Community Governance Review 2026
Following the Government’s decision to review the local government reorganisation programme, the council is likely to reconsider the community governance review timetable so that any future decisions are informed by the Government's intentions regarding local government reorganisation. The work undertaken to date, including consultation responses already received, will be retained, and any further steps in the CGR will be taken at the appropriate time and on the basis of the most up-to-date information about the future of local government in Gloucestershire.
We have decided to carry out a Community Governance Review (CGR) to ensure that all our residents and stakeholders continue to be represented effectively.
A CGR looks at the community governance arrangements in an area to decide whether they are working for the residents, or if they should change. They deal with very local forms of governance, like parish and town councils.
Why are we carrying out a CGR?
On 16th July 2026, as part of its local government reorganisation programme, the Government announced its decision to create a single unitary council for Gloucestershire, which will replace existing county, city, district and borough councils on 1 April 2028. To find out more about proposed Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Gloucestershire, please visit Future Gloucestershire : Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation in Gloucestershire.
We are carrying out this CGR to find out whether there is support for setting up a parish or town council or councils for the unparished area of the Gloucester and what the preferred arrangements might be for the whole of the local authority area, noting that there is already a town council for Quedgeley. Another key driver for the review is to explore the options for preserving the historic offices of Mayor and Sheriff of Gloucester in a unitary model of local government.
Gloucester City Council Members gave approval on Thursday 16 July 2026 for the CGR to take place.
Terms of Reference (including timetable)
Agenda for Council 16 July 2026
We have provided a Frequently Asked Questions document and a map to support the CGR. Whether you live, work or have an interest in the area, your opinion is important and will help shape our proposals.
Stage One Consultation – How to respond
The Stage One Consultation period concluded on 13 September.
Following the Government’s decision to review the local government reorganisation programme, the Council is likely to reconsider the CGR timetable so that any future decisions are informed by the Government's intentions regarding local government reorganisation.
The work undertaken to date, including consultation responses already received, will be retained, and any further steps in the CGR will be taken at the appropriate time and on the basis of the most up-to-date information about the future of local government in Gloucestershire.