Cheltenham Borough Council looks to balance demand for services amid rising costs in latest budget

Cheltenham Borough Council has agreed its budget, following consultation, for the 2024/25 financial year, which, it said, will see the authority deliver a "challenging savings strategy" to balance demand for its services as government funding is outpaced by rising costs.

Despite the backdrop, the council said its proposals reinforced its commitment to public services and enabling strong economic growth along with its carbon net zero targets.

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Among the highlights is the continued financial commitment to the Golden Valley Development to realise the council’s flagship ambition to make Cheltenham the 'Cyber Capital' of the UK and its commitment to the town centre economy following the announcement in 2022 of the £5.8m investment package for the High Street and the Minister Exchange, which will be completed this spring.

"Over the last two years the council has continued to demonstrate its commitment to supporting our residents, investing in our town and putting Cheltenham first, despite the financial uncertainty caused by the pandemic and the cost of living crisis," said Cllr Peter Jeffries, cabinet member for finance and assets.

"It is inevitable that the pressures we’ve faced has meant that we need to continue to deliver savings and efficiencies and protect core services for our residents.

"In 2024/25 we need to deliver another challenging savings strategy to balance our budget as demand for services increases and Government funding is still outpaced by rising costs.

"Continued investment in programmes like Golden Valley Development in West Cheltenham will provide economic growth which will not just benefit our council finances but will deliver positive outcomes for all in Cheltenham."

Also planned are infrastructure and maintenance projects to support the reduction of the carbon footprint of both the council and the town by 2030.

This includes introducing 44 new electric vehicle (EV) charging points across the council's car parks, as part of the first phase of a wider strategic plan to provide EV charging across the borough which is scheduled to be operating by this autumn.

It also aims to transition the council’s housing service back in-house following the recent consultation on its tenant and leaseholder offer.

The full council report can be viewed HERE.