Gloucester City Council has taken a significant step forward in reshaping local governance by officially publishing its Greater Gloucester and wider Gloucestershire proposal for local government reorganisation as of Thursday, November 6.
This proposal represents a major milestone in discussions about the future of public services and democratic representation across the county. Central to the plan is the creation of two complementary, modern unitary councils, each designed to deliver targeted benefits for both urban and rural communities throughout Gloucestershire.
The strategy aims to provide more responsive, efficient, and locally accountable governance tailored to the distinct needs of the county’s diverse urban and rural populations. Gloucester City Council highlights numerous advantages for both the city’s urban residents under the Greater Gloucester Council and the rural population served by the proposed Gloucestershire Unitary Council.
Jeremy Hilton, Leader of Gloucester City Council, explained:
“I believe the Greater Gloucester proposal is not just the best option for Gloucester – it’s the best option for the whole of Gloucestershire. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape local government to deliver higher quality services, stronger representation, and better outcomes for everyone, whether living in the city or our county’s towns and rural areas. The final decision must focus on what benefits Gloucestershire’s people most, not political convenience or short-term interests.
“Creating two complementary unitary councils lets us focus on what matters most in each area. Greater Gloucester will address urban challenges like homelessness, children’s services, and public safety while preserving our city’s heritage and speeding up regeneration. Meanwhile, the Gloucestershire Unitary will champion towns and rural communities by supporting market towns, protecting the environment, enhancing transport, and improving adult care, with Cheltenham acting as a major urban hub driving cyber-related business growth.
“This approach reflects residents’ real lives by simplifying governance, reducing duplication, and designing services around community needs. It strengthens the voice of neighbourhood parishes in Gloucester’s future and ensures both urban and rural areas have the scale and focus to flourish.
“This is about building a better Gloucestershire for everyone.”
The Greater Gloucester proposal is set to be discussed at a full Gloucester City Council meeting on November 20, alongside two other government reorganisation options: a single unitary council for all of Gloucestershire, and a division into two single-tier councils (West – Forest of Dean, Gloucester, and Stroud; East – Tewkesbury, Cheltenham, and Cotswolds).
Following this meeting, a special Cabinet session will decide which proposals, if any, will be submitted to the Government by the November 28 deadline.
The Government plans to launch a public consultation in 2026 and aims to reach a final decision on Gloucestershire’s local government reorganisation by summer next year.