This week in Gloucestershire:

Council Backs Single Authority Plan Despite Concerns

Gloucestershire County Council's Cabinet voted to support a proposal for a single unitary authority for the county, a move that could radically reshape local government. Despite the decision, questions remain about the impact on local representation and service delivery.

Streamlining or Centralizing Power?

The decision follows a period of debate and consultation, with arguments made for both a single authority and a two-authority model. Proponents of the single authority argue it would lead to:

• Greater financial sustainability and efficiency.
• Better protection of countywide services.
• A simpler, more streamlined governance structure.

However, critics worry about the potential for:

• Reduced local representation and democratic accountability.
• Services being less tailored to local needs.
• Loss of local identity.

Councillor Lisa Spivey, Leader of Council, acknowledged the concerns, stating that it was important to foster communities and ensure that vital parts of community life were not lost.

Public Questions Highlight Uncertainty

The Cabinet also addressed public questions about the reorganisation, with residents seeking assurances about local service provision and the move towards a combined authority. David Redgewell asked for assurances that the Council would be looking at the right model for neighbourhoods and reinforce local arrangements for provision of services. Councillor Spivey replied that it was important to foster communities and that neighbourhood was part of a workstream to ensure that vital parts of community life were not lost. She noted that this was a long process with many areas requiring their own investment and growth over time.

What Happens Next?

The proposal will now be submitted to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government for consideration. The government will then formally consult with the public and key stakeholders on the options submitted by principal councils across Gloucestershire.

Health Chiefs Grapple with Urgent Care Pressures and Future Strategy

The Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee received updates on urgent care services, the NHS Gloucestershire 5 Year Strategy, and the performance of the Gloucestershire Integrated Care System (GICS), revealing both progress and persistent challenges.

Integrated Urgent Care Service Shows Promise, Faces Hurdles

The Integrated Urgent Care Service (IUCS), launched in November 2024, aims to streamline access to urgent care by bringing together NHS 111¹, the Senior GP Led Clinical Assessment Service, and the Primary Care Out of Hours Service. Key achievements in its first year include:

• Handling nearly 200,000 NHS 111 calls.
• Clinically assessing almost 80,000 patients.
• Completing over 2,000 home visits.

However, the service faces challenges, including:

• Workforce recruitment.
• Managing system pressures and demand peaks.
• Improving integration with community teams.
• Improving clinician call back times to meet national IUCS standards.

Five-Year Plan Aims for Community-Based, Digital, and Preventative Care

Sarah Truelove, Chief Executive Officer of NHS Gloucestershire, and Dr Emma Crutchlow, GP Collaborative NHS Gloucestershire ICB, presented the NHS Gloucestershire 5 Year Strategic Plan, which focuses on shifting care from hospitals to the community, from analogue to digital, and from sickness to prevention.

The plan acknowledges the changing demographics of Gloucestershire, with a projected 47% increase in the frail population by 2040, which is the segment that consumes the most health and care resources.

Performance Report Highlights Improvements and Areas for Focus

The committee also received an update on the performance of the GICS, noting improvements in ambulance handover delays and urological prostate cancer wait times. Areas of focus include elective performance, echocardiography performance, and community speech and language therapy (SALT) waiting times.

Police and Crime Panel to Review Policing Strategy and Performance

The Gloucestershire Police and Crime Panel is scheduled to meet to discuss local policing, technical transformation, updates from the Police and Crime Commissioner, and the Chief Executive's report. The panel will also review the Joint Independent Audit Committee Annual Report, the Police and Crime Panel Complaints Subcommittee Protocol, and the committee work plan.

Local Policing Update

The panel is expected to receive an update on local policing, covering the Safer Streets Summer activity, Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, and information about Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB).

Technical Transformation Overview

The panel is expected to receive an overview of Gloucestershire Constabulary's Technical Transformation from Geoff King.

Other Matters

• The Planning Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday 20 November 2025 was cancelled.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Cabinet on Wednesday 03 December 2025 will meet, but no further details are available. See details.
• The Pension Committee on Thursday 04 December 2025 will meet, but no further details are available. See details.
• The Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Friday 05 December 2025 will meet, but no further details are available. See details.
• The Gloucestershire Economic Strategy Scrutiny Committee on Friday 28 November 2025 will meet to discuss updates on the City Region Board, the Spatial Development Strategy, and the Green Skills Strategy, as well as to review the committee's work plan. See details.
• The Gloucestershire Health & Wellbeing Board on Tuesday 25 November 2025 will meet to discuss updates on the Children's Coalition, Active Gloucestershire, and the Gloucestershire Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy. See details.

