Government to abolish Oxfordshire councils, replace with three unitaries

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 06:15 · Archive

The government will replace Oxfordshire's county, district and city councils with three new unitary authorities by 2029.

The government confirmed on 29 October that it will replace Oxfordshire's county, district and city councils with three new unitary authorities by 2029. The three new councils will be Greater Oxford, North Oxfordshire and Ridgeway, which includes West Berkshire. Unitary authorities hold powers and run services including transport, education, waste collection, social care and planning, which are currently split between two levels of local government.

Oxford's Labour leader Susan Brown backed the proposal, describing it as 'the right proposal for Oxford, Oxfordshire and West Berkshire'. She said it would 'simplify local government for residents, keep decision-making local, and give Oxford the space to build new homes and create well-paid, secure jobs, while protecting important habitats across our Green Belt'.

Oxfordshire County Council's Liberal Democrat leader Tim Bearder opposed the plan, having previously argued for a single council to govern the entire county. He said he was considering 'legal options' and expressed disappointment that the government was proceeding despite concerns about the impact on public services, costs and accountability. The county council had previously sent a legal letter to the government and issued a protective claim in court relating to a potential judicial review.

Government to abolish Oxfordshire councils, replace with three unitaries — Image: Oxford Mail

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How it is being reported

Let down or hope - Oxfordshire's leaders react to council abolition planDisappointment and delight have been shared as the government presses ahead with the abolition of Oxfordshire's councils in a "transformation".Oxford Mail · 30 Oct, 05:00
Let down or hope - Oxfordshire's leaders react to council abolition planDisappointment and delight have been shared as the government presses ahead with the abolition of Oxfordshire's councils in a "transformation".Oxfordshire Guardian · 30 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Oxfordshire · Jim McMahon · Susan Brown · Tim Bearder · Greater Oxford · North Oxfordshire · West Berkshire

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