Exclusive Interview by Ian Mean
The seven councils currently governing Gloucestershire face abolition under the government’s radical new local government devolution plans.
Against that uncertain backdrop, Ian Mean sat down with the new Liberal Democrat Leader of Gloucestershire County Council, Lisa Spivey, to discuss the county’s future — from unitary reform and infrastructure to jobs, education, and the economy.
The councils must submit their preferred option — one or two unitary authorities — to the government by November 28. Ultimately, Whitehall will make the final decision.
On Devolution and Unitary Options
IM: Are you going to nail your colours to the mast about local government devolution? Shouldn’t we have just one unitary for Gloucestershire?
LS: “In short, yes, I will at some point be nailing my colours to the mast — but not today. Others, like Cheltenham, have been championing the two-unitary option. Until recently, it’s been quite fractious between districts, but we’re now working more collaboratively.
“Ultimately, this won’t be decided in Shire Hall — it’ll be decided in Whitehall. We’ve seen it elsewhere: Somerset wanted two and got one; Cumbria wanted one and got two. So, it’s not ours to decide.”
IM: So, what’s your personal preference?
LS: “Honestly, whether it’s one or two, what matters is delivery of services. But as a Liberal Democrat, I believe in local government being as close to people as possible.
“Right now, I’m leaning slightly towards one unitary because of adult social care — we’re better together. But if the government opts for two, we’ll be ready with an implementation roadmap to ensure services don’t fall apart.
“All seven council leaders are now working together on both one and two-unitary models. We’ll be aligned and ready by November 28.”
On Regional Partnership and WECA
IM: Gloucestershire will need a partner in the wider devolution process. Where will that come from?
LS: “I think the answer’s clear — WECA (West of England Combined Authority) is the logical partner. It makes sense for health, the economy, and infrastructure — everything points south towards Bristol.
“For business and growth, WECA is the only realistic direction. It’s an absolute no-brainer, though again, it’s a Whitehall call.”
On Nuclear Power and Berkeley Science Park
IM: Nuclear development at Berkeley and Oldbury is a huge economic opportunity. Does your administration support the government’s SMR (Small Modular Reactor) policy?
LS: “We’re not against new nuclear. But we’re mindful that nuclear energy creates waste that lasts for thousands of years. It has to be handled responsibly.”
IM: Do you support the science and technology park at Berkeley, given the jobs and investment it will bring?
LS: “Absolutely. There’s already a strong link between Berkeley and Oldbury, and companies are showing real interest, including in medical isotopes.
“Our role is to ensure local people have the skills to take those high-value jobs. We’re working with colleges and universities so we’re not just importing skilled labour but building talent locally.”
On Financial Pressures and Priorities
IM: With so much pressure on local government, how will you keep your manifesto promises? Will services be cut?
LS: “We face major financial challenges. We inherited a budget with £10 million in savings already baked in.
“But we’re determined to treat every pound like it’s our own. We’re forensically reviewing budgets and contracts to make sure taxpayers get value for money.”
IM: What are your top three priorities?
LS: “First, highways — it’s the issue we hear most on the doorstep. In a rural county, good roads are essential for work and the economy.
“Second, adult social care, which costs us £224 million a year and needs improvement.
“And third, skills and jobs — from early years through to adult retraining. We need joined-up thinking so everyone has real opportunities to learn and earn.”
On Planning and Growth
IM: Isn’t planning a mess? Businesses say it’s their biggest frustration.
LS: “I totally agree. It’s slow, bureaucratic, and inconsistent. We need one strategic plan for Gloucestershire — the current patchwork approach doesn’t work. Stroud’s Local Plan problems show that.”
IM: What about the proposed new Junction 9 at Tewkesbury and the 20,000-home development?
LS: “I support it. If we want growth, we need infrastructure first. We’re also pushing hard to close the funding gap on Junction 10 — the next few months are critical.”
On Skills, Work, and Young People
IM: Gloucestershire’s new £11 million Connect to Work programme aims to tackle economic inactivity — 17.5% of working-age people are inactive, and NEET figures are rising. How will this help?
LS: “We want this money to have real, practical impact — tackling the everyday barriers people face to getting into work: no bank account, no transport, waiting weeks to be paid.
“I’m a doer — strategies are fine, but action matters more. We’ll use local expertise and support to help people overcome those barriers and connect to real jobs.”
Ian Mean MBE is a former Western Daily Press Editor and Editor-in-Chief of Gloucestershire Media. He is a Director of the Gloucestershire County Council Economic Growth Board and the Forest Economic Partnership (FEP).
