Published on 21st February 2025

Image reads: Cheltenham's budget approved 21 February 2025.

Cheltenham Borough Council met today (Friday 21 February) to agree the budget for the financial year beginning on 1 April 2025.

This follows a period of consultation between 18 December 2024 and 31 January 2025, considering feedback from the budget consultation process from businesses and the community and voluntary sector.  

At this meeting, the council agreed the level of council tax, considering the requirements of Gloucestershire County Council and the Gloucestershire Police and Crime Commissioner.

Despite the financial difficulties that several local authorities are experiencing nationwide, the proposals highlight the council’s dedication to its path for recovery and revitalisation, benefiting not only the council's finances but also enhancing the services it provides, and the support offered to residents.

Over the past decade, the council has executed effective commercial strategies that have safeguarded local services, and the plans for 2025/26 follow this same successful approach. 

Key proposals include:

  • Major investment into the development of Golden Valley, a nationally significant technology and security development here in Cheltenham which, will create new jobs and homes. This includes the National Cyber Innovation Centre that will provide space for collaboration between industry, government and academia whilst driving long-term inclusive growth for Cheltenham and Gloucestershire.
  • More capacity in our planning service to support a new more modern approach to planning and place shaping for the town, ensuring the council can keep up with the growth of our town, whilst safeguarding its regency heritage.
  • A package of investment to support residents via the council’s new in-house social housing service, following the consultation on the tenant and leaseholder offer. 
  • Additional council tax support for those in receipt of Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments, supporting local veterans through the cost-of-living crisis.

Cllr Alisha Lewis, cabinet member for finance and assets, said: “With the budget now approved, the hard work begins. Years of proactive financial planning has equipped us with the time and resources needed to make well-informed decisions for the future - however long that may be.

“From new electrical infrastructure in our parks, to greater investment in keeping our town's streets clean and tidy, we're making the most of every opportunity to do right by Cheltenham.

“We appreciate everyone who shared their feedback on our proposals during the consultation period, and we will strive to incorporate these suggestions moving forward.”

Residents, businesses and all partners can view the full council report, online at http://www.cheltenham.gov.uk/budget.

For media enquiries, contact: communications, telephone 01242 264231, email [email protected].