Local Governance in Oxfordshire
Proposals for Governance in Oxfordshire
The UK government's White Paper, released in December 2024, sets out the Government’s intention to create a number of Strategic Authorities across the country. These will sit above the current councils and either be designated as a Foundation Strategic Authority or Mayoral Strategic Authority. The latter will be led by an elected mayor.
In the areas – like Oxfordshire – where a two-tier system for principal authorities remains, this must be abolished for a single unitary authority. The two-tier system is when two different councils handle different services, as is the case in Oxfordshire (i.e. we have a District Council and a County Council, both handling different responsibilities.)
The various Councils that operate in Oxfordshire have been discussing options and are preparing proposals for what the single unitary authority could be and how areas/populations can be divided. Proposals must be submitted by November.
What are the proposals?
There are currently three options being developed for local government in Oxfordshire. It is likely that all three proposals will be submitted to the Government, which will ultimately make the decision for our area.
Option 1: One authority
Oxfordshire County Council is proposing a single unitary authority for the county of Oxfordshire. More details about the rationale and potential benefits of this approach are available here: County council continues to endorse one council as best option for future local government in Oxfordshire
Option 2: Two authorities
Five councils in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire have collaborated on the proposal for two authorities. The proposal would divide the five existing councils into two new authorities: Oxford & Shires Council and Ridgeway Council.
Oxford & Shires Council would include Cherwell, Oxford City and West Oxfordshire. Ridegway Council would include South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse and West Berkshire.
More details are available on this proposal on the website: Home - Two Councils
There is a public consultation open until 16 July on this proposal and a number of public engagement sessions are happening across the area. The details are available on the website. Once the consultation closes, a revised proposal will be produced.
Option 3: Three authorities
Oxford City Council is proposing three unitary authorities be created to cover Oxfordshire and West Berkshire:
Oxford Council - comprising Oxford on expanded boundaries
Northern Oxfordshire Council - comprising much of the existing West Oxfordshire and Cherwell districts
Ridgeway Council - comprising much of the existing South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse districts combined with the existing West Berkshire unitary
More information about the proposal and its potential benefits is available on this website: A greater Oxford | Oxford City Council
When will all this happen?
The proposals are currently being developed and will be submitted by 28 November 2025, with decisions expected to be made during 2026. Shadow councils will be established during 2027 to start the transition process, with the new councils being formally created (or vested) in 2028.
Option 2 - two councils, supported by West Oxfordshire District Council, is currently being consulted on. To complete the survey please go to Home- the Two Councils
Option 1 - one council, supported by Oxfordshire County Council, will be consulted on later this month
Lisa Wilkinson · Thu 26 Jun, 10:31 · Link