Tewkesbury Borough Council sets 2025-26 Budget to secure continuation of-services

Tewkesbury Borough Council has approved a budget for 2025/26, which sees its council tax rate remaining as one of the lowest in the country.

On Tuesday 25 February, the council agreed a balanced budget of £13,450,226. This includes an increase in council tax for a band D property of £5 per year, from £144.36 to £149.36.

Councillor Stewart Dove, Lead Member for Finance and Asset Management, said: “It is pleasing that this budget has been approved by the Council with cross-party support; this means that across the 2025/2026 financial year, the Tewkesbury Borough average householder will pay the council less than £2.90 per week to have bins emptied, food premises inspected, fly tips cleared and all our other vital services delivered.

“Less than 8% of the total council tax that householders pay goes towards covering the cost of services provided by the borough council – as the whole bill also supports the county council, local parish and town councils, and the county’s police and crime commissioner – but we will nevertheless be seeking to provide excellent value for money as always and deliver on our council ambitions. I’m especially pleased that this budget will support this administration’s commitment to tackling the climate and ecological emergency including our investment in hydrated vegetable oil will see an 80-90% reduction in vehicle emissions where it is used by our waste and recycling crews.

“Despite the financial challenges facing the council due to further cuts in central government financial support for local councils after more than a decade of austerity, and with the borough rapidly expanding, it is pleasing to note that this budget has not required any reductions to services currently provided by the council and has allowed for some further investment in some of our key services such as Environmental Health and Planning, as well as our flood response.”

The budget is based on continuing current council services and the Council Plan. As the council continues to work with neighbouring councils in light of the upcoming Local Government Reorganisation, the budget will be reviewed, ensuring resources and funding meet its needs and prepare for the formation of a new unitary authority.

To view the full budget visit tewkesbury.gov.uk

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