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Businesses, charities, community organisations and education providers are being invited to apply for grants of up to £5,000 through Stroud District Council's £100,000 Sustainable Economy Fund.

The fund supports projects that help grow the local economy and create wider community and environmental benefits. 

Funding is available under five themes: 

• Green & Inclusive Economy
• People & Skills
• Investment & Enterprise
• Sustainable Tourism, Market Towns & Villages
• Rural Enterprise & Infrastructure

A wide range of projects could be eligible, including training and skills initiatives, business development, equipment purchases, digital innovation, accessibility improvements, environmental projects and tourism opportunities.

Organisations do not need to be based within the district, but funded projects must be delivered in Stroud district and provide clear local economic benefits.

Councillor Catherine Braun, Deputy Leader of Stroud District Council, said:

"The Sustainable Economy Fund is designed to help organisations turn good ideas into reality. Whether it's developing skills, supporting local businesses, investing in innovation or creating opportunities for residents, these grants can make a real difference. 

“We encourage organisations across the district to explore the fund and consider how it could help them deliver projects that strengthen our local economy and support a sustainable future."

Round 1 applications close on 22 November 2026. A second round is scheduled to open in April 2027. 

All funded projects must be completed by 31 October 2027.

Further information, including the application form, guidance notes and example projects, is available at: www.stroud.gov.uk/sustainableeconomyfund

For enquiries, please contact economic.development@stroud.gov.uk.

Following an initial review of the local government reorganisation decisions it made earlier this year, the Government has announced today that, before Christmas, it is “minded to” confirm a single unitary authority for Gloucestershire.

In an update shared with council leaders and chief executives today, Jim McMahon, the minister for local government, devolution and growth, said that all of the decisions made in July have been withdrawn – but that he was working to confirm the decision for the single unitary authority for Gloucestershire. 

He said that in the event the decision is confirmed, elections to the new unitary authority would take place in May 2028, ahead of vesting in April 2029. 

Elections to Cotswold District Council, Forest of Dean District Council, and Tewkesbury Borough Council will go ahead on existing boundaries in May 2027.

The minister also committed to taking further representation on the single unitary option before the final decision is made.

There was no further update on the status of wider devolution for Gloucestershire – which was also omitted from announcements made during the budget on Wednesday 28 October.

In a joint statement, the leaders of Gloucestershire’s seven councils, said: “We welcome the clarity that this latest update brings.

“Over the last eight weeks, while the Government has undertaken its initial review, we have been mindful of the different potential outcomes. As such, some essential programme activity has continued, while activities directly linked to implementation of a future local government structure have been paused.

“We are grateful to officers working across our councils for their diligent work on this, which has put our area in good stead to move forward.

“While this announcement provides some additional clarity on timing, we will now need to consider the implications of the extended timetable on the programme of work to deliver a new council for Gloucestershire, and the implications on the seven existing councils.

“This delay has consequences. Our councils are already facing extremely difficult financial choices. The government must meet the costs of LGR that we are incurring, including costs caused by an extended timeline.

“We have also been told over the last couple of years that devolution was the prize for going through LGR, yet Gloucestershire was not included in the Government’s Budget announcements yesterday. We cannot allow Gloucestershire to become the forgotten county when it comes to devolution and the benefits it will bring for our residents and businesses, and we will continue to lobby for a devolution deal for our county.”

More information about LGR can be found on the LGR Hub.

People living in Brimscombe and Thrupp, Chalford, Frampton on Severn, Great Oldbury, Minchinhampton, Standish and Upton St Leonards are being invited to give their views on proposed changes to parish council arrangements in their area.

Stroud District Council has published draft recommendations as part of its Community Governance Review and is now seeking feedback from residents, parish councils, community groups and other organisations before any final decisions are made.

The review is looking at whether current parish council arrangements continue to reflect the communities they serve and whether changes may be needed. This could include parish boundaries, the number of parish councillors, parish wards and other local governance matters.

The draft recommendations have been developed following an initial consultation earlier this year, when residents and local organisations were asked for their views on parish council arrangements.

The consultation is open until 11.59pm on Sunday 15 November 2026.

Residents can take part in the consultation:

• Online at www.stroud.gov.uk/cgr
• By email at elections@stroud.gov.uk
• By post to Electoral Services (CGR), Stroud District Council, Ebley Mill, Ebley Wharf, Stroud, GL5 4UB
• By calling the Elections Team on 01453 766321 to request a paper copy of the consultation or discuss the review further

All responses received during the consultation will be considered before final recommendations are presented to Full Council in December 2026.

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