The recent pause in Gloucestershire’s local government reorganisation has opened the door for reconsidering alternative structures that maintain local councils for the county’s six distinct areas.
Earlier this month, the Government announced it was pausing the local government reorganisation (LGR) process in Gloucestershire, amid a wider review of changes decided in July affecting 14 areas nationwide. The Government had originally selected a single unitary council model, which would involve merging the six district authorities with Gloucestershire County Council.
However, the Forest of Dean District Council opposed all the options put forward, including the single authority and two proposals for splitting the county into two unitary authorities. Tim Gwilliam, former leader of Forest of Dean District Council and a Progressive Independent representing Berry Hill, views the current pause as an opportunity to explore a different approach.
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Mr. Gwilliam suggests establishing a combined authority, where each district retains its own council but collaborates strategically at county level, potentially led by an elected mayor. This approach, he argues, provides a unified voice for Gloucestershire with devolved powers and funding, while preserving local accountability and identities.
“Since the Government paused the LGR process, it’s clear we should proactively explore alternatives rather than wait passively for decisions,” he said. “We never fully considered whether a combined or strategic authority framework could meet our county’s needs. Such a structure would allow district, borough and city councils to work together at a strategic level on transport, housing, infrastructure, economic development and investment without losing their distinct local identities.”
Mr. Gwilliam emphasises that the six councils represent very different communities, which is a strength rather than a weakness. He acknowledges that pursuing this alternative would require convincing fellow councils, MPs, and central Government, demonstrating that it is legally feasible, financially viable, and beneficial for local communities.
“I’m not asserting this is the definitive solution, but we owe it to our residents to explore whether a strong, community-conscious strategic authority could be established-potentially a smaller one of its kind,” he said. “This approach would provide Gloucestershire-wide leadership while recognising the unique priorities of Forest of Dean, Stroud, Gloucester, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and the Cotswolds.”
He added, “The Government’s review offers a moment to pause and pose the fundamental question: what do we want for Forest of Dean and Gloucestershire?”
The issue is expected to be discussed by a scrutiny group at Forest of Dean District Council later this week. Alan Preest, former Gloucestershire County Council chairman and currently a district councillor for Lydney East, supports exploring this option.
“The decision by Forest of Dean District Council deserves respect,” Mr. Preest said. “We need to debate this thoroughly and ensure our constituents’ voices are heard. It is important to preserve local democracy rather than being dictated to from Gloucester.”
Meanwhile, Martin Horwood, former Cheltenham MP and current mayor of the town, has also expressed openness to considering alternatives during the Government’s pause. A Liberal Democrat councillor who opposed the idea of a large single unitary council, he is concerned about potential losses of local identity and accountability.
“If new options emerge during this pause, all seven councils should seriously evaluate them,” Mr. Horwood stated. “A combined authority that preserves county-wide services such as adult social care and education, while enabling us to benefit from devolved government powers, could be an attractive proposition.”
With the Government’s review still underway, Gloucestershire’s future governance structure remains under careful consideration, with local leaders advocating for solutions that balance strategic coordination with strong community representation.