Your councils are changing. The Government wants to give more power to local areas and simplify how local government works.
On Monday 7 September the government announced that Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) is being paused and reviewed. This includes the proposals for a new local authority structure here in Gloucestershire.
Local Government Reorganisation paused
Town and parish councils play a vital role in shaping Gloucestershire’s future. Find the latest information, resources and engagement opportunities to stay informed, prepare for change and contribute to Local Government Reorganisation.
Town and parish councils
Residents and businesses may have questions about Local Government Reorganisation. Browse our frequently asked questions to find the latest information, understand what the changes mean and stay informed.
FAQs
These councils include strategic authorities (currently these are mayoral combined authorities such as Greater Manchester), county councils, city councils, borough councils, district councils and parish councils.
In Gloucestershire, we have:
The changes for local government are explained in a plan called the English Devolution White Paper. The main goals of the White Paper are to give local areas more control over decisions (known as devolution) and to make the local government structure simpler (known as Local Government Reorganisation, or LGR).
This is the quickest possible timetable for setting up a new council in Gloucestershire. The dates may change, depending on decisions made by the government.
Government decision on new councils for Gloucestershire
Government pause and review
All future milestones are subject to review
Elections for new unitary (shadow authority)
New authority comes into force
The Joint Scrutiny Panel is established to provide cross-council, non-executive and non-decision making scrutiny of the process for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) across Gloucestershire, including the arrangements for governance, decision-making, finance, engagement, evidence and transparency.
Committee agendas, meetings and minutes are hosted on the Cheltenham Borough Council Democratic webpage.
The English Devolution White Paper sets out the government’s agenda to increase and expand devolution across all parts of England.
Visit the LGA Devolution Hub to find further information and resources. This includes a list of regularly updated devolution and local government reorganisation FAQs.
You can find updates on the current devolution framework and devolution deals agreed between the government and local areas.
The letter dated 25 July 2025, to Leaders of the councils in the 21 areas invited to submit proposals for unitary local government.
The letter to all two-tier councils and neighbouring unitary authorities, dated 16 December 2024, sets out the government’s process and milestones.
A letter dated 16 July 2026, to Leaders of the Gloucestershire councils outlining the Gloucestershire decision.