Local Government Reorganisation

The Government is consulting on proposals to reorganise local government here in Oxfordshire.

Three options are under consideration: 1. One Unitary Authority (Whole County Model) A single council covering the whole of Oxfordshire. Supported by Oxfordshire County Council. 2. Two Unitary Authorities (North / South Model) • Northern authority: Cherwell, West Oxfordshire and Oxford City • Southern authority: South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse combined with West Berkshire Proposed by the district councils. 3. Three Unitary Authorities (City Expansion Model) An expanded Oxford City unitary authority incorporating parts of neighbouring districts — including areas of Cherwell such as Kidlington — alongside two further unitary councils covering the remainder of the county. Proposed by Oxford City Council.

Each option would replace the current two-tier district and county system with unitary authorities responsible for all services.

The consultation can be accessed here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/local-government-reorganisation-in-oxfordshire

The deadline for responses is 26 March 2026.