Ongoing coverage of the local government devolution proposals

Residents in Wheatley have voiced concerns over plans to create a new Greater Oxford unitary authority, warning it could affect village representation, green belt protection and future development.

The government’s local government reorganisation proposals will see Oxfordshire replaced by three new councils from 2028. While some residents fear rural communities could lose their identity, supporters argue the change could improve services, housing delivery and decision-making across Oxford and surrounding areas.

West Oxfordshire District Council leader Councillor Andy Graham has expressed disappointment after the Government confirmed plans to create three new unitary councils for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire from 01 April 2028.

The council had supported a two-unitary model, arguing it would provide simpler structures, reduce duplication and improve financial resilience. Councillor Graham said concerns remain over additional costs and complexity, but pledged to work constructively with partner councils to protect services and ensure West Oxfordshire communities remain represented during the transition.

Oxford City Council leader Councillor Susan Brown has welcomed the Government’s decision to create three new unitary councils for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire, describing it as a “historic day”.

She said the new structure would simplify local government, keep decision-making local and help address Oxfordshire’s housing challenges. The approved model, led by Oxford City Council, will create Greater Oxford, Northern Oxfordshire and Ridgeway councils from April 2028, replacing the county, city and district council system.

Vale of White Horse District Council leader Councillor Bethia Thomas has responded to the Government’s decision to create three new unitary councils for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire, saying she is disappointed the preferred two-authority model was not chosen.

She called for rural communities to remain central during the transition, highlighting concerns over local identity, countryside protection and representation. The Vale will work with other councils to support a smooth transition ahead of the new Ridgeway and Greater Oxford authorities launching in 2028.

South Oxfordshire District Council leader Cllr Maggie Filipova-Rivers has criticised the Government’s decision to create three new unitary councils for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire, saying the chosen model is “deeply disappointing”.

She warned that the structure could increase complexity, duplicate costs and weaken rural representation. South Oxfordshire had backed a two-unitary model instead. The council said it will continue working with other authorities to support the transition ahead of the new councils launching in April 2028.

The Government has confirmed plans to abolish Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford City Council and the county’s district councils, replacing them with three new unitary authorities from April 2028.

The approved model will create Greater Oxford Council, North Oxfordshire Council and Ridgeway Council, following the proposal submitted by Oxford City Council.

The decision ends months of debate over the future governance of the county, with supporters highlighting housing and strategic planning benefits while critics raise concerns over boundaries and financial pressures.

Oxfordshire leaders have renewed calls for a stronger devolution settlement after writing to Labour leadership contender Andy Burnham, following the collapse of plans for a Thames Valley Foundation Strategic Authority.

The proposed arrangement, covering Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Swindon, was rejected last month after Oxfordshire County Council raised concerns over its powers, funding and geography.

The decision has prompted criticism from regional leaders and business groups, while Oxford City Council is expected to reaffirm its support for a future devolution deal.

Thames Valley leaders are furious after plans to create a powerful regional Strategic Mayoral Authority collapsed, accusing Oxfordshire’s Liberal Democrat leadership of derailing a once-in-a-generation devolution deal after it withdrew support at a crucial stage.

Business leaders described the collapse as a serious setback for investment, skills and infrastructure planning across the region. However, the Council’s Liberal Democrat leadership defended its position, arguing that the Government had altered the terms of the deal during negotiations.

Plans to establish a powerful new Thames Valley-wide strategic authority have been thrown into disarray after political leaders from Oxfordshire abruptly withdrew support at a crucial meeting in Reading.

The gathering, which brought together representatives from across Berkshire, Swindon and neighbouring areas, was expected to sign off a shadow “Foundation Strategic Authority” (FSA) — the essential precursor to a future Thames Valley Mayoral Strategic Authority with elections pencilled in for May 2028.