A below inflation council tax rise has been unanimously approved by Stroud District Council.

It means residents will have to pay 13p more per week for council services, an increase of 2.99% for Band D households.

Councillors voted through the 2023/24 budget at a Full Council meeting on Thursday (Feb 16).

Cllr Catherine Braun (Green, Wotton-under-Edge) council leader, said she and colleagues are mindful of the impact of increases in the cost of living on households across the district.

She said: "We're keeping council tax increases to a minimum and despite inflationary pressures, we'll be maintaining all our key services, as well as our new council homes programme and big capital projects like the Brimscombe Port redevelopment."

SDC services make up approximately 11% of the area's Council Tax bill.

The budget includes extra funding for environmentally friendly projects including £764,000 towards renewable energy projects at The Pulse and Stratford Park leisure centres and the Museum in the Park.

There is an additional £500,000 for walking and cycling schemes, including accessibility for public spaces; and £150,000 on top of £300,000 already committed to play areas, for Stratford Park.

The council will continue with 100% Council Tax support for people in need.

Part-funding for 15 homes for people fleeing conflict and support for voluntary sector organisations who work with refugees and asylum seekers was also approved at the budget meeting.

Cllr Natalie Bennett (Independent Left Group, Nailsworth), deputy council leader, said: "Despite the tight financial position this year, we have tried to make sure that our budget considers the needs of all residents, from the youngest to the oldest, that it reflects our values as an inclusive and welcoming district, and our commitment to action on the climate and nature emergency."

The council's services include 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.

Stroud District Council and the district as a whole were rated well above the national average in the most recent independently conducted residents and businesses satisfaction survey.

A recording of the meeting can be viewed online  and the agenda papers are on the council's website.

On Wednesday Gloucestershire County council approved a £567million budget .