The leader of South Oxfordshire District Council has expressed disappointment after the Government confirmed that Oxfordshire and West Berkshire’s existing councils will be replaced by three new unitary authorities from April 2028.
The Government announced on Thursday, 16 July, that the future structure of local government will consist of:
- Greater Oxford Council – covering Oxford and surrounding areas.
- Northern Oxfordshire Council – covering most of Cherwell and West Oxfordshire.
- Ridgeway Council – covering most of South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse, alongside West Berkshire.
The decision means Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford City Council and the county’s four district councils will eventually be abolished as part of the Government’s local government reorganisation programme.
South Oxfordshire leader criticises chosen model
Responding to the announcement, South Oxfordshire District Council leader Councillor Maggie Filipova-Rivers said the decision to proceed with a three-unitary model was “deeply disappointing”.
South Oxfordshire had supported a two-unitary model, which the council argued would provide clearer accountability, reduce duplication and create stronger financial resilience.
Councillor Filipova-Rivers said:
“While we acknowledge the Government has made its decision, we remain concerned that the chosen model will not achieve the aims that local government reorganisation was intended to deliver.”
She warned that creating three new authorities could result in additional complexity and duplicated costs at a time when councils are facing significant financial pressures.
Concerns over Greater Oxford expansion
A key concern raised by South Oxfordshire Council is the transfer of a number of rural communities into the new Greater Oxford authority.
The council said more than 21,000 residents across around 25 villages, including Berinsfield, Garsington, Horspath, Sandford-on-Thames, Stadhampton and Wheatley, will become part of Greater Oxford under the new arrangements.
Councillor Filipova-Rivers said residents had raised concerns about maintaining the identity of South Oxfordshire’s villages, protecting the Green Belt and countryside, and ensuring rural communities continue to have their voices heard.
She said:
“Many residents expressed clear concerns during this process about maintaining the distinct identity of South Oxfordshire’s villages, protecting the Green Belt and countryside, and ensuring that decisions affecting rural communities are not overshadowed by the priorities of a large urban centre.”
Transition process begins
Despite its opposition to the decision, South Oxfordshire District Council said it would work with the other councils involved to support a smooth transition.
The existing councils will continue delivering services until the new authorities formally take over on 01 April 2028.
The next stages include:
- Autumn 2026: Government expected to introduce the structural changes order, which will legally establish the new councils.
- May 2027: Elections will take place for shadow authorities responsible for preparing the new councils.
- Late 2026 to March 2028: Transition work will continue, including planning for services, staff and governance arrangements.
- 01 April 2028: The new unitary councils officially begin operating.
The councils involved have already been working together to prepare for reorganisation, regardless of which option was selected, with a focus on maintaining services for residents during the transition.
Call for funding support
Councillor Filipova-Rivers also called on the Government to provide sufficient funding to support the transition and ensure the new councils are financially sustainable.
She said:
“Reorganisation alone is not a solution to the financial challenges facing local government.”
She added that adequate transitional funding and a fair long-term funding system would be essential if the new authorities are to protect frontline services.
The Government’s decision marks the beginning of a two-year transition period before Oxfordshire’s existing council structure is replaced by three new unitary authorities.
