West Oxfordshire District Council has written to the Government to raise key concerns about parts of the proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill, calling for changes to protect nature, maintain local decision-making, and support fair and effective planning. 

A consensus has emerged for the shape of Local Government Reorganisation in the area after five councils in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire have formally supported a proposal for two new, innovative, and locally accountable unitary authorities, aimed at addressing current inefficiencies, enhancing services, and saving millions in response to the government's call for reform of council structures.

West Oxfordshire District Council leader, Councillor Andy Graham, last weekend spoke at the Oxford Civic Society event, presenting the two unitary proposal for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire on behalf of the five councils that have developed it.

West Oxfordshire District Council is inviting residents, businesses, community groups and stakeholders to help shape where future growth should happen across the district, as it launches the next major stage of public consultation for the West Oxfordshire Local Plan 2043.

Change is coming to local government across England, and five councils have worked together to create a proposal for two new, innovative and locally accountable unitary authorities for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire that will tackle existing inefficiencies, improve services, and support local communities in response to the government's call for reform of council structures.