Cheltenham residents will experience a nearly 3% rise in their council tax bills starting this April as Cheltenham Borough Council sets a £19.24 million budget for the upcoming financial year. This increase means households classified as band D will pay £252.11 annually for council services, up from £244.79.
The overall council tax payments for band D properties will be higher once combined with charges from Gloucestershire County Council (£1,763.46), the police (£340.58), and parish councils. Parish council charges vary across the borough, ranging from £14.69 in Up Hatherley to £55.93 in Charlton Kings.
Despite financial pressures on local government, councillors unanimously agreed on a budget that balances necessary service delivery with fiscal responsibility. The budget includes £159,000 in growth funding and aims to increase reserve funds to £1.5 million. Savings of approximately £1.054 million will be achieved through a program reviewing vacant positions, unallocated budgets, discretionary services, and capital projects, all while avoiding impacts on frontline services.
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Finance and Assets Cabinet Member Peter Jeffries acknowledged the challenges the council faces amid declining funding and rising demand but stressed a commitment to “careful stewardship.” He highlighted that the budget continues capital investments to ensure Cheltenham remains a place of opportunity, though cautioned that district councils cannot indefinitely absorb increasing costs without greater government support and devolution of resources.
Support for the budget came from multiple parties. Green Party Councillor Tabi Joy praised the extension of council tax support and the council’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2030. People Against Bureaucracy Councillor Stan Smith described the budget as “fair and improving” and voiced his support. Deputy Mayor Martin Horwood also welcomed enhanced funding, pointing to a £34,050 increase for Cheltenham’s green spaces that will expand staffing, as well as a £98,351 rise in the budget for repairs and maintenance. An additional £26,933 will bolster marketing efforts following the Business Improvement District’s decision to handle marketing internally.
Ultimately, the budget received unanimous approval, ensuring Cheltenham’s green spaces and essential services receive much-needed investment amid challenging fiscal circumstances.