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Ongoing coverage of the local government devolution proposals

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What we’re covering

Welcome to our ongoing coverage of the latest developments surrounding the government’s proposed local government devolution plans and their potential impact on Oxfordshire.

In December 2024, the government published an English Devolution White Paper that proposed abolishing district councils and replacing them with new unitary authorities, and creating larger mayoral combined authorities to enable a shift of power away from Westminster.

Stay tuned as we bring you updates from key discussions, reactions from local leaders, and what these changes could mean for residents. Whether it’s concerns about democracy or the potential for streamlined services, we’ll cover all angles and keep you informed here.

Reporting by Ay Adeduro, Esme Keeney, Aled Thomas, James Aldridge and Olivia Churchill.


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Olivia Churchill

West Oxfordshire leader disappointed by Government decision on three-unitary model

West Oxfordshire District Council leader Councillor Andy Graham has expressed disappointment after the Government confirmed plans to create three new unitary councils for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire from 01 April 2028.

The council had supported a two-unitary model, arguing it would provide simpler structures, reduce duplication and improve financial resilience. Councillor Graham said concerns remain over additional costs and complexity, but pledged to work constructively with partner councils to protect services and ensure West Oxfordshire communities remain represented during the transition.

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Olivia Churchill

Oxford City Council leader welcomes “historic” decision to create Greater Oxford authority

Oxford City Council leader Councillor Susan Brown has welcomed the Government’s decision to create three new unitary councils for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire, describing it as a “historic day”.

She said the new structure would simplify local government, keep decision-making local and help address Oxfordshire’s housing challenges. The approved model, led by Oxford City Council, will create Greater Oxford, Northern Oxfordshire and Ridgeway councils from April 2028, replacing the county, city and district council system.

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Olivia Churchill

Vale leader calls for rural communities to remain at heart of council reorganisation

Vale of White Horse District Council leader Councillor Bethia Thomas has responded to the Government’s decision to create three new unitary councils for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire, saying she is disappointed the preferred two-authority model was not chosen.

She called for rural communities to remain central during the transition, highlighting concerns over local identity, countryside protection and representation. The Vale will work with other councils to support a smooth transition ahead of the new Ridgeway and Greater Oxford authorities launching in 2028.

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Olivia Churchill

South Oxfordshire leader voices disappointment over three-council reorganisation decision

South Oxfordshire District Council leader Cllr Maggie Filipova-Rivers has criticised the Government’s decision to create three new unitary councils for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire, saying the chosen model is “deeply disappointing”.

She warned that the structure could increase complexity, duplicate costs and weaken rural representation. South Oxfordshire had backed a two-unitary model instead. The council said it will continue working with other authorities to support the transition ahead of the new councils launching in April 2028.

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Ay Adeduro

Local government devolution proposals: What is it and what will it mean for Oxfordshire?

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Ay Adeduro

Oxfordshire councils to be abolished as Government approves three new authorities

The Government has confirmed plans to abolish Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford City Council and the county’s district councils, replacing them with three new unitary authorities from April 2028.

The approved model will create Greater Oxford Council, North Oxfordshire Council and Ridgeway Council, following the proposal submitted by Oxford City Council.

The decision ends months of debate over the future governance of the county, with supporters highlighting housing and strategic planning benefits while critics raise concerns over boundaries and financial pressures.

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Olivia Churchill

Oxfordshire leaders seek fresh devolution deal after Thames Valley plan collapses

Oxfordshire leaders have renewed calls for a stronger devolution settlement after writing to Labour leadership contender Andy Burnham, following the collapse of plans for a Thames Valley Foundation Strategic Authority.

The proposed arrangement, covering Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Swindon, was rejected last month after Oxfordshire County Council raised concerns over its powers, funding and geography.

The decision has prompted criticism from regional leaders and business groups, while Oxford City Council is expected to reaffirm its support for a future devolution deal.

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Olivia Churchill

Thames Valley leaders furious after plans to create powerful regional Strategic Authority collapse

Thames Valley leaders are furious after plans to create a powerful regional Strategic Mayoral Authority collapsed, accusing Oxfordshire’s Liberal Democrat leadership of derailing a once-in-a-generation devolution deal after it withdrew support at a crucial stage.

Business leaders described the collapse as a serious setback for investment, skills and infrastructure planning across the region. However, the Council’s Liberal Democrat leadership defended its position, arguing that the Government had altered the terms of the deal during negotiations.

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Olivia Churchill

Thames Valley mayoral authority plans unravel as Oxfordshire’s Lib Dem leadership withdraws support

Plans to establish a powerful new Thames Valley-wide strategic authority have been thrown into disarray after political leaders from Oxfordshire abruptly withdrew support at a crucial meeting in Reading.

The gathering, which brought together representatives from across Berkshire, Swindon and neighbouring areas, was expected to sign off a shadow “Foundation Strategic Authority” (FSA) — the essential precursor to a future Thames Valley Mayoral Strategic Authority with elections pencilled in for May 2028.

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Olivia Churchill

Oxfordshire councils prepare for July decision on local government reorganisation

Oxfordshire and West Berkshire councils are preparing for a government ‘minded-to’ decision expected in July on local government reorganisation, which could reshape the area into one, two or three unitary authorities.

The statutory consultation closed in March and set out options for a single authority, two councils or three, with leaders working jointly to prepare for any outcome.

A structural changes order follows later in 2026, with shadow authorities in May 2027 and vesting in April 2028 ensuring continuity services.

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Olivia Churchill

Oxfordshire County Council urges residents to support One Oxfordshire proposal

Oxfordshire County Council is encouraging residents to support the One Oxfordshire proposal after the government announced local government reorganisation decisions for several English counties.

While Oxfordshire awaits its own decision in July, council leader Liz Leffman said a single unitary authority offers stronger financial resilience, simplified services and better long-term planning with potential to save £63m annually.

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Olivia Churchill

Oxfordshire local government shake-up risks being a “great distraction,” thinktank warns

Plans to shake-up local government in Oxfordshire risk becoming a “great distraction” from the real issues facing councils if not handled properly, accprding to a local thinktank.

Chris Cousins, a member of POETS (Planning Oxfordshire’s Environment and Transport Sustainably), argued the Government risked replacing “one two-tier system with another”, despite its stated aim of simplification.

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