Change is coming to local government across England, and five councils are working together to propose two strong and locally accountable unitary authorities for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire.In the coming years, the government will replace the current two-tier system of local government, which consists of district and county councils, with new unitary authorities. It has asked current councils to put together proposals based on a set of criteria and with a target population of around 500,000 people.

The government wishes for councils to work together on plans for how these new unitary councils will work. As a result, the majority of the Oxfordshire authorities have teamed up with West Berkshire to work together positively and constructively on a proposal that meets the government’s criteria and also provides an option for a better future for both Oxfordshire and West Berkshire. This proposal would deliver better services while retaining a close link to local communities.

The two unitary proposal

The proposal – which is one of three being put forward for the area – is for two new unitary councils with the working titles of Oxford and Shires Council and Ridgeway Council. It aims to create strong, financially stable councils that provide high-quality, cost-effective, and locally driven services.

Oxford and Shires Council

Oxford and Shires Council would comprise all of the existing district areas of Cherwell, Oxford City and West Oxfordshire.

Ridgeway Council

Ridgeway Council would be made up of the whole of West Berkshire Council’s area and all of the existing district areas of South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse.

Having two councils in Oxfordshire would mean the councils are large enough to meet the government’s size criteria and be financially viable, but small enough to be tailored to the needs of the individual areas they cover. It is also an opportunity to resdesign and improve current council services, aswell as protecting those that are locally important.

The proposal will also focus on how the new councils can bring real economic benefits to the communities they serve, strengthening existing business partnerships and forging new ones in both urban and rural settings. The two-council model will also provide a suitable platform to address local priorities such as building the right homes in the right places, protecting the environment, improving roads and other infrastructure, and tackling issues like flooding and sewage pollution. It will be able to be responsive to both urban and rural needs.

The new unitary councils would be forward-looking, innovative and modern, with historical community connections at their heart and building on a strong sense of local identity that runs throughout the area.

Find out more about the proposal.

How you can have your say

The councils have launched a comprehensive public engagement exercise from 4 June to 16 July to gather views that will help ensure the final proposal reflects the needs and aspirations of residents. Your input will directly shape how the two unitary proposal is developed.

Residents can share their thoughts by taking part in the online survey.

Take part in the survey

Come along to one of our drop in sessions

You can also attend one of the engagement events held throughout Oxfordshire and West Berkshire.

Details of the events in West Oxfordshire, Cherwell and Oxford are below. Officers will be available to listen to your thoughts, take feedback and discuss the two unitary proposal.

Ridgeway Council

Should you prefer to visit an event in another part of Oxfordshire you can find the details here.

What happens next

This proposal is one of three being developed.

The other proposals are:

• A single unitary council covering the current county council boundary. This is being developed by Oxfordshire County Council.
  
• Three unitaries. One covering Oxford City but with expanded boundaries from the current city council. A second including the current districts on Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire along with West Berkshire. A third including the current districts of West Oxfordshire and Cherwell. This proposal is being developed by Oxford City Council.
  

West Oxfordshire District Council will consider the proposals later this year and decide on its preference. All the final proposals must be submitted to the government by 28 November, after which the government will chose which the government will chose which model is to be put in place. Any new councils would likely take effect in 2028 at the earliest.

Oxfordshire County Council has asked us to inform residents that the public consultation on the proposed Part-Night Lighting Implementation Framework is now live on ‘Let’s Talk Oxfordshire’ Part-night lighting and street lighting policy | Let’s Talk Oxfordshire

The Consultation is running until midnight on Sunday 6^th July.

What this consultation is about

This framework is about how part-night lighting could be implemented in Oxfordshire. It is not about whether part-night lighting is right for specific areas. In September 2025, the council’s cabinet will decide whether or not to move forward with part-night lighting. If the decision is to proceed, we are proposing that towns, parishes or Oxford city wards apply for part-night lighting schemes in their areas and that a public consultation is carried out for each scheme.

About the framework

The draft part night lighting framework proposes to introduce part night lighting in Oxfordshire locations where:

• the part night lighting scheme is approved at Oxfordshire Council Council’s Delegated Decision by Cabinet Member for Transport Management

• it is requested by the local town or parish council/meeting, or local governance authorities

• the part night lighting exemption criteria does not apply

• local residents have been consulted via a public consultation, as well as stakeholders like the police, night economy employers and community groups