Exploring a new name for Tewkesbury Borough Council

From 1 April 2024, aligned to the launch of our new Council Plan, we are exploring the option of a new name for the council.

Why are we considering changing the name of Tewkesbury Borough Council?
Options were originally being considered to update the council’s existing logo, which is out of date and difficult to use on digital assets such as the website and online forms.

However, it has become clear from recent feedback from community groups, businesses and parishes that the name ‘Tewkesbury Borough’ isn’t considered representative of our entire borough – it tends to be more associated with Tewkesbury Town.

We want to ensure our name is as inclusive as it possibly can be – our borough covers 160 square miles and includes other large areas such as Brockworth, Bishop’s Cleeve, Winchcombe and Churchdown – and many more!

We also don’t feel that our current name reflects our ambition to attract jobs and investment for our whole borough and better reflect our key strategic location.

Why now?
Our logo is outdated and difficult to use, and so it needs to be updated anyway.

With new members joining following the elections, and alongside the development of a new Council Plan launch, it also felt like an opportune time to explore if there is any support for a new name.

With lots of change happening – including our approach to modernise – it’s a good time to consider it and see what residents think.

Are there any names already being considered?
The one name that has been suggested multiple times by different groups is North Gloucestershire Borough Council.

Has a decision been made to change the council’s name?
No. Importantly, no decision on a name change has been made. That’s why we want to hear what residents and businesses think about the proposed changes, to ensure that a new council name reflects all of our residents and communities. We are asking for views as part of our Council Plan consultation.

What about the cost of changing the council’s name?
Any costs would be very minimal and covered by existing budgets – and phased over time, including the design work which can easily be done in-house.

The main way in which our logo is now used is on digital assets (such as our website and online forms), which will not cost anything to update.

Any physical signage would be updated as part of the sign’s normal maintenance to avoid any additional costs.

Further, the roll-out would take part in two cost-conscious phases:

Phase one – April 2024: focused on areas where the new name can be applied without any additional spending e.g. our digital channels and assets

Phase two – 2024 onwards: centred on physical assets, such as street furniture, vehicles and signage. Only items due for replacement – ensuring no additional cost to the council.

What would a name change mean for residents?
Residents would not need to do anything, and a potential name change would not impact our services or any of the ways in which you interact with the council.

If the change were to go ahead, letters, bills, and other communications you receive from the council may look slightly different. However, changes to physical signs would be done gradually as and when replacements are required to minimise costs.

There wouldn’t be any legal issues associated with a name change and the status of the council would remain as a borough, therefore a name change would be a straightforward process.