Gloucestershire County Council is gearing up to approve a significant budget aimed at enhancing local services and infrastructure
Gloucestershire: The council is about to discuss a draft budget that’s been shaped by public feedback. They’ll meet on January 29 to go over the details.
This budget for 2025/26 is set to increase spending by over £32.7 million compared to last year, bringing the total to nearly £650 million.
They’re planning to invest in key areas like highways, special educational needs, adult services, and the environment. It’s a big deal for the community.
There’s also a proposal to allocate £10 million to improve Gloucestershire roads, especially focusing on rural areas in the coming year.
Additionally, £12.8 million is earmarked for a new special school, which will have 200 places. This is great news for families with special educational needs.
They’re also setting aside £7.5 million for building three new adult care homes, with more investments expected in the future.
The council aims to enhance school facilities with a £12.4 million investment, which should really help local students.
Household waste recycling centers will also see a boost with a £1.3 million upgrade. It’s all about making things better for everyone.
This meeting follows a public consultation that ran from December 5 to January 10, where 65% of people agreed with the council’s priorities.
Councillor Stephen Davies expressed gratitude to residents for their input, emphasizing how valuable their feedback is for budget decisions.
He noted that unlike many neighboring councils facing cuts, Gloucestershire is in a position to invest in essential services.
If the cabinet approves the draft budget, it will go to the full council for a vote in February. Exciting times ahead!
