People living in Cheltenham are being asked to share their views on plans to create a new town council, which could introduce locally elected councillors focused on issues affecting the town.
The proposal forms part of phase two of Cheltenham Borough Council’s community governance review. If brought forward, the new authority would also include a ceremonial mayor of Cheltenham, aimed at further strengthening civic representation and local identity.
Under the plans, the town council would set its own precept to fund running costs and deliver a range of local services. While not yet confirmed, services that could fall under the remit of a town council include local arts, events and landmarks, tourism and heritage assets, street furniture such as benches, bus shelters and lighting, cemeteries, parks and playing fields, leisure facilities including lidos and swimming pools, community centres, litter services and allotments.
Elections would be required to appoint councillors, with the timing, term lengths and number of representatives yet to be determined.
Councillor Rowena Hay, leader of Cheltenham Borough Council, said: 'As a result of local government reorganisation, Cheltenham Borough Council will no longer exist. Only the five existing parishes would have a local council, leaving most of the town without a Cheltenham-based councillor voice'.
She added that 'Representation would also drop from five councillors per 12,000 residents to just two. A new town council could protect local decision-making, champion Cheltenham’s needs, and ensure residents continue to have councillors focused on the town every day. We urge everyone to take part in the consultation'.
The consultation runs from Tuesday 24 February to Sunday 29 March 2026, with residents able to respond online or via paper copies available at the Municipal Offices and the town centre library. Feedback will be reviewed before a decision is made later in 2026.
