The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Forest of Dean Council was scheduled to consider its future work plan and the Cabinet's forward plan. The committee was also scheduled to receive an update on the Five Acres redevelopment project and a report from Councillor John Francis regarding the Combined Authority for Gloucestershire Task & Finish Group. Additionally, a presentation on the Leisure Report was scheduled.

The Scrutiny Forward Plan

The committee was scheduled to review and note the future Scrutiny work plan. This included a specific item concerning the Local Plan Process & Evidence, which was requested for scrutiny by Councillor John Francis. The request highlighted concerns about the transition from the Legacy Plan process to the Gateway Process, noting that the evidence base was not yet complete. The aim was to identify issues and problems before embarking on the Gateway Process and to consider how the council would manage risks, including potential legal challenges, and how to effectively engage communities.

The Cabinet Forward Plan

The committee was scheduled to consider the Cabinet forward plan and identify any items that members might wish to call into Overview and Scrutiny. The Cabinet's forward plan, covering November 2026 to February 2027, included several key decisions. These were scheduled to include the New Local Plan - Scoping, the Lydney Neighbourhood Development Plan 2025-2043, and the Budget Strategy 2027-2028. Other items included updates on the Preventing Homelessness Action Plan and the Arts, Culture & Heritage Strategy.

Five Acres Redevelopment Project

An update on the Five Acres Redevelopment Project was scheduled to be provided by Nigel Brinn, the Chief Executive Officer.

Combined Authority for Gloucestershire Task & Finish Group

Councillor John Francis was scheduled to provide an update to the committee on the Combined Authority for Gloucestershire Task & Finish Group. This group had previously met on 1 October 2026 and had explored implications of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), devolution, and future strategic authority arrangements for Gloucestershire. The group had identified concerns regarding the potential loss of local democratic representation through the creation of large unitary authorities and the distinction between devolution and LGR. An emerging alternative governance model was discussed, proposing a Gloucestershire Strategic Authority led by a directly elected Mayor, with the retention of local councils. The group's recommendations included requesting officers to prepare a high-level options appraisal for this model, provide advice on legal and policy implications, conduct comparative research into other governance models, and clarify Gloucestershire's current position regarding devolution discussions.

Leisure Report

A presentation on the Leisure Report was scheduled to be given by Andy Barge, Director of Communities and Place. This report was extensive, covering 76 pages of the public reports pack. The minutes from the previous meeting on 24 September 2026 indicated that discussions around leisure services had included the operations of Freedom Leisure, including their FLAIR scheme, the potential installation of solar PV panels, and the sustainability of their services. The minutes also detailed discussions about the Income Agency Agreement with Freedom Leisure, concessions for veterans, the HYROX fitness programme, and the impact of reduced opening hours at Newent Leisure Centre. The minutes also noted that Cabinet had approved Freedom Leisure as the preferred operator for the new Five Acres facilities.

The committee was also scheduled to receive public questions and consider any urgent business. Future meetings were scheduled for 26 November 2026, 14 January 2027, and 4 March 2027.