The Campaign for Historic Counties has formally submitted its response to the Government’s consultation on proposals for local government reorganisation within the current administrative area known as “Gloucestershire”.
Three alternative structures are under consideration, put forward respectively by Gloucestershire County Council and partner district councils, Cheltenham Borough Council, and Gloucester City Council. These proposals range from a single unitary authority covering the existing county council area to two separate unitaries, including options that would divide some present district areas.
The Campaign has made clear that it does not take a position on which administrative structure should be adopted. Decisions about the number and boundaries of councils are matters for elected representatives and local communities to determine on practical grounds.
However, the Campaign has emphasised an important and often overlooked point: the current administrative “Gloucestershire” area does not correspond precisely to the historic (geographical) County of Gloucestershire. Nor do changes to local government structures alter the historic counties.
In our submission, we have called for the outcome of any reorganisation to:
Clearly distinguish between administrative boundaries and historic county geography.
Avoid implying that new unitary councils redefine or replace traditional county identities.
Recognise that areas belonging to neighbouring counties (Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Wiltshire in this case) should not be presented as if they are part of Gloucestershire.
We have drawn attention to the Office for National Statistics publication Index of Place Names User Guide (2024), which explicitly states that the historic counties continue to exist, form the enduring geography of the nation, and should be used as such. This authoritative statement underlines that administrative reforms do not abolish or supersede the historic counties.
Commenting on the submission, a spokesperson for the Campaign said:
“Local government structures may change from time to time, but the historic counties remain the enduring geographical framework of England. Whatever administrative model is chosen for the present ‘Gloucestershire’ area, it is essential that official communications, mapping and public information clearly respect and reflect true county identities.”
The Campaign will continue to monitor developments and to advocate for accurate recognition of historic counties in public administration, statistics, and official publications.
Campaign for Historic Counties 