West Oxfordshire responds to Government decision on three new unitary councils
Following its review of local government reorganisation, the Government has made a new minded-to decision to replace the seven existing councils in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire with three new unitary councils. The decision will now be open to further representations from council leaders and other interested parties for approximately three weeks before a final decision is made.
West Oxfordshire District Council has expressed disappointment at the proposed arrangements, raising concerns about the financial challenges facing the new councils, while recognising that the announcement provides greater clarity about the Government's intentions.
Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said:
“We are disappointed with the Government's decision. We remain concerned that the relatively small size of the proposed new unitary councils will make it economically challenging to deliver the full range of services residents rely on.
“However, today's announcement provides greater certainty about the future of local government in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire, following a period of uncertainty for councils and the communities we serve.
“Considerable work has already taken place to prepare for reorganisation, and we will now work alongside our fellow councils to take forward the next stages of this significant change.
“For West Oxfordshire, our priority throughout this process has been to ensure that the interests of our residents, businesses and communities remain at the heart of future arrangements. As we prepare for a new North Oxfordshire Council, it is important that the needs and identities of our market towns, villages and rural communities continue to be recognised and that local people have a strong voice in the decisions that affect them.
“Having received formal notification of the Government's decision, I will be making representations to Government to ensure that any potential increase in the cost of delivering services is properly supported and does not fall on our residents.
“Above all, our commitment to West Oxfordshire remains unchanged. We will continue delivering for our district and ensuring the interests of the communities we serve remain central to our work.”
The new unitary councils will be:
- Greater Oxford Council – covering Oxford and its immediate surroundings.
- Northern Oxfordshire Council – covering most of the existing Cherwell and West Oxfordshire districts.
- Ridgeway Council – covering most of the existing South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse districts, combined with West Berkshire.
The new councils are due to go live on 1 April 2029, with elections to the new shadow authorities taking place in May 2028.
Earlier this month, Oxfordshire County Council sent a legal letter to the government and also issued a protective claim in court in relation to a potential judicial review of LGR in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire.
The county council has been asking government to provide the evidence and analysis that informed its minded-to decision in July for this area. The county council will now consider any information shared by the government that has informed its new minded-to decision, assess its position and any further appropriate actions.
The Council will continue to work together with Oxfordshire and West Berkshire councils to implement the government’s decision and deliver the best services for communities.
Find out which new council will serve your community and what this means for your area: 3councils.org