July's monthly report from Gloucestershire Liberal Democrats
Tewkesbury East Division July Update - Cllr Dr Kate Usmar
Northway
After weekly discussion with our Local Highways Manager, successful campaigns to raise awareness of Fix My Street, and a public meeting with Cllr Mark Harris, Cabinet Member for Highways, hosted by the Parish Council at the Northway Hub, the Roadmender is currently (commencing 5th August) visiting Northway. The Roadmender uses a hot pour of a slurry containing recycled lorry tyres which gives it that little bit of “give” to stop it cracking , and a coating of highly effective anti-skid material to give a very tough, long-lasting result. The stretches of Northway Lane that were done last year are performing well, so I am really pleased to see the trial being extended to more roads.
Meanwhile, progress is being made on confirming the cause of the subsidence on The Park. It will be so good to finally be able to get this fixed.
Ashchurch Rural
The petition to ask for our footpath network to be improved and access created across the Tirlebrook, to allow safe off-road access to Tewkesbury Academy and on into town from our housing estates is doing really well. I will be presenting this petition to Gloucestershire County Council at the next Full Council meeting on 16th September. To add your name, go to tinyurl.com/tewkstravelroutes
Teddington and Alstone
Funds should now have reached the Parish Council from the Grassroots Community Fund to support the community bench and garden, which will make a lovely addition to the village. There is still a little bit of money left in the pot for local projects which improve community health and wellbeing.
Wheatpieces
I appreciate the frustration that residents have felt over the lack of grass cutting on the estate. Unfortunately, the Highways department “full cut” in the summer actually only covers main roads and dangerous areas such as visibility splays. I have lobbied hard to get more of the area covered, and hopefully this will be improved in future years when the district and county councils are merged.
Gloucestershire Liberal Democrats July Update
Local Government Reorganisation Confirmed
The Government has confirmed that Gloucestershire will move to a single unitary council. The Government said the single council model was the preferred option because it provides a clearer structure for economic growth and housing, supports more joined up public services and offers a strong basis for community engagement.
There will be no immediate changes to council services, and residents should continue to access services as normal while preparations continue. Councils across Gloucestershire will now work together on the transition arrangements.
The next major step will be elections to a shadow authority in May 2027. This body will oversee the creation of the new council before it formally comes into operation on 1 April 2028.
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-graceour-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-fundingand- /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-socialcare/adult-social-care/gloucestershires-annual-report-for-adult-social-care-2025-26