Gloucestershire residents are facing increased council tax and higher charges for residential parking permits starting this April. On January 28, Gloucestershire County Council unveiled its budget proposals for the 2026/27 financial year, unveiling plans that could impact household expenses across the county.
The Liberal Democrat-led council has proposed a £697 million revenue budget, which will be subject to debate among all councillors at next month’s meeting. Central to the plan is an average rise of £83.81 per year in council tax for county services, pushing the average band D council tax payment to £1,763.46 from the current £1,679.65.
This proposed 4.99% increase consists of a 2.99% general council tax rise alongside a 2% levy specifically for adult social care. It is important to note that the final council tax bills will also include charges from the police, district, and—where applicable—parish councils.
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At today’s cabinet meeting, council leaders highlighted that approximately 75% of the budget is dedicated to social care. Additionally, the administration plans to allocate an extra £15 million specifically for road maintenance in the coming year.
Colin Hay, Deputy Leader and Finance Cabinet Member, explained that consistent underfunding from central government has left the council with the challenge of managing just under £10 million in savings without compromising on key investments. He emphasized the need for “transformational” changes to how services are delivered.
“We have to adjust the services we offer to match the funds available,” Hay said. “Our goal is to invest in improvements that enable us to maintain quality services while managing costs effectively.”
Beyond council tax, residents should anticipate significant increases in parking and residential permit fees. The council has opted for a simplified monthly payment system: the first permit will cost £6.66 per month—a modest rise of £1.36 compared to this year. A second permit will be priced just above £13 monthly, marking an increase of approximately £2.
The final budget will be debated by the full council on February 18, with the potential increases set to take effect from April 2026.