Households across Gloucestershire face higher council tax bills from April 2026, driven by rises in county, district, and town council charges. The highest annual bill for a band D property in the county will reach nearly £2,636.
Gloucestershire County Council approved a £698 million revenue budget last month to fund essential services including social care, road maintenance, waste disposal, and education for the 2026/27 financial year. This decision includes a 4.99% council tax increase—the sum of a 2.99% general rise and a 2% adult social care precept—bringing the county portion of a band D bill to £1,763.46, up £83.81 from the previous year.
In addition, Gloucestershire Constabulary’s budget will increase by 5.7%, raising the average band D policing charge by £18.50, to £340.58.
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At the district and borough level, council tax rates are also climbing:
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Gloucester City Council’s band D charge will rise by 2.99% to £244.13. The council recently secured a vital £15.5 million government bailout to avoid bankruptcy, enabling the approval of a £27.7 million budget focused on recovery. Quedgeley Town Council’s precept will increase band D payments by £45.82, pushing Gloucester’s highest band D bill to £2,393.53.
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Cheltenham Borough Council unanimously approved a £19.24 million budget, with band D charges increasing to £252.11, up from £244.79. Parish precepts vary, with Charlton Kings at £55.93 and Up Hatherley at £14.69. The maximum band D bill in Cheltenham borough will be £2,412.08.
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Cotswold District Council is raising rates by 3.14% to £163.93 for band D properties. The council remains financially stable, with reserves at £1.76 million, and has approved a £10.5 million capital program including investments in waste and recycling services. In Cirencester, the highest band D total will be £2,537.78.
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Forest of Dean District Council agreed a 2.99% increase, making the band D charge £218.29. The council plans to spend over £1 million from reserves on projects across two years. The highest band D bill in the district will be £2,547.96 in Lydney.
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Stroud District Council’s band D charge will rise by 2.99% to £250.35. The £25.19 million budget includes £10,000 set aside for temporary uses at Brimscombe Port while a long-term redevelopment plan advances. Stroud’s highest band D bill will be £2,635.97, the highest in Gloucestershire.
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Tewkesbury Borough Council is increasing charges by 3.34% to £154.36 for band D properties. Their budget totals nearly £14 million. Residents will also pay parish and town council charges where applicable. Northway holds the borough’s highest band D bill at £2,430.87.
Overall, band D households in Gloucestershire are preparing for a significant hike in their council tax contributions to support vital public services, infrastructure, and ongoing recovery efforts.