Starting April 2026, residents of Gloucestershire will face higher council tax bills, on-street parking fees, and residential permit charges following the approval of the county council’s budget for the 2026/27 financial year. The Liberal Democrat-led administration has set a revenue budget of £698 million to support essential services including social care, road maintenance, waste disposal, and education.
The approved budget reflects a 4.99% increase in council tax: 2.99% for general services and a 2% precept dedicated to adult social care. For a band D property, this means the annual council tax portion allocated to Shire Hall services will increase by £83.81, rising to £1,763.46.
Council leader Lisa Spivey described the budget as a “reset” for Gloucestershire, emphasizing enhanced funding for road resurfacing and the implementation of 20mph speed limit schemes in areas identified by residents. She highlighted the council’s commitment to tackling difficult decisions head-on to stabilize finances and invest in priorities such as infrastructure, education, and social care.
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“We reject the idea that councils exist simply to manage decline,” Spivey stated. “Our goal is to reform services, modernize operations, and invest in the long-term strength of this county.” A key focus of the budget is improving the road network, which supports the local economy and daily life. Accordingly, the council plans to invest an additional £15 million in roadworks, prioritizing comprehensive resurfacing over temporary patch repairs.
Opposition parties submitted several amendments during budget discussions. Reform UK councillor Piers Camp proposed savings of £5 million through cuts in special educational needs transport and supported river dredging to alleviate flooding, but these were rejected. In contrast, amendments from the Green Party and Labour were accepted, including funding for the completion of the Cam and Dursley ‘Green Way’ cycle path (£110,000), community climate grants (£100,000), footpath improvements (£80,000), youth work apprenticeships sponsorship (£80,000), air pollution monitoring in schools (£20,000), and transport assistance for young people facing financial hardship (£10,000).
Reform UK group leader Vernon Smith denounced the budget as “rubbish” and accused the Lib Dems of ignoring practical suggestions that could reduce costs. Conservative leader Stephen Davies criticized cuts to the Highways Local budget, warning this would diminish councillors' ability to invest in their local roads despite the Lib Dems’ election promises.
Ultimately, the council approved the budget with 36 votes in favor and 16 against. The Liberal Democrats, Greens, and Labour supported the proposals, while Reform UK, Conservatives, and Independent councillor Alastair Chambers voted against.
Green group leader Beki Hoyland praised the budget amendments she helped secure, stating they empower residents with healthier, more environmentally friendly options and align with the council’s commitment to addressing the climate crisis. “Investing in prevention today means less spending on repairs tomorrow,” she said, while lamenting the tightening financial pressures imposed by central government.