By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Plans to raise the bill Cheltenham households pay for borough council services have received unanimous approval.
Cheltenham Borough Council agreed this week to approve its budget for the upcoming financial year.
Their proposals will see the proportion of council tax which goes towards the authority rise by 2.99 per cent.
For a band D property the yearly bill will rise to £244.79 – up £7.11 on this year.
Borough chiefs say that the proposals highlight their dedication to the council’s path for recovery and revitalisation benefiting the authority’s finances but also enhancing the services it provides, and the support offered to residents.
This is despite the financial difficulties that several local authorities are experiencing nationwide, they said.
Over the past decade, the council says it has executed effective commercial strategies that have safeguarded local services, and the plans for 2025/26 follow this approach.
The borough council’s key proposals include major investment into the development of Golden Valley, a nationally significant technology and security development in Cheltenham which will create new jobs and homes.
This includes the National Cyber Innovation Centre that will provide space for collaboration between industry, government and academia while driving long-term inclusive growth for Cheltenham and Gloucestershire.
Also, more capacity in their planning service to support a new more modern approach to planning and place shaping for the town, ensuring the council can keep up with the growth of our town, whilst safeguarding its regency heritage.
And a package of investment to support residents via the council’s new in-house social housing service, following the consultation on the tenant and leaseholder offer.
Additional council tax support for those in receipt of Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments, supporting local veterans through the cost-of-living crisis.
Finance and assets cabinet member Alisha Lewis (LD, Oakley) said: “With the budget now approved, the hard work begins.
“Years of proactive financial planning has equipped us with the time and resources needed to make well-informed decisions for the future – however long that may be.
“From new electrical infrastructure in our parks, to greater investment in keeping our town’s streets clean and tidy, we’re making the most of every opportunity to do right by Cheltenham.
“We appreciate everyone who shared their feedback on our proposals during the consultation period, and we will strive to incorporate these suggestions moving forward.”
All Liberal Democrat, Green Party and People Against Bureaucracy councillors present at the Municipal Offices voted in favour of the budget proposals.
The total tax bill households receive will also include Gloucestershire County Council, police and parish charges.
Shire Hall agreed this week to increase their proportion of tax for a band D property bill by 4.99 per cent to £1,679.65. Gloucestershire Constabulary’s precept is rising by 4.5 per cent.
For a band D home, this will see the yearly bill for policing rise by £14 from £308 to £322.