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Gloucester’s budget delivers value for money services

Published
Cabinet members at Gloucester City Council have agreed their draft Money Plan for the next five years and budget proposals for 2023/24 in a report presented to cabinet.

The Money Plan 2023/28 and budget aims to continue the council’s delivery of key services that are value for money and to press ahead with the huge programme of regeneration taking place across the city.

It sets out the council’s approach to the management of its finances, gives indications of budgets and council tax levels and identifies any significant financial risks likely to be faced by the council in future years.

The plan discussed at the cabinet meeting also aims to identify the resources needed to fund the council’s priorities and achieve a balanced budget. The report warns that that the council like other authorities continues to face funding pressures. They include rising energy costs and inflation and the ongoing financial effects of the pandemic that mean it has to find further savings or generate income growth. However, the move last year to offices above the council owned Eastgate Shopping Centre continues to contribute savings and the council is also set to review how parking enforcement is carried out.

Key projects it will deliver as part of the capital programme, including The Forum development set to create a new digital quarter in the heart of Gloucester complete with Grade A office space, a four-star hotel and innovation centre. 

Other priority projects include improvements to Gloucester Museum, the new Food Dock and the Cathedral Quarter High Street Heritage Action Zone, which is restoring the buildings on Westgate including the recently reopened Folk of Gloucester and will soon see the street transformed with pocket parks, seating areas and new lighting.

Cllr Hannah Norman, cabinet member for performance and resources, said: “Councils are currently facing unprecedented financial pressures and we know that there are challenges ahead but we are confident that this budget will allow us to continue to deliver the vital services that people rely on and to deliver value for taxpayers’ money. We are also able to continue the investment that is driving ambitious projects which are transforming the city and will continue to encourage growth and investment in Gloucester.”