Lib Dems launch petition against unitary authority plans

A petition has been launched against plans to rob Gloucester of its own council and replace it with a huge unitary authority.

The petition is being launched by the Liberal Democrats this Saturday on what is Gloucester Day - an annual event celebrating the end of the siege of the city by soldiers loyal to King Charles I in 1643.

Local government in Gloucestershire has a two-tier system of six district councils and a county council, which has been operating for nearly 50 years.

The Conservative Government is expected to publish a White Paper this autumn tearing up the current council structures in the country, by creating huge unitary councils without due consideration of history, geography or community.

The city of Gloucester was founded in AD97 by the Romans and granted its first charter in 1155 by Henry II.

The Mayor of Gloucester dates back to 1228 and the post of Sheriff is even older. Both are now under threat from these proposals.

Councillor Jeremy Hilton, leader of Gloucester Liberal Democrats, said: "In 1643 the Parliamentarians held out against the King's forces during the siege of Gloucester and we intend to do the same.

"So, it is fitting that we launch this petition on what is the annual celebration of an important part of Gloucester's history.

"We intend to do what is best for Gloucester. The city has a strong identity forged in 2,000 years of history with diverse communities that give it a unique character.

"If local government is to be reorganised, we believe the best option for the city would be to extend the existing boundaries to take in those areas around the city, which are part of greater Gloucester."

Councillor Hilton added: "The city and the country are at the very early stages of the recovery from the coronavirus lockdown and we think there are more important things to be focusing on than reorganising local government at this time."

The Liberal Democrats will be running a stall on Westgate Street as part of the Gloucester Day celebrations on Saturday September 5 where members of the public can sign the petition.

To sign the petition, please go to: https://gloucester-libdems.org.uk/en/petition/save-gloucester-city-council-from-being-scrapped-by-the-government