According to South Oxfordshire District Council, a consensus has emerged for the shape of Local Government Reorganisation in the area.
Five councils in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire have formally supported a proposal for two new unitary authorities, aimed at addressing current inefficiencies, enhancing services, and saving millions in response to the government’s call for reform of council structures.
After reviewing all three proposals for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire, the majority of councils in the area have agreed that the two-unitary option offers the best outcomes for local residents and will urge the government to proceed with the proposal when a decision is made next year.
The two-unitary proposal, which is one of three being put forward for the area, would create two councils covering the following geographical areas:
- Oxford and Shires Council would comprise all of the existing district areas of Cherwell, Oxford City and West Oxfordshire.
- Ridgeway Council would be made up of the whole of West Berkshire Council’s area and all of the existing district areas of South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse.
See the map below.
Read the full proposal or a shortened version on the website www.twocouncils.org.