This week in Gloucestershire:

Council Mulls Radical Overhaul of Local Government

The County Council met to debate proposals for a major shake-up of local government in Gloucestershire, potentially leading to the creation of one or two unitary authorities¹. The decision could reshape how services are delivered and funded across the county.

Two Options on the Table

The council considered two main options:

• One Unitary Authority: A single council responsible for all services across Gloucestershire.
• Two Unitary Authorities: Splitting the county into two separate authorities.

The report pack included detailed proposals for each option, outlining potential benefits and drawbacks.

Reorganisation Could Impact Services and Funding

Local government reorganisation could have far-reaching consequences for residents, affecting everything from bin collections and road maintenance to social care and education. It could also lead to changes in council tax rates and the allocation of resources across the county.

Youth Engagement and Farmer Support on the Agenda

The council also discussed motions focused on improving youth engagement in decision-making and supporting local farmers.

Giving Young People a Voice

Councillor Craig Horrocks, seconded by Councillor Natalie Rothwell-Warn, proposed a motion to develop a framework for better incorporating the views and needs of young people in council decision-making.

• Consultation Needed: The motion calls for a consultation to identify the specific needs of young people in Gloucestershire and how policymaking can better incorporate their views.
• Equality Impact Assessments: The council would develop a framework to ensure that the needs of young people are sufficiently considered in all policy and resource allocation decisions.

Standing Up for Farmers

Councillor Dom Morris, seconded by Councillor Daryl Corps, proposed a motion opposing changes to Inheritance Tax relief measures that would introduce a 20% tax on agricultural assets valued over £1 million.

• Tax Threat: The motion argues that the changes will make it significantly harder for Gloucestershire farmers to pass their land and businesses onto the next generation.
• NFU Concerns: The motion notes that the National Farmers' Union (NFU) has warned that up to half of working farms in Gloucestershire could face increased tax burdens as a result of the changes.

Highways Services Under the Microscope

Councillor Michael Rees, seconded by Councillor Mark Howard, proposed a motion addressing concerns about the condition of local roads and the timeliness of repairs.

• Transparency Demanded: The motion calls for the publication of quarterly Highways Performance Reports detailing road repair schedules, budget allocation, and resident satisfaction metrics.
• Staffing Breakdown: The council would also publish a full breakdown of staffing and resourcing within the Highways Department.
• Cross-Party Review: A cross-party working group would be established to review the working practices of the Highways Department.

City Region Board Eyes Growth Plan and Funding

The City Region Board met to discuss the Gloucestershire Local Growth Plan, the Gloucestershire Spatial Development Strategy, and the Strategic Economic Development Fund (SEDF).

Local Growth Plan Aims for Sustainability

The board was asked to agree on the final draft of the Gloucestershire Local Growth Plan (2025-2035), which aims to drive sustainable economic growth across the region.

Spatial Development Strategy Update

The board received an update on the enhanced governance to support effective delivery of spatial planning across Gloucestershire and the scope of a transitional Spatial Development Strategy (tSDS) for Gloucestershire.

SEDF Bid Decisions

The board was asked to approve SEDF funding awards for a number of bids/projects submitted for consideration.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday 18 November 2025 will meet to discuss an update on integrated urgent care services, the NHS Gloucestershire 5 Year Strategy, and performance and activity reports from the Gloucestershire Integrated Care System and NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board. See details.
• The Appeals Board on Wednesday 19 November 2025 will consider appeals related to charges for home to school transport assistance. See details.
• The Cabinet on Wednesday 19 November 2025 will meet to discuss proposals for the reorganisation of local government in Gloucestershire. See details.
• The Gloucestershire Police and Crime Panel on Friday 21 November 2025 will meet to discuss local policing, a technical transformation overview, and updates from the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and the Chief Executive. See details.
• The Gloucestershire Health & Wellbeing Board on Tuesday 25 November 2025 will meet, but no further details are available. See details.
• The Gloucestershire Economic Strategy Scrutiny Committee on Friday 28 November 2025 will meet, but no further details are available. See details.

