Government & Politics
Browse news and stories about local government and politics in Oxfordshire, including the administration of Oxfordshire county and the city and district councils by the representatives elected by those who live there.
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Government confirms Oxfordshire council reorganisation plans despite appeal from county leader
The Government has confirmed it will proceed with plans to abolish Oxfordshire’s existing councils and create three new unitary authorities from April 2028, despite a plea from Oxfordshire County Council leader Tim Bearder asking ministers to reconsider the decision.
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Villagers fear ‘power grab’ as Greater Oxford council plan sparks green belt concerns
Residents in Wheatley have raised concerns over representation, housing growth and green belt protection following plans to create a new Greater Oxford unitary authority from 2028.
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West Oxfordshire leader disappointed by Government decision on three-unitary model
West Oxfordshire District Council leader Councillor Andy Graham has expressed disappointment after the Government confirmed plans to replace Oxfordshire and West Berkshire’s existing councils with three new unitary authorities from 01 April 2028.
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Oxford City Council leader welcomes “historic” decision to create Greater Oxford authority
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” that will shape the future of the region for generations.
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Vale leader calls for rural communities to remain at heart of council reorganisation
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, calling for rural communities to remain central to decisions as the new structure is introduced.
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South Oxfordshire leader voices disappointment over three-council reorganisation decision
South Oxfordshire District Council leader Councillor Maggie Filipova-Rivers has responded to the Government’s decision to create three new unitary councils for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire, raising concerns over costs, complexity and the future representation of rural communities.
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Local government devolution proposals: What is it and what will it mean for Oxfordshire?
As the Government confirms a major overhaul of Oxfordshire’s local government, with the county, city and district councils set to be abolished and replaced by three new unitary authorities from April 2028. Explore what the decision means, the new council boundaries, and what happens next during the transition to Oxfordshire’s new governance structure.
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Ongoing coverage of the local government devolution proposals
From the Government’s announcement of local government reorganisation proposals in 2024 by then Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, through months of debate and competing council proposals, to today’s final decision, explore our complete collection of coverage on the future of Oxfordshire’s councils.
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Oxfordshire councils to be abolished as Government approves three new authorities
The Government has confirmed a major overhaul of Oxfordshire’s local government structure, with existing county, city and district councils set to be abolished and replaced by three new unitary authorities from April 2028.
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Oxfordshire leaders seek fresh devolution deal after Thames Valley plan collapses
Oxfordshire leaders have written to Labour leadership contender Andy Burnham seeking an ambitious devolution settlement after the collapse of proposals for a Thames Valley strategic authority.
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Bicester MP demands Government ‘come clean’ over MOD Bicester asylum camp plans
The Government is under renewed pressure over plans for a proposed asylum accommodation site at MOD Bicester after an official letter suggested work has already begun, prompting accusations of “secret decisions” from local MP Calum Miller.
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Home Office asylum plans for MOD Bicester spark consultation and planning concerns
Plans to accommodate up to 1,250 asylum seekers at MOD Bicester have prompted criticism from local leaders, who say the proposal was announced without consultation and have questioned how the Home Office intends to secure planning permission.
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Thames Valley leaders furious after plans to create powerful regional Strategic Authority collapse
Thames Valley leaders are furious after plans for a regional Strategic Authority collapsed, blaming Oxfordshire’s Liberal Democrat leadership for withdrawing support and derailing a once-in-a-generation devolution deal across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Swindon.
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Thames Valley mayoral authority plans unravel as Oxfordshire’s Lib Dem leadership withdraws support
Oxfordshire’s withdrawal of support has collapsed plans for a Thames Valley mayoral authority, putting the devolution project across Berkshire and Swindon in doubt and casting uncertainty over future governance and investment plans.
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Planning powers taken from Cherwell Council as government places council in special measures
Cherwell District Council has been placed under special planning measures by the Government after more than 11% of its major planning decisions were overturned on appeal, allowing developers to submit major schemes directly to the Planning Inspectorate.
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Oxfordshire County Council chief executive awarded OBE in King’s Birthday Honours
Dr Martin Reeves, Chief Executive of Oxfordshire County Council, has been awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to local government. The honour recognises more than 25 years of leadership across major UK councils, including Coventry City Council and Oxfordshire County Council.