Gloucester City Council has released its Greater Gloucester local government reorganisation proposal, which will re-shape the delivery of public services and representation across the county.
The City council’s proposal will create two new unitary councils (pictured), Greater Gloucester Council, which will serve the city and neighbouring parishes, and Gloucestershire Unitary Council, covering Cheltenham, the Cotswolds and most other parts of Tewkesbury, Forest of Dean and Stroud.
The new structure is designed to deliver more responsive, efficient and locally accountable governance, according to Gloucester City Council.
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. […]
“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.”
The three proposals for local government reorganisation in Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire County Council has previously stated that it does not agree with the City council’s proposals.
It instead recommended either a single unitary authority for the whole of Gloucestershire (pictured above left), or two unitary authorities (pictured above centre): one covering the eastern areas of Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and Cotswold and the other covering the western areas of Gloucester, Stroud and the Forest of Dean.
The Greater Gloucester proposal will be discussed at a full meeting of Gloucester City Council on November 20.
All proposed options will be discussed at the full council meeting, which will be followed by a special meeting of the council’s Cabinet.
If a decision has been made regarding the boundaries of the unitary authorities, the Cabinet must submit this to the Government before the deadline of November 28.
The Government has indicated it will begin a public consultation with Gloucestershire residents next year and intends to make a final decision regarding the organisation of local government by the Summer of 2026.
Images: Gloucestershire County Council
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