Council approves budget to help ‘weather the storm’ of local government funding cuts and continue to run good quality local services

The approved budget will allow the Council to continue to invest in the Cotswolds to improve services and tackle key local issues while also managing the significant loss of funding from the Government

Cllr Mike Evemy, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “We continue to face major financial pressures due to ongoing cuts to the money we receive from the Government, inflation and increased service costs. 

“Over the past decade, our core Government funding has reduced by around 60 per cent. 

“We’re facing a financial cliff-edge of Government funding next year with a potential £2 million reduction as a result of the Government’s Fairer Funding Review due to be published this spring. 

“This budget will help us weather that storm while also delivering the services residents expect and investing in our District.

“It will support the District's recovery from the impact of Covid-19, deliver action on climate change through innovative projects, protect our most vulnerable residents and continue our work to provide homes for rent for people who need them at a price they can afford.”

“We are also working to make our services more efficient as well as improving them. Last year we saved or raised around £400,000 and this year we’re looking to save or raise a further £800,000.

Cotswold District Council’s budget is funded through Council Tax paid by residents, a share of business rates and income from services like parking and government grants. Only 7% of the Council Tax bills 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. It does not provide other council services such as road maintenance, libraries, adult social care and children's services which are delivered by the county council.

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. 

Cllr Evemy continued, “We have had to make some difficult decisions in the face of our financial challenges. If you need support with paying your Council Tax, please visit our website or call our customer services team to see if you are eligible for help through our Council Tax Support Scheme.”

Residents can find out more about the support scheme by visiting cotswold.gov.uk/counciltaxsupport