A continuation meeting of the Full Council of Forest of Dean Council was scheduled to consider several significant motions, including proposals on preventing poverty at the end of life, the rotation of committee chairs and vice-chairs, and the protection of specialist housing for older residents. The council was also scheduled to discuss the Forest of Dean UNESCO Biosphere Reserve application, with two separate motions addressing concerns about its economic case, consultation process, and governance. Additionally, a motion regarding the televising of a national emergency briefing on the climate and nature crisis was scheduled for discussion.

Poverty at the End of Life

Councillor Julia Gooch was scheduled to present a motion concerning poverty at the end of life. The motion noted that terminal illness can place significant financial pressure on individuals and families, citing research from Marie Curie indicating that over 100,000 people die in poverty across the UK each year. The motion proposed working with Marie Curie and other relevant organisations to ensure the Council's support reflects best practice. The council was scheduled to consider resolutions to support enhanced Council Tax Support for low-income households where a resident is living with a terminal illness, including the possibility of a 100% reduction in Council Tax liability. It was also scheduled to request that the Cabinet include appropriate provision for such households in the next Local Council Tax Support Scheme and prioritise them for support through the Council's Crisis and Resilience Fund.

Rotation and Tenure of Chairs and Vice-Chairs

Councillor Julia Gooch was also scheduled to present a motion regarding the rotation and tenure of Chairs and Vice-Chairs. The motion noted that these roles undertake important democratic, civic, and leadership responsibilities. It recognised the value of experience and continuity but also the need for opportunities for a broad range of elected members to develop skills. The motion aimed to ensure Vice-Chair appointments form part of a genuine succession pathway and that constitutional arrangements operate fairly regardless of political composition. The council was scheduled to consider amending the Constitution to limit service as Chair or Vice-Chair of the Council or any committee to a maximum of two consecutive years, with a minimum two-year period away from such positions before becoming eligible to serve again.

Protection of Specialist Housing for Older and Vulnerable Residents

Councillor Stuart Graham was scheduled to present a motion on the protection of specialist housing for older and vulnerable residents. The motion recognised the Council's statutory responsibilities towards homeless individuals and its participation in the Homeseeker Plus common allocations scheme. It highlighted concerns that specialist accommodation intended for older and vulnerable residents might be used for applicants whose age, support requirements, or behavioural history make such accommodation inappropriate, citing instances of antisocial behaviour in such developments. The council was scheduled to consider adopting the principle that specialist housing should be treated as a dedicated resource, working with Homeseeker Plus to ensure age and eligibility restrictions are applied consistently. It was also scheduled to consider identifying specialist developments for Local Lettings Plans and ensuring suitability assessments for applicants to such accommodation, with particular regard to the safety and wellbeing of existing residents.

Forest of Dean UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Application

Two motions concerning the Forest of Dean UNESCO Biosphere Reserve application were scheduled for discussion.

The first, presented by Councillor Stuart Graham, titled Independent Business Case, Consultation Integrity, Public Expenditure and Governance Assurance, raised concerns about the economic case for the Biosphere. The motion noted that the 2019 economic appraisal was preliminary and not a full business case, and that the widely cited 3.89:1 benefit-cost ratio was not sufficiently reliable for current use. The motion also sought clear separation between those promoting the proposal and those testing its case, and safeguards for officers and contractors. It proposed requiring an independent business case before any further material discretionary funding or major operational commitment, suspending the current consultation, withdrawing the 3.89:1 figure, and correcting existing material.

The second motion, presented by Councillor Bernie O'Neill, titled Motion to Full Council: Forest of Dean UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Application, highlighted that effective consultation with key community groups, such as the Forest of Dean Commoners Association, had not taken place. This motion proposed continuing local consultation with all parish and town councils, establishing a representative community panel, conducting a balanced examination of evidence, publishing findings, and holding a district-wide referendum alongside the May 2027 elections, with a commitment to honouring the electorate's decision.

Motion on Televising the National Emergency Briefing on the Climate and Nature Crisis

Councillor Jacob Sanders was scheduled to present a motion supporting the National Emergency Briefing initiative's call for a primetime televised national emergency briefing on climate and nature. The motion noted the initiative's aim to reset public understanding of the threats and the benefits of bold action, and to build support for a collective national response. Forest of Dean District Council had unanimously declared a Climate Emergency in December 2018, and the motion stated the council's belief that elected politicians have a responsibility to ensure residents are well-informed about national risks. The council was scheduled to resolve to publicly support the initiative, inform local residents of this decision, make council-operated venues available for community screenings, and write to Matt Bishop MP and the National Emergency Briefing team to express its support.

Cabinet and Scrutiny Committee Reports

The Full Council was also scheduled to receive reports from the Cabinet and the Strategic Overview and Scrutiny Committee, allowing for questions from members on recent activities and performance.

The Cabinet report, presented by Councillor Adrian Birch, Leader of the Council, was scheduled to detail a joint project with Historic England to analyse conservation areas. The project identified Snigs End, Coleford, and Lydney as the highest priority for future action. The Cabinet was scheduled to note the value of the analysis, embed the information into council processes, and work with partners to develop action plans and seek funding for priority recommendations. The Cabinet was also scheduled to consider updated Grant Management, Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering, and Counter Fraud and Anti-Corruption Policies. A financial performance report for Period Four was also scheduled to be presented, with a note that services had been delivered within budget for 2025/2026.

Further Cabinet reports, scheduled for 10 September 2026, were to include consideration of the introduction of the James Watch service across Forest Linkline and Cotswold Careline, a GPS-enabled telecare device. The Cabinet was also scheduled to consider the implementation of a Health and Safety Delegated Responsibility Framework and receive an update on the Council's priorities and service performance for Quarter One. A financial performance report for Quarter One was also scheduled to be presented, with consideration of renaming the Business Rates equalisation reserve to the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Reserve.

The Overview & Scrutiny Committee report, scheduled for consideration on 16 July 2026, was to note additional meeting dates and discuss the Joint Scrutiny Panel's Terms of Reference. Questions were scheduled to be raised regarding Section 106 processes, the proposed Forest Gateway road, public transport, and regeneration. Service performance reports were also scheduled to be discussed, with questions to be raised about El Niño risks, Forest Fitness and Cinderford Leisure Centre condition surveys, FOI performance, affordable housing, recycling targets, Disabled Facilities Grants, fly-tipping, Publica Partnerships, household recycling centre charges, and staff recruitment and retention. Questions were also scheduled to be raised regarding Service Level Agreements and grants, including funding criteria and organisational dependency on Council funding.

The Strategic Overview & Scrutiny Committee, scheduled to meet on 24 September 2026, was to note the Scrutiny Plan and discuss referrals to the Committee, including the Local Plan Process & Evidence and the Cinderford Leisure Centre report. A presentation was scheduled to be given by Freedom Leisure, with questions to be raised on funding criteria, grant sustainability, leisure service challenges, facilities, pricing, complaints, Five Acres operations, swimming participation, financial risk, and contingency planning. An update on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) was also scheduled to be presented, with questions to be raised concerning the continuation of LGR work, authority for work streams, value for money, government reimbursement, impact on staff, and implications for future District Council elections. A request for further investigation into a Combined Authority proposal with an urgent Task & Finish Group was also to be noted.