URL: https://meetings.cotswold.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=524

Decision Maker: Council

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: It was noted by Council that the Chair, Councillor Mark Harris,  would propose a motion to Council.     Councillor Mark Harris was invited by the Vice-Chair to propose Motion 1, Making the Cotswolds a Dementia-Friendly District, and made the following points:   ·         Town and parish councils had an important role in shaping places that were more navigable and supportive for people living with dementia and their families, without taking on direct service delivery. ·         The motion sought to provide leadership, coordination, and encouragement, drawing on guidance and best practice from the Local Government Association, the Alzheimer’s Society, and existing local groups. ·         A report was requested to set out realistic next steps for supporting towns and parishes within existing or minimal additional resources. ·         The approach aligned with the Council’s corporate plan priorities on health and wellbeing, inclusion, reducing isolation, and enabling residents to live independently for longer.   Councillor Harris commended the motion as compassionate, practical, and forward-looking.   Members spoke in support of the motion and made the following points:   ·         It was noted that support from officers would be sought to produce a report on the Cotswolds becoming a dementia-friendly district. ·         The value of existing local resources, including Gloucestershire’s memory centre, was recognised. ·         Challenges faced by carers, particularly those not formally recognised, were highlighted, including long delays in accessing support services. ·         The significant social, emotional, and practical impacts of dementia on individuals and their families were noted, alongside the importance of effective signposting to local organisations and community groups. ·         Dementia-friendly communities were highlighted as helping to remove barriers, promote inclusion, and deliver wider benefits for other residents, including neuro-divergent individuals. ·         The need to review dementia care in acute hospital settings was raised, along with the importance of arranging powers of attorney at an early stage. ·         The role of businesses, retail, hospitality, and town-centre organisations in providing practical support was emphasised, including the need for education and training. ·         Community-based dementia-friendly initiatives were highlighted, such as cafés, local projects, and training programmes already operating across the district. ·         County-wide initiatives and future developments, including virtual training opportunities, were noted. ·         The importance of embedding dementia- and age-friendly principles in planning to reduce isolation and improve accessibility was emphasised.   Officers confirmed that proposed extra wording at points 3 and 4 were agreed with the consent of the meeting, specifically to reference the NHS in Resolution 3 and to amend the final bullet of Resolution 4 to read “people with dementia, carers, and communities across the district.”   Councillor Paul Hodgkinson seconded the motion proposed by Councillor Mark Harris, expressing strong support. It was noted that the motion was thoughtful, practical, and proportionate, building on existing work across the county without committing to costly new services. It was observed that dementia affects not only those living with the condition but also carers, families, volunteers, and the wider community, and that creating dementia-friendly communities would make everyday life easier and more dignified. Positive local examples, including dementia-friendly cafes and initiatives supported by Gloucestershire County Council in partnership with the NHS, voluntary sector, and Alzheimer’s Society were highlighted. The motion was commended as humane, sensible, forward-looking, and supportive of partnership working.   The Chair moved to the vote on the motion proposed by Councillor Harris and seconded by Councillor Hodgkinson   Voting record: 31 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstention   Resolved that Full Council AGREED to pass the following motion:   That Cotswold District Council commits to championing the development of Dementia Friendly towns and communities across the Cotswold District, working in partnership with town and parish councils, community organisations, businesses, and relevant public sector partners. This commitment aligns with the Council’s Corporate Plan objectives relating to supporting healthy, inclusive communities, reducing inequality, and enabling residents to live well and independently for longer. That Cotswold District Council commits to championing the development of Dementia Friendly towns and communities across the Cotswold District, working in partnership with town and parish councils, community organisations, businesses, and relevant public sector partners. This commitment aligns with the Council’s Corporate Plan objectives relating to supporting healthy, inclusive communities, reducing inequality, and enabling residents to live well and independently for longer.   Councillor Mark Harris resumed chairing the meeting following the conclusion of the motion.

Date of Decision: January 21, 2026