Gloucestershire County Council unveils draft budget for 2026/2027
Plans include investment in roads, education and care homes
Last updated 26th Nov 2025
Gloucestershire County Council has released details of its draft budget for 2026/27, which proposes £697.5 million in spending—a £32.4 million increase compared to 2025/26 levels.
The council have also announced a council tax increase of 2.99% to help fund the proposed budget.
The budget is set to be discussed at a Cabinet meeting on 3rd December 2025, where approval for a public consultation is also expected.
The proposed budget includes several key areas of investment.
Among the plans is £15 million to be spent over the next three years on improving road quality and safety of the county's roads.
A further £2 million will be spent installing 20mph speed limits over the next two years.
Education services have also been highlighted, with £21.1 million earmarked to deliver a new special school in Gloucester, enabling young people to study closer to home.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services are set to see a further £2.7 million investment.
Care for older residents is another focus of the budget, with £6.35 million due to be committed next year on building three new care homes. This forms part of a broader £57 million investment.
Household Waste Recycling Centres will receive £3.9 million in improvements over the next four years, while Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service will benefit from £5.3 million towards new frontline vehicles, a new training facility, and upgrades to Cinderford Fire Station.
To fund the proposed budget, the council plans to raise an additional £26.1 million through a council tax and a further 2% rise in the adult social care precept.
For a Band D property in the county, this would mean an extra monthly cost of £6.98 for residents.
The council is also aiming to reduce costs through measures to streamline its operations, including cutting back on consultants, addressing inefficiencies, and eliminating duplication.
These steps are expected to generate £25.7 million in savings for the council's budget.
A public consultation on the proposals will run from 4th December 2025 to 9th January 2026.
Cllr Lisa Spivey, Leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said: “This budget is about more than numbers. It’s about people and making sure we invest in the things that matter—supporting communities, protecting our environment, and building a county where everyone feels welcome and proud to call home.
“We understand that households are under financial pressure from all angles. We don’t take the decision to increase Council Tax lightly. But I want to be open about the challenges we face and what they mean for all of us.
“Your voice really does make a difference. By sharing your views, you help us make better, more informed decisions and shape a fairer future for everyone. “