Ministers set to receive bold ‘One Oxfordshire’ proposal for future local government

Proposals for future local government that would deliver stronger, simpler services that are closer to communities and cost-effective have today been submitted to government by Oxfordshire County Council

The ‘One Oxfordshire’ proposal is built on a robust, evidence-based case for change. It offers the scale, efficiency and financial resilience needed to deliver lasting improvements for the county – without disruption to critical frontline services. 

Alongside the proposal the council is publishing a letter to government that focuses on the importance of whole county planning to achieve sustainable development. It also makes the case as to why West Berkshire should not be included as part of an Oxfordshire unitary authority.

Councillor Liz Leffman, the leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “The One Oxfordshire proposal will bring all council services together, making life simpler for residents and securing a brighter economic future for everyone in our county. Multiple councils would mean more duplication, higher costs and less money for frontline services.”

Independent analysis confirms that a single unitary council for Oxfordshire would save over £63 million annually, with total net savings of £163 million by year five – the highest savings of all three proposals. These will be achieved by bringing services together, removing duplication across six councils and transforming service delivery. This money can be reinvested in the services residents rely on, from roads and schools to social care and community support.

One Oxfordshire will protect critical services such as adult and children’s social care, provision for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and fire and rescue, avoiding the costly and risky process of separating them across several unitary authorities.

Local democracy will be strengthened through robust neighbourhood governance, with local councillors operating at the heart of their communities together with town and parish councils and new area committees, ensuring decisions are made closer to the communities they affect.

One Oxfordshire is directly aligned with government policy on public sector reform, devolution and economic growth, and meets all the criteria set by government when it proposed reorganisation.

The proposal is underpinned by extensive engagement with residents, businesses and public sector providers and responds directly to their priorities and concerns. It preserves Oxfordshire’s established identity and geography, maintaining the county’s strong sense of place while unlocking new opportunities for inclusive growth, and it provides a single front door for residents and businesses to access all services.

The One Oxfordshire proposal ensures the new council will be able to drive sustainable economic growth, make significant investments and take meaningful action to reduce inequality, thanks to the strength and resources of a single, larger authority.

A council for all Oxfordshire can balance the growth of a thriving city with the enhanced economic impact that highly connected market towns and villages can generate in a knowledge economy that is spread right across the county.

Cllr Leffman added: “Our proposal is designed to put communities first – delivering the benefits of scale while ensuring local voices remain central to decision-making. It builds on Oxfordshire’s strength as an economic and innovation powerhouse – the home to world-leading science, technology and business.

“Our county’s economic success is built on the connections between places like Harwell, Milton Park, Culham, Oxford University and Bicester Motion. These assets are spread across Oxfordshire, and our proposal will help us work together as one county so that every community can benefit from new jobs, investment and opportunities.

“A single council will give Oxfordshire a stronger voice when working with government and investors, helping us secure the funding and powers we need to keep our economy growing. By planning for the whole county, we can make sure that new homes and transport links are delivered where they’re needed most and that no community is left behind.

“Recent problems with local plans have made it harder to protect our communities from unwanted development. With One Oxfordshire, we can create a single, strong plan for the whole county, helping us build the right homes in the right places and protect what makes Oxfordshire special. Dividing planning responsibilities would risk repeating past failures and slow down progress.

“By keeping services together, we avoid the disruption and risk of splitting up support for adults, children and families. This means continuity and stability for those who rely on social care, SEND provision and fire and rescue services. We would seek to build on already strong foundations by joining up services like housing, leisure and children’s social care as well as planning, economic and transport. 

“As one council we would be able to ensure consistent service provision across the county. Resource and need are not evenly distributed, and smaller authorities would not be as equipped to deal such issues.

“Our proposal is focused on what’s best for Oxfordshire. We have not included West Berkshire because our priority is to ensure all parts of Oxfordshire remain resilient and successful.

“Only a single, unified council can protect critical services and unlock Oxfordshire’s full economic potential. By working together as one county, we can deliver the services, homes and jobs our residents need, and ensure Oxfordshire remains a national leader in inclusive growth and innovation.”

What options are being proposed?

The proposal to be put forward by Oxfordshire County Council is joined by two other options being developed by other councils in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire. The full list is below.

1. A single unitary council for Oxfordshire – Oxfordshire Council . This is the county council’s preferred option.
2. Two unitary councils:
   1. Oxford and Shires Council created from the existing district councils of Cherwell, Oxford City and West Oxfordshire.
   2. Ridgeway Council created from the existing district councils of South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse and the unitary council of West Berkshire.
3. Three unitary councils:
   1. Greater Oxford Council – covering Oxford and its green belt.
   2. Northern Oxfordshire Council – covering most of the existing Cherwell and West Oxfordshire districts.
   3. Ridgeway Council.

The government is reorganising all two-tier areas in the country and has asked for proposals to be submitted by 28 November 2025. Consultation will take place in the new year, with a government decision expected in summer 2026. New local government structures would come into place in April 2028.

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