Council Business
Unitary proposal for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire
Change is coming to local government across England, and five councils are working together to propose two unitary authorities for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire. At the same time Oxford City Council is proposing the Greater Oxford Council.
Published: 9 June 2025
The government will replace the current two-tier system of local government, which consists of district and county councils, with new unitary authorities. It also wants smaller existing unitary councils, like West Berkshire, to reorganise so they cover areas 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 on a proposal that meets the government’s criteria.
Their 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.The councils will launch a comprehensive public engagement exercise from 4 June to 15 July to gather views that will help ensure the final proposals reflect the needs and aspirations of residents.Residents can share their thoughts by taking part in the online survey by visiting twocouncils.org
To find out more about the two-unitary proposal, visit twocouncils.org
Oxford City Council’s proposal is for a Greater Oxford Unitary Authority. The proposal includes Wootton, but not Dry Sandford. To find out more go to Greater Oxford