A pivotal decision on the future of Gloucestershire’s local government structure is anticipated next week, with options including splitting the county into East and West councils, creating a Greater Gloucester authority, or forming a single unitary council covering the whole county.
The reorganisation aims to streamline local governance, merging existing district councils with Gloucestershire County Council to establish stronger, more effective authorities. Currently, Gloucestershire is served by seven councils: Gloucester, Cheltenham, Cotswold, Forest of Dean, Stroud, Tewkesbury, and Gloucestershire County Council.
Three main proposals have been submitted for ministerial approval:
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- A single unitary council encompassing the entire Gloucestershire area.
- Two separate unitary councils dividing the county into East (Cheltenham, Cotswold, Tewkesbury) and West (Gloucester, Stroud, Forest of Dean).
- A Greater Gloucester authority proposed by the city council, covering Gloucester and surrounding areas, alongside a separate council for the rest of the county.
Local leaders and residents await the formal decision expected on July 16. At a recent corporate overview and scrutiny committee meeting, Councillor Rebecca Trimnell inquired about potential delays. Rob Ayliffe, director for Policy, Performance, and Governance at Shire Hall, indicated that Whitehall is committed to making a decision by that date but remained cautious in case of last-minute changes.
Ayliffe also noted the political context, referencing statements by Andy Burnham, the expected next Prime Minister, suggesting continued support for devolution initiatives linked to local government reorganisation. This may influence the decision’s criteria or timing.
Following the announcement, it is anticipated that elections for the new unitary council(s) will take place in May 2025. The new governance structures would be officially established by April 2028, leading to the dissolution of the current county, city, and district councils.