Oxfordshire could be divided into one, two or three councils
Under government devolution plans, there are currently three options for how Oxfordshire councils could be restructured.
Last updated 13th Mar 2025
Oxfordshire could be divided into one, two or three councils as local leaders will soon discuss proposals for local government reorganisation.
The government outlined plans to shake up local council structures by abolishing two-tier authorities and replacing them with unitary councils last December.
Oxfordshire is a two-tier authority with Oxfordshire County Council responsible for highways, libraries, museums and waste refusal.
District councils such as Oxford City Council are responsible for housing, planning, parks and waste collection.
Three options for restructure
There are currently three options for how Oxfordshire councils could be restructured.
The first is that the whole of Oxfordshire could become a single unitary authority.
The second is that Oxfordshire could be split into two councils, with North Oxfordshire Council consisting of the existing district of Cherwell, Oxford City and West Oxfordshire then Ridgeway Council, which would consist of South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse and the unitary council of West Berkshire.
The final option is that there are three unitary councils, based on an expanded boundary of Oxford City Council, a northern unitary authority and a southern unitary authority, with the latter including West Berkshire.
Each of the six councils across the county will have to endorse a joint response to the government for how they are developing these proposals by Friday, March 21.
The final proposal for how the councils would be restructured will be submitted to the government by November 28.
The government will then make a decision on which of the three options will be put in place in Oxfordshire.
"Simpler for everyone"
Councillor Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council, endorsed the proposal for three councils for the county.
She said: “Unitary councils will be simpler for everyone.
“We propose separate councils for central, northern and southern Oxfordshire together with West Berkshire, to reflect our distinct geographies.
“We are working collaboratively with the other councils in the interests of Oxfordshire residents and businesses, and our place in a mayoral strategic authority.”
Councillor Liz Leffman, leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Local government reorganisation offers an opportunity to improve our services for residents and nurture a vibrant and inclusive economy.
“We must maintain the links between our great universities and organisations developing advanced technology, including on Bicester, Culham, Harwell and Milton Park campuses, so that our county can drive change across the Oxford to Cambridge corridor.”
Councillor David Hingley, leader of Cherwell District Council, said: “Cherwell’s thriving market towns, valued rural communities, and diverse economy give our area a distinct identity, which we want to enhance through any local government reorganisation.
“We have worked closely with neighbouring Oxfordshire councils to develop credible initial options for further discussion.
“Our focus is prioritising strong local governance and securing the best outcomes for our residents.”
Councillor David Rouane, leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “New unitary councils could provide a strong foundation for the future.
“It’s an opportunity to provide enhanced financial stability, sustainable economic growth, and to address our housing and infrastructure needs.
“Our cabinet will discuss its preferred approach on 19 March, focusing on the needs of our communities as well as the government’s criteria for new councils.”
Councillor Bethia Thomas, leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “The government’s invitation provides an opportunity to combine the strengths of existing councils to create a modern and effective local authority that puts people and communities at the heart of strong, healthy and robust local government, all while providing a firm base for wider regional economic growth.”
Councillor Andy Graham, leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “West Oxfordshire has a rich cultural and heritage environment.
“In a changing landscape we need to work together in partnership with neighbouring authorities to ensure we have improved services, a strong workforce and that our communities voice and engagement is heard and enshrined in emerging local government structures.”
All Oxfordshire councils’ cabinet or executives will meet to discuss this, with the district councils meeting on March 19 and Oxfordshire County Council meeting on March 20.
Discussions over how Oxfordshire will fit into a mayoral strategic authority are ongoing, as part of the government’s devolution plan