Next week, Gloucestershire County Council will host a pivotal debate at Shire Hall, focusing on two major proposals for reshaping local government across the county.
In collaboration with the six district councils, Gloucestershire County Council has explored options to improve the structure and efficiency of local governance. The first proposal envisions a single unitary authority encompassing the entire county, merging the existing County Council with all district councils into one streamlined body.
Alternatively, the second proposal suggests dividing the county into two separate unitary authorities. The eastern authority would combine the Cotswold district with the boroughs of Cheltenham and Tewkesbury. Meanwhile, the western authority would consolidate Gloucester, the Forest of Dean, and Stroud under one council.
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On November 3, the council’s Cabinet approved the draft proposals, setting the stage for full council discussion on November 12, 2025. Following this, Council Leader Lisa Spivey (LD, South Cerney) confirmed that a formal proposal will be submitted to government ministers by November 28. The Government will then decide which option to endorse.
“There will be a full consultation on any option the Government considers viable,” Spivey stated. “Over the next year and a half, substantial work will be needed to prepare for elections scheduled in May 2027 and the establishment of new councils in May 2028.”
Spivey emphasized the urgency and importance of sustained focus during this transitional phase, urging all involved to remain committed to the process.
Additionally, Gloucester City Council is independently developing a third option for local governance known as ‘Greater Gloucester.’ This would establish a unitary authority covering Gloucester and one other part of the county. While the County Council has shared data and assisted with inquiries, Greater Gloucester’s proposal has advanced separately and has yet to undergo the same rigorous evaluation as the other two options.
Under the Government’s timetable, elections for whichever new council or councils are ultimately formed will take place in May 2027. The successful candidates will assume leadership from the current seven councils starting April 2028, marking a significant transformation in Gloucestershire’s local government structure.