GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S devolution bid is gathering pace as detailed proposals are submitted to government.

Last month a statement of intent document, ‘We are Gloucestershire’, was sent to Ministers to confirm our county’s enthusiasm to take greater control of our public services.

It was developed by a syndicate of countywide partners including the county council, the six district councils, GFirst Local Enterprise Partnership, the Police and NHS.

A spokesman for the group said: “After reviewing our statement of intent the government has indicated that our bid is worth exploring.

“And a government representative was appointed to work with the partners to develop our detailed bid and firm up what Gloucestershire is asking for.

“A full submission outlining exactly what Gloucestershire wants, how it would work and what the benefit would be has been sent to Whitehall for consideration and we expect to hear back later in the autumn.”

Devolution would give the county more say over social care and health spending, local transport networks, business rates, education and infrastructure.

Cllr Patrick Molyneux, leader of Forest of Dean District Council, said: “We are pleased to be involved with the submission of the detailed bid. We are hopeful for a successful outcome to benefit Gloucestershire.”

Both the statement of intent and the full bid is available to see at weareglos.com.