Government Consultation on Future Council Structures: Information for West Berkshire Residents

The government is currently consulting on proposals to change how local councils are structured across West Berkshire and Oxfordshire. This review looks at whether the existing two‑tier system in Oxfordshire (county and district councils) should be replaced with new unitary authorities responsible for all local services.

Why this consultation includes West Berkshire

Although the government’s invitation to submit proposals was issued to councils in Oxfordshire, two of the proposals submitted include West Berkshire as part of a new unitary authority. The government is therefore seeking views from residents in both Oxfordshire and West Berkshire.

A decision is expected before the parliamentary summer recess in July 2026, with any new arrangements planned to be fully operational in 2028.

The Three Proposals

There are three proposals being consulted on:

1. One unitary council for Oxfordshire

Proposed by: Oxfordshire County Council
Areas included:

• Cherwell
• Oxford City
• Oxfordshire County
• South Oxfordshire
• Vale of White Horse
• West Oxfordshire

West Berkshire is not included in this proposal and would remain a separate unitary authority.

2. Two unitary councils (including a ‘Ridgeway Council’)

Proposed by: Cherwell District Council, South Oxfordshire District Council, Vale of White Horse District Council, West Oxfordshire District Council

Proposed areas:

• Oxford and Shires Council: Cherwell, Oxford City, West Oxfordshire
• Ridgeway Council: South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse, plus West Berkshire

Under this option, West Berkshire would join South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse in forming the new Ridgeway Council.

3. Three unitary councils

Proposed by: Oxford City Council

This proposal includes boundary changes and would divide existing district areas between three new councils:

• Greater Oxford Council: Oxford City (with boundary change)
• Northern Oxfordshire Council: Most of Cherwell and West Oxfordshire
• Ridgeway Council: South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse, plus West Berkshire

Under this option, West Berkshire would again form part of Ridgeway Council.

What the consultation is asking

The government is asking residents to comment on each of the three proposals. Feedback will help inform the government’s assessment and final decision.

How to take part

The consultation is open from 5th February to 26th March 2026.

Residents can respond by visiting the official government consultation webpage, where you can:

• Read the full statutory consultation information
• Access all three proposals in detail
• Complete the online survey
• Find instructions for writing directly to the government with your views

Please use the GOV.UK consultation page as the authoritative source of information and the place to submit your response.