Council chief whips up political storm

CHELTENHAM Borough Council's chief executive has whipped up a political storm after saying most of Gloucestershire's councils should be axed.

Andrew North believes the county would be better served by two unitary authorities – serving the east and west – as opposed to the two-tier system.

He says a public debate should be held on the way Gloucestershire is governed.

There are six district councils – Cheltenham, Cotswold, Tewkesbury Borough, Gloucester, Stroud and Forest of Dean – and Gloucestershire County Council.

Mr North said many people were confused as to which authority did what, and simplifying the roles would save money and be more efficient.

He believes the county should be divided by the M5 and governed by two unitary authorities based in Gloucester and Cheltenham.

He added: "A new system would make savings which could be spent on delivering services, or reducing taxes."

But Gloucestershire County Council has reacted angrily.

Leader Coun Barry Dare said there would be substantial costs involved and services would be duplicated.

"I'm not surprised a bureaucrat like Andrew North should be arguing for more jobs for government officers," he said.

"I'm surprised he's so openly saying Cheltenham Borough Council, and by extension the Lib Dems who run it, waste so much money."

Cotswold District Council's leader Lynden Stowe said: "At Cotswold, we are working closely with the other districts and the county to enhance the two-tier system."

Gloucester City Council leader Paul James said: "It would be a huge distraction from everything else we're trying to achieve, in particular delivering the regeneration programme for Gloucester."

Tewkesbury Borough Council declined to comment.