Keep devolution options open, says Tewkesbury Borough Council Leader
Posted on: 30 October 2026
Council Leader writes to government reaffirming support for devolution while keeping future options open
The Leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council, Cllr Richard Stanley, has written to the government reaffirming the council’s support for devolution for Gloucestershire and calling for continued exploration of the strategic authority options available to the county.
In a letter to Jim McMahon OBE MP, Minister for Local Government, Devolution and Regional Growth, Cllr Stanley highlights Gloucestershire’s strategic position between the South West and the Midlands and says the county should continue exploring opportunities both through closer links with the West of England and through the long-established Three Counties relationship with Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
The letter reiterates Tewkesbury Borough Council’s position that devolution could bring significant opportunities for residents, businesses and public services by placing more powers, funding and decision-making closer to local communities.
Cllr Stanley said: “Tewkesbury Borough Council remains firmly supportive of devolution being delivered for Gloucestershire at the earliest opportunity.
“Gloucestershire occupies a unique position between the South West and the Midlands. This creates credible opportunities for future strategic alignment both to the south, through closer links with Bristol and the West of England, and to the north through the long-established Three Counties relationship with Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
“Both options present genuine opportunities, and Gloucestershire should remain free to engage constructively in discussions in both directions before determining its future position.”
The letter also highlights the importance of ensuring future devolution arrangements support effective public service delivery, including alignment across local government, health, policing, transport and strategic planning.
Cllr Stanley has asked the government to reaffirm Gloucestershire’s place within the devolution programme, support early progress towards devolution, facilitate discussions with neighbouring authorities and strategic authorities, and provide a clear timetable for future decisions.
He added: “Gloucestershire is ready to move forward. Early progress on devolution would provide certainty, strengthen our ability to deliver growth and public service reform, and ensure the county can continue making a significant contribution to the Government’s wider ambitions.”
