Five councils across Berkshire and West Oxfordshire have collaborated on a proposal to create two unitary authorities for the region, replacing the existing structure of local governance. This is a necessary first step towards the local governance reform requested by the UK Government at the end of 2024 (read more on this in our previous article on this topic here).
The proposal would divide the five existing councils (including West Oxfordshire District Council) into two new authorities: Oxford & Shires Council and Ridgeway Council. Oxford & Shires Council would include Cherwell, Oxford City and West Oxfordshire, wwhich would encompass Eynsham.
It’s suggested that this new structure “would reflect the natural geographies and shared priorities of our local areas. They would help bring high-quality services closer to you and would be appropriately-sized to deliver these services effectively and sustainably.”
The proposal is currently open for public consultation and we’d encourage residents to review the plans and share views. More information about this new structure and the rationale behind it are available on a dedicated webpage: Oxford & Shires and Ridgeway Councils - Join the conversation - South Oxfordshire & Vale of White Horse - Citizen Space This webpage also has a link to the survey for sharing feedback.
During the consultation period – which ends on Wednesday 16 July – there will be a number of public engagement sessions held. These provide an opportunity to hear more about the plans and ask questions or raise concerns in person.
Our nearest public engagement session will be in Witney on 10 July from 3pm-7pm (Unit 14a on Marriotts Walk). Other sessions are being held in locations such as Wantage, Wallingford and Jericho. All dates and details are available here: Oxford & Shires and Ridgeway Councils - Join the conversation - South Oxfordshire & Vale of White Horse - Citizen Space
The proposal will be further developed based on feedback from the public consultation before being submitted to the UK Government by the deadline in November 2025.
There will likely be three proposals submitted for a new local governance structure in our area as not all councils are in agreement. Oxfordshire County Council continues to endorse the idea of a single council for Oxfordshire and has intimated that a consultation will be launched into their proposal later in June 2025 (read more here).
Meanwhile, Oxford City Council has a proposal for a 'Greater Oxford' area, although this wouldn't include Eynsham (read more here).
We will share any further updates with residents via our usual communication channels as and when we receive them.
According to the UK Government’s timeline, once decisions have been made in 2026, shadow councils will be established during 2027 to start the transition process, with the new councils being formally created (or vested) in 2028. More information on the process is available here: Decision Making and Timelines - Two Councils