Leader's blog w/c 15 June 2026

We’ve had some long but important evenings in the Council chamber at Stroud District Council these past weeks, with decisions focused on supporting residents, improving homes, caring for public spaces and preparing for the future of local government.

At Communities and Licensing Committee, councillors allocated £227,000 to cost-of-living support through our Community Hubs Network and trusted local partners like the Foodbank and Citizens Advice. Although government funding is lower this time, these organisations know our communities well, and are ready to help households facing pressure from food, utility bills and other essentials.

You’ll know we take up every opportunity to expand and improve our housing stock. Last week’s Housing Committee agreed to apply for additional funding, matched by council investment, to keep improving the energy efficiency of council homes. Councillors also supported bidding for funding to provide homes for people fleeing conflict and those in temporary accommodation, helping to ease wider housing pressure.

We want everyone to enjoy our open spaces responsibly, and our Environment Committee backed consultation on extending four Public Spaces Protection Orders relating to dog control for a further three years from October.

At full council, we agreed our response to Government’s latest questions on local government reorganisation in Gloucestershire, ahead of the Minister’s decision (likely mid-July) on what will replace the current district and county councils in 2028.

The council will carry out essential memorial safety testing this July at St Mary Magdalen’s, Rodborough and Chancel Arch Church, Woodchester. We know this can be sensitive for families, and the work will always be done respectfully.

Finally, I warmly invite residents to join us for Armed Forces Day at Stratford Park on Saturday 27 June, Gloucestershire’s only large-scale event to mark the day. It promises to be a friendly family occasion and a lovely start to more summer activities in the park.

Cllr Chloe Turner, Leader of Stroud District Council