Tewkesbury Borough Council’s name change delayed

Tewkesbury Borough Council is rescheduling the launch of its name change to North Gloucestershire Borough Council until March 2025, so that it can consider any impact from the anticipated government white paper on devolution.

The white paper, which was announced in the budget in October, was expected by the end of November, but it has still not been issued – meaning the council is unclear of any potential implications.

Cllr Richard Stanley, Leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council, said: “The government’s white paper, initially due at the end of November, is expected to outline its plans for devolution. There is uncertainty about how this may impact on the future role of district councils, and, depending on timescales, this could have significant implications for our move to change our name to North Gloucestershire Borough Council.

“When deciding to change our name, we made it clear that it would be done with a phased approach at a minimal cost. If the government’s white paper mandates that Gloucestershire’s local government structure requires reorganisation in the next two to three years, then we recognise that changing our name now would not be an efficient use of funds.

“When we have the details of the white paper and understand the implications for our council, we will update on our plans – with our current view being that we aim to launch our new name in March if there is no impact on us.”

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