Leader's blog - w/c 17 November 2025

After fifty years of district and county councils, the Government has decided to eliminate both in the coming years, and to replace them with unitary councils that provide the same services across a larger geographic footprint. So we have an historic vote at the council this Thursday, where members will decide their preference for how local government is to be organised in the county. The choices for the next era are for a single unitary council, two councils for each of East and West Gloucestershire, or an expanded Gloucester City with a second unitary for the wider county around it. All councils in Gloucestershire are voting, then Government will consult the public after Christmas, and then Ministers have the final say for our county later next year. Here are the meeting papers. 

Acting on nature and climate is an absolute priority us at SDC, and one way we do that is by enabling community groups through our successful small grant programme. Charlea Gardens in Brimscombe is a successful recipient – do take a look at the project group’s progress towards their goal to transform a former play area back into a community space with wildflower meadows, a play trail, community growing areas, and a wildlife pond on our Facebook page. 

Finally, November is Islamophobia Awareness month, so you’ll see local organisations - including the council - celebrating the contribution of Muslim individuals and communities, while seeking to raise awareness about prejudice, discrimination, and hatred many Muslims face on a day-to-day basis. If you haven’t already experienced the brilliant Unreflected Reflections film series which celebrates Gloucester’s Muslim community, Forest Green Rovers have an upcoming showing of ‘Rising Stars FC’ as part of Stroud Film Festival - celebrating 50 years since passionate young Muslim football players formed their Sunday League football team in Gloucester. Book tickets here."

Cllr Chloe Turner, Leader of Stroud District Council