This week in Gloucestershire:

SEND Crisis Deepens as Deficit Soars

The Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to grapple with the escalating challenges in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision, revealing a grim financial outlook and persistent concerns about inconsistent support for vulnerable children.

High Needs Block Deficit Balloons

A report presented to the committee revealed the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) is facing a significant overspend in the High Needs Block, driven by the demand for Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). The current High Needs Block deficit at year end 2024/25 was confirmed at £80.5m and is expected to rise to £125.1m by the end of this financial year.

• School Budget Pressures: The report warned that continued pressure on school budgets limits the universal SEND offer that they can make. As schools face annual real term cuts, universal SEND provision will reduce and demand for support from the High Needs Block will continue to increase.
• Statutory Override Extended: The Department for Education (DfE) have confirmed the extension of the statutory override until 2028, which removes the immediate risk of local authorities declaring a section 114 notice.

Safeguarding Concerns Highlighted in Annual Report

The Annual Safeguarding Report presented to the committee highlighted recurring themes of domestic abuse, neglect, child exploitation, and non-accidental injury in serious incident reviews.

• Recommendations: Eight recommendations were made, focusing on policy updates, multi-agency training, and improved escalation protocols.
• Strategic Priorities: Strategic priorities for 2025–2028 focus on harm outside the home, child sexual abuse, and disproportionality, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with national reforms.

Childcare Sufficiency Under Scrutiny

The Childcare Sufficiency Annual Report revealed that an additional up to 1,300 early years places may be required to deliver the full entitlement to children aged 9 months to 4 years from September 2025, and an estimation of 1200 additional wraparound childcare places by the end of the programme in September 2026.

Fire Service Faces Reorganisation Uncertainty and Cultural Challenges

The Fire and Rescue Scrutiny Committee convened to discuss the potential impact of local government reorganisation, cultural improvements, and the Community Risk Management Plan.

Local Government Reorganisation Threatens Instability

A report considered by the committee warned of a high overall impact on Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) if local government reorganisation results in two unitary authorities.

• Governance Risks: The report stated that the service could not remain within local authority governance, financial, and management structures, requiring urgent planning to implement a transition from Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) to a Fire & Rescue Authority or PCFC arrangement.
• Operational Risks: The report suggested that this instability could create risks for operational delivery and regulatory performance, and that GFRS would become a precepting authority.

Cultural Improvements Ongoing

The committee received an update on GFRS's cultural journey, noting a decline in conduct cases since 2023, coinciding with the introduction of a Workplace Charter.

• Anonymous Reporting: In September 2023, GFRS launched a new anonymous reporting facility provided by the Crimestoppers charity.
• Professional Standards Unit: The Professional Standards Unit (PSU) was launched in May 2025 to improve misconduct and grievance case management.

Improvement Board Progress Noted

The committee noted the Improvement Board progress update, including the dismissal of three causes of concern identified by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS).

Council Strategy and Mass Transit Scheme Dominate Cabinet Meeting

The Cabinet met to discuss local government reorganisation, the council's strategy for 2025-2029, and the development of a mass rapid transit scheme.

Council Strategy Approved for Recommendation

The Cabinet approved the Council Strategy 2025-2029 – 'A stronger future, built together' – for recommendation to Full Council on 12 November. The strategy is structured around four key themes: Children & Young People Thrive, Strong, Healthy Communities That Care, A Place to Be Proud Of, and An Open, Fair and Sustainable Council.

Mass Rapid Transit Scheme Moves Forward

The Cabinet delegated authority to continue funding the development of a mass rapid transit business case for Gloucestershire. The scheme aims to deliver high-quality, zero-emission public transport, with the initial business case work suggesting a bus-based system known as bus rapid transit or BRT.

• Equality Impact: An Equality Impact Assessment found that all ages may be affected by mass rapid transit (MRT), with people who do not have access to a private car, van, motorbike or scooter being most impacted.

Adult Social Care Focuses on Healthier Lifestyles and Safeguarding

The Adult Social Care and Communities Scrutiny Committee discussed healthier lifestyles, safeguarding adults, and public health in Gloucestershire.

