Social Value Ideas for Gloucester City Council

Ermine Hall condition variation

The committee approved a Section 73 variation to the existing Ermine Hall permission so the operator can be Cheltenham YMCA or another registered provider of social housing, while retaining the approv…

“This application itself is for a variation of the condition. The description is there on the screen. And apart from the condition changes, there are …”

Approved management plan binding

The approved management plan for Ermine Hall remains the core operational control, and the committee was told it governs resident eligibility, antisocial behaviour procedures, exclusions, and referral…

“Condition six on the original planning permission was for a management plan. That management plan was submitted and approved to the council in April …”

Homes England funding at risk

Members and officers referred to Homes England grant funding of £4.35m supporting the Ermine Hall scheme. The variation was framed as necessary to protect that funding and avoid having to repay it if …

“This is really to enable the continued operation in that unforeseen circumstance that the Cheltenham YMCA are not available. So obviously, Speaker 3:…”

Need to protect grant-funded scheme

Officers warned that without the variation, the scheme risked becoming unworkable if Cheltenham YMCA could not continue, which could jeopardise the Homes England-backed supported housing product and f…

“So the point of this housing is to move people out of that accommodation into the move on accommodation and into independence. So it's a very much nee…”

Financial controls and audit reset

The finance portfolio reported a reset of controls, with improved budget monitoring, reconciliations and statutory accounts completed on time for the first time since 2021. The council also referenced…

“So during the preparation of this report and the twenty twenty five-twenty six statement of accounts, we have brought back proper financial controls, …”

Airport loan repayment outstanding

The committee established that Gloucester Airport has accrued loan repayments in its accounts but has not physically repaid the council. Officers said the outstanding amount is just over £9m and will …

“Speaker 0: But one of the pieces of work that still remains to be concluded is that last week, as you know, I sat where you were with the management t…”

Finance recovery and audit costs

The finance team reported completion of the statutory accounts to deadline and a shift to reconciled, auditable numbers. However, the discussion also confirmed additional historic adjustments, includi…

“Speaker 5: This report, it's a very strange thing to say in many ways. This report is the first report I've been able to present where I am confident …”

Launch of community governance review

The committee agreed to commence a community governance review to gauge support for future governance arrangements in Gloucester in the context of local government reorganisation. The review is intend…

“So this report is asking the General Purposes Committee to recommend to council that the council commences the community governance review. The commun…”

Charter trustees option included

The consultation will include charter trustees as one of the options for preserving the mayor and sheriff roles if a parish or town council is not supported. Officers explained that charter trustees w…

“So as you say, those are the two options for preserving the offices of of Mayor and Sheriff and those civic traditions when moving to unitary governme…”

Community governance review consultation

Council approved a two-stage consultation on whether Gloucester should become a parish/town council or retain charter trustee-style arrangements after LGR. The consultation will include paper and onli…

“Speaker 4: We did debate this at the Annual Council Meeting. But 10 members of this council requested that the matter be brought back to council. And …”