To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Biggs, Bramer, Harvey, Heathfield, D Powell and I Powell.

Councillor David Hitchiner declared an interest as a local resident to the proposed bypass. Cllr Hitchiner outlined the dispensation he had been granted to speak and take part in all meetings that discuss the matter.

Councillor Ben Proctor declared that he represented Hereford City Council on the Stronger Towns Board which was involved in the funding arrangements for the Shirehall project.

To approve and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 22 May 2026.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 22 May 2026 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive the Chairman and Chief Executive’s announcements.

Council noted the Chairman’s and Chief Executive’s announcements as printed in the agenda papers.

To receive questions from members of the public.

A copy of the public questions and written answers, together with supplementary questions asked at the meeting and their answers, is attached to the Minutes at Appendix 1.

To receive any written questions from members of the Council.

A copy of the Member questions and written answers, together with supplementary questions asked at the meeting and their answers, is attached to the Minutes at Appendix 2.

To receive a report from the leader on the activities of the executive (cabinet) since the meeting of Council on 6 March 2026.

The Leader presented his report on the activities of Cabinet since the meeting of Council in March 2026. Council questioned the Leader and the following actions were raised:

In response to a question concerning the Ross on Wye Enterprise Park there was a commitment to involve local ward members as the project develops.

In response to a question concerning a scheme to loan tools to volunteers to maintain public rights of way, a written update would be provided.

In response to a question concerning the unsuitable facilities at local schools to cope with hot weather (in particular portacabins) a letter would be sent to the government to raise concern with the inadequate level of funding for improvements to school infrastructure.

In response to a question regarding the 2006 policy relating to the Management of Common Land in Herefordshire, there was a commitment to undertake a review of the policy.

In response to a question regarding the management of the closure of the pedestrian walkway on Burcott Road Railway Bridge, an update would be provided to the local ward member and neighbouring members.

In response to a question regarding the diversion signage and information available to cyclists in respect of closed routes, officers would be asked to ensure proper signage was in place for cyclists during road/cycle path closures.

In response to a question concerning funding for improvements to cycling, walking and wheeling facilities a list of proposed improvements through the Local Cycling, Walking and Wheeling Infrastructure Plan would be circulated to members.

In response to a question, clarification would be provided as to whether a further Political Group Consultation would be undertaken on Hereford Western Bypass Phase One – Full Business Case.

In response to a question regarding projects in Hereford to address congestion an update would be provided to all members with details of those initiatives contained in the Local Trasport Plan.

In response to a question regarding the biochar project to provide a written reply to points raised regarding the assessments/anlysis of the initiative and the timelines.

In response to a question regarding modes of transport to school and the impact on congestion an officer update would be provided on school transport schemes.

In response to a question regarding the location of temporary accommodation for homelessness, officers would provide a response to explain the rationale behind the purchase of temporary accommodation to take account of access to infrastructure and services.

In response to a question regarding the purchase of the John Venn building an update would be provided with details of the current situation and timelines for the scheme.

To consider Notices of Motion.

Motion – Building a Strategic Partnership between Herefordshire and Zhytomyr Oblast, Ukraine

Councillor O’Driscoll proposed and introduced the motion.

Councillor Simmons seconded the motion.

Council debated the motion.

The motion was put to the vote and the motion was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED – that:

Council notes that:

1.         Herefordshire has demonstrated its solidarity with the people of Ukraine since 2022 through the generosity of residents, voluntary organisations, businesses and public bodies.

2.         Ross-on-Wye has signed a Friendship Agreement with the City of Ovruch in Zhytomyr Oblast, Hereford City Council has signed a Friendship Agreement with the City of Zhytomyr and several other Herefordshire communities are exploring similar partnerships. 

3.         A growing number of English county and unitary authorities have entered into Memoranda of Understanding with Ukrainian regions to foster long-term cooperation in areas including local government, education, culture, economic development, agriculture, healthcare and post-war reconstruction.

4.         Zhytomyr Oblast is a natural regional partner for Herefordshire, reflecting shared strengths in rural communities, agriculture, environmental stewardship, heritage, tourism and community resilience.

5.         HVOSS, through the Herefordshire Community Network for Ukraine, working in partnership with Herefordshire Council and many voluntary and statutory organisations, has an established and effective county-wide network supporting Ukrainian guests and developing friendship links between communities.

Council believes that:

1.         Local government has an important role in fostering international friendship, democratic cooperation and mutual understanding.

2.         A county-level Memorandum of Understanding would complement existing town and city friendship agreements by providing a strategic framework for wider collaboration.

3.         Such a partnership should deliver mutual benefit through knowledge sharing, cultural exchange, educational links, economic cooperation and support for long-term recovery.

4.         HVOSS is well placed to act as the Council's principal voluntary sector delivery partner, coordinating engagement with communities and partner organisations across Herefordshire, having well-established relationships in Ukraine through its staff team, who are themselves guests here from Ukraine and already making introductions and facilitating relationship-building.

Council resolves to request that the Executive:

1.         Open discussions with the leadership of Zhytomyr Oblast with a view to developing a Memorandum of Understanding between Herefordshire Council and Zhytomyr Oblast based upon friendship, cooperation, mutual benefit and long-term partnership.

2.         Recognise HVOSS, through the Herefordshire Community Network for Ukraine, as the Council's principal voluntary sector delivery partner in supporting the development of the partnership and coordinating engagement with communities, schools, businesses, cultural organisations, higher education, parish and town councils and the voluntary sector across Herefordshire.

3.         Allocate sufficient officer capacity and appropriate financial resources to facilitate the development and implementation of the partnership, including stakeholder engagement, translation and interpretation, exchange visits, partnership development and the pursuit of external funding opportunities.

4.         Work with Hereford City Council, Ross-on-Wye Town Council and other town and parish councils developing links with communities in Zhytomyr Oblast to create a coherent county-wide partnership that complements existing Friendship Agreements and encourages further civic, educational, cultural and economic cooperation.

5.         Produce a report within six months setting out the proposed Memorandum of Understanding, implementation plan, governance arrangements, resource requirements, opportunities  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.