Government Consultation on Future Council Structures

The government has begun a consultation on possible changes to how local councils are organised across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire. The review is considering whether the current two‑tier system in Oxfordshire — with both county and district councils — should be replaced by new unitary authorities that would each be responsible for all local services.

Why West Berkshire Is Included

Although the government’s invitation for proposals was directed at Oxfordshire councils, two of the submitted options would create a new unitary authority that includes West Berkshire. As a result, residents in both Oxfordshire and West Berkshire are being asked for their views.

A final decision is expected before Parliament’s summer recess in July 2026. If changes are approved, the new arrangements would come into effect in 2028.

The Three Options Being Considered

1. A Single Unitary Council for Oxfordshire

Submitted by: Oxfordshire County Council
Areas covered: Cherwell, Oxford City, Oxfordshire County, South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse, West Oxfordshire

West Berkshire is not part of this proposal and would continue as a separate unitary authority.

2. Two Unitary Councils (including a proposed ‘Ridgeway Council’)

Submitted by: Cherwell, South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse and West Oxfordshire district councils

Proposed structure:

• Oxford and Shires Council: Cherwell, Oxford City, West Oxfordshire
• Ridgeway Council: South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse and West Berkshire

Under this option, West Berkshire would join South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse to form the new Ridgeway Council.

3. Three Unitary Councils

Submitted by: Oxford City Council

This proposal includes boundary changes and would divide current districts into three new authorities:

• Greater Oxford Council: Oxford City (with boundary adjustments)
• Northern Oxfordshire Council: Most of Cherwell and West Oxfordshire
• Ridgeway Council: South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse and West Berkshire

As with Proposal 2, West Berkshire would become part of the Ridgeway Council.

What the Consultation Seeks

Residents are invited to comment on each of the three proposals. All feedback will help inform the government’s assessment and eventual decision.

How to Take Part

The consultation is open from 5 February to 26 March 2026.

You can take part by visiting the official GOV.UK consultation page, where you will find:

• The full statutory consultation information
• Detailed documents for all three proposals
• The online survey
• Guidance on how to submit written responses directly to the government

Please use the GOV.UK consultation page as the definitive source of information and the place to submit your views.