The Gloucestershire Economy, Climate Change and Waste Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Friday 25 September 2026 to discuss the draft Food and Farming Strategy, the Digital Infrastructure, Inclusion and Innovation Strategy's delivery and investment plan, and the proposed engagement strategy for the Spatial Development Strategy. The committee also received updates on the City Region Board, Climate Leadership Gloucestershire, and the council's performance.

GCC Food and Farming Strategy

The committee considered the draft Gloucestershire Food and Farming Strategy, which aims to support the sector through leadership, advocacy, and partnership working. The strategy focuses on four priorities: championing the sector, developing skills and innovation, supporting sustainable business models, and strengthening partnerships. While the strategy was generally welcomed, members raised concerns about the need for clearer measurable outcomes and quantifiable SMART targets. The committee recommended that the strategy articulate its scope and limitations, explore opportunities for agri-solar farming in its appendix, and extend its timeframe to ten years or more. Specific recommendations were made to include quantifiable targets for funding, food security, protection of farmland, local procurement, horticulture, training and opportunities, accountability, and transparency.

Digital Infrastructure, Inclusion and Innovation Strategy - Delivery and Investment Plan

Members reviewed the proposed delivery programme for the Digital Strategy, which encompasses digital infrastructure, inclusion, and innovation. The strategy has a budget of over £8 million, primarily funded by gainshare contributions from the Fastershire Broadband Project. The plan includes investments in expanding broadband and mobile connectivity, particularly in rural areas, and a countywide digital inclusion service to provide residents with skills, devices, and support. The digital innovation programme aims to help businesses adopt new technologies and improve cyber resilience. Concerns were raised about the targeting of funding towards rural areas, the effectiveness of digital inclusion support, mobile coverage in rural areas, and the potential for AI traffic-monitoring cameras to collect personal data. Officers assured the committee that funding would be targeted to address connectivity gaps and that the strategy would be flexible to adapt to technological changes.

Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) - Informal Engagement Period

The committee received an overview of the emerging Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) framework and the proposed engagement programme for November-December 2026. The SDS will provide a strategic planning framework for Gloucestershire, covering areas such as housing, infrastructure, transport, economic growth, and climate change. The proposed engagement includes an online survey, in-person and online events, and targeted outreach to seldom-heard groups. Members expressed concerns about potential consultation fatigue due to concurrent planning consultations and the sufficiency of the six-week engagement period. They also highlighted the importance of clear communication, accessible materials, and effective promotion of the consultation. The committee was assured that efforts would be made to coordinate communications and engagement activities across different planning workstreams and to ensure that feedback would inform the SDS.

Executive Director's Report

This report was taken as read, with members encouraged to submit questions directly to the relevant officer. It provided an update on various areas within the Executive Director's responsibilities, including highways, transport, economy, planning, and waste management.

City Region Board Update

This item was also taken as read, with members encouraged to submit questions. The update provided a summary of key discussions and decisions from the City Region Board meeting.

Climate Leadership Gloucestershire

This update report was taken as read, with members encouraged to submit questions. It provided information on the progress of Climate Leadership Gloucestershire's action plan and funding updates.

Quarter 1 2026/27 Performance Report

This report was taken as read, with members encouraged to submit questions. It presented the council's performance data for the first quarter of the financial year.

Work Plan

The committee discussed its work plan for the upcoming year. It was proposed that the Chair, Vice-Chair, Democratic Services Officer, Cabinet Members, and relevant officers would collaborate to develop an initial work plan proposal for consideration at the next meeting. Several suggestions for future scrutiny items were also put forward, including EV strategy, M5 Junctions 9 and 10, broadband provision, Local Nature Recovery Strategy, the Spatial Development Strategy, and climate adaptation.

Future Meetings

The dates for future meetings of the committee were noted.

The meeting concluded at 13:14.