The ongoing pause in Gloucestershire’s local government reorganisation (LGR) should be seized as an opportunity to explore alternative models that maintain a council for each of the county’s six distinct areas. This perspective comes from Tim Gwilliam, former leader of Forest of Dean District Council, following the Government’s decision earlier this month to pause the county’s LGR plans.
The Government is currently reviewing decisions made in July that affect 14 areas, including Gloucestershire. Its plan had been to create a single unitary council for the county, merging the existing six district authorities with Gloucestershire County Council into one body.
However, Forest of Dean District Council rejected all proposals presented to it - including the single unitary council and two alternative options advocating the creation of two unitary authorities dividing the county.
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Mr Gwilliam, representing the Progressive Independents from Berry Hill, says this governmental pause provides a crucial moment to rethink the county’s future.
“Since the Government paused the LGR process, I’ve felt we should use that pause to do something more than simply wait to see what happens next,” he said.
He suggests investigating the feasibility of a combined authority for Gloucestershire, where each district has its own unitary council but works strategically together across the county, possibly with an elected mayor.
“In the initial LGR process, councils were offered various options around devolution and forms of unitary authority. Forest of Dean District Council found none of these suited our communities,” he explained.
“We never really explored whether there could be another route: a combined or strategic authority that retains our existing district, borough and city councils, but provides Gloucestershire with a robust strategic voice, devolved powers, funding, and potentially an elected mayor. This authority’s executive could comprise leaders from each local council, engaging directly with the Government.”
Mr Gwilliam emphasises the diversity across Gloucestershire’s six councils as a strength rather than a weakness, arguing that local identities and accountability need not be sacrificed to achieve effective county-wide strategic collaboration on issues such as transport, housing, infrastructure, economic development, and investment.
“We don’t yet know if a combined authority is the right answer,” he admitted, “but if Forest of Dean District Council is willing, we could work to persuade neighbouring councils, MPs, and the Government. We must demonstrate legal feasibility, financial credibility, and community benefit. But it’s certainly worth exploring.”
He added: “I would rather we thoroughly examine whether Gloucestershire could establish a strong, community-aware strategic authority - perhaps as one of the smaller combined authorities - rather than accept the largest possible unitary authority just because it’s the current plan.”
Former County Council chairman Alan Preest, now a district councillor for Lydney East, supports considering this option.
“The decision by Forest of Dean District Council deserves respect,” he said. “We need to debate it and represent our constituents’ voices. Our aim is to preserve democracy in the Forest of Dean, rather than have decisions imposed from Gloucester.”
Similarly, former Cheltenham MP Martin Horwood, now the town’s mayor and a Liberal Democrat councillor, has also voiced opposition to the idea of a single large council for Gloucestershire.
“I have concerns about the erosion of local identity and accountability, and the risks to cherished local institutions,” he said. “If a new option emerges during this pause, all seven councils should consider it seriously. A combined authority preserving countywide services like adult social care and education, while accessing devolved government powers, could be an attractive alternative.”
As Gloucestershire navigates this period of reconsideration, the Government’s review offers a valuable chance to reflect on what structure might best serve the diverse communities across the county.