13th March 2025
Councils across Oxfordshire are set to reply to a government request for interim proposals on the shape of local government reorganisation in the county.
In early February, the government set out more detail on its timelines for changes in local government structures.
A request was made to all remaining two-tier areas across England (county and district councils) for interim proposals for new single-tier (unitary) authorities by 21 March and final proposals by 28 November.
Cabinet or executive meetings will take place at Cherwell District Council, Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford City Council, South Oxfordshire District Council, Vale of White Horse District Council and West Oxfordshire District Council on this subject between 19 and 20 March.
Each cabinet or executive will be asked to endorse a joint response to government that sets out how local authorities in our area are collaborating to develop proposals for new unitary structures. The response will also include information on each of the three options being developed for Oxfordshire, in line with the criteria set out in the government’s statutory invitation. The options are:
1. A single unitary council for Oxfordshire – Oxfordshire Council.
2. North Oxfordshire Council (created from the existing district councils of Cherwell, Oxford City and West Oxfordshire) and Ridgeway Council (created from the existing district councils of South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse and the unitary council of West Berkshire).
3. Three unitary authorities – with a unitary city on expanded boundaries as well as northern and southern unitaries, also including West Berkshire.
Should each cabinet or executive approve this approach, further detailed discussions will take place between the councils so that final proposals can be submitted by 28 November. The government will then decide what form unitarisation will take in Oxfordshire.
In parallel, all Oxfordshire councils, with other partners, will continue collaborating to propose a mayoral strategic authority to government as part of the national programme of devolution and re-organisation of local government.
Councillor David Hingley, Leader of Cherwell District Council, said: “Cherwell’s thriving market towns, valued rural communities, and diverse economy give our area a distinct identity, which we want to enhance through any local government reorganisation. We have worked closely with neighbouring Oxfordshire councils to develop credible initial options for further discussion. Our focus is prioritising strong local governance and securing the best outcomes for our residents.”
Councillor David Rouane, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “New unitary councils could provide a strong foundation for the future. It’s an opportunity to provide enhanced financial stability, sustainable economic growth, and to address our housing and infrastructure needs. Our cabinet will discuss its preferred approach on 19 March, focusing on the needs of our communities as well as the government's criteria for new councils."
Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council, said: “Unitary councils will be simpler for everyone. We propose separate councils for central, northern and southern Oxfordshire together with West Berkshire, to reflect our distinct geographies. We are working collaboratively with the other councils in the interests of Oxfordshire residents and businesses, and our place in a mayoral strategic authority.”
Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: "Local government reorganisation offers an opportunity to improve our services for residents and nurture a vibrant and inclusive economy. We must maintain the links between our great universities and organisations developing advanced technology, including on Bicester, Culham, Harwell and Milton Park campuses, so that our county can drive change across the Oxford to Cambridge corridor."
Councillor Bethia Thomas, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “The government's invitation provides an opportunity to combine the strengths of existing councils to create a modern and effective local authority that puts people and communities at the heart of strong, healthy and robust local government, all while providing a firm base for wider regional economic growth."
Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “West Oxfordshire has a rich cultural and heritage environment. In a changing landscape we need to work together in partnership with neighbouring authorities to ensure we have improved services, a strong workforce and that our communities voice and engagement is heard and enshrined in emerging local government structures.”
The dates of individual cabinet and executive meetings are:
- Cherwell District Council, Oxford City Council, South Oxfordshire District Council, Vale of White Horse District Council, West Oxfordshire District Council, 19 March.
- Oxfordshire County Council, 20 March.
