Gloucestershire County Council will invest an additional £15 million in repairing and resurfacing roads across the county next year, as part of the Liberal Democrat administration’s latest budget plans.
The council is responsible for maintaining approximately 3,372 miles of roads in Gloucestershire. Council leader Lisa Spivey (LD, South Cerney) emphasized that this increased funding reflects the Lib Dems’ commitment to delivering on their election promises.
The total revenue budget for the upcoming financial year is projected to be around £697 million, aimed at sustaining a wide range of local services. Cllr Spivey highlighted that the budget also includes increased support for vulnerable residents, ongoing initiatives addressing nature and climate challenges, and strong backing for the local economy.
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“We face significant challenges in local government, but this budget marks a positive step forward for Gloucestershire,” said Cllr Spivey. “As a new Liberal Democrat administration, we are honouring our manifesto pledges and implementing our council strategy for the coming years.”
The budget plan ensures continued investment without cutting vital services. Key initiatives include building new care homes and special schools, along with launching a virtual social care academy to provide essential training and skills for both paid and unpaid carers.
The cabinet will review the budget proposals on December 3, followed by a public consultation period extending into early January.
“Our long-term vision will stabilize the council’s finances while improving essential services—better care, improved roads, and a greener, more resilient economy,” Cllr Spivey explained. “We inherited a £17 million deficit from the previous Conservative administration and have been dedicated to closing this gap while investing in what matters most to residents.”
The plan features significant investment in vulnerable communities, including three new care homes and three special schools, facilities relied upon by families every day. The £15 million road repair fund is a fulfillment of the Lib Dem promise to fix Gloucestershire’s road network.
Additionally, the council is advancing its nature recovery strategy and reducing transport emissions to combat climate change. Support for the local economy includes skill development initiatives and measures designed to safeguard long-term financial stability.
“The key message is clear: strategic investment in infrastructure and people to foster a thriving local economy,” said Cllr Spivey. “We have closed the financial gap left by the Conservatives and will continue working hard to make Gloucestershire the best it can be.”
In response, Conservative group leader Stephen Davies (C, Hardwicke and Severn) expressed skepticism about the budget figures, questioning the reliability of the shortfall estimate and criticizing the Lib Dems for what he described as overpromising and shifting blame.