The UK Government has launched a statutory consultation on proposals for local government reorganisation in Oxfordshire. This is part of a wider government programme to simplify local government structures in two‑tier areas (where there is both a county council and district or borough councils).
What’s Happening?
Currently, Oxfordshire has:
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Oxfordshire County Council responsible for services like social care, transport and libraries; and
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Five district or borough councils responsible for services like housing, planning, environmental health and rubbish collection.
The government invited councils in Oxfordshire to submit proposals to replace this two‑tier system with new single‑tier “unitary” councils. Under the proposals, the existing councils would be abolished and replaced by one, two or three larger councils responsible for all local government services in their areas.
What Proposals Are Being Consulted On?
Three proposals have been submitted for consideration:
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One Unitary Council – A single council covering the whole of Oxfordshire.
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Two Unitary Councils – One covering Cherwell, Oxford City and West Oxfordshire; the other covering South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse and West Berkshire.
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Three Unitary Councils – Separate councils for Greater Oxford, Northern Oxfordshire, and a third combining South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse with West Berkshire.
These proposals come from different local councils, including Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford City Council and the four district councils.
What Is a “Unitary” Council?
A unitary council is responsible for all local government services in its area, rather than splitting duties between county and district councils. This can include things like:
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Planning and housing,
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Social care and education,
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Roads and transport,
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Environmental services and waste collection.
How Can Residents Have Their Say?
The consultation is open until 23:59 on 26 March 2026 and can be accessed here: Consultation on Proposals for Local Government Reorganisation in Oxfordshire – Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government – Citizen Space
Residents, businesses, and community groups and other interested parties are invited to respond. Responses can be made via the online consultation or in writing, and respondents are asked to indicate which proposal they are commenting on.
What Happens Next?
After the consultation closes, responses (including survey answers and written feedback) will be considered by the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. Decisions about next steps will take place following this assessment, which may include:
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Choosing one of the proposals,
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Modifying proposals, or
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Deciding not to implement a reorganisation