Surplus means civic chiefs will get £20k each for improvements in their area

By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter

Civic chiefs in Gloucestershire will each get an extra £20,000 to spend on enhancing public spaces, fixing potholes and whichever community projects they wish to support.

Leaders at Gloucestershire County Council have unveiled the new Councillor Community Fund this month after identifying a surplus in the budget.

The new initiative will see £20,000 allocated to every community in the county over the next two years.

Conservative chiefs say this funding is set to make a real difference, supporting local projects, enhancing public spaces, and strengthening communities across Gloucestershire.

“This has been made possible thanks to strong, responsible Conservative leadership at Gloucestershire County Council,” a Tory spokesperson said.

“Through careful financial management and a commitment to keeping the county’s budget solvent and stable, Gloucestershire remains one of the best-run councils in the South West.

“Unlike other councils facing financial difficulties, we are in a position to invest in our communities without increasing the burden on taxpayers.

“Each County Councillor will have the ability to allocate these funds to grassroots projects that will genuinely benefit their local area.

“We want to put money into the hands of local representatives who understand their communities best.”

Council leader Stephen Davies (C, Hardwicke) was asked about the new fund at the most recent cabinet meeting.

And councillors were told the fund could also be used to make specific highways improvements in their divisions.

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