Wotton and Stroud residents face higher council tax, with town councils citing limited income and vital community services.
The district council charges less. Stroud District Council charges £243.08 for a band D property in 2025/26. Their charge rose by 2.99 percent. The district handles bins and planning, manages recycling and leisure, and parking also falls under their purview.
Town councils need more funds to care for buildings and spaces, areas valued by residents. They have few ways to earn money. Tax comparisons are tough, they say, since parishes differ in area and duties.
Wotton’s budget is £526,688, with Band D properties paying £245.97, a 5.06 percent increase. A spokesperson said they own many buildings. The council carefully watches spending, aiming to support the community.
They want buildings to be safe and are aware of living costs. Inflation impacts services and residents. Wotton has two listed buildings, said the clerk. The Town Hall and Chipping Hall need work, and play areas and the cemetery need upkeep.
Wotton offers youth services and helps local businesses thrive. Parking is free in the town. They grant money to the Heritage Centre, aiding the tourism center and museum, and also help the Keeper’s Hub.
They support groups like the CAB, along with sports and breastfeeding groups. They support Christmas events too. Wotton assists the Tabernacle Church grounds. Hanging baskets and the library get help, and buildings are free for community events.
The town pays for CCTV and defibrillators and supports the Tolsey Clock and woods. The council helps rebuild old toilets and cares for St Mary’s burial ground. Holywell Leaze is well maintained.
Central government gives no money, nor does the district council offer aid. There are no big housing projects here which offset council tax costs elsewhere. Wotton owns no hotels or fee-charging parking, so their income is very limited, they claim.
Stroud’s budget is £1,179,513 and covers services and important projects. Council tax funds most of it, amounting to £243.82 per band D home. This is up 43 pence a week, a ten percent rise overall.
Stroud is improving playgrounds currently, with new equipment being installed. New gates are at the Leazes park now, helping with public safety there.
They are working on Park Gardens with help from the charity Allsorts. They plan for accessible play equipment. The older Locking Hill site will be fixed to house offices and community groups.
Stroud gets funds from the cemetery and also obtains grants, said the CEO. The district council gets much more money and it keeps all parking income itself. The town council gets none of that.
Gloucestershire County Council gets most tax money. They raised their share by 4.99 percent, totaling £1,679.65 for a band D property.
Police costs are also rising there. The police tax rises by 4.5 percent. Band D homes pay £322 yearly, £14 more than the prior year.