Town and parish councils
Update on Local Government Reorganisation
The Government announced on Monday, 7 September that Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) is being paused and reviewed. This includes the proposals affecting Gloucestershire.
We recognise that this announcement is likely to raise questions for town and parish councils about what it means for you, your communities and the future of local government in Gloucestershire.
At this stage, there is no change to the role or responsibilities of town and parish councils as a result of the announcement, and councils should continue with their usual business and existing arrangements.
The Government has said that the review follows updated legal advice provided to ministers, with plans for a number of areas paused while the review takes place.
The Government has stated that the purpose of the review is to ensure the reorganisation process is robust, complies with legal requirements and aligns with the priorities of the new administration and its wider plans for devolution and local government reform.
The Government has also confirmed that local elections scheduled for May 2027 will go ahead on existing council boundaries while the review is carried out.
At this stage, we do not have any further detail about what the review will mean for Gloucestershire or the timescale for completing it. Gloucestershire’s principal councils are seeking further information from the Government and will consider the implications once more detail is available.
We will keep town and parish councils informed and share further information as soon as it becomes available.
Working together to shape Gloucestershire’s future
Town and parish councils are at the heart of their communities and have a key role to play in Gloucestershire’s future local government arrangements.
This dedicated page has been created to provide information, support and opportunities for engagement throughout the Local Government Reorganisation programme.
It brings together the latest updates, resources and opportunities specifically for town and parish councils to stay informed, prepare for change and contribute to the decisions that will shape local governance for years to come.
Latest updates
Guidance and resources
Local Government Reorganisation presents both challenges and opportunities for town and parish councils.
While many aspects of the future arrangements are still being developed, now is a good time to begin considering how your council may wish to prepare for potential changes.
This resource centre brings together guidance, toolkits, and practical information to help councils understand the opportunities that may emerge and build capacity for the future. Resources will continue to be added as the programme develops.
LGR webinars
We’re running regular webinars to keep town and parish councils updated on LGR and to answer questions on the latest developments. Future Gloucestershire : Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation in Gloucestershire.
GALC Toolkit
Gloucestershire Association of Local Councils has developed a toolkit ‘Preparing for Devolution’ to equip local councils to lead with confidence. Preparing for Devolution: The Toolkit | Gloucestershire Association of Local Councils
Town and parish council case studies
Town and parish councils are already delivering valued services and working in partnership to develop innovative approaches to meeting local needs and strengthening community resilience.
This section showcases examples of good practice, highlighting successful partnerships, local leadership, and lessons learned from councils of different sizes from across the country. By sharing experiences, we can help councils learn from one another and contribute to the future shape of local government.
National Association of Local Councils
National case studies nalc.gov.uk/resource-report/devolution-case-studies.html
Surrey Association of Local Councils
‘Strong Vibrant Communities’ report which details how town and parish councils can play a vital role in helping the new unitary councils succeed. SALC Strong Vibrant Communities Report | Surrey Association of Local Councils
Neighbourhoods & Communities research
Best practice from other areas going through LGR. LGR Neighbourhoods & Communities research
Get involved
The experience, knowledge and local insight of town and parish councils will be essential in helping shape Gloucestershire’s future arrangements. We want councils of all sizes to have opportunities to contribute their views, raise issues, share good practice and help influence the development of the programme.
Details of current surveys, consultations, workshops and other opportunities to get involved will be shared here throughout the programme.
Community Governance Reviews (CGRs)
Community Governance Reviews help ensure that local governance arrangements continue to reflect the needs and identities of communities. Across Gloucestershire, some councils may be considering whether existing parish arrangements remain the most effective way of representing local people.
What is a Community Governance Review (CGR)?
A Community Governance Review (CGR) is a formal process that looks at whether local governance arrangements still reflect the communities they serve. It gives residents, businesses, community groups and councils the opportunity to have their say on matters such as creating new parish or town councils, changing parish boundaries, or reviewing local representation arrangements.
Why are CGRs happening?
Communities change over time. New housing developments, population growth and changing community identities can all affect how people are represented at a local level. A Community Governance Review helps make sure local governance arrangements remain effective, reflect local communities, and provide appropriate local representation. In Gloucestershire, reviews are also taking place alongside Local Government Reorganisation to help ensure communities continue to have a strong local voice in the future.
