About local government reorganisation and devolution
On 16 December 2024, the government published a white paper on a national programme of devolution and reform to local government.
The government's vision
The government’s long-term vision is for simpler structures, which make it much clearer for residents who they should look to on local issues.
The government aims to:
- reorganise and simplify the structures of councils in England by replacing county and district councils with unitary authorities – this is known as local government reorganisation (LGR)
- devolve more powers and funding from national to local government – this is known as devolution.
The government believes that devolution over a large strategic geography, alongside local government reorganisation, can drive economic growth for that area while delivering better public services for communities.
What LGR would mean for Oxfordshire
In Oxfordshire, all of the same services would still be provided, but by a newly formed unitary authority, or authorities, rather than the six councils that have operated in the county since 1974.
Currently, six councils provide services in Oxfordshire:
- Oxfordshire County Council
- Cherwell District Council
- Oxford City Council
- South Oxfordshire District Council
- Vale of White Horse District Council
- West Oxfordshire District Council
What devolution would mean for Oxfordshire
Devolution in Oxfordshire would see the creation of a new combined authority made up of Oxfordshire and other neighbouring areas. The government would transfer more powers and funding to this new authority.
The combined authority would then:
- make decisions locally and closer to the communities and businesses affected
- be led by a directly elected mayor
Councils across a wider region, such as the Thames Valley, could work together around key issues such as transport and economic development.
Our response
In February 2025, the government invited councils in Oxfordshire to submit an interim proposal(s) for local government reorganisation. The county council's cabinet requested that the county be fast-tracked for local government reorganisation.
A proposed response was considered and agreed by cabinets and executives at all Oxfordshire councils on 19 and 20 March.
Three options were discussed, one of which was a single county unitary council providing all services to the residents of Oxfordshire. This is the county council’s preferred option.
A full proposal is due by 28 November 2025.
Meanwhile, we continue to work with partners on a future mayoral strategic authority.
The government has yet to determine the shape of local government, but the decision will lie with it.