Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

There were none.

There were none.

Minutes of the meeting held on 18 February will be approved at the next meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on 18 February 2025 will be approved at the next meeting.

Questions must be received no later than 12 noon on the seventh working day before the date of the meeting

There were no questions or petitions on this occasion.

The Leader introduced her report, saying that the government announced one more year of UK Shared Prosperity Funding in its autumn budget, with a further announcement in December 2024 that in April 2025, CBC will receive an allocation of £385,390, being £72,155 capital and £314,235 revenue funding, to be spent on activities taking place between 01 April 2025 and 31 March 2026.  This is a tight deadline, and although not a huge amount of money, it could make a difference to a lot of organisations.  The recommendation is for allocation of the funding to be delegated to the Leader, in consultation with the UKSPF assessment panel and Cabinet Members. 

Members will note from the recommendations that she has already allocated £102,848 to two contracts to continue delivery of the Cheltenham Growth Plan. 

The Cabinet Member for Safety and Communities welcomed the award, which goes a little way to help support and deliver vital projects in the coming year, including NCLB and other brilliant initiatives.

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    the award to the council of £385,390 UKSPF funding for 2025-26 is noted;

2.    acceptance of the UKSPF funding is approved, noting the reporting requirements and delivery arrangements imposed by the Funder;

3.    the decision by Councillor Rowena Hay, Leader of Cheltenham Borough Council, to allocate £102,848 of the funding to enter into two contracts to continue the delivery of Cheltenham Growth Hub is noted;

4.    authority is delegated to Councillor Rowena Hay, Leader of Cheltenham Borough Council, in consultation with the UKSPF assessment panel and Cabinet members, to allocate funding for delivery of projects in line with UKSPF criteria and corporate plan priorities.

The Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Wellbeing and Culture introduced his report, saying that overall the 2024-25 Cheltenham Ice Rink was a fantastic overall success, thanks largely to Helen Mole and her team who secured more sponsorship than before.  He also thanked Lidl GB, the main sponsor, S3K, the operator, and the 22 locally-recruited staff.

He ran through the highlights as set out in the report, including:

-       the positive economic impact, calculated at an additional £530k spent in the town;

-       the environmental impact, with 98% less greenhouse gas emissions than 2021 through sustainable fuel and electric power – despite a slight glitch towards to end which impacted the financial goals;

-       the social impact, with 500 free tickets, and special sessions for a wide range of users, making it more inclusive and accessible than before;

-       the financial impact, which after the UK Prosperity Fund was deducted, was just £24k;

-       most importantly, a lot of people had a lot of fun, and the event has become part of Cheltenham’s calendar. 

He confirmed the recommendations as set out in the report, and hoped that Members would be happy to approve.

Members thanked the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Wellbeing and Culture and congratulated all involved.  They made the following comments:

-       the reduced environmental impact, in line with CBC’s Net Zero targets, is especially welcome, with an update on further progress anticipated, which will totally remove the need for a generator for all festival events;

-       the dialogue and consultation between Marketing Cheltenham, CBC and local residents to ensure their needs were considered and concerns addressed was very welcome;

-       the ice rink is huge fun to visit and a highly enjoyable experience, and its economic benefits are really pleasing.  Its social value and support for NCLB is superb, and as is its vital contribution to making Cheltenham a better destination town for Christmas shopping;

-       although it didn’t quite hit its budget target, there can be no price tag on the joy and fun it brought, particularly for people not otherwise able to access it;

-       the impact of the ice rink is incredible, for businesses and for people young and old.  It is pleasing and humbling, a great benefit to Cheltenham, and hopefully will get even better over the next three years and provide even more children with the opportunity to take part;

-       the dedicated sessions for people with a wide range of accessibility requirements is a particular highlight, and not offered by many places;

-       it is great to have something extra to offer Christmas shoppers, and the ice rink is a prime example of what CBC is doing to increase business income and make the town more viable. 

The Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Wellbeing and Culture thanked Members for their positive comments and support, saying that Helen Mole and her team make every effort to align with the council’s goals and ensure positive engagement with local residents, and agreed that it is  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

The Cabinet Member for Major Development and Housing Delivery introduced his report, reminding Members that the social value strategy first appeared when the Golden Valley development funding agreement was signed in 2022.  He said that work has been ongoing in the Golden Valley team since then to get it moving, and to drive the maximum social value for residents and communities across Cheltenham out of the development.  Five key principles run throughout the whole strategy to maximise the social value, and he highlighted the Social Value Charter which sets out to businesses and tenants what is expected of them.  The report includes some of the activities already under way, and what is planned for the future, demonstrating the shape and change of what we can expect from the Golden Valley investment. 

