Cheltenham is considering the creation of its own town council as part of preparations for significant local government reforms that will see the abolition of the Borough Council. These changes follow the Government’s December announcement of plans aimed at devolving more powers to local authorities through the English Devolution White Paper, which proposes forming larger unitary councils serving approximately 500,000 residents. In Gloucestershire, this would mean merging district councils like Cheltenham Borough with the county council.
Currently, there are three proposals on the table for restructuring local government in Gloucestershire. Ahead of a final decision, Cheltenham Borough Councillors have agreed to launch a community governance review. This review will evaluate the potential for creating, merging, modifying, or dissolving parishes within Cheltenham to better represent the community.
The review’s primary goal is to gauge support for new town or parish councils within Cheltenham’s administrative area. It will also consider whether existing parish councils—Charlton Kings, Leckhampton with Warden Hill, Prestbury, Swindon Village, and Up Hatherley—wish to adjust their boundaries. Additionally, the review will examine parish names, electoral arrangements, and the number of councillors per parish, aiming to enhance community engagement, strengthen local democracy, and improve the delivery of local services.
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Rowena Hay, Leader of Cheltenham Borough Council, emphasized at the May 12 meeting that some form of unitary authority will soon be introduced in Cheltenham. While five parish councils currently serve parts of the town, significant areas lack local representation. “With Cheltenham Borough Council going, there is going to be a big part of our town which doesn’t have that local representation,” Hay said. A cabinet member working group has been tasked with overseeing the review, expected to take approximately one year.
Hay added, “This is the start of the process. Some parishes may become smaller or larger, or new ones may be created. Those decisions will come later.” Following an initial consultation phase, a final consultation will take place once detailed plans are formulated. Whether this leads to the creation of a town council, a parish council, or multiple parishes remains uncertain but is seen as a longer-term decision.
Hay stressed the urgency of establishing this groundwork prior to the local government reorganization to safeguard communities and ensure that residents have a voice. Councillor Martin Horwood noted the ambitious timeline, with a reorganization order anticipated by February 2026. Significant changes to parish councils, including budgets, staffing, and neighbourhood plans, could pose logistical challenges.
However, Hay reassured that abolishing existing parish councils is not under consideration. While creating or expanding parishes is straightforward, the greater challenge lies in addressing unrepresented areas of Cheltenham. “I want this to be in place should the council make its decision by 2027,” she said, adding they could pause the process if major changes are made later.
Councillor Adrian Bamford, a long-serving Up Hatherley parish councillor, echoed concerns about the fast pace, advocating for a more measured approach to ensure thoroughness. Hay, meanwhile, is determined to implement the plans by early next year.
Councillor Ashleigh Davies welcomed the review, highlighting its role in fostering local democracy. “Even though the timeline is quite fast, I do think the purpose of this report is on the right track,” she said.
Councillors unanimously agreed on the review’s terms of reference and the commencement of the first stage of consultation, marking a key step toward reshaping Cheltenham’s local governance.