LGR Decision for Gloucestershire

The Government has today announced its decision on the future structure of local government in Gloucestershire.

The decision is to create a single unitary council.

At this stage, there will be no changes to council services which will be delivered as normal. Residents should continue to access these services in the way they normally would.

In recent months, our councils have been working very well together, preparing to deliver on the government’s decision. That work will continue while we get into the detail of the decision and exactly how it will be implemented, with full focus on ensuring the best outcomes for our local communities.

While our councils have each adopted their own position regarding the best future structure of local government in Gloucestershire, we are united in our commitment to the people and communities we serve. Our shared priority has always been to ensure that residents and businesses continue to receive the services they rely on, and that those services are delivered to the very highest standard.

We recognise that while this decision brings a degree of clarity about the future of local government in Gloucestershire, it will also raise further questions that we are not yet able to answer.

We are still at an early stage in this process. The new council will need to be created legally. Then there will be elections to a shadow authority in May 2027, which will make the key decisions related to the set-up of the new council. The council will be effective from on 1^st April 2028. 

Throughout this process, our seven councils remain committed to keeping residents, staff and partners fully informed and will share more information as it becomes available.

You have been invited to an all-member briefing tomorrow (Friday 17^th July) at 12.30pm, where you can hear more about the decision and ask any questions you might have at this point.