11/05/2026 to exercise a three-year extension option on the Council's contract with West Mercia Energy for the supply of renewable electricity and gas. This decision was made in accordance with a Cabinet decision from 22 December 2021.
-
Domestic Abuse Duty Funding: Allocation and Associated Commissioning and Contract Extension Decisions
Recommendations ApprovedGloucestershire Cabinet decided on 22/07/2026 to approve the allocation of £2,202,331 of Domestic Abuse Duty Funding and historic underspend to fund call-off contracts and associated commissioning activities. The Cabinet approved the award of four call-off contracts to GreenSquareAccord Limited for victim support, safe accommodation support, and professional training, with delegated authority to the Director of Public Health to exercise extension options. Further decisions included approving funding for housing support and management costs within the Places of Safety scheme, a pilot Respite Rooms scheme, and wellbeing and recovery support for children and young people, alongside funding for specific roles and corporate support costs.
-
Refurbishment of The Birches
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve the spend of £600,000 to refurbish The Birches building. This decision was made on 22/07/2026. The refurbishment will provide improved space for vulnerable children and young people, and improved office space for the Youth Justice Service and a Harm Outside the Home hub.
-
Domestic Abuse Duty Funding: Allocation and Associated Commissioning and Contract Extension Decisions
Recommendations ApprovedThe Deputy Leader - Finance, Assets & Transformation decided on 21/07/2026 to approve a modification to the Minor Reactive Works and Statutory Servicing Framework Agreement. This modification increases the agreement's value from £5.6 million to £8.1 million to allow existing call-off contracts to continue until a new framework is in place. Authority was delegated to the Interim Assistant Director – Asset Management and Property Services to manage the existing agreement.
-
Re-commissioning of the Children and Young People’s Advocacy Service
Recommendations ApprovedThe Director of Children's Services appointed preferred tenderers to an open framework agreement for supported accommodation for 16 and 17 year old looked after children and care leavers on 16 June 2026. The decision includes reopening the framework periodically to admit new suppliers and awarding call-off contracts as needed for individual children.
-
Gloucestershire Safeguarding Adults Board Strategy 2026-29
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve the Gloucestershire Safeguarding Adults Board Strategy 2026-29 on 22/07/2026. The strategy aims to reduce the impact of abuse on adults at risk in Gloucestershire through three workstreams: Reducing Risk, Raising Awareness, and Improving Practice.
-
Charging for excess DIY waste at Household Recycling Centres
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve the adoption of a DIY waste charging policy for Household Recycling Centres. This policy will allow residents to dispose of a free allowance of DIY waste, with charges applied for excess amounts. The decision was made on 22/07/2026. The Executive Director of Economy, Environment and Infrastructure, in consultation with the Cabinet member for Nature, Climate and Waste Reduction, has been delegated authority to implement the policy, procure an online booking and payment system, and modify the contract with Ubico Ltd.
-
M5 Junction 9 and A46 (Ashchurch) Transport Scheme
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve recommendations for the M5 Junction 9 and A46 (Ashchurch) Transport Scheme on 22 July 2026. The decision allows for continued work on the Strategic Outline Case and Outline Business Case, and the award of a call-off contract to AtkinsRealis for professional services. This includes identifying refined scheme location options and undertaking public engagement if required.
-
Provision of a recycling, general waste, food and confidential collection service for Schools and Corporate property
Recommendations ApprovedThe Deputy Leader - Finance, Assets & Transformation approved a modification to the Minor Reactive Works and Statutory Servicing Framework Agreement on 21/07/2026. This modification increases the agreement's value from £5.6 million to £8.1 million to allow ongoing statutory servicing and reactive minor works to continue. Authority was delegated to the Interim Assistant Director – Asset Management and Property Services to manage the existing framework agreement.
-
Cleaning and Caretaking at Schools and Corporate properties in Gloucestershire
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve a six-month extension to existing cleaning and caretaking contracts for schools and corporate properties, commencing 1 August 2027. The Cabinet also delegated authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Corporate Resources to procure a replacement framework agreement and call-off contracts. This includes conducting a competitive procurement process for a four-year multi-supplier framework agreement, appointing tenderers to specific lots, and awarding call-off contracts for the council's corporate estate.
-
Refurbishment of The Birches
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Gloucestershire Council resolved to approve the spend of £600,000 to refurbish The Birches building for improved space for vulnerable children and young people, and for the Youth Justice Service and Harm Outside the Home hub. Authority was delegated to the Assistant Director for Asset Management and Property Services to conduct procurement and award the refurbishment contract.
Siobhan Farmer, Director of Public Health, decided to award a call-off contract to Caring for Communities and People Ltd (CCP) for accommodation-based housing-related support to refugees at Wheatridge Court. The contract will run for an initial period of one year from 1st July 2026, with an option to extend for a further year.
The Cabinet of Gloucestershire Council approved the adoption of the Green Skills Strategy 2026-2030. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Environment, Economy and Infrastructure, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, to implement the strategy and participate in the Federated Faculty.
Cllr Martin Horwood and Cllr Colin Hay decided to exercise the Council's three-year extension option under its contract with EDF Energy Ltd for the sale of electricity. This decision was made using general exception rules due to urgency related to volatile electricity prices.
-
Youth Justice Plan 2026 - 27
Recommendations ApprovedGloucestershire County Council Cabinet decided on 22 July 2026 to recommend that the Council adopt the Youth Justice Plan 2026/2027. The Cabinet also approved the spend of £600,000 to refurbish The Birches building and delegated authority to the Assistant Director for Asset Management and Property Services to procure and award the refurbishment contract. The refurbishment will provide improved space for vulnerable children and young people and improved office space for the Youth Justice Service and a Harm Outside the Home hub.
-
Youth Justice Plan 2026 - 27
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve the Youth Justice Plan 2026-27 on 22/07/2026. The plan was recommended for adoption by the Council as part of its Budget & Policy Framework. The decision included incorporating eleven recommendations from an HM Inspectorate of Probation inspection into the Youth Justice Plan and an improvement plan.
-
Direct Award of Support & Maintenance contract for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service Vision5 and Integrated Communication Control Systems
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve the direct award of a call-off contract for system maintenance and support services for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service's Vision5 and Integrated Communication Control Systems. This decision was made on 22/07/2026. The contract will be awarded to NEC Software Solutions UK Limited for a period of five years.
-
GCC Property Maintenance Strategy 2026-2029
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve and adopt the Property Maintenance Strategy 2026-2029 on 22/07/2026. Authority was delegated to the Assistant Director of Asset Management and Property Services to implement the strategy. The decision included approving the strategy's approach to maintaining the council's property portfolio in a cost-effective, compliant, and sustainable way.
Attendees
Topics
Meeting Documents
Agenda