Community Governance Review 2025/2026 - review of local councils
You may have seen in the news that the government has set out plans for a major reform of local and regional governance, with the aim of giving more power to local areas and simplifying how local government works. Visit our devolution and local government reorganisation page to find out more about how this could affect Cheltenham. In light of these plans, Cheltenham Borough Council is keen to make sure we keep and improve community engagement and cohesion, local democracy and the delivery of effective local services. To help with this, we’re carrying out a Community Governance Review (CGR).
This review looks at how your community is represented by town or parish councils. It's about making sure the structure and boundaries of councils work for you. Your feedback will help us shape recommendations for possible changes.
What are we consulting on?
Stage one: Gathering your views (19 May – 18 July 2025)
The stage one consultation has now closed.
Stage two: Your views on a town council for Cheltenham (24 February to 29 March 2026)
We are asking residents for their views on whether Cheltenham should have a town council. This consultation is part of the council’s ongoing Community Governance Review, which looks at how local governance arrangements reflect the identity and civic life of Cheltenham’s communities.
Visit the stage two consultation page for more information.
Results and outcomes
What will happen to the results and what changes can be made to local councils?