Taxpayers in Cheltenham may face higher bills following local government reorganisation if a new town council is established. The UK Government plans to replace the existing county and district authorities in Gloucestershire with one or two new unitary councils, which would provide the services currently managed by these bodies.
As part of this restructuring, Cheltenham Borough Council is expected to be abolished. In its place, there is discussion about creating a parish or town council specifically for Cheltenham. A community governance review is currently underway to gauge public support for establishing new town or parish councils within the borough.
Additionally, the review will explore whether existing parish councils—such as Charlton Kings, Leckhampton with Warden Hill, Prestbury, Swindon Village, and Up Hatherley—wish to adjust their boundaries.
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Former councillor Tim Harman requested an estimate of potential annual costs per household if the new council is created. Council leader Rowena Hay (LD, Oakley) responded that it is too early to determine any financial impact.
“The community governance review has not yet reached a point where decisions about future precepts can be made,” she said. “It’s premature to predict what the shape of town and parish councils will be in Cheltenham going forward, so estimates cannot be provided at this time.”
At the full council meeting on December 15, Mr Harman pressed for clear communication to residents regarding possible tax increases resulting from the creation of a town council. He highlighted that households in areas like Park ward—which is currently unparished—could face additional taxation.
Cllr Hay reiterated that the outcome remains uncertain, as the review is ongoing and a second phase of consultation will occur next year. “We have completed the initial consultation,” she said. “At this stage, I cannot confirm whether more parishes or a town council will be established or what the precept would be—it’s simply too early to tell.”