Stage two consultation - your views on a town council for Cheltenham
Why are we consulting?
Cheltenham Borough Council is 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 (CGR), which looks at how local governance arrangements reflect the identity and civic life of Cheltenham’s communities.
In 2025, we asked residents, parish councils and community groups for ideas about local governance in and around Cheltenham. You’ll find more information about stage one of the consultation on the CGR background page.
Why are we consulting on a town council?
Central government is currently considering changes to local government structures across England. This is called Local Government Reorganisation. If this goes ahead next year, Cheltenham Borough Council would be replaced by a new authority covering a larger area. Existing parish councils would continue to exist. In that context, a town council could help maintain local civic representation and identity in Cheltenham. This consultation is an opportunity to understand whether residents support that idea.
What is a town council?
A town council, like a parish council, is made up of elected councillors who represent local communities and manage local amenities. The key difference is that a town council may also appoint a civic mayor, helping to strengthen Cheltenham’s ceremonial leadership and identity. Town councils exist in many places across England and can play an important role in representing local voices.
What can a town council do?
The services and responsibilities of a town council vary from place to place and are decided locally. Depending on future decisions, a town council can be responsible for some local services such as:
- Local arts, events and landmarks
- Tourism and heritage assets
- Street furniture like benches, bus shelters and lighting
- Cemeteries
- Parks, playing fields and leisure
- Lidos and swimming pools
- Community centres
- Litter
- Allotments
This consultation is not asking you to decide on services now. It is about whether you support the principle of creating a town council.
What area would a town council cover?
The proposed boundary would be the entire unparished area of Cheltenham but we would welcome views on alternative boundaries. The current review considers arrangements across different parts of Cheltenham. Any final proposals would ensure clarity about boundaries and responsibilities.
Where would a new town council be based?
If established, a town council, would require office and meeting space. At this stage no decision has been made about premises, but options such as using existing council buildings could be explored. Any future arrangements would be subject to practical, financial and accessibility considerations.
How would a town council be funded?
Town and parish councils are funded through a precept, which is an amount added to council tax bills. In Cheltenham, existing parish councils currently charge between £13 and £48 per year for a Band D property (around £1 to £4 a month).
The precept for any new town council would depend on the services it takes on and the area it is responsible for. If a town council were to take on a broader range of responsibilities than existing parishes, the precept could be higher. No decisions have been made about the level of any precept and would be subject to formal approval.
Would a town council work with existing parish councils and other groups?
Yes, if created a town council would be expected to work collaboratively with existing parish councils and local partners and communities. The current review considers arrangements across different parts of Cheltenham. Any final proposals would ensure clarity about roles and responsibilities between areas.
If a town council were created, decisions about advisory panels, engagement and community forums would be for that council to determine once elected.
What would happen if there is not support for a town council?
If a town council is not established, existing borough council arrangements would continue.
How to respond
This consultation is about the future of local representation in Cheltenham. Please take part and help shape what happens next.
The consultation closes on 29 March 2026.
For any queries about the review, or if you need this information in another format, please email [email protected] or you can write to: The Monitoring Officer, Cheltenham Borough Council, Municipal Offices, Promenade, Cheltenham GL50 9SA.
What happens next?
- Consultation period 24 February to 29 March 2026
- Analysis of responses and council decision later in 2026
If there is clear support, the council would carry out further work and consultation before any decision is made.