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Exploring the Future of Local Government in Gloucestershire: Initial Report Supports Viability of Greater Gloucester Option

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Work is progressing on the development of the three potential models for Local Government Reorganisation in Gloucestershire. One of them, the Greater Gloucester option, being prepared by officers from Gloucester City Council and supported by external consultancy input, has reached a key milestone with the completion of an initial viability assessment.

The report, commissioned to evaluate the Greater Gloucester model’s feasibility and its comparative strengths and weaknesses against the other two options under consideration, concludes that it presents a “compelling and compliant proposal under current government criteria”. However, it also acknowledges that government guidance does not appear to favour “expanded cities,” which may affect how the model scores in formal appraisals.

The report highlights several unique and strategic benefits of the Greater Gloucester model:

  • Improved Public Services: The model offers opportunities for improved outcomes and service delivery.
  • Economic Growth: It provides a framework for healthy, inclusive economic development across the region.
  • Targeted Support for High-Need Areas: The GG unitary would encompass 27% of the county’s population but account for approximately 35% of the demand on children’s services, indicating a disproportionate level of need that the model is well-positioned to address.

The consultancy also explored whether dividing the remainder of Gloucestershire into two smaller unitary authorities would improve the Greater Gloucester model’s viability. The findings concluded that such a division would not enhance the model’s effectiveness.

Summary of the Three Local Government Reorganisation Proposals Being Considered Within Gloucestershire

  1. Single County-Wide Unitary Authority
    • This model would replace the existing seven councils (one county council and six district councils) with one unified council covering the entire county.
  2. East-West Split Model
    • This proposal divides the county into two unitary authorities:
      • East Gloucestershire: Cheltenham, Tewkesbury, and Cotswolds.
      • West Gloucestershire: Gloucester, Forest of Dean, and Stroud.
  3. Greater Gloucester Model
    • This option proposes the creation of two unitary authorities:
      • An expanded Gloucester City - referred to as "Greater Gloucester" - which would include some parishes currently situated within neighbouring districts.
      • A second authority encompassing the remainder of the county.

Ongoing Collaboration Across Gloucestershire

Crucially, the development of all three Local Government Reorganisation options is being undertaken through ongoing collaboration between all seven Gloucestershire councils—Gloucester City, Cheltenham Borough, Cotswold District, Forest of Dean District, Stroud District, Tewkesbury Borough, and Gloucestershire County Council as well as inputs from other key partner organisations.

This collaborative approach includes:

  • Joint Officer Working Groups: Officers from all councils are contributing to shared working groups focused on vision and ambition, finance, service delivery, and community engagement.
  • Shared Data and Analysis: Councils are pooling data and insights to ensure proposals are evidence-based and reflect the needs of all communities across the county.
  • Coordinated Communications: Communications teams across the councils are working together to ensure consistent messaging and transparency with residents and stakeholders.
  • Cross-Council Leadership Engagement: Senior leaders and elected members are participating in regular joint briefings and workshops to shape the direction of the proposals and maintain alignment.
  • Unified Consultancy Support: External consultants have been jointly commissioned to provide impartial analysis and ensure that all options are assessed fairly and thoroughly.

This joint working ensures that the final submissions to government are robust, inclusive, and reflective of Gloucestershire’s shared priorities.

Jeremy Hilton, Leader of Gloucester City Council, said: “Gloucester City Council and its partners across the county remain committed to ensuring that any reorganisation delivers improved services, stronger local leadership, and better outcomes for residents across Gloucestershire. We continue to keep an open mind about the merits or otherwise of all three proposals while endeavouring to determine, champion and achieve the best possible outcome for everyone across the county from this once in a generation change.”

Next Steps and Timeline for Implementation

Following the report’s conclusions, Gloucester City Council’s administration has asked officers to prepare a full proposal for the GG model. This will be presented at the Council in November, alongside the other two LGR options currently in development.

The proposed timeline for implementation is as follows:

  • September to October 2025: Finalisation of full proposals for all three LGR options.
  • November 2025: Councils’ consideration and submission/s to central government.
  • Spring 2026: Government review and public consultation, with potential approval of reorganisation proposal.
  • Summer to Autumn 2026: Transition planning and establishment of shadow governance arrangements.
  • April 2027: Launch of new unitary authority/authorities in a ‘shadow’ capacity, subject to government approval.