An average council tax rise of less than 10p per week per household will be debated by Stroud District Council committee members this week, as they prepare to set a budget for the district.

The Council's Strategy and Resources Committee is being asked to recommend an increase of £5 per year to £222.52 at Band D, for services provided by Stroud District Council.

Committee members are also being asked to recommend a budget to council which includes allocations under the Council Plan, when they meet on Thursday (January 27). Those new allocations include expanding the number of electric vehicles in its contractor Ubico's fleet, supporting temporary accommodation to prevent homelessness, investing in children's play areas and support for a new tourism post.

Cllr Doina Cornell, Stroud District Council leader, said: "We have a new Council Plan which prioritises environment, community resilience and economy, and I believe this proposed budget will deliver on this, as the district deals with the devastating effects of the coronavirus pandemic."

The budget will help pay for key services including waste and recycling, planning, environmental health, parking, parks and recreation, leisure centres, The Museum in the Park, canal restoration, animal welfare, benefits administration and advice, elections, youth work, upkeep of open spaces including Selsley Common and Cam Peak and Long Down upkeep, plus licensing and flood management.

If the committee recommends the budget and level of council tax, all 51 elected members of the council will have the final say at a full council meeting on February 17.