UPDATE: Gloucestershire County Council just announced a significant investment of an additional £15 million for road repairs in the upcoming financial year, marking a critical step in addressing the county’s infrastructure needs. This funding boost is part of the Liberal Democrats’ budget proposals, set to be reviewed by the council cabinet on December 3, 2023.
The council is responsible for maintaining approximately 3,372 miles of roads across Gloucestershire, and council leader Lisa Spivey (LD, South Cerney) emphasized that this funding is crucial for fulfilling election promises made to the community. “We are fulfilling our pledge to fix our roads with a £15 million investment,” Spivey stated, highlighting the urgent need for reliable transportation infrastructure.
The total revenue budget for Gloucestershire is projected to be around £697 million, which will not only address road repairs but also increase support for vulnerable residents and invest in climate initiatives. According to Spivey, this budget aims to stabilize the council’s finances while enhancing services that families depend on daily.
In her remarks, Spivey underscored the importance of this budget in a challenging economic landscape: “We have created enough headroom to be able to deliver on things we care about without pulling back on services.” This includes plans for new care homes and special schools, along with the establishment of a virtual social care academy to support both paid and unpaid carers.
The council’s budget will undergo public consultation from early January after the cabinet’s initial review, allowing residents to voice their opinions on the proposed allocations. Spivey reiterated, “The message of this budget is clear. Investment into infrastructure and people ensures a thriving local economy.”
However, not all parties share the same enthusiasm. Conservative group leader Stephen Davies criticized the budget, questioning the validity of the reported financial shortfalls and suggesting that the Liberal Democrats may be overpromising without a viable plan. “This is what Liberal Democrats do, they over promise and blame everyone else for their failings,” Davies claimed.
As the council prepares to finalize its budget, the community is left to ponder the potential impacts of these decisions on local roads, care services, and economic stability. With the public consultation on the horizon, residents are encouraged to engage in discussions that will shape the future of Gloucestershire’s services and infrastructure.
Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops and the council takes significant steps towards enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
