Weekly blog - w/c 2 February 2026

As February begins, Stroud District Council is marking both LGBT+ History Month and Race Equality Week. These events are being marked by our staff, and in the council’s work to celebrate inclusion and strengthen community cohesion across the district.

Applications are now open for the council’s 2026 Culture Grants. Creatives of all kinds are encouraged to apply, whether they are emerging artists, established practitioners or community groups with a project in mind. Grants of up to £2,000 are available to help bring local ideas to life. Full details and eligibility criteria can be found on the council website.

Work to keep the Stroudwater Canal looking its best is also under way. Council teams are joining forces with local volunteers, supported by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire, to clean graffiti and refresh areas along the canal. Residents who spot graffiti are asked to report it at www.stroud.gov.uk/report-it so action can be taken quickly.

On the financial front, the Strategy and Resources Committee has recommended a 2.99% increase in the council’s portion of Council Tax. This represents an increase of less than 14p per week for the services provided by Stroud District Council and will now go forward for consideration by full Council.

Finally, look out for a government consultation on Local Government Reorganisation which is expected to open soon for stakeholders across Gloucestershire. We will share details widely once published to ensure residents have the opportunity to give their views on what would be the most significant proposed change to local government in the county for more than half a century.