We call on local leadership to immediately halt and reject all plans to join the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), ensuring Gloucestershire retains its independence while any future regional arrangements are properly evaluated on their own merits.

Why joining WECA is the wrong direction for Gloucestershire

The Bristol housing pressure: Merging into a massive urban-centred authority like WECA risks saddling Gloucestershire with major regional housing targets, turning our rural communities and market towns into overdeveloped overflow zones for Bristol.

One size doesn't fit all: Gloucestershire has a proud rural economy, farming community, and distinct local heritage. A mega-authority heavily dominated by urban priorities will never understand or properly represent our countryside.

Shared values to the north: If regional partnerships or devolution are to be considered, arrangements that align naturally with our neighbours to the north (sharing similar rural, market-town, and agricultural traditions) make far more sense than being pulled southwards.

More red tape, less local say: Tying ourselves to a distant regional structure introduces unnecessary bureaucracy and shifts control away from local residents who understand the area best.

Protecting our independence: We must reject a rushed merger with WECA to ensure Gloucestershire retains its self-determination and protects its unique landscape from being treated as an urban extension.

Please make sure you leave your postcode; otherwise it won't count - thanks!