Month: July 2025

Residents are being encouraged to have their say on one of the proposals for how councils may change across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire.

A partnership of councils — including West Oxfordshire, Cherwell, South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse, and West Berkshire — is developing a proposal to replace the current two-tier system of district and county councils with two new unitary councils. This is one of three proposals being developed in response to Government’s requirement for structural reform.

The Government has made it clear that the current structure of county and district councils will be replaced by unitary councils that deliver all local services under one roof. This would represent a major reorganisation that could affect everything from road maintenance and rubbish collection to social care and planning decisions. Proposals need to be submitted to Government by 28 November 2025.

👉 As part of this, drop-in engagement events are being held in West Oxfordshire where residents can meet representatives, ask questions, and share their views:

📍 Bampton
 🗓️ Tuesday 8 July, 3pm–7pm
 📌 Bampton Village Hall, Market Square, OX18 2JH

📍 Witney
 🗓️ Thursday 10 July, 3pm–7pm
 📌 Marriotts Walk Shopping Centre, OX28 6GW

📣 No need to book, just drop in.

🗓️ Public engagement runs from 4 to 16 July 2025

Find out more and give feedback online: https://twocouncils.org/home?fbclid=IwY2xjawLIr8BleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFMNjdveFNSaTk3Y1BZd2JHAR6Vqp4VwarjOGVwmTCUecNSk_Xv6iriO74wicx__4D3UEezOfWkuCNCvYquyA_aem_QO0aNcPKjxUfeqqcnV1AtQ

As I’m sure you are aware, the government has asked councils in Oxfordshire to develop their proposals for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)and the creation of unitary councils. Oxford City Council is developing a proposal for three unitary councils: a Greater Oxford with extended boundaries, a Northern Oxfordshire based on Cherwell and West Oxfordshire, and a Ridgeway council based on South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse and West Berkshire. 

Within new unitary councils it will be important to ensure local priorities continue to be heard and acted on. Your local knowledge of issues such as improving local transport, addressing the democratic deficit in larger councils, and protecting the greenbelt and local environment can help ensure we get these right for local communities.   

We would like to invite you to attend one of our public drop-in events in your area to discuss your thoughts on these and other LGR issues. These events will be an opportunity to ask questions of our officers and politicians and give feedback to help shape our proposals. 

Area	Date	Time	Venue
Oxford Town Hall	8th July	12-3	Town Hall
Newbury	10th July	11-2	Newbury Market
Wheatley	11th July	10-1	Merry Bells
Kennington	15th July	12-3	Kennington Village Hall
Berinsfield	16th July	10-1	Berin Centre
Witney	18th July	12-3	Marriotts Walk
Botley	22nd July	3-6	Seacourt Hall
Abingdon	24th July	4-7	Market Place
Kidlington	28th July	4-7	Exeter Hall
Didcot	29th July	4-7	Berro Lounge
Banbury	31st July	3-6	Castle Quay