Oxford City Council has launched a new phase of public consultation on major proposals to reform local government across the county, including the plan to create a new Greater Oxford Council.
The proposals, first outlined in March, respond to a government call for councils across England to simplify their governance structures. Under Oxford City Council’s plans, Oxfordshire’s current six councils would be replaced with three new ones, each aligned around shared geography and demographics.
The proposed councils include:
- Greater Oxford Council, covering Oxford and its surrounding Green Belt
- Northern Oxfordshire Council, encompassing most of Cherwell and West Oxfordshire
- Ridgeway Council, combining South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse, and West Berkshire, with some areas near Oxford moving to Greater Oxford
According to the City Council, the proposed Greater Oxford Council would bring all local services currently split between Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council, under a single authority. The new council would be tasked with delivering services such as housing, transport, education, and environmental protection.
The council argues this change would result in more responsive local governance. “This would help the new council build more affordable homes, provide new bus connections, protect green spaces and enhance biodiversity, and create new, secure jobs for our children and grandchildren,” it stated.
To gather public input, Oxford City Council launched an online survey on 01 July, alongside a series of drop-in events throughout July across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire. These events offer residents, businesses, and community groups a chance to comment on the proposals ahead of a final submission to government in November.
“Anyone in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire with an interest in how local government works, including residents, business and community groups, is invited to take part,” the council said.
The online survey, which takes around 10 minutes to complete, is available via the City Council’s consultation portal. Drop-in sessions will be held at locations including Oxford Town Hall, Newbury Market, Kennington Village Hall, Witney’s Marriotts Walk, Abingdon Market Place, and others between 08 and 31 July.
Drop-in events
- Oxford Town Hall in Oxford between 12.00pm and 3.00pm on 08 July
- Newbury Market in Newbury between 11.00am and 2.00pm on 10 July
- The Merry Bells in Wheatley between 10.00am and 1.00pm on 11 July
- Kennington Village Hall in Kennington between 12.00pm and 3.00pm on 15 July
- The Berin Centre in Berinsfield between 10.00am and 1.00pm on 16 July
- Marriotts Walk Shopping Centre in Witney between 12.00pm and 3.00pm on 18 July
- Seacourt Hall in Botley between 3.00pm and 6.00pm on 22 July
- Market Place in Abingdon between 4.00pm and 7.00pm on 24 July
- Exeter Hall in Kidlington between 4.00pm and 7.00pm on 28 July
- Berro Lounge in Didcot between 4.00pm and 7.00pm on 29 July
- Castle Quay in Banbury between 3.00pm and 6.00pm on 31 July
The February 2025 initial survey found that 82% of respondents believed the current two-tier system could be improved, while 67% felt that councils should not be too large in order to better serve local needs.
Oxford City Council’s proposals are just one of three options being explored for the county. Others include:
- A Two Councils model, merging existing district areas into Oxford and Shires Council and Ridgeway Council
- A Single Unitary Council covering all of Oxfordshire, put forward by Oxfordshire County Council
Each option is subject to its own public consultation and engagement process.
Following the feedback period, Oxford City Council will finalise its Greater Oxford Council proposal for government review in November. A national decision on local government reorganisation is expected in 2026, with new councils likely to be established in 2028.
