Advanced Oxford position paper on Local Government Reorganisation – November, 2025
Proposals for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) have been taking shape, and promoters of different options for new unitary authorities in Oxfordshire have been finalising their submissions to Government. The date for submission of these proposal is 28th November, 2025.
Three options for LGR are under consideration, each being proposed and promoted by different Oxfordshire authorities. Each of these proposal would replace the six existing authorities operating across the county at present (Oxfordshire County Council; Cherwell District Council; Oxford City Council; South Oxfordshire District Council; Vale of the White Horse District Council and West Oxfordshire District Council).
Working with our members, Advanced Oxford has produced a position paper which calls for (i) the economy – growth and economic development, and (ii) effective and meaningful relationships with business, to be fundamental to the work of new unitary council(s) that are to be created as a result of the process.
As a membership-based organisation, Advanced Oxford members have a range of views on Local Government Reorganisation. As a consequence, Advanced Oxford has not identified a preferred configuration for local government within Oxfordshire and the region.
Nevertheless, there are clear principles and approaches that we have identified that we consider to be important and fundamental in driving better outcomes and we are asking that these be applied, whatever the configuration of local government, following the reorganisation.
The paper sets out our asks, through a set of issues that emphasise the importance of business relationships and supporting economic growth as part of the design of the new Unitary Council(s) in Oxfordshire. These issues are also a key feature for the forthcoming Mayoral Strategic Authority which should be incorporated into its design from day one.
This paper has been shared with the proposers and promoters of each option for Oxfordshire. Our intention is that this be a valuable input to local government as each authority finalises their proposal relating to Local Government Reorganisation.
You can read the paper here: Advanced Oxford LGR Devo position paper website version
