New Councils Confirmed for West Berkshire Area

West Berkshire Council has welcomed the Government's decision to press ahead with Local Government Reorganisation across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire. The move had been paused last month but the review published today says the three new unitary councils will go ahead.

The plan will replace seven county, unitary and district councils with three new authorities.

Ridgeway Council covering West Berkshire and most of South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse

Northern Oxfordshire Council covering Cherwell and West Oxfordshire

Greater Oxford Council covering Oxford and its immediate surroundings

West Berkshire Council has consistently backed a Ridgeway Council and has worked closely with South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse councils during the reorganisation.

Elections for the new unitary councils will be held in May 2028. Shadow authorities will be set up to plan the new councils but will not deliver services. On April 1, 2029, the seven existing councils will end and the three new unitary councils will be created. Serving councillors will remain in post until vesting day.

District council elections in South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse, West Oxfordshire and West Berkshire will go ahead in May 2027 on the existing boundaries.

Residents will continue to receive services from their current councils throughout the transition and the councils involved will keep working on detailed plans.

West Berkshire Council leader Jeff Brooks said: "We're very pleased that the Government has reiterated its support for the three-council model and we're keen to get on with delivering it for local residents."

He added: "We look forward to delivering Local Government Reorganisation with our partners across Oxfordshire, and to providing essential services for the communities that we serve."

Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter