Exploring a new name for Tewkesbury Borough Council
Why are we considering changing the name of Tewkesbury Borough Council?
We want our name to be as inclusive as possible – our borough covers 160 square miles and includes other large areas such as Brockworth, Bishop’s Cleeve, Winchcombe and Churchdown – and many more.
Following recent feedback from community groups, businesses and parishes, it has become clear that the name ‘Tewkesbury Borough’ isn’t considered representative of our entire borough – it tends to be more associated with Tewkesbury Town.
We also don’t feel that our current name reflects our ambition to attract jobs and investment to the whole borough and better reflect our key strategic location.
Why now?
Options were originally being considered to update the council’s existing logo, which is out of date and difficult to use on digital assets such as the website and online forms.
With new councillors joining following the elections in May 2023, and alongside the development of a new Council Plan, it felt like an opportune time to explore whether there is support for a new name.
With lots of changes happening in our borough– including our commitment to modernise our services– it’s a good time to consider a name change and see what residents think.
Are there any names already being considered?
One name has been suggested multiple times by different groups: North Gloucestershire Borough Council.
Has a decision been made to change the council’s name?
No decision on a name change has been made.
As part of our Council Plan consultation that ran during January and February 2024, we asked residents and businesses what they think about the proposed changes, to ensure that a new council name reflects all of our communities.
We are now considering the responses ahead of announcing a final decision.
What about the cost of changing the council’s name?
Any costs would be minimal, covered by existing budgets and phased in over time – including the design work which can easily be done in-house.
Our logo is now mainly used 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 a sign’s normal maintenance to avoid any additional costs.
This approach could see a roll-out in two cost-conscious phases:
Phase one – Summer 2024: This will focus on areas where the new name can be applied without any additional spending, such as our digital channels and assets.
Phase two – Autumn 2024 onwards: This will centre on physical assets, such as street furniture, vehicles and signage. Items would only be replaced as part of their usual life cycle, 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.