Gloucestershire’s council leaders have renewed their call for the county to join an enlarged West of England Combined Authority, saying the proposal could bring more powers, investment and decision-making closer to communities including Stroud.

The appeal has been made in a letter to Jim McMahon OBE MP, Minister for Local Government, Devolution and Regional Growth. Leaders from six of Gloucestershire’s seven councils reaffirmed their ambition for the county to become a full member of an enlarged West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.

The call comes as the Government reviews its approach to local government reorganisation in Gloucestershire. The source article says the Government announced in July that one new unitary council would replace the county and district councils, but later paused and reviewed local government reorganisation decisions taken across the country in July.

Why Gloucestershire wants to join the West of England

The proposed enlarged authority would cover Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and, soon, North Somerset, alongside Gloucestershire if the proposal progresses.

Gloucestershire’s leaders say the county already has close links with Bristol and the wider South West. People travel across the region for work, education and healthcare, while businesses, universities, transport networks and public services increasingly operate across existing council boundaries.

They argue that a wider regional partnership would allow Gloucestershire to have more influence over transport, infrastructure, housing, skills and economic growth. The stated aim is to unlock investment, strengthen public services and position the wider area as an important centre for innovation, national security and investment.

The letter also highlights the possibility of connecting Gloucestershire’s strengths in cyber security, defence, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, agri-tech and engineering with the West of England’s digital technology, artificial intelligence, quantum technology and creative industries.

Leaders believe that working at this larger scale could attract investment, support business growth and give the South West a stronger voice in discussions with the Government.

Reorganisation and devolution are separate

Although the two issues are being discussed at the same time, the leaders say local government reorganisation and devolution are separate processes. Reorganisation concerns the structure of councils and local services, while devolution involves transferring powers and funding from central government to wider regional partnerships.

Cllr Lisa Spivey, leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said the pause in local government reorganisation should not prevent the county from pursuing a devolution agreement.

“Local government reorganisation may be paused, but devolution is a separate opportunity. We are asking the Government for a clear route forward, enabling Gloucestershire to maintain momentum, and achieve the vision and ambition we have for Gloucestershire.”

She said the county wanted to use the opportunities presented by devolution to secure investment, create opportunities and help communities become healthier and more prosperous.

“We want to capitalise on the opportunities devolution presents to secure greater investment, create new opportunities and help make our communities healthier and more prosperous.”

The source says Tewkesbury Borough Council is continuing to engage in devolution discussions, but its leader, Cllr Richard Stanley, did not sign the letter. Council members recommended that, alongside neighbouring authorities, Gloucestershire’s councils continue exploring possible arrangements involving counties to the north as well as the West of England Combined Authority.

Potential effect on residents and businesses

The leaders’ case for the proposal is based on the practical advantages they say a stronger regional arrangement could provide. These include better transport connections, training linked to local jobs, infrastructure planned alongside new homes and stronger support for businesses seeking to invest, grow and create employment.

They also say closer cooperation could strengthen public services and help the region make better use of its connections between towns, cities and rural communities. The proposed arrangement would bring the Bristol and Bath area together with Gloucestershire’s cities, towns and rural areas, although the source does not set out any confirmed projects or guaranteed funding for Stroud.

The benefits described remain potential outcomes rather than decisions already in force. Joining an enlarged authority would require further discussions with ministers, Gloucestershire’s councils, the existing West of England Combined Authority and its member councils.

What leaders are asking ministers to do

The letter asks the Government to support Gloucestershire’s goal of joining an enlarged West of England Combined Authority and to confirm the county’s place in the devolution programme.

  • Consider establishing a Gloucestershire Foundation Strategic Authority as a first step towards full membership.
  • Provide a clear timetable and decision-making process.
  • Begin early discussions with Gloucestershire, the West of England Combined Authority and its councils.
  • Arrange a meeting with the Minister to agree how the proposal could progress.

The proposal for a Gloucestershire Foundation Strategic Authority is not presented as the final arrangement. Instead, the letter describes it as a possible first stage leading towards closer association and ultimately full membership of an enlarged West of England authority.

The leaders are now seeking a clear response from ministers, including an indication of how and when discussions about Gloucestershire’s possible relationship with the West of England Combined Authority could begin.