Issue - decisions
Local Government Reorganisation Proposal
28/11/2025 - Consideration of Local Government Reorganisation Submission
Councillor Mike Evemy, Leader of the Council introduced the item which was the consideration of the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) submission.
It was noted that all Members had been present at Full Council, where the options for Local Government Reorganisation had been debated at length. Council had unanimously resolved in favour of requesting that Cabinet propose a single unitary authority for Gloucestershire, the only unanimous decision among the Gloucestershire councils, with the remaining councils reaching majority decisions.
The Leader thanked Cabinet colleagues and Council Members for their decision. It was noted that Council had requested that Cabinet propose the single unitary option in response to the Minister’s invitation of 5 February 2025, and had further asked the Leader to send an accompanying letter setting out the reasons for the decision, based on the Full Council debate and Cabinet’s discussion. Council had also requested that Cabinet and officers continue to prepare for LGR ahead of the expected government decision in June or July 2026.
Cabinet was required to determine its proposal. The Leader stated that, on balance, the single unitary option appeared to be in the best interests of the District and its residents. Reference was made to the Full Council debate, which had emphasised the resilience of services, the vulnerability of users of SEND and adult social care, the importance of financial sustainability, and the £10m difference in ongoing savings between the available options. Concerns had also been expressed regarding the long-term viability of a two-unitary split.
It was noted that Cabinet decisions were usually subject to a five-day call-in period by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee; however, Members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee had agreed to support call-in being disapplied in this case.
Members were invited to comment. Councillor Coleman commended the careful, evidence-based approach taken throughout the process. Councillor Hodgkinson endorsed these remarks and expressed his support for the single unitary option, citing the Fire Service as a strong example of unified service delivery.
Councillor Evemy concluded by noting that significant work lay ahead, with increasing Member involvement required. He reported that four councils in the county supported the single unitary option, one supported the Greater Gloucester option, one supported the East/West split and one had expressed no preference. These three options would therefore go forward for consideration, after which the government would determine viability. Should the Greater Gloucester option be deemed viable, it would be considered; however, it was considered more likely that the single unitary and east/west options would proceed to consultation, with a decision expected from government in June or July 2026.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Mike Evemy and seconded by Councillor Paul Hodgkinson.
Vote:
6 For, 0 against, 0 Abstentions.