Plans to reorganise local government in Gloucestershire into a single super council have been paused as the Government launches a national review of the process. This decision comes in the wake of updated legal advice, casting doubt on previous flagship reorganisation decisions made less than two months ago.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has initiated the review to ensure the reorganisation process is robust and aligns with the Government’s ambition to “rewire the state”. The review responds to what the Ministry described as “updated and privileged legal advice”.
In July, just before Andy Burnham’s appointment as Prime Minister, the Government announced plans to abolish Gloucestershire’s two-tier local government system. Three proposals were considered: one favoured by the city council proposing a Greater Gloucester unitary authority separate from the rest of the county; another suggested an East-West split, and a third option. Ultimately, the Government selected the creation of a single unitary authority to replace the county council and all six district and borough councils.
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Elections for the new council were scheduled for May next year, with the structural changes planned for implementation in April 2028.
However, at least eight councils across England have launched or threatened legal challenges regarding the Government’s chosen council footprints. Reform UK, which leads councils in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, has claimed credit for influencing the Government’s decision to pause the reorganisation process. Plans for Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk have already been withdrawn following similar legal advice.
Decisions for 14 further areas, including Gloucestershire, will be reviewed and paused alongside the cases of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough and West Sussex, where decisions remain pending.
The Government confirmed that local elections in May 2027 will proceed using existing council boundaries. It also reaffirmed its commitment to effective, sustainable local government and aims to simplify local government structures.
Jeremy Hilton, Liberal Democrat leader of Gloucester City Council, welcomed the pause, describing it as a “significant development” providing a chance to thoroughly reassess proposals that have raised serious concerns. He expressed disappointment that the Labour Government chose to create a large single unitary authority for Gloucestershire, which at around 670,000 residents would be among the largest in England. Hilton warned that such a large authority risks becoming detached from local communities, and that abolishing the city council would have particularly profound consequences for Gloucester. He also highlighted the considerable cost incurred by the process so far.
Communities Secretary Angela Rayner is expected to address Parliament, noting that the Prime Minister has asked her to review the local government reorganisation. She said she aims to ensure the process is lawful, robust and aligned with the priorities of the new administration. Rayner stressed the seriousness of the decision, recognising the significant work already invested in the plans.
The unitary authority approach had been supported by Cotswold District Council, Gloucestershire County Council, Stroud District Council and Tewkesbury Borough Council. Tewkesbury Borough Council described the Government’s announcement as “unexpected” and confirmed it is seeking further details. Council leaders and senior officers across Gloucestershire’s principal councils expect to be briefed by the Ministry within 24 hours, after which they will issue an update.