As the deadline for proposals for the reorganisation of local government looms this November 2025, Gloucester City Council has thrown its support behind Greater Gloucester.
The Greater Gloucester proposal would see two new unitary councils created – Greater Gloucester Council, covering the existing city council area and neighbouring parishes; and a second unitary council covering Cheltenham, the Cotswolds, the Forest of Dean, Stroud and parts of Tewkesbury.
Gloucester City Council says the proposal 'will deliver clear, specific benefits for people living and working in all parts of the county' with a structure designed to 'deliver more responsive, efficient and locally accountable governance'.
The advantages it lists for the urban population in Gloucester include more efficient service delivery; improved housing and infrastructure planning; economic growth; more responsive governance around city-specific issues like rough sleeping, anti-social behaviour and public safety; enhanced representation and stronger civic identity.
While for rural communities, it suggests the benefits of the second Gloucestershire Unitary Council will include tailored governance for rural priorities like transport and market town development; better use of resources and more consistent service delivery; economic development, such as supporting the growth of Cheltenham's cyber economy; and preservation of heritage and identity.
Leader of Gloucester City Council, Jeremy Hilton, said: 'I believe the Greater Gloucester proposal is not just the best option for Gloucester – it’s the best option for the whole of Gloucestershire.
'This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape local government in a way that delivers higher quality services, stronger representation and better outcomes for everyone – whether you live in the heart of the city or in one of our county’s towns or rural communities. The final decision must be guided by what delivers the greatest benefit to the people of Gloucestershire – not by political convenience or short-term interests.
'By creating two complementary unitary councils, we can focus on what matters most to each area. Greater Gloucester will be able to tackle urban challenges head-on – such as homelessness, children’s services, and public safety – while preserving our city’s proud heritage and accelerating regeneration.
'At the same time, the Gloucestershire Unitary will be empowered to deliver for towns and rural communities, supporting market towns, protecting the natural environment and improving transport and adult care, with Cheltenham acting as an urban hub and major driver of cyber-related business.
'This model reflects the real lives of our residents. It simplifies governance, reduces duplication and ensures that services are designed around the needs of the people they serve. Crucially, it gives neighbouring parishes a stronger voice in shaping Gloucester’s future and it ensures that both urban and rural areas have the scale and focus needed to thrive.
'This is about building a better Gloucestershire – for everyone.'
The proposal is due to be discussed in the Gloucester City Council full meeting on Thursday 20 November 2025, alongside the other two options of a single unitary authority for Gloucestershire; and two single-tier councils for east and west.
The council's cabinet will then have a special follow-up meeting to decide which proposals to submit to the government by Friday 28 November 2025, with a public consultation due to commence in 2026.
