Devolution and local government reorganisation: What you need to know
On 16 December 2024, the government published a white paper on a national programme of devolution and reform to local government. This would be the biggest change to local government since the creation of district and county councils in 1974.
It involves two key changes to the current system: Devolution (Mayoral Strategic Authorities) and Local Government Reorganisation.
Devolution
Devolution involves the creation of new Mayoral Strategic Authorities. The new authorities would cover regional areas and give those areas new powers, devolved from government. In many cases, an elected mayor would run them. Some places, such as London, Manchester and the West Midlands, already have strategic authorities and an elected mayor. The government’s ambition is for the whole country to be covered by strategic authorities.
Leaders from across the Thames Valley are in ongoing discussions about plans to pursue a mayoral strategic authority (MSA) for the region, a new combined authority comprising several council areas, led by a directly elected mayor. This would enable local councils to plan and deliver more integrated and effective transport and infrastructure, and the right type of housing – with an emphasis on social housing – creating the conditions for faster, more inclusive growth across the region.
For further information about plans in our area visit reading.gov.uk/devolution
Local Government Reorganisation
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) involves replacing the current two-tier arrangements where they still exist, such as in Oxfordshire. This would mean all council services are provided by a unitary council rather than being split across county and district councils. Unitary councils already serve many areas of the country.
The government's LGR decision
On 16 July 2026, government confirmed that three new unitary councils will be created for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire from 1 April 2028.
The new councils will replace the existing county, district and city councils, bringing local services together under three new organisations. This change is designed to simplify how services are delivered and make it easier for residents to access support.
We are disappointed that the government did not take forward the two-unitary proposal. However, we respect their decision, and ultimately what matters is a smooth transition, protecting local services, and exploring options to improve services that don’t currently deliver as they could.
For now, nothing changes in the way you, as residents, receive services. All councils, including Cherwell, will deliver your services as usual.
If you're a council supplier or contractor, nothing changes in the short term, and current contracts continue.
The new councils will be:
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North Oxfordshire Council – covering West Oxfordshire and most of the existing Cherwell districts.
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Ridgeway Council – covering the existing South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse districts together with West Berkshire.
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Greater Oxford Council – covering the existing Oxford City area.
Find out which new council will serve your community and what this means for your area by visiting the website below:
Note that the government has notified us that the title is now North Oxfordshire Council, not 'Northern' as previously mentioned.