Gloucestershire Lib Dems July Report: Unitary Council & Local News
Launching ‘Ask Grace’ for Unpaid Carers
We have launched Ask Grace, a new WhatsApp tool designed to help unpaid carers quickly access trusted information, advice and local support services.
Available 24/7, the service uses AI to answer questions and signpost carers to relevant support, helping them find the information they need more easily and saving valuable time.
Ask Grace has been developed with carers and local partners to ensure it is practical, easy to use and tailored to the needs of people caring for family members, friends and neighbours.
More information can be found on our Ask Grace web page - https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/unpaid-carers/ask-grace-our-digital-assistant-for-unpaid-carers/
Supporting Inclusion in Mainstream Schools
Cabinet considered the recommendations of the Inclusion in Maintained Schools Scrutiny Task Group, which looked at how children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) can be better supported in mainstream education.
The review highlighted the importance of early intervention, stronger partnership working between schools and agencies, and ensuring schools have the resources and training needed to meet the needs of all children.
The recommendations aim to create a more inclusive education system where every child has the opportunity to thrive in their local school wherever possible.
Supporting Victims of Domestic Abuse
Cabinet approved the allocation of more than £2.2 million of Domestic Abuse Duty funding to continue and strengthen support services across Gloucestershire.
This funding will help ensure ongoing provision of specialist services including the Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service, safe accommodation, respite rooms and support for children affected by domestic abuse.
These services play a vital role in helping survivors rebuild their lives and ensuring the County Council meets its responsibilities under the Domestic Abuse Act.
Healthy Relationship Support for Young People
Cabinet agreed to recommission Gloucestershire’s Healthy Relationship Support Service for young people.
The service provides education, support and early intervention for young people experiencing unhealthy or abusive relationships, helping them to recognise concerns early and access the support they need.
The recommissioned service will continue to support young people across the county, including those with additional needs.
New Safeguarding Adults Strategy
Cabinet approved the Gloucestershire Safeguarding Adults Board Strategy for 2026-2029.
The strategy focuses on three key priorities: reducing risk, raising awareness and improving practice. It sets out how organisations across Gloucestershire will work together to protect adults with care and support needs from abuse and neglect.
The approach places a strong emphasis on prevention, partnership working and ensuring that people are supported to live safe and independent lives.
Youth Justice Plan 2026-27
Cabinet recommended the adoption of the Gloucestershire Youth Justice Plan for 2026-27.
The plan outlines how partners will work together to reduce offending, support vulnerable young people and improve outcomes for children involved in the justice system.
A key focus is ensuring that young people receive support at the earliest opportunity, helping to prevent further offending and improve long-term life chances.
Advocacy Services for Children and Young People
Cabinet agreed to recommission Gloucestershire’s Children and Young People's Advocacy Service.
The service helps children and young people have their voices heard when decisions are being made about their care, education or wellbeing.
The new contract will ensure children continue to have access to independent support and advice, while also providing advocacy support for families where appropriate.
Maintaining Fire and Rescue Control Systems
Cabinet approved a new support and maintenance contract for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service's critical control room systems.
These systems are used to receive emergency calls and dispatch resources across the county and are essential for maintaining a reliable emergency response service.
The agreement provides long-term stability and ensures the service remains operational around the clock.
Progressing the M5 Junction 9 and A46 Transport Scheme
Cabinet agreed the next steps in developing proposals for improvements around M5 Junction 9 and the A46 at Ashchurch.
The scheme is intended to support future growth in the area, improve transport links and reduce congestion on the local road network.
Further technical work and public engagement will take place as the project develops.
Extending Waste Collection Contracts
Cabinet approved a temporary extension of waste collection contracts covering schools and council properties.
The extension will ensure services continue without disruption while preparations are made for future arrangements that take account of Local Government Reorganisation.
This will provide continuity for schools and council services while longer-term plans are developed.
Investment in The Birches
Cabinet approved £600,000 of investment to refurbish The Birches.
The improvements will create a dedicated hub for Youth Justice and Harm Outside the Home services, providing better facilities for vulnerable young people and the professionals supporting them.
The project will help create a safer and more effective environment for delivering specialist support.
Fire Cover Optimisation Review
Cabinet agreed to begin public consultation on proposals to review fire cover arrangements across Gloucestershire.
The proposals would redeploy some night-time fire service resources to improve emergency response times in rural areas and ensure resources are aligned to the areas of greatest risk.
Residents and stakeholders will have the opportunity to share their views as part of the consultation process.
The Work of Our Grassroots Neighbourhood Fund Continues
Our members continue to commit Grassroots Neighbourhood Funding to local projects that improve health, wellbeing and community resilience.
We have visited a couple of these groups this month including Friends of Northleach Swimming Pool who are benefiting from £3,000 of funding to support the maintenance needed to operate the pool and ensure it can remain open for the community.
For more information about the Grassroots Neighbourhood Fund and how you can apply see: www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/business-property-and-economy/finance-funding-and-grants/grassroots-neighbourhood-fund/
Or speak to your local councillor.
Building Gloucestershire’s Green Skills Future
We have brought together more than 200 representatives from education, business and local government at our Green Skills Conference 2026 to help prepare Gloucestershire for the growing opportunities of the green economy.
The conference focused on the skills, training and career pathways needed to support jobs in areas such as clean energy, retrofit, construction and nature recovery.
We also highlighted our new Green Skills Strategy and plans for a Federated Green Skills Faculty, helping to create clearer routes into green careers and ensure local training better matches the needs of employers.
Making the Difference That Matters
We have published our latest Adult Social Care Annual Report, highlighting the support provided to residents and carers across Gloucestershire over the past year and the progress being made to improve services
The report sets out how we are helping people stay independent, safe and connected to their communities through early support, prevention services, safeguarding and support for unpaid carers
Read the full report here - https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/adult-social-care/gloucestershires-annual-report-for-adult-social-care-2025-26