Gloucestershire County Council is set to signal its preference for a single unitary authority as the future model for local government during a vote on Wednesday, November 12. This comes as the Liberal Democrat group opts for a free vote, reflecting a variety of opinions within their ranks.
The council, alongside Gloucestershire’s six district authorities, has developed two main proposals for reorganising local governance. One advocates for a single unitary authority covering the entire county, while the other suggests dividing Gloucestershire into two: an East council comprising Gloucester, the Forest of Dean, and Stroud, and a West council made up of Cheltenham, Cotswold, and Tewkesbury.
Separately, Gloucester City Council supports creating a Greater Gloucester unitary authority coupled with another unitary for the rest of the county, but this option will not be included in the County Council’s upcoming preference vote.
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County Councillors will cast a non-binding vote to express their support either for the single unitary authority or the East/West split. Subsequently, the council’s cabinet is expected to decide which model to present to the Government by the November 28 deadline.
Liberal Democrat leader Lisa Spivey (South Cerney) emphasized the group’s respect for diverse viewpoints and the importance of a free vote. She highlighted that while the government’s push for reorganisation comes at a challenging time for local councils, which are facing significant financial and operational pressures, the decision ultimately rests with Whitehall ministers. Spivey stressed the need for all councillors’ voices to be heard and taken seriously amid the process.
City Council leader and Liberal Democrat County Councillor Jeremy Hilton (Kingsholm and Wotton) indicated that Lib Dems representing Gloucester will likely abstain since the Greater Gloucester proposal is not up for consideration, while those from Tewkesbury tend to support the single unitary option, championed by Tewkesbury leader Richard Stanley (Severn Vale). Cheltenham’s councillors may favor the East/West proposal, backed by Cheltenham Borough Council and MP Max Wilkinson.
Reform UK, leading the opposition at Shire Hall, oppose local government reorganisation in principle but intend to vote for the single unitary authority option. Conservative councillors are also expected to support the single unitary approach, with group leader Stephen Davies (Hardwicke and Severn) expressing skepticism about dividing the county.
Green Party councillors have been granted complete freedom to vote according to their views. However, Green Councillor Chris McFarling (Sedbury) has voiced strong opposition to both main proposals, warning they represent centralization under the guise of decentralization. He emphasized that abolishing the existing district councils risks losing local knowledge, identity, and tailored governance shaped over decades. McFarling fears the Forest of Dean will become marginalized and powerless within a larger unitary structure.
Labour’s sole councillor at Shire Hall, County Council chairman Steve Robinson (Nailsworth), supports the creation of two unitary authorities in Gloucestershire.
Currently, Gloucestershire County Council’s composition includes 27 Liberal Democrats, 11 Reform UK councillors, 9 Green Party members, 6 Conservatives, one Labour councillor, and one Independent.
If approved by the Government, elections for the new unitary council or councils would be held in May 2027, with responsibilities transferring from the existing seven councils in April 2028.