Local government is changing
Right now, Oxfordshire has six councils:
- The city and four district councils – responsible for local services like housing, planning and bins
- One county council – responsible for more strategic services like social care, children’s services and transport
The government is scrapping this system in 2028, and replacing it with unitary councils, where one council runs all council services in your area. The government has launched a consultation on the future of local government in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire.
This consultation will close at 23:59 on Thursday 26 March.
The options
There are three options on the table for Oxfordshire, two of which involve West Berkshire:
Three Councils
Greater Oxford, Northern Oxfordshire, and Ridgeway councils
Two councils
Oxford and Shires, and Ridgeway councils
One council
Oxfordshire Council
3Councils
Our preferred option is the three-council proposal.
We believe 3Councils would:
- Better tailor services to meet local needs
- Support local economies and businesses
- Build more affordable homes
- Create efficient, sustainable councils
Public consultation
The government has launched a consultation on the future of local government in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire.