Greater Gloucester Local Government Reorganisation Proposal Officially Launched

The proposal sets out a bold vision for the creation of two brand new, highly complementary, modern unitary councils – which will deliver clear, specific benefits for people living and working in all parts of the county:

• Greater Gloucester Council, covering the existing city council area and a number of neighbouring parishes (see notes for editors)
• A second unitary council for the remainder of the county, including Cheltenham, the Cotswolds, and most other parts of Tewkesbury, the Forest of Dean, and Stroud

This structure is designed to deliver more responsive, efficient, and locally accountable governance, tailored to the distinct twenty first century needs of the county’s very different and important urban and rural communities.

Key Examples of Advantages for the Urban Population in Gloucester (Greater Gloucester Council)

     1.Tailored Services for Urban Needs

• Focused delivery of services like homelessness support, children’s services, Special Educational Needs and social care, which are more prevalent in urban areas.
• Ability to address concentrated deprivation, with 21 areas in Gloucester among the most deprived nationally.

2. Improved Planning and Growth

• Expanded boundaries to include neighbouring parishes that function as a long established, natural part of the city, enabling better housing and infrastructure planning.
• Economic growth unlocked by aligning governance with the more realistic footprint of the city.

3. Stronger Civic Identity

• Preserves Gloucester’s historic status as a cathedral city and regional centre.
• Empowers residents with a council that reflects their urban identity and priorities, including the ability to continue with the current regeneration programme that is transforming the city.

4. More Responsive Governance

• A dedicated urban authority can act quickly and effectively on city-specific issues without being distracted by rural concerns. Such matters might include rough sleeping, anti-social behaviour and public safety.

5. Enhanced Representation

• Fairer councillor-to-elector ratios and strong voice in regional bodies like the West of England Combined Authority.
• Neighbouring parish councils will have a more direct role in shaping Gloucester’s future, with stronger influence and collaboration than under alternative models.

6. Efficient Service Delivery

• A simplified governance structure reduces duplication and fragmentation across multiple councils.

Advantages for the Rural Population in the Rest of the County (Gloucestershire Unitary Council) 

1. Focused Towns and Rural Strategy

• Governance tailored to rural priorities such as transport connectivity, adult social care, and market town development.

2. Preservation of Rural Heritage and identity

• Protects the natural environment and cultural heritage of areas like the Cotswolds, Forest of Dean, and Stroud.
• Protects the identity of the historic county of Gloucestershire

3. Economic Development

• Supports growth in towns like Stroud, Cirencester, Coleford, and Tewkesbury, while supporting the growth of Cheltenham’s cyber economy.

4. Improved Service Integration

• Brings services across Cheltenham and more rural districts into a single authority, improving coordination and reducing inefficiencies.

5. Stable and Scalable Governance

• A larger, more rural unitary council offers stability and the scale needed to deliver consistent services across dispersed communities.

6. Better Use of Resources

• Reduces administrative overhead and duplication, allowing more investment in frontline services.

Jeremy Hilton, Leader of Gloucester City Council, said:

“I believe the Greater Gloucester proposal is not just the best option for Gloucester - it’s the best option for the whole of Gloucestershire.

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape local government in a way that delivers higher quality services, stronger representation, and better outcomes for everyone - whether you live in the heart of the city or in one of our county’s towns or rural communities. The final decision must be guided by what delivers the greatest benefit to the people of Gloucestershire - not by political convenience or short-term interests.

By creating two complementary unitary councils, we can focus on what matters most to each area. Greater Gloucester will be able to tackle urban challenges head-on - such as homelessness, children’s services, and public safety - while preserving our city’s proud heritage and accelerating regeneration. At the same time, the Gloucestershire Unitary will be empowered to deliver for towns and rural communities, supporting market towns, protecting the natural environment, and improving transport and adult care, with Cheltenham acting as an urban hub and major driver of cyber-related business.

This model reflects the real lives of our residents. It simplifies governance, reduces duplication, and ensures that services are designed around the needs of the people they serve. Crucially, it gives neighbouring parishes a stronger voice in shaping Gloucester’s future, and it ensures that both urban and rural areas have the scale and focus needed to thrive.

This is about building a better Gloucestershire - for everyone.”

The Greater Gloucester proposal will be discussed at a full meeting of Gloucester City Council on November 20^th, along with the other two options being considered for the county - a single unitary authority covering the whole of Gloucestershire, and splitting the county in half to create two single tier councils (West – Forest of Dean, Gloucester and Stroud; East – Tewkesbury, Cheltenham and Cotswolds).

The full council meeting will be followed by a special meeting of the council’s Cabinet at which a decision will be taken regarding which proposal/s to submit to the Government - if any - by the deadline of November 28^th.

The Government has indicated it will begin a period of public consultation with the residents of Gloucestershire in 2026, and it intends to make a final decision regarding the reorganisation of local government by the Summer of next year.