New Ridgeway Council Set to Transform Local Governance

West Berkshire's council leader delivered an impassioned speech after the Government announced the formation of Ridgeway Council, joining West Berkshire with Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire.

The move means the end of West Berkshire Council in 2028. The Liberal Democrat leader, who is hoping for re-election to his Thatcham West ward next year and to put himself forward to lead the new, bigger authority, said the change would create a larger, stronger and more resilient council.

It is not yet clear how many of the existing 43 West Berkshire seats will remain, to form the 76-strong new council.

Separate authorities will also be created for Northern Oxfordshire and Greater Oxford as part of the wider reshuffle.

"While the Government has selected a different overall structure from the one supported by West Berkshire and our partner councils, there is nevertheless much in today's announcement to that we very much welcome," Mr Brooks told the full council meeting in Newbury.

He said placing West Berkshire with South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse made sense because of strong links between communities, shared economic interests and the opportunities a single authority could create.

"As a result, residents can look forward to becoming part of a larger, stronger and more resilient council that is well placed to protect frontline services, respond to future demands and attract investment into the area.

Some wards nearer to Oxford City have been nipped, including the Culham Science Park, but the bid by Reading Borough Council to adopt Tilehurst from West Berkshire was rejected.

"The reality is that local government faces significant challenges," added M Brooks. "Demand for services continues to rise. "Financial pressures remain considerable. "Residents rightly expect modern, responsive and efficient services. "Ridgeway Council will be better placed to meet those challenges and seize future opportunities than any authority acting alone.

"I am also pleased to report that the Government has rejected a request from Reading Borough Council for a modification order to change the boundary between West Berkshire and Reading.

"This is an important decision for residents in Tilehurst and one that reflects the views repeatedly expressed by local people throughout the consultation process.

Mr Brooks thanked officers and councillors for their work on the Ridgeway proposal and stressed the need for a careful transition so services continue without disruption.

"But let me also be clear that this council, West Berkshire Council, which has achieved so much in its 28-year existence, will continue to deliver for our residents and this administration will continue to drive through change - we will not be marking time and West Berkshire Council must end on a high - delivering for all residents right up to May 2028.

"Today represents an important milestone on that journey and I look forward with confidence and optimism to what comes next."

Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter