The government has asked councils across England for proposals on simplifying the structure of local government in their regions- in March, Oxford City Council put forward outline proposals that would see Oxfordshire’s six councils abolished and replaced with three new councils.
The new proposed councils are:
- Greater Oxford Council – covering Oxford and its Green Belt
- Northern Oxfordshire Council – covering most of the existing Cherwell and West Oxfordshire districts
- Ridgeway Council – covering most of the existing South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse districts combined with existing West Berkshire unitary (based on the proposals being developed by those councils, but with those villages within the Green Belt closest to the city becoming part of Greater Oxford)
All three councils would have natural geographic and demographic connections, local accountability to residents, and would be viable under the government’s plans.
Last week, Oxford City Council announced new details of its proposals, including a new boundary map for Oxfordshire, ahead of public engagement on the plans in June and July.
A Greater Oxford Council would cover Oxford and the communities within its Green Belt that are naturally linked to the city by work, transport and leisure.
View an interactive map showing the proposed Greater Oxford Council and the Green Belt.
Oxford City Council will carry out public engagement on its Greater Oxford proposals in June-July, including public events in Berinsfield, Botley, Kennington, Kidlington and Wheatley.
The last time local government was reorganised in Oxfordshire was in 1974.
For more information about the Greater Oxford proposals, click here.
