Council calls for clarity on resident consultation in local government reform proposals
West Oxfordshire District Council has written to the Government to ask for clarity around how residents will be consulted on proposals to change the way councils are structured in Oxfordshire.
Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of the Council, said: "People across West Oxfordshire deserve to have their voices heard on decisions that may affect how their councils are run. This is potentially the biggest change to local services in 50 years so it is important the Government properly consult with communities, business and organisations.
“We’re calling on Government to make sure any future consultation is meaningful and open, not just a tick-box exercise. Residents’ views matter, and we want to make sure those views will help shape what happens next and will influence the decision they make on which proposal is taken forward."
The Council’s letter to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities asks for clear information about how the consultation process will work after local government reform (LGR) proposals in Oxfordshire are submitted.
While no formal proposals for LGR in Oxfordshire have yet been submitted to Government, the Council is taking this step to be proactive and ensure the views of local residents will be properly considered when the process moves forward. Based on timetables shared by the Government it is anticipated their consultation on the proposals for Oxfordshire would take place in early 2026 after proposals are submitted by 28 November 2025. The Government have then said they will aim to make a decision by Summer 2026.