New unitary council proposed for West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse
Proposal for new 'Ridgeway Council' to serve all three areas
Next week, councillors from three councils will be discussing an initial proposal to form a new unitary authority covering West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse.
The initial proposal is a response to an announcement by the Government in December 2024 which will see two-tier authorities, as seen in Oxfordshire, end and new unitary councils created. To progress this programme of local government reorganisation, the Government in February invited Oxfordshire councils to put forward their initial proposals by Friday 21 March.
As part of the shake up of local councils, the government has indicated all unitary authorities will need to serve around 500,000 residents or more, which will require West Berkshire Council - which covers around 170,000 people - to merge with neighbouring councils.
With strong demographic and economic similarities and significant historic ties between West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse the three councils began discussions to explore the possibility of coming together as one single council. Good progress has been made, and all three councils believe that the proposal would be a once-in-a-generation opportunity to design a new model of local government for the area that delivers high-quality services, improves financial resilience and value-for-money, and ensures it's able to maintain truly local representation.
Approval for the submission of an initial proposal to the Government are set to be considered at meetings of West Berkshire Council's Executive, and the Cabinets at South Oxfordshire District Council and Vale of White Horse District Council next week (w/c 17 March). The meeting agendas and reports have been published today and are available to read on the council's websites.
The initial proposal is being progressed under the title 'Ridgeway Council' - named after the famous 5,000-year-old footpath that travels through the heart of the three council areas.
If approved an initial proposal will be submitted later this month and a final submission due no later than 28 November 2025. If approved by the respective committees next week, further development work would take place on the proposals along with a programme of communication and engagement to ensure local voices and community needs are reflected in the proposal.
If the final proposal is accepted the government's indicative timeline sets out that the new council could go live in 2028.
Speaking about the proposals Councillor Jeff Brooks, Leader of West Berkshire Council, said:
"West Berkshire Council has a strong history of collaboration with our neighbouring councils. This has made our initial discussions productive and gives us confidence as we look to move forward together for the benefit of all our residents. This is an exciting opportunity to establish a council that is ready for the future - one that works smarter, delivers better outcomes, and strengthens local democracy. By working together, we can build a council that not only meets the challenges ahead but ensures lasting benefits for all those who call our area home."
Councillor David Rouane, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, said:
"'A new "Ridgeway Council' would provide a strong and effective foundation for the future. Bringing our areas together into a single council offers an opportunity to enhance financial sustainability, bring sustainable economic growth, and support future housing and infrastructure needs. The new council would be well-placed to do all of this while maintaining and enhancing the unique character of our market towns and rural areas - a key driver for our local economy."
Councillor Bethia Thomas, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said:
"Our combined strengths would create a modern and effective local authority that puts people and communities at the heart of strong, healthy and robust local government, all while providing a firm base for wider regional growth. We recognise the importance of local identity and strong engagement with our communities, businesses and local public service providers. We will work closely with those most affected by these changes to hear their thoughts, ideas, and aspirations to shape a future that reflects what's important to them priorities."
After the initial submission in March, following the guidance from government, there will be a period of public engagement prior to the councils submitting final proposals, where people will have the opportunity to have a say.
All three council Leaders have indicated that the Ridgeway Council proposal is their preferred option, and the final decision rests with the Government. In the meantime, all councils remain in constructive discussion with other neighbouring authorities on other options.
You can read the reports which have been published on the respective Council's website. Meetings are taking place on the following dates and times:
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