Gloucestershire faces council tax increases! Stroud and Wotton-under-Edge residents will see the highest parish charges.
Stroud District Council charges £243.08 for 2025/26, reflecting a 2.99% increase. Wotton-under-Edge’s council tax averages £245.97, up by 5.06% from the previous year. Stroud District Council collects council tax, but their services make up only about 11% of the total bill.
The county council, parishes, and police also receive funding. Gloucestershire County Council’s share will be £1,679.65, and Gloucestershire Police will get £322.08. Parish and town council amounts differ, and the council plans many improvements.
They plan to invest in planning and housing, with regeneration, safety, and wellbeing also receiving funding. All services will focus on climate change, with an emphasis on sustainability and nature. The district has new plans for 2025/26.
They want a play strategy and new CCTV to help tackle antisocial behavior. Community safety and hubs will get support, and public facilities and toilets will undergo an audit. Investment in leisure and culture will continue.
Planned improvements include environmental services, with more flood prevention work. They will assess contaminated land sites and improve air quality to reduce pollution. They will also replace old waste trucks with electric ones.
Investment will extend to bulky waste services, and they will deliver a litter action plan including replacing over 200 bins. They will explore renewable energy options for the council’s estate.
Affordable homes will receive continued investment. Over £14 million will be invested to build council houses, making Stroud a top district for house building. The council’s budget for purchasing affordable homes has increased from £2 million to £5 million.
The budget funds help for renters and supports sustainability to save on bills. Funds have been earmarked for economic development and tourism, with aims to revitalize Stroud Station Quarter and Brimscombe Port.
The council owns Woodchester Mansion freehold. They agreed to fund continued partnership working with the National Trust and Woodchester Mansion Trust, covering costs to secure the mansion’s future.
Council services include waste, planning, and health. Other services are parking, parks, recreation, leisure centers, and a museum. Canal restoration, animal welfare, and benefits are also offered.
Council services further include elections and youth work. They also maintain open spaces, and provide licensing and flood management.