Agenda

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 Wednesday 12 November 2025.  

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To receive communications from the Chair.

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. 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.

Recommendations

The Executive resolves to:

1.1           To consider the views of Council of 10 November 2025 on the final proposal.

1.2     Approve the Council’s final proposal for Local Government Reorganisation in Oxfordshire of 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’.

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

1.3     Agree that the Leader submits the final proposal to government by the 28 November 2025 deadline.

1.4     Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Resources, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to make any final amendments to the full proposal and associated documentation prior to submission.