Healthier Lifestyles Initiative

The committee received an update on enabling healthier lifestyles in Gloucestershire, including initiatives such as Healthier Weight Services, Tobacco Control, and the Healthy Lifestyles Service.

Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report

The Gloucestershire Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2024-25 noted a 14% rise in concerns raised of potential abuse and neglect, with complex needs continuing to be the overarching theme in current reviews and referrals.

Climate Strategy and Verge Management on Environment Committee Agenda

The Environment Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the Gloucestershire climate change strategy, verge management and grass cutting, and the executive director's report on the economy, environment, and infrastructure.

Climate Change Strategy Annual Report

The committee considered the Gloucestershire Climate Change Strategy Annual Report, noting that 70% of emissions in Gloucestershire can be attributed to individuals, with half of Gloucestershire's emissions coming from food and drink, transport fuel and heating homes.

Verge Management and Grass Cutting

The committee received an overview of the county's verge management and grass cutting in Spring/Summer 2025, noting that verge management plays a vital role in maintaining a safe, functional, and environmentally responsible highway network.

Upcoming Meetings

• The County Council on Wednesday 12 November 2025 will meet to discuss local government reorganisation, a new council strategy, and several motions concerning highways services, youth engagement in council decision-making, and support for local farmers. See details.
• The City Region Board on Friday 14 November 2025 will meet to discuss the Gloucestershire Local Growth Plan, the Gloucestershire Spatial Development Strategy, the Business Rate Pool and Strategic Economic Development Fund (SEDF), and SEDF bid decisions. See details.
• The Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday 18 November 2025 will meet, but no further details are available. See details.
• The Appeals Board on Wednesday 19 November 2025 will consider appeals related to charges for home to school transport assistance. See details.
• The Cabinet on Wednesday 19 November 2025 will meet, but no further details are available. See details.
• The Gloucestershire Police and Crime Panel on Friday 21 November 2025 will meet, but no further details are available. See details.

This week in Gloucestershire:

Police Complaint Process Remains Behind Closed Doors

The Gloucestershire Police and Crime Panel Complaints Subcommittee met this week to address a non-criminal complaint against the Gloucestershire Police and Crime Commissioner. However, the decision to exclude the press and public raises concerns about transparency and accountability in the oversight of policing.

Informal Resolution Attempted

The subcommittee convened to consider a non-criminal complaint regarding the conduct of the Gloucestershire Police and Crime Commissioner. The aim was to facilitate an informal resolution, seeking to address the matter directly with the complainant without resorting to a formal investigation or disciplinary action.

• No Investigation Allowed: The subcommittee was explicitly prohibited from investigating the complaint, but could provide an opportunity for both parties to comment.
• Limited Powers: The subcommittee's powers were limited to recommending actions such as providing further information, suggesting policy changes, or requesting an apology.
• Confidentiality Concerns: The meeting was held in private due to the confidential nature of the information to be discussed, citing the need to protect the identities of individuals involved.

Public Excluded

The press and public were excluded from the meeting, citing Section 100 A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, which allows for the exclusion of the public when confidential or exempt information is likely to be disclosed.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Cabinet on Monday 03 November 2025 will discuss local government reorganisation, the council's strategy for 2025-2029, and the development of a mass rapid transit scheme. See details.
• The Adult Social Care and Communities Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday 04 November 2025 will meet to discuss enabling healthier lifestyles in Gloucestershire, the Gloucestershire Safeguarding Adults Board annual report, and public health matters. See details.
• The Environment Scrutiny Committee on Wednesday 05 November 2025 will meet to discuss the Gloucestershire Climate Change Strategy, verge management, and the Executive Director's report on the economy, environment, and infrastructure. See details.
• The Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Thursday 06 November 2025 will meet to discuss the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) update, the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) recovery plan and the annual safeguarding report. See details.
• The Fire and Rescue Scrutiny Committee on Friday 07 November 2025 will meet to discuss the impact of local government reorganisation, the Community Risk Management Plan 2026-2030, and GFRS's cultural journey and employee relations cases. See details.
• The County Council on Wednesday 12 November 2025 will meet, but no further details are available. See details.
• The Planning Committee Site Visits on Thursday 13 November 2025 will meet, but no further details are available. See details.
• The City Region Board on Friday 14 November 2025 will meet, but no further details are available. See details.