Gloucestershire residents encouraged to share their views on reorganisation of councils

Councils are encouraging residents and communities to take part in a new
government consultation on how local government in the county could be organised in
future.

This is an important chance for people to have their say as the government considers a
once-in-a-generation shake-up to how local services are run.

Reorganisation will involve replacing Gloucestershire’s existing county council and six
borough and district councils with one or two new councils.

Three proposals were put forward by Gloucestershire’s councils in November, and the
government will decide on its preferred option this summer.

The options are:

One countywide unitary council
A single council responsible for all services across Gloucestershire.

Two unitary councils (east/west split), each responsible for all services in that area:
• West: Gloucester City, Forest of Dean District, Stroud District
• East: Cheltenham Borough, Tewkesbury Borough, Cotswold District

Two unitary councils (Greater Gloucester and Gloucestershire Unitary), each
responsible for all services in that area:
• Greater Gloucester: an area slightly expanded beyond Gloucester city
• Gloucestershire Unitary: the rest of the county

What is the consultation asking?
The government is asking to what extent the proposals:
• are based on sensible geographies and economic areas
• will deliver the outcomes described in the proposals
• are the right size to be efficient, improve capacity, and withstand financial shocks
• will deliver high quality, sustainable public services
• have been informed by local views and will meet local needs
• will support devolution arrangements
• will enable stronger community engagement and give the opportunity for
neighbourhood empowerment

What happens next?
Responses will help the government assess which option best meets its criteria.
A decision is expected in summer 2026, with elections planned for May 2027. Any new
structure would be established no earlier than April 2028.

How to take part
The consultation opened on Thursday, 5 February, and will be open for seven weeks. Take
part on the government’s website.

For more information about the proposals and additional background information on local
government reorganisation in Gloucestershire, please visit the Future Gloucestershire
website.