A plan has been published for the creation of a Greater Oxford Council.
Oxford City Council has released details of how it sees the future of local government in the county, replacing the current six councils (five districts and the county) with three.
Along with Greater Oxford Council (which would include the city and some surrounding Green Belt), it proposes North Oxfordshire Council (taking in most of the existing Cherwell and West Oxfordshire districts) and Ridgeway Council (taking in South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse districts and West Berkshire Council).
However, while West Berkshire Council supports the formation of Ridgeway Council, it suggests an Oxford and Shires Council for the remainder of Oxfordshire. The two-council solution is also being promoted by the Cherwell district.
A website for the proposed Greater Oxford Council has now been launched. It would cover a region with a population of about 240,000 people today, rising to around 345,000 by 2040.
Oxford City Council will carry out public engagement on its Greater Oxford proposals in June and July, including public events in Berinsfield, Botley, Kennington, Kidlington and Wheatley.
Following the public engagement, the council will draw up its final Greater Oxford proposals, which will be submitted to the Government in November.
The final decision on local government reorganisation across England will be made by the Government in 2026 with new councils expected to be created in 2028.
Cllr Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council, said: “Oxford’s council services are currently split between Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council.
“This is confusing for residents and means decisions affecting the Greater Oxford area can be made by councillors from Chipping Norton or Henley.
“Greater Oxford will bring local decisions under one roof and closer to the people they affect – helping us build more affordable homes, provide new bus connections, protect green spaces and enhance biodiversity, and create new, secure jobs for our children and grandchildren.
“Our proposals will bring better services and help make Greater Oxford a fairer place to live, work and visit.”
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