By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Gloucestershire residents are being asked what a town council should prioritise over the next five years.
Stroud Town Council is asking all those who live or work in Stroud for their opinion on where they think the town should focus its resources.
Stroud households pay the second highest council tax in the district.
The average council tax bill households pay for services provided by Stroud Town Council is £243.82 a year.
This is more than the £243.08 that Stroud District Council is charging the average band D property during the 2025/26 financial year.
Though smaller in scope than Stroud District or Gloucestershire County Council, Stroud Town Council says it has made a notable impact in recent years.
It has saved the Sub Rooms and Lansdown Hall as public venues, enhanced play areas, awarded community grants, and supported the vital work of local community groups.
Stroud Town Council’s recent newsletter to all Stroud Parish residents contains information about how to respond to the consultation which will set out their strategy for the next five years.
And information on the consultation can be found here and paper copies can be collected from the Council’s offices on London Road.
The council says it is also running a social media campaign on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to ensure that as many residents as possible have the opportunity to give their thoughts on the priorities for Stroud over the next five years.
A strategy roadshow will launch at the Town Meeting on May 21 and continue throughout June at various public spaces—including parks and supermarket forecourts—giving residents a chance to share their views in person.
Dates and locations will be posted on the Council’s website. Stroud Mayor Tony Davey, Mayor of Stroud said: said: “This is an opportunity for the communities in Stroud to help shape our future.
“We encourage everyone to have their say and make their view heard, especially those from underrepresented communities and young people. Every voice has value and we encourage you to speak up.’’
Initial analysis has highlighted the following as areas where the Council could make greatest impact:
1. Improving the quality and quantity of our public spaces and parks for people, nature and community activities across Stroud; and ensuring our town centre is an attractive and accessible destination for businesses and cultural activity.
2. Supporting Stroud’s vibrant community and volunteer groups to become sustainable and resilient and taking opportunities to ensure that community assets (such as buildings that belong to Stroud) are shaped by local voices and benefit our whole town.
3. Addressing social exclusion, isolation and inequality across our town, ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to access key services and participate in our town’s life, regardless of who they are or where in Stroud they live.
The consultation period will be completed by the Autumn, with the final strategy document signed off by councillors towards the end of the year and published on the council’s website .