Gloucestershire faces significant changes in local government structure as three council reorganisation proposals are set to be submitted to the Government for review. Each proposal has gained backing from at least one local authority, marking a pivotal moment in how services might be delivered across the county in the coming years.
At the heart of this move is the Government’s push to simplify local government by merging district authorities with county councils, creating stronger and more streamlined councils. For Gloucestershire, this means potentially merging the current six district and borough councils with Gloucestershire County Council into either one or more unitary authorities responsible for all local services.
Over recent months, Gloucestershire County Council has collaborated with six borough, district, and city councils to develop their proposals for ministerial consideration. The three primary options include:
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The ‘One Gloucestershire’ plan advocates for a single unitary authority covering the entire area currently served by Shire Hall. This option is supported by Gloucestershire County Council, Tewkesbury Borough Council, and Stroud District Council.
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The ‘East-West’ proposal recommends creating two unitary authorities: one serving the eastern districts of Cheltenham, Cotswold, and Tewkesbury; and another covering the western areas of Gloucester, Stroud, and the Forest of Dean. Cheltenham Borough Council has expressed its support for this plan.
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Separately, Gloucester City Council has proposed the ‘Greater Gloucester’ scheme, suggesting a large unitary authority centered on Gloucester city with a distinct unitary council managing the rest of the county.
While most councils have embraced one or more of these scenarios, Forest of Dean District Council has opposed all options, raising concerns that these changes could weaken local democracy.
Cotswold District Council is scheduled to discuss the proposals further on November 27. All final plans must be submitted to the Government by November 28.
Following submission, the Government will consult with Gloucestershire residents and key stakeholders early next year, with a final decision expected by summer. If a reorganisation plan is approved, elections to the new councils would be held in May 2027, with new authorities assuming responsibilities from the current seven councils beginning April 2028.