Agenda and decisions

To receive communications from the Chair and/or the Leader of the Council.

The Chair to report on any requests to address the meeting.

Addresses may be presented by:

·       A Local Government elector for the area,

·       A person who is wholly or mainly resident in the area,

·       A Council Taxpayer or National Non-Domestic Ratepayer for the area

Addresses must be on an item on the agenda before the meeting and not exceed 5 minutes. No person may address more than one meeting on any particular issue.

Requests to address the meeting (including the agenda item and reason for the address) should be submitted to democracy@cherwell-dc.gov.uk  The deadline for requests to address this meeting is noon on Friday 7 November 2025.  

Full details of public participation at meetings are available in the Constitution.

Report of Executive Director of Resources

Purpose of report

This report summarises the council’s Full Proposal for LGR in Oxfordshire which is due to be submitted to the Government on 28 November 2025 subject to Executive approval (Special Executive, 13 November 2025). The Full Proposal makes the case for two unitary councils underpinned by a robust options appraisal and thorough financial analysis. Two unitary councils will help ensure the future of local government in Oxfordshire is cost effective, simplified and strengthened whilst unlocking further devolution for the county. Council is invited to debate the matters within the report and provide comments to Executive for their consideration.

Recommendations

Full Council is asked to:

1.1           Consider the Executive report of 13 November 2025 (attached including the full proposal) and provide any comments for the Executive to consider.

1.2           Note that the Executive is asked to approve the Full Proposal for Local Government Reorganisation across Oxfordshire at its meeting on 13 November, and in doing so, endorse Option 2:

·        A two-unitary model comprising:

o   One unitary authority covering the boundaries of Cherwell District Council, West Oxfordshire District Council, and Oxford City Council, with the working title ‘Oxford & Shires’.

o   A second unitary authority covering South Oxfordshire District Council, Vale of White Horse District Council, and West Berkshire Council, with the working title ‘Ridgeway’.

Resolved

(1)            That the Executive report of 13 November 2025 be noted and the comments be provided for Executive to consider (a separate supplement to be publish containing comments from Council to Executive).

(2)            That it be noted that Executive is asked to approve the Full Proposal for Local Government Reorganisation across Oxfordshire at its meeting on 13 November, and in doing so, endorse Option 2: A two-unitary model comprising: One unitary authority covering the boundaries of Cherwell District Council, West Oxfordshire District Council, and Oxford City Council, with the working title ‘Oxford & Shires’; and a second unitary authority covering South Oxfordshire District Council, Vale of White Horse District Council, and West Berkshire Council, with the working title ‘Ridgeway’.