26th March 2026
Residents across Oxfordshire are being urged to make their voices heard before the Government’s Local Government Reorganisation consultation closes tonight (Thursday 26 March, 23:59), after MPs and parish leaders delivered a petition to Downing Street opposing proposals for a “Greater Oxford” unitary authority.
Representatives from some of the 48 parish councils surrounding Oxford joined MPs and local councillors outside Number 10 yesterday to hand in the petition, raising concerns that the proposal could lead to large-scale development on the Green Belt and fragment vital local services.
The delegation in the picture left to right included:
Charlie Maynard MP
Calum Miller MP
Freddie van Mierlo MP
Cllr Tim Bearder – Oxfordshire County Council
Cllr Ginette Camps-Walsh – Beckley Parish Council
Cllr Andrew Clark – Stanton St John Parish Council
Lisa Buchan – Elsfield Parish Meeting
Cllr David Robey – Kidlington Town Council
Campaigners say the proposal risks weakening local democracy, concentrating power in a larger Oxford authority, and placing pressure on infrastructure while threatening valued countryside surrounding the city.
They are now encouraging residents to submit their views before the consultation deadline.
Cllr Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council, said:
“Today parish councils and MPs came together to deliver a clear message to Government: Oxfordshire communities want reform that strengthens services and protects our countryside.
There are serious concerns that a ‘Greater Oxford’ authority could fragment services currently delivered across the county while placing huge pressure on the Green Belt.
With the consultation closing tomorrow night, I would urge anyone who cares about the future of Oxfordshire to take a moment to make their voice heard.”
Freddie van Mierlo MP said:
“Local government reform must improve services and accountability for residents.
Many communities across Oxfordshire are worried that the Greater Oxford proposal risks overdevelopment, weakens local representation, and fails to deliver better outcomes for residents.”
Parish leaders involved in the petition say the Green Belt surrounding Oxford is valued not only by nearby villages but also by residents of the city itself, providing vital countryside, wildlife habitats and recreational spaces.
Campaigners argue that reform should focus on strengthening local services and protecting communities rather than imposing boundaries that could encourage urban sprawl.
Consultation deadline
The Government’s Local Government Reorganisation consultation closes at 23:59 on Thursday 26 March 2026.
Residents can submit their views online before the deadline.
