Published on 5th February 2026
Gloucestershire councils are encouraging residents and communities to take part in a new government consultation on how local government in the county could be organised in future.
The consultation, which is live now, is an important chance for people to have their say as the government considers a once-in-a-generation shake-up to how local services are run.
Reorganisation will involve replacing Gloucestershire’s existing county council and six borough and district councils with one or two new councils.
Three proposals were put forward by Gloucestershire’s councils in November, and the government will decide on its preferred option this summer.
The options are:
One countywide unitary council
A single council responsible for all services across Gloucestershire.
Two unitary councils (east/west split), each responsible for all services in that area:
- West: Gloucester City, Forest of Dean District, Stroud District
- East: Cheltenham Borough, Tewkesbury Borough, Cotswold District
Two unitary councils (Greater Gloucester and Gloucestershire Unitary), each responsible for all services in that area:
- Greater Gloucester: an area slightly expanded beyond Gloucester city
- Gloucestershire Unitary: the rest of the county
What is the consultation asking?
The government is asking to what extent the proposals:
- are based on sensible geographies and economic areas
- will deliver the outcomes described in the proposals
- are the right size to be efficient, improve capacity, and withstand financial shocks
- will deliver high quality, sustainable public services
- have been informed by local views and will meet local needs
- will support devolution arrangements
- will enable stronger community engagement and give the opportunity for neighbourhood empowerment
What happens next?
Responses will help the government assess which option best meets its criteria.
A decision is expected in summer 2026, with elections planned for May 2027. Any new structure would be established no earlier than April 2028.
How to take part
The consultation opened on Thursday 5 February, and will be open for seven weeks. Take part on the government’s website.
For more information about the proposals and additional background information on local government reorganisation in Gloucestershire, please visit the Future Gloucestershire website.
