County Council reveals proposed budget for 2026/27
The proposed spending plans for 2026/27 will see spending rise by more than £32.4 million on 2025/26 levels, to almost £700 million.
The council’s Cabinet is set to approve a public consultation on the proposed budget when it meets.
The £697.5 million proposed budget includes significant investment by the council to improve road safety, education for young people, and continued support the most vulnerable people in the county.
An additional £15 million is proposed to be spent over the next three years on improving the quality and safety of the county’s roads. In addition, £2 million will be spent on introducing 20mph speed limits over the next two years to improve road safety.
A total of £21.1 million will be spent on delivering the new special school in Gloucester, allowing more young people to can being educated closer to home. A further £2.7 million will be invested in the Special Educations Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services.
Towards a total investment of £57m, there will be £6.35 million committed next year towards the building of three new care homes in the county.
Household Waste Recycling Centres across the county will be benefit from improvements with £3.9 million set to be invested over the next four years.
Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service will see £2.5 million spent on new frontline vehicles, £1.5 million towards a new training facility, and £1.3 million to make improvements to Cinderford Fire Station.
The budget proposes raising an additional £26.1 million to help fund services through a council tax increase of 2.99% and a further 2% increase in the adult social care precept, which will specifically support work with the most vulnerable adults in the county. Based on a band D property, residents would pay an additional £6.98 each month.
The council is also looking at the way it works to reduce costs and make its money go further. This includes reducing the reliance on consultants, stripping out duplication, and tackling inefficient practices. This will create £25.7 million in savings for the council’s budget.
Cllr Lisa Spivey, Leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said: “This budget is about more than numbers. It’s about people and making sure we invest in the things that matter—supporting communities, protecting our environment, and building a county where everyone feels welcome and proud to call home.
“We understand that households are under financial pressure from all angles. We don’t take the decision to increase Council Tax lightly. But I want to be open about the challenges we face and what they mean for all of us.
“Your voice really does make a difference. By sharing your views, you help us make better, more informed decisions and shape a fairer future for everyone. “
A public consultation will run from 4 December 2025 until 9 January 2026.
The full Cabinet report can be read here.