Council approves budget, boosting local growth and helping communities bounce back from COVID-19

The approved budget will allow the Council to invest in the Cotswolds to improve services, protect our environment and help our communities bounce back from Covid-19.

Key elements of the budget include:

• Supporting economic development in the District and preparing business cases for investment through our Recovery Investment Strategy
• Continuing our work on strategic planning to ensure our updated Local Plan is ‘green to the core’ and develop a masterplan for Cirencester, meets our housing needs and acknowledges the challenge of the climate emergency
• A £200,000 investment over two years in a new Civic Pride Programme to tackle environmental crime and improve our public realm
• To plan and develop better, greener transport options in the District
• Ensuring that the most vulnerable people in the District have access to support and accommodation

Cllr Mike Evemy, Deputy Leader of Cotswold District Council and Cabinet Member for Finance, said: "After nearly a decade of Government funding cuts this budget enables us to rebuild the Council’s finances so we can invest in the Cotswolds over the coming years.

“It recognises that this Council is leading our District by addressing the housing affordability crisis, tackling the climate emergency  and working to improve the vibrancy, strength and sustainability of our local economy as we emerge from COVID-19.

“The funding we have represents a challenge as the money residents pay in Council Tax only covers 15% of the Council’s total income.

“This year, increases in fees and charges and council tax will generate £500,000 to support the vital services we provide to the District’s residents, businesses and charitable organisations. We will also continue to support those who can least afford to pay Council Tax by maintaining our Local Council Tax Support Scheme.”

Cotswold District Council’s budget is funded through your Council Tax, a share of business rates and government grants. Only 7.3% of the Council Tax paid by residents comes to Cotswold District Council. The majority goes to Gloucestershire County Council and Gloucestershire Police with local town or parish councils receiving the remainder. 

The Council uses its budget to provide a range of services including waste collections, leisure facilities, fly-tipping collection, tourism services and car parks among many others.

The Cotswold District Council part of this year's council tax bill will rise by 10p a week, or £5 a year for the average band D household. 

The Budget was approved at Cotswold District Council’s Full Council meeting on Wed 24 February. Councillors voted as follows; 20 for, 14 against, 0 abstentions.