Residents worry that splitting Gloucestershire could lead to inequality and confusion in local governance
The government recently shared plans to change local governance in England. They want to give more power to local councils. But this could mean getting rid of district councils in Gloucestershire.
Right now, Gloucestershire has a two-tier system. The County Council and district councils share responsibilities. Some leaders want one unitary council for the whole county. But five MPs think splitting it into east and west is a better idea.
The proposal suggests West Gloucestershire would include Forest of Dean, Gloucester, and Stroud. Meanwhile, East Gloucestershire would cover Cheltenham, Tewkesbury, and the Cotswolds.
A letter to the Minister of State was signed by several MPs, but not everyone agrees. Some believe a single unitary council is the way to go. They think it’s better for the county as a whole.
One MP, Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, argues that splitting the county would just create confusion. He believes it would lead to higher costs and less efficiency.
He also points out that the split would likely create a divide between richer and poorer areas. This is not what anyone wants.
Cameron Thomas, another MP, shares similar concerns. He thinks the current system is already complicated enough. People just want to pay their taxes and get their services without the hassle.
Councillors in Tewkesbury are also worried. They feel that breaking up the county would weaken its voice. Richard Stanley, the Liberal Democrat leader, believes it’s a bad idea.
He argues that Gloucestershire has a shared identity. Dividing it could leave communities feeling disconnected. Plus, it would complicate access to services.
Stanley insists that a united Gloucestershire has a stronger voice. He believes residents want their leaders to focus on delivering services, not splitting the county.
Ben Evans, a Churchdown County Councillor, agrees. He thinks splitting the county would create unnecessary problems.
He worries about arbitrary boundaries that could split communities. Taxpayers don’t want to pay for two sets of services either.
In the end, many believe keeping Gloucestershire whole is the best option. It’s about making sure everyone gets the services they need without added confusion.
