The Government's decision to reorganise local government in Oxfordshire into three new unitary councils marks one of the most significant changes to local government in a generation.
While opinions will differ on the model that has been chosen, our priority is now to ensure this transition is delivered successfully and that residents remain at the heart of every decision.
The current County and District Councils will continue to serve residents until April 2028, with elections for the new shadow unitary authorities due to take place in May 2027. Throughout this period, our focus must remain firmly on delivering high-quality public services and ensuring residents do not suffer because of the reorganisation process.
We will work constructively with colleagues across Oxfordshire to help deliver a smooth transition, but we will also hold those leading the process to account. Local government reform must not become a distraction from fixing potholes, supporting vulnerable residents, collecting waste, determining planning applications, and delivering the many other services that people rely on every day.
This reorganisation presents an opportunity to simplify local government, reduce unnecessary duplication and improve value for taxpayers. However, these benefits will only be realised if the new councils are financially sustainable, locally accountable and focused on delivering better outcomes for residents rather than simply changing organisational structures.
For West Oxfordshire, it is essential that our towns and villages continue to have a strong voice within the new arrangements. Decisions should be made as close to local communities as possible, and we welcome the commitment to strengthening the role of town and parish councils as part of the new system.
The elections in May 2027 will be among the most important local elections Oxfordshire has ever seen. Those elected will shape the new councils, establish their priorities and make decisions that will affect residents for many years to come.
Over the coming months, we will be setting out why we believe a Conservative-led unitary council is the best option for residents. Time and again, Conservatives have stood up to the failing Liberal Democrat administrations at both West Oxfordshire District Council and Oxfordshire County Council by challenging wasteful spending, opposing anti-motorist policies, demanding better value for taxpayers and standing up for the interests of our towns and villages.
This reorganisation is more than just a change to council boundaries. It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to hit the reset button on local government in our area. It is a chance to build a council that works for residents, delivers high-quality frontline services, manages taxpayers' money responsibly and puts common sense ahead of political ideology.
As Conservative Group Leaders at West Oxfordshire District Council and Oxfordshire County Council, we are committed to working together throughout this transition. We will continue to make the case for strong financial management, better local services, and practical leadership that delivers results. We believe residents deserve a fresh start, and we will be asking residents to back a new Conservative administration to bring back common sense and ensure their new council truly works for them.
Cllr Michele Mead, Leader of the Conservative Group at West Oxfordshire District Council, and Cllr Liam Walker, Leader of the Conservative Group at Oxfordshire County Council
