Households across Gloucestershire face rising council tax bills from April 2026, with the highest band D charge nearing £2,636. This increase follows the approval of Gloucestershire County Council’s £698 million revenue budget, which funds essential services including social care, road maintenance, waste disposal, and education for the 2026/27 financial year.
The county council’s share of the band D council tax will increase by £83.81 to £1,763.46. This 4.99% rise consists of a 2.99% general hike plus a 2% adult social care precept.
Gloucestershire Constabulary’s share will also climb by 5.7%, adding £18.50 for band D households, raising the police portion to £340.58.
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At the district and borough level, residents will experience similar increases:
Gloucester City Council:
With a 2.99% rise, band D residents will pay £244.13 for city services, up from £237.04. Recently, the council secured a critical £15.5 million government bailout to avoid bankruptcy, enabling approval of a £27.7 million budget next year. Including Quedgeley Town Council’s £45.82 charge, Gloucester’s highest band D bill totals £2,393.53.
Cheltenham Borough Council:
Cheltenham councillors approved a £19.24 million budget, resulting in a band D charge of £252.11, increasing from £244.79. Parish council charges vary, with Charlton Kings at £55.93 and Up Hatherley at £14.69. Overall, the highest band D bill reaches £2,412.08.
Cotswold District Council:
Council tax for district services rises by 3.14% to £163.93 for band D properties. The council remains financially stable with a £17.21 million budget and strong reserves. The highest total band D bill in the district appears in Cirencester at £2,537.78.
Forest of Dean District Council:
Residents will pay £218.29 for district services, a £6.34 increase. The revenue budget is £13.46 million, funding services such as waste collection, planning, and leisure facilities. The highest band D bill in the district is in Lydney, totaling £2,547.96.
Stroud District Council:
Band D bills will increase by £7.27 to £250.35. The £25.19 million budget funds projects including redevelopment of Brimscombe Port. The highest band D charge in the district is in Stroud town itself at £2,635.97.
Tewkesbury Borough Council:
With a 3.34% rise, band D residents will pay £154.36 for borough services, one of the lowest rates nationally. The £14 million budget reflects concerns about rural councils receiving less funding compared to metropolitan areas. The highest band D bill in the borough is in Northway, at £2,430.87.
Overall, council tax payers across Gloucestershire should prepare for these increases to support vital local services throughout the coming year.