Ongoing coverage of the local government devolution proposals

Oxfordshire is facing its biggest local government shake-up in a generation. Plans would replace the county’s five district councils and Oxfordshire County Council, alongside West Berkshire Council, with three new unitary authorities. At the same time, proposals are progressing for a directly elected regional mayor covering Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Swindon.

The changes could reshape how local services are delivered, how decisions are made and who has a say in the future of our communities. With new councils expected to take over in 2029 and mayoral elections anticipated in 2028, we explore what is proposed, how the new boundaries could affect Oxford and its surrounding communities, and what the changes could mean for the city’s future.

Plans for a new mayoral authority covering Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Swindon have moved a step closer after the government confirmed its support in the Autumn Budget on 28 October.

The proposed Thames Valley Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) would bring together 13 councils under an elected mayor, with the aim of coordinating investment, transport, housing and economic development across the area. The government has also proposed an initial £9.1 million from its Good Growth Fund to support regional priorities as the authority is developed.

On Monday 07 September, the government announced a review of its ‘minded to’ decisions on local government reorganisation (LGR).

Councillor Tim Bearder, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, has written to Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing and Local Government at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. His letter is available to download on the right.

Councillor Bearder shares his thoughts on what the development could mean for Oxfordshire.

Plans for Ridgeway Council, bringing together West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse, have been paused as the Government reviews its local government reorganisation programme.

Communities Secretary Angela Rayner cited legal advice and the need to ensure the process is robust and aligned with the new administration’s priorities.

Local leaders have warned of disruption and wasted resources, while May 2027 elections will proceed on existing council boundaries as uncertainty continues over the proposed new authority.

Plans to replace Oxfordshire’s existing council structure with three new unitary authorities from April 2028 have been confirmed by the Government. Greater Oxford, North Oxfordshire and Ridgeway councils will replace the county and district councils, despite calls for the decision to be reconsidered.

The Government says it is proceeding with structural change orders, while existing councils will continue operating until the transition. The reorganisation will transfer responsibility for services including planning, transport and social care to the new authorities.

Local businesses and residents have urged Oxfordshire County Council to pause planned transport measures, including traffic filters, the expanded zero-emission zone and a workplace parking levy.

The calls come as the council prepares for abolition in 2028, with businesses warning that uncertainty and restrictions could affect high street trade.

Supporters argue the measures are needed to tackle congestion and improve air quality, while future transport policy is expected to become a key issue in elections for Oxfordshire’s new unitary authorities.

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.