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The Government has launched its Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) formal public consultation on options for the shape of councils across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire.
The consultation will be open for responses until Thursday 26 March.
The last time a change of this scale happened was over 50 years ago, meaning this decision will have a significant impact on everyone in the district for many years to come.
What is changing?
The Government is scrapping the current district and county councils and replacing them with new ‘unitary’ councils. Unitary councils deliver all council services under one roof.
What are the proposals?
The Government asked the existing councils to develop proposals for them to consider. There were three proposals submitted to government:
Two unitary councils that cover Oxfordshire and West Berkshire. One covering the existing council areas of Cherwell, Oxford City and West Oxfordshire. One covering the existing council areas of South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse and West Berkshire.
Three unitary councils that cover Oxfordshire and West Berkshire. One covering the existing Oxford City council area but with expanded boundaries. One covering the remaining existing council areas of Cherwell and West Oxfordshire. One covering the remaining existing council areas of South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse and West Berkshire.
You told us...
During our public engagement last year, businesses told us you would value better collaboration and partnership programmes with the public sector. You also said you would value local government providing a doorway to networking opportunities and idea creation.
The most important economic priorities were improving transport links, providing affordable housing, revitalising high streets and supporting local business.
The Two-Councils proposal won’t just be more of the same - it will be a chance for something new and better. The councils will be forward-looking, innovative and modern, providing better services at a lower cost. You can read more about our plans to deliver growth and prosperity on the TwoCouncils website.
