What we’re covering
Welcome to our ongoing coverage of the latest developments surrounding the government’s proposed local government devolution plans and their potential impact on Oxfordshire.
In December 2024, the government published an English Devolution White Paper that proposed abolishing district councils and replacing them with new unitary authorities, and creating larger mayoral combined authorities to enable a shift of power away from Westminster.
Stay tuned as we bring you updates from key discussions, reactions from local leaders, and what these changes could mean for residents. Whether it’s concerns about democracy or the potential for streamlined services, we’ll cover all angles and keep you informed here.
Reporting by Ay Adeduro, Esme Keeney, Aled Thomas, James Aldridge and Olivia Churchill.
South Oxfordshire leader voices disappointment over three-council reorganisation decision
South Oxfordshire District Council leader Cllr Maggie Filipova-Rivers has criticised the Government’s decision to create three new unitary councils for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire, saying the chosen model is “deeply disappointing”.
She warned that the structure could increase complexity, duplicate costs and weaken rural representation. South Oxfordshire had backed a two-unitary model instead. The council said it will continue working with other authorities to support the transition ahead of the new councils launching in April 2028.
Oxfordshire councils to be abolished as Government approves three new authorities
The Government has confirmed plans to abolish Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford City Council and the county’s district councils, replacing them with three new unitary authorities from April 2028.
The approved model will create Greater Oxford Council, North Oxfordshire Council and Ridgeway Council, following the proposal submitted by Oxford City Council.
The decision ends months of debate over the future governance of the county, with supporters highlighting housing and strategic planning benefits while critics raise concerns over boundaries and financial pressures.
Oxfordshire leaders seek fresh devolution deal after Thames Valley plan collapses
Oxfordshire leaders have renewed calls for a stronger devolution settlement after writing to Labour leadership contender Andy Burnham, following the collapse of plans for a Thames Valley Foundation Strategic Authority.
The proposed arrangement, covering Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Swindon, was rejected last month after Oxfordshire County Council raised concerns over its powers, funding and geography.
The decision has prompted criticism from regional leaders and business groups, while Oxford City Council is expected to reaffirm its support for a future devolution deal.
Thames Valley leaders furious after plans to create powerful regional Strategic Authority collapse
Thames Valley leaders are furious after plans to create a powerful regional Strategic Mayoral Authority collapsed, accusing Oxfordshire’s Liberal Democrat leadership of derailing a once-in-a-generation devolution deal after it withdrew support at a crucial stage.
Business leaders described the collapse as a serious setback for investment, skills and infrastructure planning across the region. However, the Council’s Liberal Democrat leadership defended its position, arguing that the Government had altered the terms of the deal during negotiations.
Thames Valley mayoral authority plans unravel as Oxfordshire’s Lib Dem leadership withdraws support
Plans to establish a powerful new Thames Valley-wide strategic authority have been thrown into disarray after political leaders from Oxfordshire abruptly withdrew support at a crucial meeting in Reading.
The gathering, which brought together representatives from across Berkshire, Swindon and neighbouring areas, was expected to sign off a shadow “Foundation Strategic Authority” (FSA) — the essential precursor to a future Thames Valley Mayoral Strategic Authority with elections pencilled in for May 2028.
Oxfordshire councils prepare for July decision on local government reorganisation
Oxfordshire and West Berkshire councils are preparing for a government ‘minded-to’ decision expected in July on local government reorganisation, which could reshape the area into one, two or three unitary authorities.
The statutory consultation closed in March and set out options for a single authority, two councils or three, with leaders working jointly to prepare for any outcome.
A structural changes order follows later in 2026, with shadow authorities in May 2027 and vesting in April 2028 ensuring continuity services.
Oxfordshire County Council urges residents to support One Oxfordshire proposal
Oxfordshire County Council is encouraging residents to support the One Oxfordshire proposal after the government announced local government reorganisation decisions for several English counties.
While Oxfordshire awaits its own decision in July, council leader Liz Leffman said a single unitary authority offers stronger financial resilience, simplified services and better long-term planning with potential to save £63m annually.
Oxfordshire local government shake-up risks being a “great distraction,” thinktank warns
Plans to shake-up local government in Oxfordshire risk becoming a “great distraction” from the real issues facing councils if not handled properly, accprding to a local thinktank.
Chris Cousins, a member of POETS (Planning Oxfordshire’s Environment and Transport Sustainably), argued the Government risked replacing “one two-tier system with another”, despite its stated aim of simplification.
Have your say on the biggest local government shake-up in Oxfordshire for 50 years
Residents across Oxfordshire are being urged to take part in a government consultation on the biggest local government reform in 50 years. By 2028, the county’s existing councils could be replaced with one, two, or three unitary authorities.
Oxfordshire County Council supports a single countywide council for efficiency and resilience, Oxford City Council backs the three-council model for local representation, and four district councils favour two councils to balance scale and accountability. The consultation runs until 26 March 2026, giving residents the chance to shape the county’s future.
Thames Valley councils push for mayoral strategic authority (MSA)
Thirteen councils across the Thames Valley have submitted an expression of interest to government to create a mayoral strategic authority (MSA). The proposed MSA, led by a directly elected mayor, would bring councils together to plan transport, infrastructure, and housing.
Councils involved: Bracknell Forest, Cherwell, Oxford City, Oxfordshire, Reading, Windsor & Maidenhead, Slough, South Oxfordshire, Swindon, Vale of White Horse, West Berkshire, West Oxfordshire, Wokingham.
Campaigners warn Oxford unitary council plan would swallow Green Belt
Plans to create a new Oxford unitary council with expanded city boundaries face criticism from CPRE Oxfordshire, which warns the proposal would swallow much of the Green Belt and encourage urban sprawl without solving the housing crisis.
Oxford City Council says the plan could deliver 40,000 homes by 2040, while campaigners argue housing growth must be climate-conscious and infrastructure-led. Alternative options include one or two councils for Oxfordshire, with a final government decision due in 2026 and new councils expected by 2028.
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