Vale of White Horse Cabinet approves bold proposal for Local Government Reorganisation
“This is an opportunity for real change where it’s needed – this proposal puts transforming and improving services at its heart. It’s a proposal that was crafted based on what our residents, businesses and local organisations told us they want and need. It’s the only way to create financially secure councils that will be able to look after their communities.”
Cllr Bethia Thomas, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council.
A radical shake-up of local councils is on the cards after Vale of White Horse District Council’s Cabinet approved the submission of a proposal for two new unitary councils to the government.
The proposal, made in response to an invitation by the government to reshape local government in the area, has been crafted to deliver more efficient services, stronger financial resilience, and councils that are truly responsive to local communities.
Developed in partnership with four other councils, the proposal outlines the creation of two new unitary authorities: Ridgeway Council, covering South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse, and West Berkshire; and Oxford & Shires Council, covering Cherwell, the city of Oxford, and West Oxfordshire.
It is one of three proposals being put forward for the area – the others being a large unitary council that covers the whole of Oxfordshire developed by the county council, and a proposal for three smaller unitary councils based around an expanded Oxford city area being submitted by the city council.
Financial modelling shows the proposal approved by Vale of White Horse councillors could save up to £59.8 million annually, making it the most cost-effective of the three options being considered for the region.
Cllr Bethia Thomas, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “It would be reckless to use this opportunity to try and maintain a status quo that isn’t working, or to push a single agenda at the expense of others. Our proposal is positively finding ways to transform services for the benefit of all residents. It will make the most of our best services and will reimagine the ones that need improving so they can be delivered at a scale that is manageable and cost-effective – something that experience has very clearly demonstrated just cannot be done at too large a scale.”
With Cabinet approval secured, the proposal will now be submitted to the government ahead of the 28 November deadline. A decision is expected in mid-2026, with new councils potentially launching in April 2028.
