The government is expected to consult with residents and stakeholders on all three proposals for local government reorganisation in Oxfordshire in early 2026, before deciding on the model in the summer.
The new councils are expected to be created in 2028.
The last time local government was reorganised in Oxfordshire was in 1974.
Local government reorganisation timeline
December 2024
The government published the English Devolution White Paper, outlining its intention to introduce regional mayors and reorganise local government across England.
March 2025
Oxfordshire’s six councils worked collaboratively to submit interim proposals for local government reorganisation to the government. The joint submission included three proposals – for three, two or one unitary council(s) covering Oxfordshire.
July 2025
Public engagement took place on the three-council proposal, with events across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire.
November 2025
The deadline for councils across England to submit final proposals for local government reorganisation in their areas.
2026
The government is expected to consult with residents and stakeholders on all three proposals for local government reorganisation in Oxfordshire in early 2026, before deciding on the model in the summer.
2027
‘Shadow councils’ will be elected across England, including in Oxford and Oxfordshire, as the first stage to establishing the new unitary councils. The shadow councils will be responsible for establishing the new unitary council, including hiring and transferring staff.
2028
New unitary councils across England, including in Oxford and Oxfordshire, will be established and Oxfordshire’s existing six councils will be abolished.
Devolution timeline
Alongside reorganising local government, the government is looking to create directly elected mayors across all regions of England.
These mayors would receive devolved powers and funding to coordinate strategic issues – such as housing, transport and economic growth – across their regions.
Oxford and Oxfordshire are likely to be within a Mayoral Strategic Authority covering the Thames Valley region.
There are currently no set timescales for the submission of proposals for devolution and the creation of a Mayoral Strategic Authority.
However, councils can submit proposals at any time.
