Local government reorganisation: the two-council option
24/03/2026
Cherwell is proposing we are part of a two-council model
We’re into the final few days of a government consultation into changes to local government in Oxfordshire, which will see both Oxfordshire County and Cherwell District Councils disappear and be replaced by a single unitary authority.
There are three different suggestions as to what area the new authority should cover. This week we’re looking at the three ideas put forward and today focus on the two-council model which is being promoted by Cherwell District Council.
They, along with four other district councils, propose the creation of an Oxford & Shires council for our area – merging together the existing Cherwell, Oxford City and West Oxfordshire districts. Another council would cover the southern half of the county and West Berkshire.
Those behind the two-councils model believe it meets the government’s requirements to have a large enough population to make the authority financially secure, whilst protecting and improving local services.
Savings to the taxpayer of just under £60million annually are anticipated.
Whilst the council will be new, its suggested that using existing adult social care, children’s and highways services will “avoid the costly disaggregation of services”.
They say building on the international brand of Oxford will help drive economic growth whilst protecting, supporting and growing rural communities in the area, with growth, affordable housing and infrastructure proactively planned and delivered.
New Local Neighbourhood Areas are proposed for Oxford and key towns to focus on the individual needs of those urban areas.
David Hingley is the Liberal Democrat Leader of Cherwell District Council. He said: “We want to make sure this change truly benefits our communities, delivering benefits for both urban and rural areas.
“The councils we’re proposing will be large enough to cope, but small enough to care. They will make sure you have the right representation and truly listen to the needs of the people that they serve.”
If you have a view on local government reorganisation you can submit your thoughts by following this link.
Tomorrow we’ll look at the third alternative idea, which proposes three councils across Oxfordshire – one for the greater Oxford area, with Banbury being part of a north Oxfordshire council.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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