The Stroud District Green Party has expressed concern over the latest government funding settlement, which is set to reduce Stroud District Council’s real-terms spending power by 3.5% each year over the next three years.
Government funding beyond council tax is expected to fall by 11.5% this financial year, rising to 20% in the following year.
Adrian Oldman, coordinator of the Stroud District Green Party, said: “We are concerned that these reductions will put pressure on local services and affect residents and communities in Stroud. Rural councils often face particular challenges when funding is reduced, and these changes come at a time when resources are also needed to manage local government reorganisation, which many local parties and residents have not requested.”
The party noted that claims of an £800,000 boost for local services in the Stroud constituency have not yet been independently verified.
The ongoing local government reorganisation is expected to have financial implications for the council. The Green Party supports a single-unitary council model for Gloucestershire, citing analysis indicating that it may be the most cost-effective option compared with the two-unitary model preferred by some parties.
“Government reports have suggested that reorganisation could lead to cost savings, but some analyses indicate that outcomes could vary depending on how the changes are implemented,” added Adrian Oldman.
The Stroud District Green Party calls for transparency and fairness in government funding, particularly for rural areas, to ensure local services can continue to meet community needs.
