Leader's blog - w/c 13 July 2026

This week we await the Minister’s decision on the proposed reorganisation of local government in Gloucestershire: a significant moment for our county, and one that heralds a change to the council arrangements that have been in place since 1974. The implications for local accountability, cost and service continuity will no doubt be on our councillors’ minds.

Stroud District Council supported the proposal for a single unitary council for Gloucestershire because the majority view of our councillors was that it best met the Minister’s criteria. It was assessed as the most financially sustainable option for residents, while matching the boundaries of key partner organisations and avoiding the risks of splitting major county services such as social care. Whatever the decision, our focus once we have it will be on working with partner councils to prepare for change, with Stroud district residents at the heart of those plans.

Also this week, our next full council meeting takes place on Thursday 16 July, available to watch in person or online, live or after the event. Our Audit Committee Chair Cllr Bob Hughes will present his annual report and treasury management update. Following recruitment, councillors will also make formal appointments: Tenant Representatives to the Housing Committee, as part of our commitment to working more closely with council tenants, and two Independent Persons for the year, who can support decision-making if councillor conduct issues arise.

Finally, councillors will be asked to approve a Community Governance Review process in several parishes, at those councils’ request. This can include changes to the number of parish councillors or parish boundaries. If approved, we will work closely with the Chairs of Brimscombe and Thrupp, Minchinhampton, Chalford, Frampton on Severn, Great Oldbury, Standish and Upton St Leonards after the summer break.

Cllr Chloe Turner, Leader of Stroud District Council