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Agenda item

Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation

Purpose

To note the work underway across Gloucestershire in response to the formal invitation received from Government to develop proposals for local government reorganisation (LGR).

 

Recommendation

That Council resolves to:

1.    Note the work taking place across Gloucestershire in response to the formal invitation from Government to develop proposals for Local Government Reorganisation

2.    Note the Gloucestershire letter to Government on interim proposals.

Minutes:

The purpose of this report was to note the work underway across Gloucestershire in response to the formal invitation received from the Government to develop proposals for local government reorganisation (LGR).

 

Councillor Joe Harris, Leader of the Council, introduced this item, which was for noting.

It was reported that significant time and resources had been dedicated to finding a solution for local government reorganisation in Gloucestershire, though no consensus had been reached. A letter, agreed upon by district and county council leaders, had been sent to the government outlining three potential proposals:

  1. a single unitary authority,
  2. a two-unitary structure, and
  3. An alternative expanded city model from Gloucester City Council.

The letter signalled ongoing work without endorsing a preference. With upcoming elections, it was acknowledged that differing views might lead to multiple submissions, and while government ministers were monitoring the situation, no concrete plans had yet been finalised.

 

There were no questions for clarity.

 

Councillor Mike Evemy reserved his right to speak.

The Chair moved to the debate.

 

The future of local government in Gloucestershire was seen as uncertain but full of potential.

There was agreement that efforts should focus on delivering the best outcomes for the district and county.

Three options for reorganisation were acknowledged, but no single one was officially endorsed.

 

  • There was some support for the continuation of the two-tier system, but it was acknowledged that reorganisation was inevitable.
  • It was argued that a unitary system was the simplest and most effective, while some of the alternative proposals were criticised as being politically motivated.
  • Past unitary government transitions were discussed, and it was noted that some, such as Wiltshire, had demonstrated increased efficiency and accountability.
  • Concern was expressed over the high costs of unitary reform and the potential loss of local representation, particularly for parish councils.
  • Views were divided on whether more politicians were needed; some argued against this, pointing out that proposed changes would actually decrease the number of councillors by 63%.
  • Concerns were raised that town and parish councils might feel ignored by larger unitary authorities, with calls for stronger devolution and power-sharing structures.
  • There was some support for financial compensation for parish councillors to encourage greater engagement, as well as discussion around alternative methods of providing support.
  • It was agreed that the main priority should be delivering good public services rather than politicising the decision.
  • There was general recognition that local knowledge could be lost during the transition, and mechanisms should be put in place to retain it.
  • Public consultation was considered essential to ensure residents understood the implications of any changes.
  • There was consensus that rural communities needed to be supported to prevent their voices from being overshadowed by urban areas.
  • There was widespread agreement on the need to support staff through the transition to maintain morale and ensure continuity in statutory services.
  • The approach of town and parish councils being given more devolved powers, particularly for managing services such as roads and highways, was generally supported.
  • It was acknowledged that, regardless of the outcome, business as usual should be maintained to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities.

 

Councillor Harris concluded by thanking everyone for the debate. The growing role of town and parish councillors in the new structure was emphasised. A Town and Parish summit was confirmed for June to enhance communication and collaboration.

 

Council NOTED

  1. the work taking place across Gloucestershire in response to the formal invitation from Government to develop proposals for Local Government Reorganisation
  2. the joint Gloucestershire letter to Government on interim proposals.

 

 A Break of 10 minutes took place.

Supporting documents:

 

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