Local Government Reorganisation (LGR): 3 Council including Ridgeway

You will have heard from the Council over the last few months regarding the future of local government in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire and the proposals  for reorganisation we have been supporting.    

Today, the government announced that,  from  1  April 2028,  the seven existing councils will be replaced by three new unitary councils that cover the whole of Oxfordshire and West Berkshire.   

For us, a new Ridgeway Council, will bring together West Berkshire and most of South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse districts together under a new unitary authority. 

The government has carefully considered all three options on the table alongside the consultation feedback to reach its conclusion. In making its decision to take forward the three-council proposal, the government said this proposal will enable a better outcome overall for the areas. Ridgeway Council will create a viable southern authority with shared strategic interests and stronger capacity to plan and deliver services.  

Across the seven councils we have been working together for some time to ensure we are ready to move forward together, regardless of the decision. We are positive about what change local government reorganisation (LGR) can now bring under three unitary councils and wish to work with real drive to deliver the best services we can for residents.   

Now is the time to embrace the opportunities LGR offers for us all, for our residents, our places, and our county. We hope to have your support in delivering this shared ambition.  

The full details of the three-council proposal can be found on  https://3councils.org/  

 Kind regards,  

Joseph Holmes, CEO, West Berkshire Council