Local government in Gloucestershire could soon consist of one 'Greater Gloucester' council and a 'doughnut' authority made up of the surrounding districts, with a new viability report concluding the proposal is 'compelling and compliant' with government criteria.
The option is one of three being considered for the restructuring of local government in Gloucestershire, the others being one unitary authority covering the entire county; and two unitary authorities split roughly east and west.
This week, Gloucester City Council's cabinet reviewed a report on a viability assessment of the Greater Gloucester option, which was commissioned by the council and carried out by an external consultancy.
The report evaluates the model's feasibility and comparative strengths and weaknesses against the other two options; and concludes that it presents a 'compelling and compliant proposal under current government criteria'.
But it also acknowledges that government guidance does not appear to favour 'expanded cities', which the consultancy says could affect how it scores in formal appraisals.
It says that 'unique' benefits of the model include opportunities for improved public services and a framework for 'healthy, inclusive' economic development across the region.
It could also help to bring targeted support to high-need areas, with the Greater Gloucester area – which could include nearby parishes Brockworth, Churchdown, Hardwicke, Highnam, Longford and Upton St Leonards – encompassing 27 per cent of the county’s population, but accounting for approximately 35 per cent of the demand on children’s services.
The report says this indicates 'a disproportionate level of need that the model is well-positioned to address'.
The assessment is part of wider collaboration happening at district and county council level around the future of the county's local government, with the public being invited to have their say on the three options being put forward through a survey which ran during the summer.
Leader of the city council, Jeremy Hilton said: 'Gloucester City Council and its partners across the county remain committed to ensuring that any reorganisation delivers improved services, stronger local leadership and better outcomes for residents across Gloucestershire.
'We continue to keep an open mind about the merits or otherwise of all three proposals while endeavouring to determine, champion and achieve the best possible outcome for everyone across the county from this once in a generation change.'
The report is due to be discussed by full council on Thursday 18 September 2025.
