Oxfordshire and West Berkshire LGR generates reactions across the region

The Government has confirmed that the seven councils covering Oxfordshire and West Berkshire will be condensed into three unitary councils from 1 April 2028.

The three authorities will be:

• Greater Oxford Council: To cover Oxford and the immediate surroundings
• Northern Oxfordshire Council: To cover most of Cherwell and West Oxfordshire’s districts
• Ridgeway Council: To cover most of South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse, combined with West Berkshire Council

This decision comes after Oxfordshire’s councils submitted three proposals in November 2025, wherein Oxford City Council led development for the three-council proposal which has now been adopted.

A consultation then took place in February this year, and following the recent decision the existing councils will work towards the new arrangements for April 2028.

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David Bainbridge, director, Savills Central Planning, based in Oxford, said: “Local government reorganisation is an opportunity to re-shape the delivery of local services, with the aim being greater efficiency and effectivity through slimmed-down organisations and processes.

“Whilst there is likely to be a transitional period where operations and culture will need to adjust within the new authorities, we should expect to see improved communication and output in planning for development and the natural environment.

“Aligned with changes at a national level such as the pending new national scheme of delegation for decision-making and new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the supply-side for new homes and employment development is set to continue to improve.”

Cllr Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council, said: “Today is a historic day. This decision will shape the future of Oxford, Oxfordshire and West Berkshire for generations.

“Our proposal will simplify local government, save money and keep decision-making local, so each area can shape services around the specific needs of its residents and businesses.

“It means Witney and Banbury won’t be overshadowed by a focus on Oxford, while South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse can build a new future with West Berkshire, reflecting the history and connections they share.

“But this decision is also about tackling the housing crisis and creating well-paid, secure jobs.

“By focusing development around Oxford, rather than continuing the incremental expansion of towns and villages across rural Oxfordshire, we can deliver the homes people need while protecting more green space overall.

“Oxford has needed more room to grow for a generation. The government has listened, and from 1 April 2028 we will have a genuine opportunity to make Oxford and Oxfordshire more affordable for our children and grandchildren.”

Cllr Tim Bearder, leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “I am deeply disappointed in the government’s decision to split Oxfordshire up into three unitary councils – it does not deliver on its vision to simplify and improve local government services.

“The three-council model does not meet the government’s criteria for scale, efficiency and financial resilience. It offers the lowest cost savings of all the proposals.

“We will also need three directors of adult social care, three for children’s social care for example, which increases costs and risks disruption to these high-performing critical services.

“We all have a responsibility to our residents to achieve the best outcomes we can for them, maintaining continuous service delivery as we transition and in the creation of any new councils.

“To do this, we will work together with our colleagues, partners and communities to keep championing Oxfordshire, collaborate effectively to do all we can to build the best possible future for our people and places.

“We will find a way forward to provide the stable foundation our communities and economy need to thrive.”

Cllr Jeff Brooks, leader of West Berkshire Council, said:

“Today is a hugely significant and exciting day for West Berkshire and for the future of local government across our area. We are delighted that the Government has chosen one of the Ridgeway Council options and recognised the strength of the case we have made alongside our colleagues in South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse.

“This is a positive outcome for our residents and a major milestone in creating a council fit for the future. The new council will bring together communities with strong existing links while creating a larger, stronger and more resilient organisation that is better placed to protect and enhance the services local people rely on.

“We acknowledge that this decision will see some wards move from South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse to become part of a new Greater Oxford council. This is undoubtedly a disappointment for our partner councils as they would not have wanted to lose those wards. Nevertheless, the new Ridgeway Council does create an exciting opportunity to build on the many strengths of West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse. Together, we can create a council that is ambitious for its communities, attractive to investment and well placed to deliver excellent outcomes for residents for many years to come.

“This announcement is also recognition of the tremendous work undertaken by officers, councillors and partner organisations over many months to develop the case for a Ridgeway Council. All our staff can be assured that their interests will be at the heart of our decision making.

“There is still a great deal of work ahead before the new council is established in 2028, but we begin that journey with real confidence and optimism. We look forward to working with our partners to build a new Ridgeway Council that delivers for residents and helps our communities thrive long into the future.”