Council budget consultation 2026/27
At a cabinet meeting on 23 December 2025, the cabinet's draft budget for 2026/27 was approved for consultation.
The council’s draft budget proposals for 2026/27 are now out for public consultation.
Key proposals within the draft budget include:
- Ongoing delivery of the council’s 2025–28 corporate plan priorities, including: investing in Cheltenham’s future with the Golden Valley development; responding to the climate emergency; supporting strong and safe communities; delivering and maintaining high quality homes; and taking care of public money.
- A proposed 2.99% increase in council tax, to help protect local services as national funding reduces.
- Continued investment in the council’s buildings and assets.
- A review and update of fees and charges, increasing them for inflation when it makes sense, while keeping in mind market conditions and affordability.
- Careful review of spending plans and borrowing to make sure future investments are affordable and can be maintained over time.
How to comment
You can see the full budget documents and email your views on the proposals to [email protected] by 31 January 2026.
Final budget setting
The final budget will be determined by full council on 27 February 2026, 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.
Current budget
The final budget for 2025/26 was approved at a full council meeting on 21 February 2025.