Cotswold District Council (CDC) has come under scrutiny after spending nearly £800 of taxpayers' money on a drone that is currently not in use due to new, stricter regulations. Purchased in 2023 to enhance communication efforts with residents through aerial footage, the drone has since been “grounded” following regulatory changes in January 2026.
At a recent full council meeting, Conservative group leader Tom Stowe raised concerns about the cost and ongoing expenses related to the drone. He described it as a “toy locked in a cupboard gathering dust,” questioning its value to local taxpayers.
Liberal Democrat council leader Mike Evemy explained that the drone was initially acquired by the shared Publica communications team to produce in-house video content, avoiding the need to hire external drone operators. While the drone had been used on several occasions, tightened regulations imposed by the Civil Aviation Authority now require users to have flyer IDs, the council to be registered as a drone operator, and for the drone itself to be retrofitted with remote ID technology.
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“The council is currently assessing what it needs to do to comply with these new rules and any associated costs,” Evemy said. “However, this is not a priority for the communications team right now, so the drone remains unused, with no ongoing costs to the council.”
Stowe voiced further frustration, emphasizing that the council, as a small rural body, has no need for drone footage and deemed purchasing the device a wasteful decision. He questioned the number of flights conducted and asked where the footage could be viewed by the public.
In response, Evemy noted the drone had been employed by a communications officer who believed it would aid his work. “We’ve gotten value from it,” he said, dismissing some questions as excessive. He acknowledged the law changes restricted its current use but insisted the council did benefit from the purchase during its active period.
The debate highlights ongoing challenges local councils face when adapting to evolving regulations, balancing innovation with responsible spending.