At last night’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee, 27 November 2025, members considered the findings and recommendations from the cross-party Task and Finish Group established to review the September Council Tax and Business Rates direct debit incident, in which thousands of residents were charged twice. 

Forest of Dean District Council has confirmed that it does not support the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) currently being proposed for Gloucestershire. The decision was debated by Full Council on 19 November and confirmed by Cabinet on 20 November. 

Residents across the Forest of Dean are being encouraged to celebrate their local high streets - and be in with a chance of winning up to £100 to spend in local shops. A new competition invites shoppers to support nearby businesses, discover hidden gems, and show off their purchases, all while helping Forest towns thrive in the run-up to Christmas.

Full Council has agreed to adopt a new preferred option for the revised Local Plan. The plan identifies the district’s principal settlements as the focus for future growth and makes provision for the potential establishment of up to two new settlements, subject to further assessment and consultation.   

Forest of Dean District Council’s street wardens were honoured at the annual RSPCA PawPrints Awards, scooping a platinum for Stray Dog Services and a bronze for Contingency Planning.