Government & Politics
Follow Government & Politics in Oxford and just beyond, including council decisions, elections, public policy and political developments affecting local communities.
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Oxfordshire fire service proposals would bring full-time firefighters to five towns
Oxfordshire County Council will consider proposals to station full-time firefighters in Bicester, Chipping Norton, Faringdon, Witney and Henley during the day, as part of plans to improve emergency response and strengthen community safety.
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Oxford businesses raise concerns as petition against 11 New Road sale passes 500 signatures
Concerns have been raised over plans to sell the council-owned 11 New Road to St Peter’s College for student accommodation, as a petition opposing the sale passes 500 signatures.
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Check your electoral registration details ahead of Oxfordshire’s next elections
Oxfordshire residents are being encouraged to check their electoral registration details as the annual canvass gets under way, ahead of significant changes to local government and future elections.
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Oxford City Council upholds sale of 11 New Road to St Peter’s College
Oxford City Council has upheld its decision to sell 11 New Road to St Peter’s College after councillors raised concerns about consultation, council assets and the future of businesses occupying the city-centre property.
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Oxford City Council sale of New Road building faces scrutiny
Oxford City Council’s decision to sell 11 New Road to St Peter’s College is to face scrutiny after councillors raised concerns about the financial case, consultation and the future of the city-centre property.
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Oxfordshire Council objects to plans to expand Campsfield House near Kidlington
Oxfordshire County Council has formally objected to plans to expand Campsfield Immigration Removal Centre near Kidlington from 160 to 400 places, saying the proposal fails to address longstanding concerns about the site’s use as a detention centre.
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Witney MP Charlie Maynard wins national award for Thames Water legal challenge
Witney MP Charlie Maynard has won a national award recognising his legal challenge to Thames Water’s £3 billion restructuring plan, which he pursued on behalf of parliamentarians, charities and water customers.
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Ongoing coverage of the local government devolution proposals
From the Government’s launch of its local government reorganisation programme in 2024, through months of debate and competing council proposals, to the decision to create three new authorities — and September’s unexpected pause and review — explore our complete collection of coverage on the future of Oxfordshire’s councils.
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Ridgeway Council plans paused as government orders review of Oxfordshire reorganisation
Plans for the new Ridgeway Council covering West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse have been paused as the government reviews local government reorganisation across England.
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Oxford couples urged to have their say on proposed cohabitation law reforms
Oxford couples are being urged to have their say on proposed reforms that could significantly change the financial and inheritance rights of people who live together without marrying or entering a civil partnership.
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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.