Councils in Gloucestershire are responding to this December's announcement that the UK government intends to merge district and county councils to create combined unitary authorities in England.
The reorganisation of local councils is part of government plans for a devolution of powers, aimed at giving local areas more control over things like transport, housing and planning, business support and the environment, while saving 'significant' funds to be reinvested in public services.
For Gloucestershire, it means the county's six district councils — in Cheltenham, the Cotswolds, Gloucester, the Forest of Dean, Stroud and Tewkesbury — could merge with Gloucestershire County Council to create one combined authority.
Gloucestershire councils say they will consider the detail of the government's white paper before deciding what is the best approach, with the government set to invite proposals for reorganisation from all areas with two tiers of local government.
Following the announcement, Stephen Davies, leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said: 'The document published this week contains a lot of detail so we must take some time to consider it all carefully.
'Throughout our considerations we will regularly ask ourselves what’s in it for the county, because at the end of the day, we are here to improve the opportunities and experiences of the residents and businesses of Gloucestershire.
'Over the weeks and months ahead, we will also actively and positively engage with our public sector partners as we collectively work to identify the best approach for those we all serve.'
Earlier in December 2024, Tewkesbury Borough Council delayed its planned name change — including a rollout of new digital and physical assets — while it awaited the release of the white paper.
Council leader Richard Stanley said of the reorganisation plans: 'What matters most to our communities is an efficient local government that provides strong public services in a cost-effective way.
'In practical terms, this means ensuring our most vulnerable people are protected, offering accessible health services, tackling crime, resourcing schools, providing reliable bin collections and repairing our roads quickly.
'We recognise that a unitary council model has the capacity to deliver efficiencies in the current financial environment and we accept the challenge to deliver it.'
