Residents urged to respond to government consultation on a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change local councils

Two Councils. One Better Future. Local government in Oxfordshire is changing. Don’t miss your chance to have your say before
Thursday 26 March 2026.
The Government is replacing all current councils with new “unitary” councils, meaning one council delivers all local services (like roads, social care, bin collections and planning).
Three options are on the table:
1️⃣ One unitary council
2️⃣ Two unitaries – Oxford & Shires and Ridgeway
3️⃣ Three unitaries This change is happening.
The question is: what’s the best option for our communities?
We support two councils because it strikes the right balance...
✅ Better services – simpler, joined-up services that focus on the things people care about most, from potholes to social care.
✅ Saves money – up to £59.8 million every year, helping protect frontline services and avoid cuts.
✅ Stronger local voice – big enough to be efficient, but small enough to stay connected to local communities.
✅ Boosts jobs and growth – supporting both rural villages and town centres with better transport and the right homes in the right places.
Two councils means less duplication, clearer accountability, and services that work better for residents and businesses.
Want to discuss this in person? Join us at one of our two engagement events in March to speak directly with our officers:
- Tuesday 3 March, 2pm – 7pm, Glyme Hall, Chipping Norton
- Thursday 5 March, 2pm – 7pm, Unit 10, Marriotts Walk, Witney
Have your say in the Government consultation before 26 March 2026 -
www.twocouncils.org
Find out more and watch our video
here.





