Gloucestershire Airport is raising serious financial concerns as it continues to cost taxpayers a staggering £2.7 million annually. After the recent collapse of a proposed sale following prolonged negotiations, attention has shifted to stabilizing the 375-acre Staverton site, co-owned by Gloucester City Council and Cheltenham Borough Council.
City council members are growing increasingly worried over the scale of the losses, with opposition figures calling for immediate and decisive action. Labour group leader Terry Pullen expressed his frustration at the April 27 overview and scrutiny committee meeting, emphasizing the urgent need for solutions.
“The airport is hemorrhaging £2.7 million each year,” Pullen stated. “Gloucester’s taxpayers shoulder half of this burden. While the operation falls under the management team at Staverton, Gloucester City Council as shareholders endures the financial impact. It’s the directors’ responsibility to boost revenue and reduce losses; urgent action cannot be delayed.”
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In response, council chairman Andrew Gravells announced plans to address the issue in more detail at the June meeting, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
Conservative group leader Stephanie Chambers added urgency to the discussion, highlighting the monthly cost: “At £225,000 per month, the losses are unsustainable. If scrutiny falls to us alone, the airport board may face repeated inquiries.”
The financial health and management of Gloucestershire Airport will be thoroughly examined at a council meeting scheduled for June 1. Furthermore, a joint scrutiny session involving Cheltenham Borough Councillors is set for a later date to collaboratively explore viable solutions.