West Oxfordshire and Cherwell district councils to work together to develop a two unitary option for local government reorganisation in Oxfordshire

The letter, submitted alongside the interim plan from all the Oxfordshire councils, makes it clear to Government that the two councils will be working together to develop a two-unitary model that balances vital local decision-making with financial resilience while minimising disruption to essential services.

The proposed two-unitary model would see Cherwell, West Oxfordshire and Oxford City coming together to form one unitary council in the north of the county, complementing the proposed model in the south of Oxfordshire, whereby the Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire District Councils would combine with the existing West Berkshire unitary council to form a new “Ridgeway Council”.

This proposal minimises risks around the one-off and ongoing costs and disruption of key services currently provided by the county council. Instead of establishing entirely new departments for crucial services such as adult social care, education, and SEND, the new councils would build upon the existing upper-tier structures already present in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire. This means there are no additional costs for running two sets of upper-tier services, as they already exist.

Cllr David Hingley, Leader of Cherwell District Council, said: "Local government reorganisation is a unique opportunity to create councils that reflect the distinct character of our communities while ensuring the best possible services for residents. Cherwell’s historic market towns, rural communities, and diverse economy give our area a strong identity—one that we want to enhance, not lose, through any changes to local government.

“We have worked closely with our neighbouring councils to develop credible, practical options for the future, and while we note that a single county unitary is a feasible choice, we presently believe that the two-unitary model offers the best balance. It enables the efficiencies of unitary government while maintaining local decision-making, guaranteeing strong democratic representation, and encouraging sustainable growth in housing and infrastructure in the right areas, given Oxfordshire’s expanding population. This approach ensures councils are large enough to deliver high-quality services and be financially resilient, but most crucially, local enough to truly understand and stay connected to the communities they serve.

"Equally important is ensuring stability for essential services. This model minimises the disruption that would come with breaking apart key services like social care, education, and highways. By structuring the two new councils around existing upper-tier service areas in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire, we would avoid the costly and complex disaggregation process, ensuring continuity and a smooth transition.

"While discussions on potential reorganisation continue, I want to reassure Cherwell residents that services will continue to run as normal, and any changes remain some time away. In the meantime, we remain fully committed to delivering high-quality services and supporting our communities as we always have."

Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said, "We are clear that residents need to come first in any discussions around future options for local government. We need a solution that protects the local services people value and maintains the local voice for residents. While financial sustainability is very important, we can’t overlook that councils should serve residents, listen to residents, and enhance our communities. A sensible structure is important in getting that right.

“We want to protect and improve our districts through future local government structures, and while Government will ultimately make the decision, we will be working hard over the coming months to make sure the pro’s and con’s of each option are clear, transparent and well considered. This will include a cross-party working group to consider options. Ultimately we want to do the best we can for our residents.”

“It has become clear to us that there are two credible options that merit consideration. A single unitary council covering the whole of the Oxfordshire area is a feasible solution, and we expect the potential benefits and drawbacks to be evidenced in the proposal to be developed. But we believe that two unitary councils provide a compelling and credible option for sustainable and beneficial local government reform across the broader area.”

As part of the Local Government Reorganisation process, councils across Oxfordshire were invited to submit an interim plan by 21 March, setting out options for replacing the current two-tier system with new single-tier authorities.

Three options are currently under consideration and are being put to government in a submission signed by all six council leaders in Oxfordshire:

• A single unitary council for Oxfordshire – being developed by Oxfordshire County Council
• A two-unitary option – comprising a council representing north Oxfordshire (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) - being developed by the relevant district councils
• A three-unitary option – with a unitary city on expanded boundaries and northern and southern unitaries, potentially including West Berkshire – being developed by Oxford City Council

The interim plan is being submitted on 21 March. All the Oxfordshire councils will continue to collaborate over the coming months to discuss and refine the proposals before the final submissions are due in November. The Government will then make the decision on the future structure of local government in Oxfordshire.

The joint letter recognises that Cherwell and West Oxfordshire District Councils agree there are currently two viable options for future council structures in Oxfordshire, and that the councils will be working together to develop the ‘north Oxfordshire’ part of the two unitary approach. South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse and West Berkshire are working up the ‘Ridgeway’ element of the two unitary option.

While discussions on potential reorganisation continue, council services will continue to run as normal, and any changes remain some time away. Cherwell and West Oxfordshire District Councils remain fully committed to delivering high-quality services and supporting our communities.

A copy of the joint letter submitted to the government by Cherwell District Council and West Oxfordshire District Council is attached.