He invited Members to endorse the report and strategy, which will be agreed with our development partners. 

Members thanked the Cabinet Member for Major Development and Housing Delivery for his report, and made the following comments:

-       when the council first signed the development agreement, there was concern about how it could commit to spending such a huge amount of money without considering the social value for Cheltenham.  Engagement sessions subsequently took place throughout the town and the first draft of the social value strategy was formulated.  We only have one chance to get this right; hopefully all will go to plan;

-       one of the strongest economic driving forces of the council is that every penny it spends is doing the most it can for the people of Cheltenham.  This new version of the social value strategy is a testament to the principles of the Cabinet Member for Major Development and Housing Delivery, which will be carried forward regardless of what happens with devolution;

-       a huge amount of inspiring work has gone into this strategy, with the Golden Valley team engaging with communities and meeting with various partners to better understand how it can deliver on behalf of Cheltenham residents.  Activities and social value are monitored in the social profit calculator, which shows this is starting from a solid foundation.  This is really great work and a pleasing document;

-       protection and enhancement of the natural environment and biodiversity is welcomed, and will have positive benefits for nature and for residents;

-       the statement of development commitment to environmental sustainability and biodiversity, eco-friendly design, carbon footprint reduction, commitment to sustainable transport are all welcome  The Social Value Charter should be available for all partners to sign – they will be proud to do so;

-       this is another example of the council choosing to establish a positive investment strategy for Cheltenham, linked to local value, skills, training, procurement, health and wellbeing, engagement with residents, the local environment and more.  It aligns with Liberal Democrat principles, and is to be commended;

-       in five years’ time, the council will look back with pride at doing something so positive for its residents, in particular the potential employment for young  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

The Leader invited Members to present their briefings.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Building Control said he had attended various meetings, in particular the CIL Neighbourhood Panel meeting at which he was an observer.  He said protocol, terms of engagement and guidelines were discussed, with lessons learn from the previous round where 16 groups  were successful in their bids.  Of those, the majority have received their money, 3-4 are still in progress have experienced some delays, but one successful recipient wasn’t able to complete their project and has returned its £10k for next time.  It was agreed that they can bid again if they wish, although there is no guarantee that their bid will succeed.  When the panel knows what money is available, it will decide which of the wide-ranging bids – from residents associations to schools – are successful.  He hopes that this scheme will continue for a  long time.

The Cabinet Member for Safety and Communities had several updates to share:

-       a safe haven has been launched for under-18s who can be overwhelmed in the busy town centre during race week.  The feedback from the recent youth survey was that many young people do not feel safe in the town centre during race week, and the safe haven offers them a calm place to go if needed.  Staff from The Rock are also carrying out detached duty work in the town centre, looking out for young, vulnerable people;

-       the licensing team works extremely hard before and during race week, together with GCC, the police, the Jockey Club and more to ensure a successful event.  They advise people to book taxis in advance to ensure these are licensed, and help people know how to identify a Cheltenham taxi.  Taxi marshals will work at two of the ranks until 4.00am for added security;

-       she has been out and about with Max Wilkinson MP, promoting CBC’s War on Wee campaign, which is also supported by the Jockey Club.  It is upsetting when race-goers do not respect the town, and with many additional toilets installed, she encouraged people to enjoy themselves but to act responsibly;

-       bidding for enrichment grants opened a couple of weeks ago and will continue for two months, with £30k available to be shared in £500 awards, to enable extra-curricular activities and technical skills for 4-18 year olds.  Individuals and groups are encouraged to apply.

The Cabinet Member for Waste, Recycling and Public Realm shared the following:

-       Ubico staff are ready to go to step up street cleaning during race week, restoring the town as quickly as possible;

-       there has been a lot of discussion with the county council about its plans for the Promenade outside Cavendish House.  It is under no obligation to consult with CBC on highways maintenance matters, but has responded to requests to engage by inviting CBC, the BID and the Civic Society for a meeting to discuss the issues arising from the ongoing need to replace the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

Members reported on the following decisions, taken since the last meeting:

1.  20 February 2025:  Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Martin Horwood

Delivery of Cheltenham Christmas Ice Rink 2025-26

2.  24 February 2025:  Cabinet Member for Housing and Customer Services, Councillor Flo Clucas

To enter into a contract for the delivery of the Rough Sleeper Outreach and Support Service

3.  25 February 2025:  Leader, Councillor Rowena Hay

Flag flying at the Municipal Offices

4.  07 March 2025:  Cabinet Member for Housing and Customer Services, Councillor Flo Clucas

To enter a contract with Idox plc for the supply of software and services

There was none.

17 March, 12.30pm (extraordinary meeting)

08 April, 6.00pm