What is Local Government Reorganisation

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) is the process of reconfiguring the structure and responsibilities of councils in England.

The English Devolution White Paper sets out that new, bigger councils, called “unitary authorities” will replace city, district, borough and county councils. Right now, 60 per cent of the country already has Strategic Authorities (mayoral authorities) and unitary authorities. Central government wants to reorganise local government in areas that still have county and districts – replacing them with unitary authorities which deliver all council services.

For Gloucestershire, this change would affect Gloucestershire County Council and the six districts: Gloucester City Council, Cheltenham Borough Council, Cotswold District Council, Forest of Dean District Council, Stroud District Council and Tewkesbury Borough Council.

When Gloucestershire moves to a unitary model, the county and district/borough/city councils would all be replaced and a new unitary council or councils would deliver all services.

Gloucestershire is not one of the areas that is being prioritised in the first phase of Local Government Reorganisation, however we are still expected to submit proposals to Government by November 2025.