Ongoing coverage of the local government devolution proposals

Oxfordshire and West Berkshire councils are preparing for a government ‘minded-to’ decision expected in July on local government reorganisation, which could reshape the area into one, two or three unitary authorities.

The statutory consultation closed in March and set out options for a single authority, two councils or three, with leaders working jointly to prepare for any outcome.

A structural changes order follows later in 2026, with shadow authorities in May 2027 and vesting in April 2028 ensuring continuity services.

Oxfordshire County Council is encouraging residents to support the One Oxfordshire proposal after the government announced local government reorganisation decisions for several English counties.

While Oxfordshire awaits its own decision in July, council leader Liz Leffman said a single unitary authority offers stronger financial resilience, simplified services and better long-term planning with potential to save £63m annually.

Plans to shake-up local government in Oxfordshire risk becoming a “great distraction” from the real issues facing councils if not handled properly, accprding to a local thinktank.

Chris Cousins, a member of POETS (Planning Oxfordshire’s Environment and Transport Sustainably), argued the Government risked replacing “one two-tier system with another”, despite its stated aim of simplification.

Residents across Oxfordshire are being urged to take part in a government consultation on the biggest local government reform in 50 years. By 2028, the county’s existing councils could be replaced with one, two, or three unitary authorities.

Oxfordshire County Council supports a single countywide council for efficiency and resilience, Oxford City Council backs the three-council model for local representation, and four district councils favour two councils to balance scale and accountability. The consultation runs until 26 March 2026, giving residents the chance to shape the county’s future.

Thirteen councils across the Thames Valley have submitted an expression of interest to government to create a mayoral strategic authority (MSA). The proposed MSA, led by a directly elected mayor, would bring councils together to plan transport, infrastructure, and housing.

Councils involved: Bracknell Forest, Cherwell, Oxford City, Oxfordshire, Reading, Windsor & Maidenhead, Slough, South Oxfordshire, Swindon, Vale of White Horse, West Berkshire, West Oxfordshire, Wokingham.

Plans to create a new Oxford unitary council with expanded city boundaries face criticism from CPRE Oxfordshire, which warns the proposal would swallow much of the Green Belt and encourage urban sprawl without solving the housing crisis.

Oxford City Council says the plan could deliver 40,000 homes by 2040, while campaigners argue housing growth must be climate-conscious and infrastructure-led. Alternative options include one or two councils for Oxfordshire, with a final government decision due in 2026 and new councils expected by 2028.

Oxford City Council has launched a public consultation on proposals to replace Oxfordshire’s six local councils with three, including a new Greater Oxford Council. The plan aims to simplify local governance, improve service delivery, and make councils more responsive.

Residents, businesses, and community groups are invited to share their views via an online survey and drop-in events running through July. Two alternative models are also under consideration, with a government decision expected in 2026 and new councils likely established by 2028.

Oxfordshire is considering major local government reform, with three unitary council proposals under review.

• Option 1 creates a single county-wide council — favoured by Oxfordshire County Council.
• Option 2 forms two councils: Oxford and Shires and Ridgeway — put forward by Cherwell, South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse, and West Oxfordshire councils.
• Option 3 proposes three councils, including a standalone Greater Oxford Council — proposed by Oxford City Council.

Each model differs in scale, local accountability, and population size. We’ve provided a comparative analysis, highlighting key trade-offs around cost, complexity, and community identity — as well as how each option aligns with the Government’s guideline of 500,000 residents for new unitary councils.

Oxfordshire County Council has reaffirmed its support for a single county unitary authority as the best future model for local government. Leader Liz Leffman emphasises this approach protects key services like social care and public health, delivers greater cost savings, and maintains strong community and institutional links.

Alternative proposals from district and city councils exist, but the county council insists a single council offers clearer accountability and financial resilience. Consultations with residents and stakeholders will shape the final proposal due by November 2025.

Five councils across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire have joined forces to propose two new unitary authorities—Oxford and Shires Council and Ridgeway Council—as part of national plans to reform local government.

The new councils aim to deliver high-quality, cost-effective services while maintaining strong local connections. A public consultation will run from 04 June to 16 July, inviting residents to share their views. More information and the online survey are available at twocouncils.org.