Views sought on creation of new town council for Cheltenham

The idea could mean that the town has locally elected councillors who can make decisions on issues and services affecting Cheltenham.

As part of the proposal there would also be a ceremonial mayor of Cheltenham further strengthening local civic representation and identity.

Under the idea the town council would set its own precept, which would pay for the running costs and provision of local services, although it’s too early to say at this stage what those costs would be.

Essential services that the town council could be responsible for include:

• Local arts, events and landmarks.
• Tourism and heritage assets.
• Street furniture like benches, bus shelters and lighting.
• Cemetries.
• Parks, playing fields and leisure.
• Lidos and swimming pools.
• Community centres.
• Litter.
• Allotments.

Elections to the new town council would be required although the timing, length of term and composition in terms of number of representatives would need to be worked up.

The proposals are part of a programme of work called the community governance review. Phase one of this review was held last summer when residents were asked their views on current parish boundaries. This next stage, phase 2, will explore in more detail residents’ views on the idea of creating a town council. The council is also continuing to develop ideas in relation to parish council boundaries based on initial feedback from last year and will consult on those separately in due course.

You can have your say by:

• Online.
• Complete a paper copy at the town hall or local library.

The consultation will run from Tuesday 24 February until Sunday 29 March 2026.

Cllr Rowena Hay, leader of Cheltenham Borough Council, said: “As a result of local government reorganisation, Cheltenham Borough Council will no longer exist. Only the five existing parishes would have a local council, leaving most of the town without a Cheltenham-based councillor voice.

“Representation would also drop from five councillors per 12,000 residents to just two. A new town council could protect local decision-making, champion Cheltenham’s needs, and ensure residents continue to have councillors focused on the town every day. We urge everyone to take part in the consultation.”

The council will analyse the feedback before making a decision later in 2026. If there is clear support, the council will carry out further work and consultation before any decision is made.

Ends

For media enquiries contact communications: email [email protected] or telephone 01242 264231.

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Notes to editors  

Community governance review  

Q) What is a community governance review?

• 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.
• Last summer, the council asked residents, parish councils and community groups for ideas about local governance in and around Cheltenham. The first stage generated several proposals:
• To complete a full review of the boundaries of Swindon Village Parish and Prestbury Parish, including Wyman’s Brook to establish which parish it should sit in.
• To complete a full review of the unparished area between Prestbury and Charlton Kings to understand if it should be incorporated into one of the already established councils.
• To consider setting up a new parish for Benhall and The Reddings.
• To directly ask the public, if they would like to see a Town Council in Cheltenham.
• To complete a full review of the Leckhampton and Warden Hill Parish to understand whether the existing parish should be extended and/or separated into two parishes.
• The Council is now beginning further work on the requested parish boundary reviews which will include preparing options for further consultation. Local engagement with affected communities will take place as those options are developed. 

Q) 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.

Q) 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.

Local government reorganisation (LGR)

Q) Is a community governance review part of LGR?

• No. National government guidance on local government reorganisation focuses on:
  • Restructuring councils (for example, moving to unitary authorities).
  • Improving efficiency, accountability and service delivery.
  • Simplifying governance.

A CGR is a separate, locally-led statutory process under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007. It looks at parish and town council arrangements, not upper-tier or unitary structures.

So: They operate under different legal powers and are not dependent on each other but can happen as a result of the other.

Q) How does a CGR align with local government reorganisation?

• While not required, a CGR can complement LGR in practical ways:

1. Clarity after change. LGR can make councils bigger and more remote. A CGR can:
   • Review parish boundaries.
   • Create new parish or town councils.
   • Strengthen local representation. This helps balance scale with local voice.
      
2.  Future-proofing governance. If services, boundaries or decision-making change under LGR, a CGR can ensure community governance:
   • Still reflects where people live and identify.
   • Fits new administrative boundaries.
   • Avoids confusion or duplication.
      
3. Democratic resilience
   National government has consistently said that LGR should not weaken local democracy. CGRs can:
   • Enhance neighbourhood-level engagement
   • Support place-based decision-making
   • Give communities clearer routes to influence a larger unitary authority

In that sense, CGRs can be aligned with the spirit of national reform, even if not mandated by it.