The way local services in Gloucestershire—such as road maintenance, social care, development planning, and waste collection—are managed is set to change significantly in the coming years. Now, residents have the opportunity to share their views on three proposed plans aimed at reshaping local government in the county.
The UK government is encouraging the consolidation of district authorities with county councils to streamline governance and strengthen local councils. In Gloucestershire, this means merging district councils with Shire Hall to form one or more unitary authorities that would be solely responsible for all local services.
Three proposals have emerged:
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A single unitary authority covering the entire Gloucestershire area, as proposed by Cotswold District Council, Gloucestershire County Council, Stroud District Council, and Tewkesbury Borough Council.
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Dividing the county into East Gloucestershire—comprising Cheltenham, Cotswold, and Tewkesbury—and West Gloucestershire—comprising Forest of Dean, Gloucester, and Stroud—as suggested by Cheltenham Borough Council.
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Establishing a Greater Gloucester authority, including the city and 21 nearby parishes, alongside a separate council for the rest of the county, put forward by Gloucester City Council.
Forest of Dean District Council chose not to submit a proposal, citing concerns that reorganization might undermine local democracy.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is conducting a statutory consultation on these proposals, open until March 26. Residents are encouraged to take part through an online survey, or by submitting their views via email at [email protected] or by post to LGR Consultation, Fry Building 2NE, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, 2 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DF. When responding in writing, it is important to specify which proposal is being addressed.
This consultation represents a crucial opportunity for Gloucestershire residents to influence the future structure of their local government.