Agenda item

The Leader of the Council acknowledged that her briefing would be a sombre one due to the latest act of violence committed against women by men in the UK, and sent her thoughts to the family of Sarah Everard. 118 women were killed by men in the UK in the last year, while 1.6m suffered domestic abuse. This was a sobering reality to reflect upon, and it was important to consider what practical measures the council could take to protect women.

She had written to the Police & Crime Commissioner raising a number of issues including the possibility of treating misogyny as a hate crime, which the PCC was open to. Some positive steps had been identified, such as increased lighting and CCTV, but these alone would not solve the problem. Women should be able to walk freely without fear, and systematic action was needed at the national level to drive out inequality. The criminal justice system also needed to be reformed to support victims in coming forward. Fundamental investment in education that embedded the right cultural values in schools and in society was needed in order to eradicate predatory behaviour and violence towards women.

She was pleased to confirm that the third round of additional restrictions grant funding was now available. This was aimed at businesses in specific need of support, and was especially timely after race week behind closed doors had offered a poignant reminder of what had been lost for businesses. These payments would each total £5,000, alongside grants of £1,000 to taxi drivers licensed in the borough. She reported that the total distributed by the council since the beginning of the crisis was now up to £37.5m from 8.400 grants, and thanked the Revenues & Benefits team for administering this.

She reported that the Minster Innovation Exchange land swap had taken place, forming an important part of the council’s road to economic recovery and place making. She also added that Gloucester City Council would be joining the Ubico family next year.

Due to Cheltenham’s strong historical links with its Polish community, the Polish flag would be flown from the Municipal Offices on its Heritage Day (2^nd May). The flag would also be added to the list of those which are flown every year. Additionally, the Municipal Offices flag would be lowered to half mast on March 23^rd to mark the first anniversary of lockdown, to acknowledge those who had suffered and served their communities.

She placed on record her thanks to the Members stepping down in May, and wished the best of luck to those seeking re-election. She particularly thanked the Mayor for serving his role for longer than expected due to Covid, and thanked Cllr. Jordan for 12 years of service as Leader and 30 years of service to his ward members and the town as a whole.

She rejected rumours that Pittville Pump Rooms would be turned into offices, stressing that the Pump Rooms were an important heritage and cultural asset. Finally, she noted that Cheltenham had been nationally recognised by the iESE Transformation awards in the Working Together category, illustrating the strength of the council’s partnership working.