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Government confirms three new unitary councils for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire in 2028  

The government has today (16 July) announced that Oxfordshire and West Berkshire’s seven existing councils will be replaced by three unitary councils from 1 April 2028 as part of its plans for local government reorganisation (LGR).  

The new councils will be: 

  • Greater Oxford Council – covering Oxford and its immediate surroundings. 
  • 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, combined with West Berkshire. 

Three proposals were presented to government in November 2025 by Oxfordshire and West Berkshire councils – a single county unitary, two unitary councils and three unitary councils.  

These councils have been working together since the start of the year to plan and prepare for the future of council services, regardless of which option the government chose. This work has also been focused on ensuring services continue without disruption for residents.   

Cllr Bethia Thomas, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “Whilst I am naturally disappointed that our proposal wasn’t chosen after working so hard on it in partnership with four other councils, above all, it is really important we now focus on a positive way forward, keeping our communities as our priority. 

“Although the Government has made its decision, our commitment to Vale remains the same. 

Cllr Bethia Thomas, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council
Cllr Bethia Thomas, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council

“Many residents raised concerns during the consultation process about retaining the unique character of the Vale’s villages, protecting our countryside, and ensuring rural voices are not overshadowed by the priorities of a larger urban area. Those concerns remain valid and should continue to be heard and respected. 

“Many of our rural communities will now be brought into a unitary authority focused on Oxford City. This will impact over 23,000 residents across nine parishes, including Appleton-with-Eaton, Cumnor, Kennington, North Hinksey and Wootton – and I will be seeking utmost reassurance that any changes are carried out sensitively and with local voices in mind.  

“While significant changes lie ahead, our focus remains firmly on delivering high-quality services to our residents and ensuring a smooth transition. By continuing to work constructively and collaboratively with all the councils involved, we will strive to achieve the best possible outcomes for the communities we represent. 

“It is also worth noting the impact these considerable changes will have on our workforce – and I want to say a word on behalf of all our officers and councillors, and those of all the councils in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire, and thank them for their dedication to providing high quality services – and for all they have done and all they will continue to do over the coming months and years as we work together on making this change a success.  

“I will continue to champion Vale’s communities and internally, our staff and councillors, working constructively with all our partner councils to ensure a positive future is ahead for all.” 

The government ran a statutory consultation in February 2026 on the options with local stakeholders, residents and businesses invited to have their say. The government will publish the results of the consultation on its website soon.  

Over the next two years, the existing councils will continue working together to prepare for the new arrangements, keeping people informed as plans develop ahead of April 2028.   

The full details of the three-unitary proposal can be found on 3councils.org 

Ends 

Note to editors  

List of Vale of White Horse parishes that would become part of Greater Oxford under the reorganisation: 

  • Appleton-with-Eaton 
  • Besselsleigh 
  • Cumnor 
  • Kennington 
  • North Hinksey (with Botley) 
  • South Hinksey 
  • Sunningwell 
  • Wootton 
  • Wytham 

The government has set out guidance on how the transition should progress. You can read the official decision on the government website.

Expected timeline  

  • Proposals submitted: 27 November 2025  
  • Public consultation:  5 February 2026 – 26 March 2026  
  • Government’s “minded-to” decision: 16 July 2026 

The minded to decision is the government’s preferred, provisional decision before it’s put into law through a structural changes order (SCO).  

  • Structural changes order (SCO): Expected Autumn 2026.  

An SCO is legislation that will officially end the existing two-tier county and district councils in Oxfordshire. We expect the legislation to be laid and agreed at this point but it won’t come fully into effect until vesting day.  

  • Elections: May 2027. 

After the elections shadow authorities will be created to plan the new councils, but they will not deliver services. It will focus on preparing for the future council.   

  • Transition period: Expected late 2026 – March 2028. 
  • Vesting day: New council begins 1 April 2028.  

The official go-live date when the new council takes over and legal powers, responsibilities and ownership transfers from the previous councils to the new one.