There is growing frustration in Gloucestershire after the Government failed to mention the county in its latest announcement on further devolution deals for England.

Devolution involves transferring powers from Westminster to local leaders, such as elected mayors. Areas including Bristol, Birmingham and Manchester already benefit from additional powers through strategic authorities, where several councils work together.

The Government aims to achieve universal devolution coverage across England, with new strategic areas designed to reflect places where people live, work and recognise as communities.

This week, ministers announced they were in the final stages of agreeing deals across ten areas, which would bring devolution to 90 per cent of England. However, Gloucestershire and neighbouring counties to the north were absent from the announcement.

Opinion remains divided over which direction Gloucestershire should take. Liberal Democrat and Green Party leaders from six of the county's seven main authorities favour joining the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), centred around Bristol.

Explore partnerships

However, Reform UK and Conservative opposition leaders want the county to explore partnerships with neighbouring areas, including Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Herefordshire. Tewkesbury Borough Council has also called for all options to be considered.

Gloucestershire County Council's Liberal Democrat leader Lisa Spivey (South Cerney) has demanded urgent answers from the Government, calling for a clear route towards greater powers and investment.

Her administration has repeatedly expressed its desire to join WECA but remains without a devolution deal or clear timetable.

“I am angry and deeply frustrated that Gloucestershire has been left behind,” she said.

She argued that the county was ready to take on greater responsibilities, highlighting its economic potential, strong partnerships and ambitions to deliver more homes, better skills and quality jobs.

Ms Spivey welcomed the Government's commitment to greater devolution of growth funding but said Gloucestershire businesses and residents must receive their fair share of investment while new arrangements are developed.

She added that she would write to the minister again, inviting him to visit the county and recognise its potential.

Welcome from Reform

Meanwhile, Reform UK welcomed Gloucestershire's exclusion from the latest announcement, describing it as a victory for local democracy.

Vernon Smith (Tewkesbury West), Reform UK's group leader at Shire Hall, criticised plans to link the county with Bristol, arguing that Gloucestershire should retain its own identity and make decisions locally.

He said the county did not need another layer of bureaucracy or to become an “overflow housing estate for Bristol”.

Reform UK is urging residents, businesses and councillors to oppose joining WECA, insisting Gloucestershire can grow its economy and protect its green spaces independently.

The Government requires consent from all local authorities before a strategic authority can be established. It says discussions with leaders in Gloucestershire and neighbouring areas will continue to build agreement.

A Ministry of Housing and Local Government spokesperson said: “We want to see all areas, including Gloucestershire, get the best possible devolution agreements to benefit their communities.

“This requires agreement among all local authorities, and we’ll continue to engage with the council so devolution is delivered in Gloucestershire as soon as possible.”