Cotswold District Council has unanimously backed plans for a single unitary council to serve the entire county of Gloucestershire. The decision was made at a meeting in Cirencester on November 26, where council members reviewed two proposals aimed at reorganizing local government across the county.
Gloucestershire’s seven principal authorities have been collaborating on restructuring options in response to the Government’s push to streamline council services across England. Currently, Gloucestershire operates as a two-tier authority, with responsibilities divided between the County Council and six district councils.
The preferred proposal—supported by Cotswold District Council and several others—advocates for a single unitary authority to govern a population exceeding 660,000. This council would replace both the current county and district layers, offering a more cohesive structure for service delivery.
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An alternative plan, favored by five of the seven Gloucestershire MPs, suggests splitting the county into two unitary councils: one in the east encompassing Cheltenham, Cotswolds, and Tewkesbury with 311,000 residents, and another in the west covering Gloucester, Forest of Dean, and Stroud, serving nearly 350,000 people.
Council leader Mike Evemy emphasized that while both options are workable, the single unitary model provides greater stability, less disruption, and a more robust financial footing. “This is a significant decision about the future of local governance in Gloucestershire,” he noted, but stressed the final choice rests with government ministers, who aim to eliminate the current two-tier system in favor of unitary authorities.
Conservative group leader Tom Stowe praised the collaborative effort across councils and noted that the analysis shows a stronger case for a single council. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, stressing the need to prioritize the best outcomes for all residents.
Green Party Councillor Clare Turner expressed reservations about the process, particularly the reduction of elected representatives from 295 to 110, which she worries could diminish residents’ voices. However, she supported the single unitary council option over the East-West proposal, citing concerns about financial impacts on vulnerable communities in the western districts.
Following the unanimous vote by Cotswold District Council, the cabinet agreed to submit the single unitary council proposal to the government. This aligns Cotswold with Gloucestershire County Council, Tewkesbury, and Stroud councils in backing the single authority option. Meanwhile, Cheltenham supports the two-unitary East-West approach, Gloucester favors an expanded Greater Gloucester authority, and Forest of Dean opposes all proposals, citing fears over local democracy erosion.
As Gloucestershire moves through this transformative phase, the final government decision will shape the structure of local governance and service delivery for years to come.