The government has announced that, from 1 April 2028, the existing seven councils that serve Oxfordshire and West Berkshire will be replaced by three unitary councils. One of those new authorities, named Ridgeway Council, will combine most of the former South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse districts with parts of West Berkshire.
What changes for West Berkshire
The reorganisation follows three proposals submitted to government in November 2025 — a single county unitary, two unitaries and three unitaries — with ministers opting for the latter. Councils across the area had been preparing collaboratively for all outcomes since the start of the year to try to ensure continuity of services.
| New council | Area covered |
|---|---|
| Greater Oxford Council | Oxford and its immediate surroundings |
| Northern Oxfordshire Council | Most of Cherwell and West Oxfordshire districts |
| Ridgeway Council | Most of South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse districts, combined with West Berkshire |
Local concerns and priorities
Leaders in the Vale of White Horse have already signalled disappointment that their preferred option was not selected but stressed a commitment to their communities. There are specific worries among residents about protecting the character of villages and ensuring rural priorities are not eclipsed by the needs of larger urban areas.
“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,”
The announcement notes that the change will affect over 23,000 residents across nine parishes named in the Vale’s response, including Appleton-with-Eaton, Cumnor, Kennington, North Hinksey and Wootton. Local councillors have indicated they will seek reassurances that transitions are handled sensitively and that local voices continue to influence decision-making.
Transition and next steps
Councils across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire say they have been planning for service continuity regardless of which model government chose. That preparatory work will now be channelled into implementing the three-unitary structure, with detailed arrangements, governance and service maps to be developed in the coming months ahead of the 2028 vesting date.
For residents of West Berkshire, the reorganisation raises immediate questions about how local representation, planning decisions and rural services will be managed within a larger authority that also covers parts more closely aligned with Oxford. Councillors and officials have said they will press for clear commitments as the implementation timetable is confirmed.
