Agenda item

The Cabinet Member Cyber, Regeneration and Commercial Income reported that on the 12^th July, CBC had signed the contract with its development partner for the Golden Valley development. This was the biggest project the council had ever undertaken, delivering 12,000 jobs and 3,700 houses alongside enormous benefits to the town, its economy and its young people.

The Leader added that there were now a total of 176 refugees from Afghanistan, Syria and Ukraine in the town. 117 sponsors’ homes had been inspected out of 145 in total, and a further 214 guests were expected, along with 8 to 10 rematches. Cheltenham was living up to its reputation as a Town of Sanctuary, and she thanked officers for enabling this.

Decisions of Cabinet Members

The Cabinet Member Culture, Wellbeing and Business had taken a decision on 20^th April to sign a contract with Watkins Isles Ltd for the maintenance of water features. It was noted that this decision was taken by the previous Cabinet Member for Culture, Wellbeing and Business, and before the portfolio title was changed to Economic Development, Culture, Tourism and Wellbeing.

The Cabinet Member Waste, Recycling and Street Services had taken a decision on 13^th May to approve the award of a three year contract (with the option of a two year extension) to Yotta by Ubico Ltd, and to fund Ubico to facilitate implementation costs.

The Cabinet Member Finance and Assets had taken a decision on 13^th May to dispose of the council’s freehold interest in the Horse & Groom, 30 St. George’s Place. He added that this was now completed.

The Leader had taken a decision on 18^th May as the council’s Ubico shareholder to approve their updated Business Plan.

The Cabinet Member Safety and Communities had taken a decision on 13^th June to award a grant of £10k to the Cheltenham Alliance for Race Equity (CARE). She highlighted the excellent work done by this body and thanked Florence Nyasamo-Thomas in particular. CARE worked with numerous organisations across the town, including giving talks to schools, and it was all part of the essential work of achieving equity and equality in Cheltenham.

The Cabinet Member Finance and Assets had taken a decision on 22^nd June to approve the Discretionary Council Tax Energy Rebate Scheme for the first phase of applications. He thanked the Revenues and Benefits team for working furiously behind the scenes to ensure funding was distributed promptly.

The Cabinet Member Customer and Regulatory Services had taken a decision on 24^th June to approve consultation to see if there were local circumstances when CCTV in vehicles would have either a positive or adverse effect on the safety of taxi and private hire vehicle users. He added that this was part of their commitment to making Cheltenham safer, especially for women and girls, as it could help provide firmer evidence for potential victims. He stressed that at this point this was not a policy proposal, but rather the beginning of consultation into its possible impact.