Published on 22nd December 2022

White piggy bank with black flower design

The council’s draft budget proposals for 2023/24 are now out for public consultation, as it continues to support economic growth of the town, despite the unprecedented financial challenge of the cost of living crisis.

The proposals re-inforce the council’s commitment to shaping and improving public services and enabling strong economic growth and development for the town, whilst ensuring resources are available to continue to support its businesses and communities.

Key proposals within the draft budget include:

  • Continued commitment to becoming a net zero carbon council and borough by 2030, providing capital finance to deliver infrastructure projects which support the council’s response to the climate emergency declaration in 2019.
  • Commitment to supporting the town centre economy following the recent announcement of the £5.8m investment package for the High Street and the Minister Exchange  
  • Continued financial commitment to the Golden Valley Development to realise the council’s flagship ambition to make Cheltenham the Cyber Capital of the UK. This includes the creation of a national centre of excellence for the cyber sector and wider tech industries that will be an engine-room for long-term inclusive growth for Cheltenham.
  • Continued commitment to Cheltenham’s No Child Left Behind project following the recent £60k financial boost provided by the council to the town’s food network
  • Continued partnership working with Cheltenham Borough Homes and other developers to deliver more affordable homes in the town.

Cllr Peter Jeffries, cabinet member for finance, assets and regeneration, said: “We are facing one of the most economically unstable and difficult times we have faced in living memory. Cheltenham was one of the first councils to publish a recovery strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic which focused on revitalising and reshaping the economy and ensuring that future growth benefits all of our communities.“Th

is budget is a re-commitment to those goals and that vision, even during the current economic challenges the economy places on us. Everyone is welcome to share their thoughts on the proposals during the period of consultation.’’

The council is encouraging close working across sectors to ensure that culture, hospitality and creativity is interweaved into their economic recovery plans, in particular the ambitious plans for the Golden Valley development.

Residents, businesses and all partners can view the full council report and find details of the budget consultation, online at www.cheltenham.gov.uk/budget and comments can be emailed to [email protected].

The final budget will be determined by full council on Monday 20 February 2022, taking into account feedback from the budget consultation process. At this meeting, council will also agree the level of council tax, taking into account the requirements of Gloucestershire County Council and the Gloucestershire Police and Crime Commissioner.

For media enquiries, contact: communications, telephone 01242 264154, email [email protected].