Cheltenham’s draft budget proposals are out for consultation

The proposals also aim to ensure resources are available to continue to support its businesses and communities.

Key proposals within the draft budget include:

• 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 creating 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
   
• Transitioning the council’s housing service back in-house with the upcoming consultation on our tenant and leaseholder offer
   
• The delivery of infrastructure and planned maintenance projects to support the reduction of the carbon footprint of both the council and the town by 2030. This includes introducing 44 new electric vehicle charging points across our car parks, the first of which is scheduled to be operating by summer 2024
   
• Commitment to supporting the town centre economy following the recent announcement in 2022 of the £5.8m investment package for the High Street and the Minister Exchange which will be completed in spring 2024.

Cllr Peter Jeffries, cabinet member for finance and assets, said: “Over the last two years the council has continued to demonstrate its commitment to make Cheltenham a place where everyone can thrive, despite the financial uncertainty caused by the pandemic and the cost of living crisis.

“It is inevitable that the pressures we’ve faced has meant that we need to continue to deliver savings and efficiencies and protect core services for our residents. In 2024/25 we need to deliver another challenging savings strategy to balance our budget as demand for services increases and Government funding is still outpaced by rising costs. Everyone is welcome to share their thoughts on the proposals during the period of consultation.”

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 Friday 23 February 2024, taking into account feedback from the budget consultation process. At this meeting, the 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.

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