The Government-mandated shake-up of local councils in Gloucestershire has drawn fierce criticism from Stroud’s Green Party councillors, who label the process “shameful” and “undemocratic.” Stroud District Council recently backed the creation of a single unitary authority for Gloucestershire as the least detrimental option available.
The Government intends to abolish the existing two-tier system of county and district councils in Gloucestershire, proposing instead to merge districts like Stroud with the County Council, streamlining governance into one or two unitary authorities responsible for all services. The stated aim is to simplify local government structures and achieve cost savings that can be reinvested into council services.
However, Green Party leaders in Stroud warn this reorganisation threatens local democracy by centralising power and reducing councillor representation drastically—from 295 to 110 across the county. Chloe Turner, leader of the Green group at Stroud District Council, said, “This move reduces democratic accountability and distances decision-making from the people it affects.”
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During the November 20 council vote, 27 councillors supported the single unitary option, while 15 backed a two-unitary model dividing Gloucestershire into East and West authorities. No one voted for the alternative Greater Gloucester “doughnut” model. Despite concerns about the rushed timeline and lack of public consultation, councillors chose between the two main options reluctantly, with many feeling constrained.
Green councillor Gary Luff called the entire local government reorganisation (LGR) exercise “bonkers” and criticized the absence of public input. The Green group voted unanimously for the single unitary option as the lesser evil, opposing what they see as an unnecessary and costly shake-up imposed by the Labour government without proper engagement.
Conversely, the Labour group largely supports splitting the county into two unitary authorities. Deputy leader Catherine Braun warned that dividing services would cause “confusion, disruption, and chaos,” resulting in damaging cuts that disproportionately impact vulnerable residents. Labour highlights concerns about the financial viability of a West Gloucestershire authority and potential inequality between East and West.
Cllr Martin Brown noted broad support among local stakeholders—teachers, GPs, police, and business leaders—for a single unitary authority, emphasizing the risks of fragmentation. Meanwhile, Cllr Pete Kennedy warned a two-council split risks creating a “rich Gloucestershire, poor Gloucestershire,” with severe service cuts looming to cover a £23 million deficit in the West.
Labour group leader Katy Hofmann argued that the West and East of Gloucestershire possess distinct identities and needs, making two smaller unitary councils more appropriate. She also cited concerns that a large, single unitary authority might be difficult to integrate into regional bodies like the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), advocating instead for tailored local leadership focused on economic and social improvements.
Despite their differences, both parties face the reality that the final decision rests with the Secretary of State, following a broader stakeholder consultation. Green councillors pledge to continue advocating for residents throughout the transition to ensure local voices remain heard.