Oxfordshire and West Berkshire councils plan for LGR options

Authorities across the districts are planning ahead of an expected Government announcement on the future shape of local government, due before the parliamentary summer recess begins on July 16.

The options on the table could see the introduction of one, two, or three new unitary authorities in place of the current county and district council model.

Council leaders and chief executives in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire said: "Since the start of the year, colleagues across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire councils have been working together within a joint programme to prepare for what comes next.

"Following the statutory consultation, we have been collaborating to gather a variety of data and information so we are ready to move forward, whichever option gets the go-ahead from government.

"We are also thinking through the potential implications of each option, planning for how we would deliver services under one, two, or three new unitary councils to ensure we are ready to support our communities and colleagues through the changes ahead.

"Whatever change government proposes, our priority is to make sure we continue to deliver high-quality services to the people we serve during transition and beyond."

The statement emphasised that similar changes have taken place or are underway in other parts of the country, and that lessons learned from those experiences will guide planning throughout 2026, 2027, and early 2028.

The Government’s consultation on local government reorganisation closed in March and proposed three models for the future.

Option one would create a single Oxfordshire Council covering the whole county.

Option two would split the area into two new authorities: an Oxford and Shires Council made up of Cherwell, Oxford City, and West Oxfordshire; and a Ridgeway Council comprising South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse, and West Berkshire.

The third option is for three unitary authorities: Greater Oxford Council, Northern Oxfordshire Council, and Ridgeway Council.

Under all options, LGR would bring together services under one authority, reducing duplication, simplifying contact for residents, and generating savings.

The Government is expected to announce its preferred ‘minded-to’ decision before the summer break.

A structural changes order is then expected in 2026, setting out the legal framework for implementing the new arrangements.

A transition period would follow, with ‘shadow’ authorities formed after elections in May 2027.

These bodies would be responsible for key decisions in the run-up to vesting day, when the new councils would officially take over.

Vesting day is anticipated to be April 1, 2028.

Until then, existing councils would continue to deliver services to residents.