CGRs Across Gloucestershire
Community Governance Reviews are taking place across Gloucestershire as councils prepare for Local Government Reorganisation. They provide an opportunity to review local governance arrangements and ensure communities continue to have strong, effective local representation. Each district or borough council is responsible for carrying out reviews in its area and consulting residents on any proposed changes.
Case Studies
Local Council Consultancy: Establishing a new local council LCC-Case-Study-New-Council.pdf
Town and parish councils FAQs
As Gloucestershire moves towards a new unitary council, many town and parish councils are asking what these changes mean for them. While some details are still being worked through, we are sharing information openly and regularly as it becomes available.
The Government has announced that Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) is being paused while it carries out a review. This includes the proposals affecting Gloucestershire.
At this stage, there is no change to the role or responsibilities of town and parish councils as a result of this announcement. Gloucestershire’s councils are seeking further information from the government about the implications of the review and will share further updates when more is known.
The Government has confirmed that local elections scheduled for May 2027 will go ahead on existing council boundaries while its review of Local Government Reorganisation is carried out.
Further information will be provided as soon as more detail is available from the Government.
No immediate action is required as a result of the announcement. Town and parish councils should continue with their usual business and existing arrangements.
The implications and timescale of the Government’s review are not yet known. Gloucestershire’s councils will keep town and parish councils informed as further information becomes available.
We recognise that town and parish councils will have questions about what the Government’s announcement could mean for their communities. At this stage, we are awaiting further information about the implications for Gloucestershire and the timescale for the review.
We will share further information with town and parish councils as soon as it becomes available through newsletters, webinars, and updates to this page.
Our proposal was that parish and town councils should be aligned as follows:
- May 2027: Elections for parishes in Cheltenham Borough, Cotswold District, Forest of Dean District and Tewkesbury Borough (for a five-year term) – alongside elections to the new unitary
- May 2028: Elections for parishes in Gloucester City and Stroud District (for a four-year term)
- May 2032: Elections for the unitary council and all Gloucestershire Parishes
However, that was on the basis of the unitary council shadow elections taking place in May 2027. Until the government has completed its review, we don’t know what the timing of unitary elections will be. In the meantime, we have to work on the basis that parish and town council elections will continue on their existing cycle, unless or until either:
- Government confirms or sets out a new timescale for LGR, or
- One of the community governance reviews currently being undertaken by district councils makes a change to those arrangements in response to that review
Town and parish councils are expected to play an important role in ensuring local communities continue to have a strong voice following Local Government Reorganisation. The Government has highlighted community empowerment and local representation as priorities, with parish councils helping to connect residents to local decision making.
Yes. Local Government Reorganisation does not automatically remove parish and town councils. They are separate tiers of local government and are expected to continue serving their communities and providing local representation.
Potentially, yes. New parish councils can be established through a community governance review where there is evidence of local support and a need for local representation. Any future proposals would be considered in line with relevant legislation and local circumstances.
There are no immediate plans to change parish boundaries. However, boundaries can be reviewed in the future if changes are needed to ensure effective and convenient local governance or to reflect community identities.
Town and parish councils already have a range of powers relating to local facilities, community assets and neighbourhood services. As local government evolves, there may be opportunities for some councils to take on additional responsibilities where this is supported locally and helps improve services for residents.
Possibly. One of the aims of Local Government Reorganisation is to create simpler structures while supporting stronger local communities. This could create opportunities for some services to be delivered more locally through town and parish councils or community partnerships where appropriate.
No decisions have been made about specific assets or facilities. Future arrangements will be considered as part of the transition process, with a focus on maintaining services and ensuring community facilities continue to meet local needs. In some cases, local councils may have opportunities to become more involved in managing community assets.
Devolution aims to give more powers and funding decisions to local areas rather than central government. This can help local leaders make decisions that better reflect local priorities, support economic growth, improve public services and strengthen communities.
Maintaining strong local representation is a priority throughout the reorganisation process. Future arrangements may include town and parish councils, neighbourhood partnerships and locally elected councillors, helping to ensure communities continue to have a voice in decisions that affect them.