Consultation on Proposals for Local Government Reorganisation in Oxfordshire

Closes 26 Mar 2026

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Consultation on the Proposal from Cherwell District Council, South Oxfordshire District Council, Vale of White Horse District Council, and West Oxfordshire District Council

This is a proposal that is accompanied by a request that the Secretary of State considers boundary change or that affects wider public services. Please answer the questions on the proposal including the modifications. We will also ask you an additional question on whether you think there is a strong justification for these changes.

Consultation for 2 unitary councils:

  • Oxford and Shires Council: Cherwell, Oxford City and West Oxfordshire. 

  • Ridgeway Council: South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse, plus West Berkshire (outside of invitation area). 

1. To what extent do you agree or disagree that the proposal suggests councils that are based on sensible geographies and economic areas?
2. To what extent do you agree or disagree that the proposed councils will be able to deliver the outcomes they describe in the proposal?
3. To what extent do you agree or disagree that the proposed councils are the right size to be efficient, improve capacity and withstand financial shocks?
4. To what extent do you agree or disagree that this proposal will put local government in the area as a whole on a firmer footing, particularly given that some councils in the area in receipt of exceptional financial support?

More information

This proposal includes West Berkshire. As of 5 February 2026, West Berkshire Council had received in-principle Exceptional Financial Support to support their 2025/26 budget. This council will not necessarily be in receipt of Exceptional Financial Support in future financial years. Updates on Exceptional Financial Support can be found on the Exceptional Financial Support - GOV.UK page.

5. To what extent do you agree or disagree that the proposed councils will deliver high quality, sustainable public services?
6. To what extent do you agree or disagree that the proposal has been informed by local views and will meet local needs?
7. To what extent do you agree or disagree that establishing the councils in this proposal will support devolution arrangements?
8. To what extent do you agree or disagree that the proposal enables stronger community engagement and gives the opportunity for neighbourhood empowerment?
9. If you would like to, please use the free text box to explain the answers you have provided to questions 1-8 referring to the question numbers as part of your answer. You may also use the box to provide any other comments you have on the proposal.
10. This is a proposal that affects wider public services. To what extent do you agree or disagree that the proposal sets out a strong public services and financial sustainability justification for these changes?
11. If you would like to, please use this free text box to explain your answer to question 10
12. I confirm that I have not provided any information that identifies an individual in the free text box.