Cotswold District Council backs single unitary council for Gloucestershire

Cotswold District Council has moved to support the creation of a single unitary authority for the whole of Gloucestershire, as part of national plans to simplify local government.

At a Full Council meeting on Wednesday 26 November, councillors unanimously backed the proposal in a non-binding vote. Shortly afterwards, the council’s Cabinet confirmed it will recommend the single-unitary option to the Government.

"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to simplify local government, against the backdrop of significant financial pressures. It’s a chance to build a system that is smarter, fairer, and ready for the future. And, critically, it’s about more than structures – it’s about people."

Cllr Mike Evemy, leader of Cotswold District Council

The decision follows months of collaboration between Gloucestershire’s seven principal councils to develop two options for replacing the current two-tier system of county and district or borough authorities:

• One unitary council for the entire county
• Two unitary councils: one covering the east (Cheltenham, Cotswold, Tewkesbury) and one covering the west (Gloucester, Forest of Dean, Stroud)

Earlier this year, central government invited councils to submit proposals that simplify local government structures by 28 November. All options that meet its criteria will be consulted on early next year, with a final decision by the Minister for Local Government expected in summer 2026.

Cllr Mike Evemy, leader of Cotswold District Council, said: “While the decision to reorganise local government is not one that this council has taken, nor will the ultimate shape of that reorganisation be decided by this council - this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to simplify local government, against the backdrop of significant financial pressures. It’s a chance to build a system that is smarter, fairer, and ready for the future. And, critically, it’s about more than structures – it’s about people.

“Both options are viable and could be successfully implemented, but a single council affords the chance for greater simplification, more savings, and a stronger platform for high-quality, sustainable services.”

A third proposal, ‘Greater Gloucester’, developed by Gloucester City Council, was published on November 4. This was not considered by Cotswold District Council due to there being insufficient time to undertake the same levels of review and due diligence that other proposals were subjected to.

Cllr Evemy added: “I want to thank elected members and officers across all councils – and especially those at Cotswold District Council – for their hard work in shaping these proposals. We now look forward to working with central government and our partners across Gloucestershire to deliver the very best outcomes for residents, businesses, and visitors to our district and our county.”