Three councils in Gloucestershire are taking the first step in exploring a two council devolution deal for the county, which is expected to unlock significant funds to invest in services.
Following the announcement that the Government is expected to release a Devolution and Recovery White Paper in the autumn calling for more unitary councils, combined authorities and Mayors, Cheltenham Borough Council, Cotswold District Council, and Stroud District Council have agreed to start exploring progressive devolution options for Gloucestershire which would see the current seven councils merged into two.
Currently, Gloucestershire County Council provides some services, while district, borough and city councils provide others. Unitary councils bring the delivery of services for one area under one roof.
Cotswold District Council will be the first council to take a paper to Cabinet on 7 September to kick-start the process, and Stroud and Cheltenham councillors are expected to consider a similar proposal very soon after.
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