Cheltenham Borough Council supports two councils for Gloucestershire

A two unitary model will go forward as Cheltenham’s submission to government, marking a key milestone in the local government review process.

This option, which went to full council on 17 November for debate and an advisory vote, was then agreed by cabinet on 18 November. It would see an east (Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and Cotswold) and west (Gloucester, Forest of Dean and Stroud) split.

Councillor Rowena Hay, leader at Cheltenham Borough Council said: ‘’Gloucestershire is a proud and diverse county. As local leaders, our responsibility is not only to protect what makes each place special, but to build a future in which all parts of Gloucestershire can flourish. Leadership in local government is about serving people in ways that makes sense to them. We did not ask for local government reorganisation. But if reform is to happen, it must be done once and done right – not for the next few years but for the next fifty years. How we reform matters just as much as whether we reform.

‘’ A two unitary model offers a smarter way forward, fostering innovation and growth in both Gloucester and Cheltenham.  It creates a flexible system that supports ageing well, improves skills, expands digital access, and links housing growth with job creation – unlocking productivity and opportunity for decades to come.

‘’It is ultimately a decision for government which option is taken forward. Cheltenham Borough Council is committed to working together with all councils locally to deliver whichever option is selected by government to be implemented and will work to deliver the very best for residents now and into the future.’’

The council is committed to supporting whichever option government decides to proceed with, but has further developed and finalised a policy and business case for the two unitary model, ‘’Stronger Places, Stronger Gloucestershire: the case for East and West Gloucestershire. One County, Two Unitary Councils’’, setting out the rationale for this preferred approach, which is considered a stronger long-term option for Gloucestershire. 

As detailed in the business case, it will prioritise:

• Identity and economic growth; understanding and responding to differing needs, opportunities, and civic cultures
• A size which is right for connection and capability
• Redesign for the direct benefit of residents
• Clear and defined democratic processes which build trust and where local voices can be heard
• An environment which is mission focussed, flexible and approachable to respond to changing community needs

Final submissions from each council must be submitted to government by 28 November.

More information about local government organisation in Gloucestershire, including key dates, can be found at www.futuregloucestershire.org.uk 

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Notes:

Interim proposals for the future governance of the county went to government in March and there are now three models being put forward by Gloucestershire councils:

1. a single unitary for Gloucestershire
2. a two unitary east and west Gloucestershire
3. a two unitary greater Gloucester/Gloucestershire

 

The proposed timeline for implementation is:

November 2025: councils’ consideration and submission/s to central government.

Spring 2026: government review and public engagement, with potential approval of reorganisation proposal.

Summer to Autumn 2026: transition planning and establishment of shadow governance arrangements.

April 2027: launch of new unitary authority/authorities in a ‘shadow’ capacity, subject to government approval.