Ridgeway Council Proposal: Three Councils Combined

Three councils - West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse - have come together with a proposal to create a single unitary authority: Ridgeway Council.

Wild Flowers by The Ridgeway (Source: Des Blenkinsopp)

An initial proposal, now officially submitted, follows a December 2024 government invitation encouraging local authorities to reorganise and move away from the traditional two-tier system, with an emphasis on creating larger, more unified councils serving around 500,000 residents or more. Each new authority is also expected to eventually operate under a regional mayor.

The proposed name, Ridgeway Council, pays homage to the ancient Ridgeway Trail - a historic 5,000-year-old path that weaves through all three council areas, symbolising their shared geography and cultural ties.

This merger is not just about geography, though. Leaders from each council say the plan is rooted in shared values and aligned economic goals. Together, they aim to build a more efficient, financially sustainable local authority that can better serve its residents.

Jeff Brooks, Leader of West Berkshire Council, expressed optimism about the move: "It’s an exciting proposal…” that “is the result of some very positive and productive discussions”. 

David Rouane, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, echoed that sentiment, stating that authorities had been “working hard” to develop the proposal. 

Mr Rouane also expressed the goal of the proposal is to “provide a financially sustainable future for local government” in a way that “reflects the shared needs and ambitions of all three existing councils”.

Bethia Thomas, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, added: "It will be financially robust and able to ensure that the needs of all residents are met, including those with complex needs”.

What’s Next?

If approved by the government, Ridgeway Council could be formally established by 2028. The submission of this initial proposal kicks off a more detailed review and consultation process -but leaders across the three councils are hopeful that the future of local government in the area is headed down a more united path.

Stay tuned for updates as this proposal progresses and the vision for Ridgeway Council begins to take shape.

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