Leader's blog - w/c 10 February 2025

"Affordable housing and home energy efficiency are once again big themes in our budget for the year ahead. On Thursday, the Full Council will debate draft proposals, which also include stepping up action on litter and anti-social behaviour, a commitment to tacking health inequalities, expanding work on contaminated land and air quality, action for nature recovery, supporting children’s play and further investment in the council’s planning service. 

The budget reflects the council’s new priorities, which are set out in the latest Council Plan, that will also be reviewed at the meeting. For some new projects, the council will lead, but for many others, we will be working in partnership with other groups.

Climate Leadership Gloucestershire is a great example of a county-wide partnership group, which brings together representatives from all the councils, NHS, police, universities, Local Nature Partnership and Youth Climate Group. Together, we have recently launched a new scheme to make it simpler for people who wish to invest in improving the efficiency of their home and save money on energy bill, for examples by installing new doors, windows, heat pumps or solar panels. The new service, with partner Furbnow, for Gloucestershire offers professional surveys, tailored advice, access to vetted installers and end-to-end project management. Find out more here: https://furbnow.com/gloucestershire/

The Government’s plans to radically change council structures have prompted a new phase of joint working in Gloucestershire. District and county leaders are meeting fortnightly to discuss options for creating one or two unitary councils in Gloucestershire, to replace district and county councils. There is real concern about most decisions moving up to the regional level and my focus remains on keeping council services and accountability as local as possible."

Cllr Catherine Braun, Leader of Stroud District Council