By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
A “powerhouse” council for Gloucester is among the proposals for local government reorganisation in the county.
The Government is seeking views on from residents as it looks to abolish two-tier council areas.
These are parts of the country where services such as road maintenance, education and social care are provided by a County Council and district authorities are responsible for planning, housing and rubbish and recycling collection.
Ministers are considering all of the plans submitted to them which would see district authorities merged with Gloucestershire County Council and one or more unitary authorities created to provide all of the above services.
These proposals include a single unitary council covering the whole area currently represented by Gloucestershire County Council and the six district authorities.
An East-West split with two unitary councils, one made up of the city of Gloucester and the districts of Stroud and the Forest of Dean while the other would comprise the boroughs of Cheltenham and Tewkesbury as well as Cotswold District.
The third option is one which includes an expanded Gloucester city council with an authority representing the rest of the county.
This is the proposal being championed by Gloucester City Council’s leader Jeremy Hilton who believes a larger authority representing the city and 21 surrounding parishes would be best.
“Gloucester is a great city with over 2,000 years of history dating back to Roman times, and it is unthinkable that, after local government reorganisation, it would lose a principal authority of its own for the first time in more than five centuries,” he said.
“The government is committed to establishing single‑tier unitary councils, replacing the current two‑tier system. My firm preference is the Greater Gloucester model, which ensures a council dedicated to serving both the city and its surrounding parishes. Gloucester City Council has already voted, by a clear majority, to back this proposal and stand up for the city’s future.
“Greater Gloucester would bring together the existing city and 21 neighbouring parishes, creating a cohesive community of around 180,000 residents, expected to reach 200,000 within a few years.
“Those parish councils would gain real influence within the local unitary council, rather than being sidelined in a countywide mega‑authority.
“This model best protects our historic offices of Mayor and Sheriff of Gloucester, enhancing their roles as they serve a larger population, with the Mayor chairing a substantial unitary authority.
“It strengthens the city’s voice on economy, regeneration, education, housing, social services and environmental issues, building a powerhouse council focused on Gloucester’s needs.
“I urge everyone to take part in the government’s consultation and support this two‑council option: Greater Gloucester and Gloucestershire unitary councils. The alternatives, is a mega‑council where Gloucester holds only an 18 per cent stake, or an artificial east–west split that would weaken the city.
“Gloucester’s future is at stake. Back Greater Gloucester.”
The local government reorganisation consultation runs until March 26.
Residents can find out more and have their say on the official consultation website.