Heard of local government reorganisation? How does it work?

Local government reorganisation (LGR) might sound complicated, but at its heart, it’s simply about redesigning how councils work so services are easier to access, more efficient and more financially sustainable.

In Oxfordshire, the process of creating a proposal for reorganisation follows a clear set of steps shaped by government rules, evidence and community involvement – and it’s more open and collaborative than many people realise. 

1.    The government published a white paper

The process began back in December 2024 when the government published a white paper on a national programme of devolution and reform to local government. 

The government outlined plans to reorganise and simplify the structures of councils in England by replacing county and district councils with unitary authorities – local government reorganisation (LGR).

The vision is these simpler structures will make it much clearer for residents who they should look to on local issues. The paper also outlined plans for devolving more powers and funding from national to local government – devolution. 

2.    The government invited councils to explore new options

In February 2025, the government issued a formal invitation to councils in Oxfordshire – because we have a two‑tier system of county and district/city councils – to develop a proposal for change.

In England, this process is set out in the white paper on a national programme of devolution and reform to local government, which outlines how councils should produce and submit their ideas for reorganisation.

For Oxfordshire, this means that all existing councils – the county council and the district/city councils – were invited to take part, individually or jointly, in designing proposals for how local government could be structured in the future. 

3.    Councils gather evidence and develop options

Once invited, councils must prepare a proposal based on strong evidence. This includes looking at the local population, geography, finances, service delivery arrangements and future needs.

In Oxfordshire’s case, councils reviewed existing arrangements and considered different models – including creating a single unitary council for the whole county and alternative structures. They assessed the impact on key services such as social care, transport, planning and waste management. 

4.    Public and stakeholder engagement

Developing a proposal isn’t done behind closed doors. Councils must listen to the people who live and work in Oxfordshire. This includes residents, businesses, parish and town councils, voluntary groups and key public services. Listening to community views helps shape the final proposals. This has been an important part of developing our proposal, One Oxfordshire, ensuring that the proposal responds directly to residents’ priorities and concerns.

5.    Formal submission to government

When the proposals were complete, Oxfordshire councils submitted three different proposals to the secretary of state.

Every proposal must cover the whole county and provide detailed evidence – governance arrangements, financial modelling, transition planning and service impacts. The government can accept, reject or modify what is submitted.

A single unitary council for Oxfordshire – Oxfordshire Council. This is our preferred option.

Two unitary councils

• Oxford and Shires Council created from the existing district councils of Cherwell, Oxford City and West Oxfordshire.
• Ridgeway Council created from the existing district councils of South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse and the unitary council of West Berkshire.

Three unitary councils

• Greater Oxford Council – covering Oxford and its green belt
• Northern Oxfordshire Council – covering most of the existing Cherwell and West Oxfordshire districts.
• Ridgeway Council. 

6.    Government consultation and decision‑making

Before any proposal can be implemented, the government runs a statutory consultation. This is now what is happening in Oxfordshire and includes getting the views from councils affected, partner organisations and anyone else with an interest. The secretary of state then decides whether to move forward.

7.    Why this matters for Oxfordshire

Reorganisation offers opportunities for simpler services, clearer accountability and long‑term financial resilience – goals highlighted in national guidance and local discussions. But it also requires careful planning to avoid disruption, particularly in essential services such as adult and children’s social care.