Gloucestershire Lib Dems: August Report
Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service and the Heatwave
We would like to extend a huge thank you to our Fire and Rescue Service who have worked incredibly hard throughout this challenging summer.
Not only were they managing any and all incidents throughout Gloucestershire they have also been supporting nearby counties with major incidents.
We will continue to work hard to ensure GFRS is the best it can be for our county.
Holiday activities and food programme (HAF)
The summer holidays have seen the return of our HAF programme providing funded activities and delicious food for children in reception to year one.
Some of our councillors have gone along to get involved with these events and all have said how inspired they were by both the children and workers.
For support outside of the HAF programme please visit our family hub - https://familyhubs.gloucestershire.gov.uk/
The Big Conversation on Care
We are encouraging residents to take part in the national Big Conversation on Care, which is gathering views on the future of adult social care and helping to inform recommendations to Government on how care and support should be funded and delivered in the future.
Working with local partners and community organisations, we will help ensure Gloucestershire residents, carers, care providers and people who use care services have the opportunity to share their experiences and help shape the future of adult social care.
Find out more and take part - https://caseycommission.co.uk/bigconversation/
New Housing Commission to Help Shape Better Housing Outcomes for Gloucestershire Residents
We have joined with Gloucestershire’s seven local authorities to launch a new Housing Commission that will explore the county’s housing challenges and opportunities. Working with the University of Gloucestershire and housing consultancy Arc4, the commission will help build a stronger evidence base to shape future housing policy, investment and services, ensuring they better meet the needs of residents and communities across the county
Further information - https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/gcc-news/news-august-2026/new-housing-commission-to-help-shape-better-housing-outcomes-for-gloucestershire-residents/
Demanding Government Action Over Fridge Recycling Crisis
We have called on the Government to take urgent action over a national recycling crisis that forced us to temporarily stop accepting fridges and freezers at Gloucestershire’s Household Recycling Centres. We want ministers to provide emergency treatment capacity, strengthen the national recycling system and ensure local taxpayers are not left paying for failures beyond our control.
Celebrating Support for Ukraine
As Ukraine marks its Independence Day, we have celebrated the contribution of Ukrainian families who have made Gloucestershire their home and thanked the hundreds of residents who have supported them through the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Since 2022, more than 2,000 Ukrainians have been welcomed to the county, with many now settled in local communities, working, studying and volunteering.
We continue to work with hosts, guests and local partners to help families access housing, employment, education, healthcare and community services, while encouraging more residents to consider becoming hosts and support those affected by the war
St Ann Way to Cole Avenue Walking and Cycling Improvements
We are seeking feedback on proposals to improve walking, wheeling and cycling routes between St Ann Way and Cole Avenue in Gloucester. The scheme forms part of the wider Gloucestershire Cycle Spine project, which aims to create safer and more accessible routes while improving connections between communities and key destinations.
The improvements will support active travel, reduce carbon emissions and help create a greener Gloucestershire, with residents' feedback helping to shape the final design
Scheme information, including design drawings and 3D visualisations here - http://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/stannway-coleavenue
Plans to Strengthen Adult Social Care Services Continue as We Welcome the Occupational Therapy Service
We have brought Gloucestershire’s adult social care Occupational Therapy service into the council to provide more joined-up support for residents and strengthen our adult social care services. Bringing teams together will make it easier to share information, improve coordination and reduce duplication, helping people access the right support at the right time.
The change supports our focus on prevention and early intervention, helping more people stay independent for longer and remain connected to their communities. There will be no change for residents already receiving support, with services continuing as normal and the same staff providing car
Plans to Strengthen Adult Social Care Services Continue as We Welcome the Occupational Therapy Service
We have brought Gloucestershire’s adult social care Occupational Therapy service into the council to provide more joined-up support for residents and strengthen our adult social care services. Bringing teams together will make it easier to share information, improve coordination and reduce duplication, helping people access the right support at the right time.
The change supports our focus on prevention and early intervention, helping more people stay independent for longer and remain connected to their communities. There will be no change for residents already receiving support, with services continuing as normal and the same staff providing car