Leader's blog - w/c 9 March 2026

"International Women’s Day on 8 March saw many organisations celebrate the inspiring local women who support their work across our communities. In Stroud district there were numerous events, from the Stroud Film Festival to a weekend of Stroud Sisterhood activities, and even a new beer launched at Stroud Brewery.

International Women’s Day has been held for over a century to champion women’s social, economic, cultural and political achievements, and to call for greater gender equality.  Recent years have seen progress in improving diversity in politics, so that elected bodies better reflect the populations they serve. I’m proud that we have almost achieved gender parity among councillors at Stroud District Council though there’s still work to do in Parliament where women make up 40% of MPs and just over 30% of peers.

I’d like to congratulate our newest councillor, Helen Elliott‑Boult, elected last week in the Thrupp Ward by‑election. Helen brings extensive experience from her parish and community work, and we are delighted to welcome her to the district council.

As you may know, local government structures are due to change, and the Government is consulting on three options for Gloucestershire. Stroud District Council supports a single unitary council, which would combine district and county services. This proposal is backed by a detailed options appraisal which was jointly undertaken by all councils. The decision will shape the future of our public services, and I encourage everyone to respond before the consultation closes on 26 March.  

Finally, with illegal waste sites in the news, I’d like to recognise the sterling work of our council officers who were involved in recent enforcement action under the Clean Air Act. Their work led to a £4,260 fine for a business that burned waste in Sharpness last year instead of disposing of it properly."

Cllr Catherine Braun, Deputy Leader of Stroud District Council