On Monday, 16 December 2024 the government published the English Devolution White Paper and the following statement has been issued in response:
Cllr Richard Stanley, Leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council said: “The Government has made devolution and local government reorganisation a priority.
“What matters most to our communities is an efficient local government that provides strong public services in a cost-effective way. In practical terms, this means ensuring our most vulnerable people are protected, offering accessible health services, tackling crime, resourcing schools, providing reliable bin collections and repairing our roads quickly. We recognise that a unitary council model has the capacity to deliver efficiencies in the current financial environment and we accept the challenge to deliver it.
“I know Gloucestershire has the potential to deliver increased funding for local investment in infrastructure, housing and public transport, and for protecting our natural environment and creating significant numbers of high-skilled, well-paid jobs – all of which are much needed for our rural and urban areas across the county.
“The publication of the white paper sets out a new local government structure. The deputy prime minister has assured us that she will be writing to all council leaders with the criteria for unitary councils that are the right size to run more efficiently and remain financially resilient. It is vital to the maintaining of smooth running of our services – and for our officers’ and service providers’ morale – that we provide certainty and a clear timeframe for change.
“As a forward-thinking council, we are committed to effective collaboration with neighbouring councils, and we will carefully consider the needs and priorities of our area to ensure that they are represented and addressed.”
ENDS