The Cheltenham Borough Council Cabinet met on Tuesday 17 December 2024, approving interim budget proposals for both the Housing Revenue Account and the General Fund for public consultation. The Cabinet also approved a collaboration agreement for a Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit and adopted a new Fencing, Hedgerow and Boundary Policy.

Housing Revenue Account and General Fund Interim Budget Proposals

The Cabinet approved interim budget proposals for both the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and the General Fund for the 2025-26 financial year, which will now go out for public consultation.

For the HRA, the proposals include a proposed rent increase of 2.7% and changes to other rents and charges. The HRA capital programme was also approved for consultation. The revised HRA forecast for 2024-25 was noted. Authority was delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151 Officer), in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets, to make any necessary additional material adjustments to the interim budget proposals following the publication of the Local Government Provisional Finance Settlement. Consultation responses are to be sought by 31 January 2025.

For the General Fund, the interim budget proposals for consultation include a proposed council tax increase of 2.99% for a Band D property, subject to the Local Government Provisional Finance Settlement. The schedule of target savings and income generation, along with growth proposals and the proposed capital programme, were approved. Similar to the HRA budget, authority was delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151 Officer) to make any necessary adjustments post-finance settlement. Consultation responses are also to be received by 31 January 2025.

Councillor Alisha Lewis, Cabinet Member for Major Developments & Housing Delivery, presented the HRA report, highlighting it as an opportunity for efficiency savings and investment in housing stock and tenant projects. She also introduced the General Fund budget, framing it within the context of current challenges facing local government and emphasising the importance of safeguarding Cheltenham's finances for its residents. Councillor Peter Jeffries, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member Finance and Assets, acknowledged the passion in Councillor Lewis's presentation and the difficulty of the current financial climate, particularly in light of central government policy changes. Councillor Izaac Tailford, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Culture, Wellbeing and Public Realm, expressed his pleasure that discretionary areas such as culture and wellbeing were protected within the budget. Councillor Flo Clucas, Cabinet Member for Housing & Customer Services, commended the council's commitment to its assets and residents, noting the commercialisation efforts that have built resources.

Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit Collaboration Agreement

The Cabinet approved the council's entry into the Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit (CFEU) Partnership Collaboration Agreement. This agreement establishes a partnership with Tewkesbury Borough Council and Cotswold, Forest of Dean, Stroud, and West Oxfordshire District Councils to share counter fraud and enforcement activities. The agreement is for a term of 10 years, with an option to extend. The cost for Cheltenham Borough Council for 2024/25 is £84,086, which is included within the approved budgets. Councillor Alisha Lewis presented this report, noting the value for money and increased efficiency gained through this shared service.

First Homes Technical Advice Note

The Cabinet approved the First Homes Technical Advice Note (TAN), which sets out Cheltenham Borough Council's approach to delivering First Homes, a discounted market sale housing tenure for first-time buyers. The TAN prioritises shared ownership accommodation over First Homes in most circumstances, aligning with local needs. It also includes local connection criteria to prioritise local residents. An administration fee of £175 per dwelling will be charged to developers for the initial sale and to vendors for resales. Authority was delegated to the Housing Strategy & Partnerships Manager to make minor updates to the TAN. Councillor Flo Clucas, Cabinet Member for Housing & Customer Services, introduced the TAN, emphasising its role in providing clarity to developers and ensuring local people benefit from affordable housing. Councillor Izaac Tailford, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Culture, Wellbeing and Public Realm, welcomed the report, particularly the reiteration of the council's policy on affordable housing, with a strong emphasis on social housing for rent.

Fencing, Hedgerow and Boundary Policy

The Cabinet approved Cheltenham Borough Council's Fencing, Hedgerow and Boundary Policy. This policy outlines the council's approach to the repair, maintenance, and renewal of boundary fencing for its tenants. It adopts a repair first approach to maximise the longevity of existing fences and encourages the use of hedgerows where practicable to promote biodiversity. The policy will be reviewed in one year, with specific actions to be undertaken during that period, including a cost-benefit analysis of hedging versus fencing and exploring ways to support tenants in managing hedges. Councillor Flo Clucas presented the policy, highlighting its focus on wildlife and improving the appearance of council estates.

Approval for Publication of Infrastructure Funding Statement and CIL Rate Summary Statement

The Cabinet approved the publication of the Infrastructure Funding Statement (IFS) for the financial year ending 31 March 2024, and noted that the Annual CIL Rate Summary Statement will be published alongside it. Both documents are statutory requirements and will be published by 31 December 2024. The IFS details the income and expenditure of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and Section 106 (S106) contributions, and includes an Infrastructure List to guide future funding priorities. Councillor Mike Collins, Deputy Mayor, presented the report, emphasizing the legal obligation to publish these statements and the potential for CIL/S106 funds to positively impact environmental initiatives.

Briefing Session from Cabinet Members

Cabinet members provided updates on various areas:

• Councillor Izaac Tailford (Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Culture, Wellbeing and Public Realm) congratulated the Everyman Theatre on its pantomime launch and highlighted Cheltenham's cultural offerings. He also spoke about his participation in European meetings, discussing the role of culture in community building and the potential for Cheltenham to lead on initiatives like a European music day.
• Councillor Flo Clucas (Cabinet Member for Housing & Customer Services) shared her experiences at European meetings, discussing housing and the potential impact of a European card. She also attended a briefing with the housing regulator, emphasizing the importance of the tenant voice.
• Councillor Peter Jeffries (Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member Finance and Assets) thanked the teams working on complex projects like the Golden Valley development and housing delivery, wishing them a Merry Christmas.
• Councillor Iain Dobie (Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency) visited Bornside School to see progress on a ground-source heat pump installation, contrasting this with a previous rejection of a similar suggestion for a new high school by Gloucestershire County Council.
• Councillor Izaac Tailford (Cabinet Member for Waste, Recycling and Public Realm) announced a new tree sponsorship scheme at the crematorium and provided details on revised waste and recycling collection schedules over the Christmas period, explaining this was to allow waste and recycling teams a proper break.
• Councillor Mike Collins (Deputy Mayor) mentioned the recent changes to the National Planning Policy Framework and the new housing targets, noting that members would receive a policy briefing on these changes.
• Councillor Alisha Lewis (Cabinet Member for Major Developments & Housing Delivery) reminded residents that the budget consultation would be open over the festive period and thanked the finance and assets teams for their work.
• Councillor Rowena Hay (Leader of the Council) reflected on the council's achievements over the year, including welcoming housing colleagues back in-house, the success of the Minster Exchange and Minster Gardens, and the council's accolades for parks and safety. She also acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly regarding the National Planning Policy Framework and the recent government white paper announcement, viewing these as opportunities. She also highlighted the success of the ice rink and congratulated Cheltenham Town's women's team on reaching the fourth round of the Women's FA Cup.

Decisions of Cabinet Members

Two decisions were reported:

• Councillor Izaac Tailford awarded a contract to Dennis Eagle Ltd for the supply of two new refuse collection vehicles, which will allow for the expansion of curbside recycling services, including soft plastics and tetra packs.
• Councillor Alisha Lewis made minor alterations to the scheme for raising additional council tax on long-term empty properties to align with central government policy.