Leader's blog w/c 24 November 2025

“This week, we’re proud to be launching a campaign for a safer Stroud district for women and girls, as part of the international ‘16 days of activism’ initiative. In a joint statement last year Police Chiefs declared that violence against women and girls is a ‘national emergency’, which is growing in scale, making up almost 20% of recorded crime. Our district-wide initiative calls on residents and local organisations to help compile a comprehensive directory for help and support to women and girls, to strengthen collaboration, improve access to support and identify any gaps in provision.

This week the council is also starting the process to find a new developer to partner with in regenerating Brimscombe Port, following the withdrawal of St Modwen Homes. The landmark project will see the creation of new homes along with restoration of the canal basin and green spaces on this former industrial site.

With all district and county councils set to be abolished under the Government’s drive to reorganise authorities, we had to decide last week which ‘unitary council’ structure would best replace them in Gloucestershire. Officers and councillors have worked hard to develop options, resulting in three detailed proposals published on the Future Gloucestershire website. A majority of Stroud district councillors last week acknowledged that all the evidence points towards a single unitary council (a ‘Gloucestershire Council’) to avoid splitting county-wide services and putting a border through communities, such as Coopers Edge. There’s also a very serious concern about funding for services if the county is split in two – since a West Gloucestershire Council would start with a £23 million deficit and have much higher ongoing costs due to community needs than an East Gloucestershire Council. There’ll be a government consultation next year, then we’ll have to wait and see what the minister decides.”

Cllr Catherine Braun, Deputy Leader of Stroud District Council