New Ridgeway Council Sparks Mixed Reactions

A new unitary authority called Ridgeway is set to be created in 2028 as part of the shake-up of Oxfordshire's councils. It's named after The Ridgeway National Trail and will cover West Berkshire plus most of South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse.

The change comes as Oxfordshire County Council and lower-tier authorities are abolished and replaced by three unitary councils with the same powers. A bid by Reading Borough Council to move Tilehurst, Calcot and Purley into a Greater Reading authority was rejected.

Reaction has been mixed. Some welcome Ridgeway, but local leaders said they are deeply disappointed.

She said: "I am aware that this change will impact many of my constituents in Reading West and Mid Berkshire, and my priority continues to be to stand up for residents through this process and making sure they get the best possible services from their council.

"Whatever the future shape of the council, it's important that all residents are well represented and get the attention and services they deserve."

Jeff Brooks, the leader of West Berkshire Council, accused Reading council of a land grab. A commenter called 'Al Thing' said: "Excellent. Keep Reading Borough Council's hands off Tilehurst and Calcot." Charles Croal wrote: "The Great Ridgeway Land Grab seems to have been a great success. We have no idea what services or council tax will be like in this new Frankenstein Council."

Council leaders are unhappy Ridgeway will be smaller than they hoped. South Oxfordshire and the Vale originally favoured a two-council model covering the whole area, with an 'Oxford & Shires' council for the city and surrounding districts.

Instead, Steve Reed chose a three-council model: North Oxfordshire (uniting West Oxfordshire and Cherwell), a Greater Oxford council for the city and surrounds, and a reduced Ridgeway.

The split will see South Oxfordshire and the Vale lose parishes to Greater Oxford: 25 and nine respectively. Cllr Maggie Filipova-Rivers said: "While we acknowledge the Government has made its decision, we remain concerned that the chosen model will not achieve the aims that local government reorganisation was intended to deliver.

"At a time when councils face significant financial pressures, creating three new authorities risks additional complexity, duplicated costs and reduced economies of scale, resources that should instead be directed towards protecting frontline services."

Cllr Bethia Thomas said: "Many residents raised concerns during the consultation process about retaining the unique character of the Vale's villages, protecting our countryside, and ensuring rural voices are not overshadowed by the priorities of a larger urban area. Those concerns remain valid and should continue to be heard and respected.

"Many of our rural communities will now be brought into a unitary authority focused on Oxford City. This will impact over 23,000 residents, and I will be seeking utmost reassurance that any changes are carried out sensitively and with local voices in mind."

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter