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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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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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.
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Oxfordshire councils prepare for July decision on local government reorganisation
Councils across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire are working jointly to prepare for a government decision expected in July that will determine whether the area moves to one, two or three unitary authorities under local government reorganisation plans.
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County Council agrees deal to bring Castle Quarter lease back into public ownership
Oxfordshire County Council has agreed to purchase the long-term lease of Oxford’s Castle Quarter. The move is expected to support future regeneration in a key city centre location between the station, Westgate and Oxford’s historic core.
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Leadership change at Oxfordshire County Council as Liz Leffman steps down
Councillor Liz Leffman is to step down as leader of Oxfordshire County Council and the Liberal Democrat group, with Councillor Tim Bearder elected as the new group leader.
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Voters across Oxfordshire urged to take part in local elections this Thursday
Voters across Oxford City, Cherwell and West Oxfordshire are reminded that local elections take place this Thursday (07 May), with polling stations open from 7.00am to 10.00pm. Photo ID is required to cast a ballot.
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Oxfordshire County Council urges residents to support One Oxfordshire proposal
Oxfordshire County Council says One Oxfordshire offers the strongest option for local government reform, promising financial savings, streamlined services and clearer accountability ahead of a key consultation deadline.
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Oxfordshire farmers warned to act before inheritance tax changes take effect
Oxfordshire farmers are being warned to act quickly before new inheritance tax rules take effect in April 2026, with experts cautioning that the changes could force some rural families to sell farmland to cover future tax liabilities.
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Oxfordshire local government shake-up risks being a “great distraction,” thinktank warns
A thinktank has warned that Oxfordshire’s proposed local government restructure risks becoming a “great distraction” if not done properly – shifting focus from pressing issues like affordable housing, transport, and public services, leaving local residents unsure of who is responsible for key decisions.