Column by the leader of Stroud District Council, Doina Cornell.

At the full council meeting last week, we set the amount of council tax for the forthcoming year.

It’s worth noting that Stroud District Council is the collection authority for council tax, which means we collect it on behalf of all the organisations that take a share.

The largest share- 70% - goes to the County Council which is responsible for roads and infrastructure, social services, and education. The Police and Crime Commissioner take a share, as well as your local parish or town council.

What’s left – around 11% of your total bill is used by Stroud District Council for the services we provide such as waste and recycling, animal welfare, benefits administration and advice. Our portion of your bill has increased by less than 10p a week, and as well as the above we’ve set aside money to encourage the development on brownfield sites, continue tackling climate change and build sustainable communities.

A great example of community building can be seen at Sherborne House in Stonehouse. SDC has invested £410,000 in renovating the scheme for older people, creating a large, bright open plan lounge and dining area.

The vision is for Sherborne House to become a hub for the wider community, and the organisers are looking for people with a skill or hobby that they could share as a community club. If you think you could become a volunteer, please email katherine.allen@stroud.gov.uk

Finally, it seems that most of the district has been glued to the district council’s Facebook page for updates on Valentine, the dog that was dumped with a broken leg outside a vet’s surgery. Our animal welfare has been overwhelmed by the interest his story has generated, and

I’m pleased to report that his surgery went well and Valentine is now settling in well with his foster family. £1,200 has been raised so far by generous donors towards his operation and ongoing care.