The County Council of Gloucestershire convened on Wednesday 26 June 2024, addressing a range of significant issues including road safety, the impact of the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023, and historic forced adoptions. Key decisions included the establishment of a cross-party cabinet panel to review road safety policies and the rejection of a motion calling for a formal apology for historic forced adoptions.

Road Safety

The council discussed a motion proposed by Councillor Roger Whyborn and seconded by Councillor Lisa Spivey, which highlighted concerns over the high number of serious road incidents in Gloucestershire. The motion called for a task and finish group to scrutinise the effectiveness of the new Road Safety Policy introduced in late 2022, aiming for a 50% reduction in casualties by 2032. Councillor Dave Norman proposed an amendment to establish a cross-party cabinet panel instead, which was accepted and became the substantive motion. Councillor Norman emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts to achieve the Vision Zero target by 2050.

Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023

Councillor David Drew proposed a motion, seconded by Councillor John Bloxsom, condemning the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023, which imposes restrictions on the right to strike. The motion called for the council to explore options to avoid issuing work notices under the Act. Councillor Drew argued that the legislation was unnecessary and counterproductive, while Councillor Norman defended it as a safeguard for essential services. The motion was ultimately rejected.

Historic Forced Adoptions

A motion proposed by Councillor John Bloxsom and seconded by Councillor Wendy Thomas called for a formal apology for the historic forced adoption of children from unmarried women between 1949 and 1976. The motion referenced the Joint Committee on Human Rights' report and urged the UK Government to issue an apology and provide support services. An amendment by Councillor Stephen Davies, which removed the call for an apology but focused on practical support through Adoption West, was accepted. The amended motion was passed, although it faced criticism for omitting the apology.

Public Questions

Twenty-seven public questions were addressed, covering topics such as cross-border transport services, bus driver recruitment in Stroud, and the reinstatement of transport links between Tewkesbury and Worcester. Councillor Philip Robinson confirmed ongoing efforts to improve transport services and bus driver recruitment, including exploring training opportunities through the council's Employment Skills Hub.

Members' Questions

Fifty-seven members' questions were discussed, with supplementary questions addressing issues such as the Baunton village green application, highway maintenance, and school admissions policies. Councillor Dom Morris and Councillor Philip Robinson provided updates on various projects and initiatives, including the resurfacing of Priors Road in Cheltenham and the implementation of the Family Hub model.

Annual Scrutiny Report 2022/23

Councillor Alan Preest presented the Annual Scrutiny Report 2022/23, highlighting the importance of scrutiny in council operations. Members raised questions about the Cabinet's response to the Rural Estate Scrutiny Task Group and the future of the Gloucestershire Economic Growth Scrutiny Committee.

Gloucestershire Pension Fund Annual Report 2022/2023

Councillor Lynden Stowe presented the Gloucestershire Pension Fund Annual Report 2022/2023, addressing concerns about the committee's investment beliefs, particularly regarding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations.

Calendar of Meetings for 2025

The council approved the calendar of meetings for 2025, with a member raising concerns about the scheduling of multiple committees in the same week.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the printed minutes of the meeting.