Gloucester's city status secured through council reorganisation

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 1 Nov, 20:02 · Archive

The government has assured Gloucester will retain its city status despite the planned abolition of Gloucester City Council.

Gloucester will retain its city status despite the planned abolition of Gloucester City Council and its merger with six Gloucestershire districts into a single authority. Local government minister Jim McMahon confirmed this week that the government would do whatever necessary, including introducing new legislation if required, to preserve city status through the reorganisation.

Gloucester attained city status in 1541 following the dissolution of the monasteries and the transformation of St Peter's Abbey into a cathedral. Councillors had expressed concerns that the status could be lost when the local authority is abolished as part of the shake-up.

McMahon told MPs that "it would be absolutely wrong if a city risked losing its status just because its city status is aligned to a local authority that is being abolished rather than to a geographical area". He said city status and ceremonial matters play a valuable role for local pride. Councillor Jeremy Hilton said he was relieved by the assurances, though added that councillors were still waiting to learn how the government would implement the protection.

How it is being reported

• City status will not be lost in shake-up - ministerA councillor says he feels relief following assurances Gloucester will not lose its city status.BBC Gloucestershire · 1 Nov, 14:42
• Relief as government confirms Gloucester's city status is safe"It is particularly important for a city with such a rich heritage"Gloucestershire Live · 1 Nov, 06:00

In this story: Gloucester · Jim McMahon · Gloucestershire · Jeremy Hilton

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