'Our unique city deserves its own council'

New housing and city regeneration projects could be derailed if six local councils merge, a leader has said.

Councillor Jeremy Hilton, Gloucester City Council's leader, said it is "inconceivable" that the city could lose its own governing body.

His comments follow the government unveiling its English Devolution White Paper, outlining plans to abolish district councils.

Mr Hilton said: "If Gloucester gets consumed into a massive unitary authority, the attention to detail will just disappear overnight."

"We believe that Gloucester should be retained. Our city's rich history and unique identity deserve nothing less," he added.

Gloucestershire is one of a dwindling number of counties to still have two tiers of local government.

Under the proposals, district councils including Stroud, Cotswold, Tewkesbury, the Forest of Dean, Cheltenham and Gloucester could all merge with the county council.

However, decisions about new unitary structures will be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account factors like local needs and potential for devolution, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Currently, Gloucestershire County Council oversees county-wide services including highways, education, waste disposal, and social care.

District councils like Gloucester manage bin collections, leisure facilities, environmental health, planning, and building control.

Under the Government's unitary proposals, one council would take over all these responsibilities, which ministers argue could improve accountability, reduce costs, and streamline services.

Mr Hilton said losing the city council would derail vital work in housing development, city centre improvements, and long-term regeneration projects.

Drawing on his experience serving on both the city council and county council, Mr Hilton emphasised the importance of retaining distinct local authorities.

He added: "It's inconceivable that people suggest that the local authority be scrapped. We need to look at the proposals in detail, as an administration at the city council."

Deputy Prime Minister and secretary of state for housing, communities and local government Angela Rayner announced the new plans on Monday.

She said: "It's a plan for putting more money in people's pockets, putting politics back in the service of working people and a plan for stability, investment and reform, not chaos, austerity and decline, that will deliver a decade of national renewal."

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