Local government reorganisation (LGR) and devolution
The government plans to simplify council structures through LGR and devolve more powers locally.
Latest update - 7 September 2026
On Monday 7 September, Jim McMahon, Minister for Local Government, Devolution and Regional Growth, wrote to council leaders (pdf format, 168 KB) announcing that the government will review its local government reorganisation (LGR) minded to decisions across England to ensure LGR is robust and aligns with its new priorities.
This has implications for the future of councils in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire, following its July decision to create three new unitary authorities for the area.
The scope of the review has not yet been agreed, but the government wants it to be quick, in the next couple of months. As a result, the timeline for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire will likely be moved back a year. This is yet to be confirmed.
The government has restated its commitment to devolution – the transfer of powers and funding from national to local government – and has said LGR is a fundamental part of achieving this. As a result, preparatory work across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire will continue while the review takes place.
Although timelines may change, councils remain focused on partnership work to prepare for all outcomes and delivering the best services for local communities.
Local government reorganisation background
On 16 December 2024, the government published a white paper on a national programme of devolution and reform to local government.
The government believes that giving more powers to local areas, and reorganising councils where needed, can help grow the economy and improve public services. This is known as local government reorganisation and devolution.
On 16 July the government confirmed that three new unitary councils will be created for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire from 1 April 2028.
The new councils will replace the existing county, district and city councils, bringing local services together under three new organisations. This change is designed to simplify service delivery and make it easier for residents to access support.
Find out which new council will serve your community and what this means for your area: 3councils.org
Local government reorganisation news
Latest update on devolution
Following the response from government in June, leaders were unable to reach agreement on what the foundation strategic authority (FSA) should look like. This means it is unlikely that Oxfordshire will be included in the first wave of announcements for new strategic authorities across England, expected soon.
The county council and its partners remain committed to continuing discussions to secure a future devolution deal that will bring real benefits to people and businesses locally and across the region.