Gloucestershire County Council approves £698 million budget with focus on road safety and education
Councillors from all parties debated on the proposals including a controversial move to increase resident parking permit prices
Gloucestershire County Council has approved an £698.4 million budget for the upcoming financial year.
At a council meeting yesterday (February 18th) members gave their approval to the spending plans for the 2026/27 financial year, which mark a £33.3 million increase compared to levels in 2025/26.
The budget aims to invest in areas such as road safety, education for young people, and continue support for the county's most vulnerable residents.
An additional £15 million is planned over the coming three years on improving the quality and safety of roads across the county.
Furthermore, £2 million will be allocated for road safety improvements over the next two years.
A total investment of £21.1 million aims to deliver new special schools in Gloucester and Cheltenham, helping young people receive education closer to home.
The budget also sets aside £2.7 million specifically for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services.
Plans include a commitment of £6.55 million next year towards building three new care homes, contributing to a total investment of £57 million in the care system.
Waste recycling centers will benefit from a £3.9 million improvement fund over the next four years.
Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service will receive £2.5 million for new vehicles, £1.5 million for a new training facility, and £1.3 million to enhance Cinderford Fire Station.
Following a public consultation, 44 per cent of respondents expressed support for a proposed increase in Council Tax and the Adult Social Care Precept to fund essential services.
The budget suggests raising an additional £27.4 million through a 2.99% Council Tax increase, with a further 2% hike in the Adult Social Care Precept aimed at supporting vulnerable adults.
This means residents with a band D property could expect to pay an extra £1.61 weekly.
The council said it is also looking at the way it works to generate more income, reduce costs and make its money go further.
it anticipates this will create £32.3 million in savings for the council’s budget in 2026/27.
The approved one-off budget amendments were as follows:
- The approved one-off budget amendments were as follows:
- £10,000 to provide short-term flexible help for young people’s travel costs - Labour
- £110,000 to fund a zebra crossing to link two sections of the Cam and Dursley ‘Green Way’ – Green Party
- £80,000 to make improvements to Public Rights of Way – Green Party
- £80,000 to sponsor two care leavers to undertake the Level 3 Youth Qualification for two years – Green Party
- £100,000 to maintain the funding of the Community Climate Grant, to support community-led environmental projects – Green Party
- £20,000 to fund Particulate Matter monitors in high-risk schools – Green Party
Cllr Lisa Spivey, Leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said: “I am delighted with the budget we have set for the year ahead.
"We’re investing with purpose, strengthening essential services and improving everyday life across the county.
"I know that in a tough financial climate, every pound matters, so I want to be clear that the tough decisions have not been taken lightly.
"But we’re ambitious for Gloucestershire, and this budget backs the things that matter most to our communities.”