Local Government Reorganisation Survey

Closes 12 Aug 2025

Opened 1 Jul 2025

Contact

LGR@oxford.gov.uk

Overview

The government has asked councils across England for proposals on simplifying the structure of local government in their regions. The changes will create unitary councils that are responsible for all council services for their area, bringing county, city/district council responsibilities together under one council. 

There are three proposals being developed for Oxfordshire. The proposals being developed are: 

1. Three unitary councils  

  • Greater Oxford Council – covering Oxford and its Green Belt   

  • Northern Oxfordshire Council – covering most of the existing Cherwell and West Oxfordshire districts   

  • Ridgeway Council – covering most of the existing South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse districts, and West Berkshire 

2. Two unitary councils 

  • Oxford and Shires Council – covering all of the existing district areas of Cherwell, Oxford City and West Oxfordshire 

  • Ridgeway Council – covering all of the existing district areas of South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse, and West Berkshire 

3. One unitary council 

  • Covering Oxfordshire County Council’s current boundaries 

For more information, including boundary maps, please visit: 

Oxford City Council’s proposal 

Oxford City Council is proposing three unitary councils across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire. 

This would bring local decisions closer to the people they affect. 

All three councils would have natural geographic and demographic connections, local accountability to residents, and would be viable under the government’s plans.

This would help a Greater Oxford Council to build more affordable homes, provide new bus connections, protect green spaces and create new, secure jobs for the area. 

The Northern Oxfordshire and Ridgeway councils would be able to focus on the economy, housing and services of their distinct areas. The needs of residents in towns and villages will come first, while enjoying the benefits of a thriving nearby city. 

Why your views matter

Oxford City Council carried out an initial survey on the proposals in February 2025. Findings showed that 82% of respondents felt the current two-tier local government system could be improved, and 67% believed councils should not be too large, to better respond to local needs.  

This survey is an opportunity for anyone with an interest in local government—including residents, businesses, and community groups—to help shape the final proposals. 

The results of this survey will feed into our final proposals. We will submit our final proposals to the government in November. 

 

 

Give us your views

Online Survey

Events

Audiences

  • Anyone from any background

Interests

  • Strategies