Five local councils have come together to propose a major change to the way local government works in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire—and they’re asking residents to help shape the future.
In response to the government’s plan to replace the current two-tier system (county and district councils) with larger, single-tier unitary authorities, a joint proposal has been put forward. This suggests creating two new councils: Oxford and Shires Council and Ridgeway Council.
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Oxford and Shires Council would cover Cherwell, Oxford City, and West Oxfordshire.
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Ridgeway Council would include West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire, and the Vale of White Horse.
This model aims to balance size and accountability—being large enough to meet government requirements, but still rooted in local identity and responsive to community needs. It also avoids the costly disruption of splitting essential services like social care, ensuring continuity for residents.
Key goals of the proposal include:
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Financial sustainability
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High-quality, locally tailored services
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Stronger links with communities
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Continued support for infrastructure, housing, and the environment
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A modern, efficient council structure built on local priorities
Residents are invited to take part in a public engagement exercise running from 4 June to 15 July. You can:
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Complete an online survey at twocouncils.org
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Attend local drop-in events across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire
Council leaders agree this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the services and governance that will serve our communities for decades to come.
Cllr David Hingley (Cherwell) said the aim is to create “authorities that are locally responsive and financially sound.” Cllr Bethia Thomas (Vale of White Horse) called it “a chance to ensure changes work for our communities.” Cllr Jeff Brooks (West Berkshire) emphasised that the plan is “big enough to cope but small enough to care.”
Now is your chance to influence how your future local services are delivered. Have your say at twocouncils.org or attend one of the many in-person engagement events listed here:
🗓️ Friday 13th June – 📍Coffee Aroma. 15 Hight Street, Abingdon, OX14 5BB 🕢1.30pm – 4.30pm
🗓️ Tuesday 17th June – 📍Berro Lounge, Orchard Shopping Centre, 44 Orchard Street, Didcot, OX11 7LG 🕢 10.30am – 1.30pm
🗓️ Wednesday 18th June – 📍Beansheaf Community Centre, Charrington Road, Calcot, RG31 7AW 🕢11.30am – 2.30pm
🗓️ Thursday 19th June – 📍Newbury Library, The Wharf, Newbury, RG14 5AU 🕢11am – 3pm
🗓️ Thursday 19th June – 📍St Mary-le-More Church, Market Place, Wallingford, OX10 0EG 🕢 1.30pm – 4.30pm
🗓️ Monday 23rd June – 📍War Memorial Hall, Market Street, Charlbury, OX7 3QW 🕢 3pm – 7pm
🗓️ Monday 23rd June – 📍Exeter Hall, Oxford Road, Kidlington, OX5 1AB -🕢 3pm – 7pm
🗓️ Tuesday 24th June – 📍Bicester Methodist Church (main hall), Bell Lane, Bicester, OX26 6JQ – 🕢 3pm – 7pm
🗓️ Wednesday 25th June – 📍 Hungerford Library, 2 Church Street, Hungerford, RG17 0JG -🕢 11am – 2pm
🗓️ Wednesday 25th June – 📍The Beacon, Portway, Wantage, OX12 9BX -🕢 1pm – 4pm
🗓️ Friday 27th June – 📍Old Crown Coach Inn, 25 Market Place, Faringdon, SN7 7HU🕢 10.30am – 1.30pm
🗓️ Friday 27th June – 📍Old Headington Village Hall, Dunstand Road, Oxford, OX3 9BY🕢 3pm – 7pm
🗓️ Saturday 28th June – 📍Northbrook Street, Newbury 🕢11.30am – 2.30pm
🗓️ Monday 30th June – 📍Jericho Community Centre, 33A Canal Street, Oxford, OX2 6BQ 🕢3pm – 7pm
🗓️ Tuesday 1st July – 📍Henley-on-Thames Town Hall, Market Place, Henley, RG9 2AQ 🕢2.30pm – 5.30pm
🗓️ Wednesday 2nd July – 📍Florence Park Community Centre, Cornwallis Road, Oxford, OX4 3NH🕢 3pm – 7pm
🗓️ Friday 4th July – 📍Thame Town Hall, Hight Street, Thame, OX9 3DP 🕢10.30am – 1.30pm
🗓️ Monday 7th July – 📍Banbury Town Hall, Bridge Street, Banbury OX16 5QB🕢 3pm – 7pm
🗓️ Tuesday 8th July – 📍Bampton Village Hall, Market Square, OX18 2JH 🕢3pm – 7pm
🗓️ Thursday 10th July – 📍Unit 14a, Marriotts Walk, Witney, OX28 6GW🕢 3pm – 7pm
Public consultation runs from Wednesday 4 June to Wednesday 16 July 2025 (until 11:59pm)
🔗 For full details and to take part in the consultation, visit twocouncils.org