Gloucestershire residents face higher council tax bills and increased charges for on-street parking and residential permits starting in April, following the approval of the county council’s budget for the 2026/27 financial year.
The council’s Liberal Democrat administration has outlined a revenue budget of £698 million dedicated to essential services, including social care, road maintenance, waste management, and education. This budget approval means that the portion of the annual council tax for a band D property directed toward county services will rise by £83.81, totalling £1,763.46.
This increase represents a 4.99% hike, comprising a 2.99% general council tax rise and a 2% increase specifically earmarked for adult social care efforts.
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Council leader Lisa Spivey (LD, South Cerney) described the budget as a “reset” for Gloucestershire, aimed at stabilizing council finances while investing more heavily in local priorities. Key initiatives include allocating an additional £15 million for extensive road resurfacing and expanding 20mph zones in residential areas where demanded by communities.
“Today marks a turning point—we are tackling challenging decisions head-on and prioritizing Gloucestershire’s long-term health,” said Spivey. “While other councils may retreat from growing demands, we stand firm, determined not merely to manage decline but to reform services and strengthen the county’s future.”
The council’s increased investment focuses heavily on road infrastructure, acknowledging its critical role in supporting both daily life and the local economy.
Opposition voices, including Reform UK councillor Piers Camp (Drybrook and Lydbrook), proposed budget amendments aimed at cost savings of £5 million and multi-million reductions in special educational needs transport, alongside river dredging to mitigate flooding. However, these proposals were rejected, as were similar suggestions from Conservatives and Independents.
The Liberal Democrat administration did accept amendments from the Green Party and Labour, including one-off funds of £110,000 to complete the Cam and Dursley Green Way cycle path, £100,000 to restore community climate grants, £80,000 for footpath improvements, and £80,000 to support apprenticeships for care leavers. Additional allocations include £20,000 for air pollution monitoring in schools and £10,000 for transport assistance for financially disadvantaged young people accessing work, training, or education.
Reform UK group leader Vernon Smith (Tewkesbury West) condemned the budget, accusing the Liberal Democrats of ignoring practical proposals that could reduce costs and address community needs. Conservative group leader Stephen Davies (Hardwicke and Severn) criticized cuts to the Highways Local budget, calling it a betrayal of local investment commitments featured in the Lib Dem election manifesto.
The budget passed with a vote of 36 in favor and 16 against. Support came from the Liberal Democrats, Greens, and Labour, while Reform UK, Conservatives, and Independent councillor Alastair Chambers opposed the plan.
Green group leader Beki Hoyland (Blakeney and Bream) emphasized the importance of early investment: “Supporting our communities now promotes healthier, more sustainable futures and addresses the climate crisis. Though increasingly challenging under central government funding cuts, prevention spending will reduce costs long term.”