City's crisis has been developing for years.

City officials say their deepening financial emergency has developed over many years, as they urge the government to approve a 17.5m rescue package. Gloucester City Councils deputy leader, Declan Wilson, noted that now is not the time for dismissals among senior staff, though a full review of all roles will be necessary later.

Discussing the councils 4.3m budget overspend, Gloucester MP Alex McIntyre said he has lost confidence in top officials who, in his view, have not met the required standards. The council has already launched an internal investigation into this years financial shortfall, attributing significant accounting problems partly to the fallout from a 2021 cyber attack.

Speaking to BBC Radio Gloucestershire, Mr. McIntyre questioned how he could trust council officers without clear explanations: Until we have the answers, how can I? That is what Im demanding on behalf of local residents. He has held meetings with government ministers, pushing for an emergency bailout to prevent the council from sliding into effective bankruptcy.

Amid mounting financial pressure, council leaders are weighing workforce reductions, ending the lease with English Heritage for Blackfriars Priory, shortening museum opening hours, and raising fees for green and bulky waste collections.

This crisis has been building for years, Councillor Wilson said. He added that a newly appointed head of finance has already made a positive impact. The Liberal Democrats took control of the council in May 2024, following a period of Conservative leadership.

Stephanie Chambers, leader of the Conservative group, acknowledged that the previous administration bears some responsibility for overspending, but stressed the need to determine how the accounts became so inaccurate. Where the money has gone is unclear but we must have answers, and we must have accountability, she said.

Labour group leader Terry Pullen has called for a full financial investigation, while independent councillors leader Alastair Chambers stated: The black hole isnt a black hole anymore its become a crater.

Author: Lucas Grant