The government has moved forward with a major reorganisation of local government across Oxfordshire, despite concern among council leaders over the effect on services, costs and accountability.
County, district and city councils are expected to be replaced by three unitary authorities by 2029.
Responsibilities currently divided between county and district councils would pass to the new authorities.
Their responsibilities include transport, education, refuse collection, social care and planning.
Local government minister Jim McMahon confirmed in the House of Commons on Thursday, October 29, that ministers intended to continue developing a proposal for Greater Oxford, North Oxfordshire and Ridgeway, with the latter area including West Berkshire.
Oxford City Council proposed the arrangement, which was approved in July before the process was paused in September for review.
The pause followed a change of prime minister from Keir Starmer to Andy Burnham and the emergence of legal challenges.
Oxford City Council leader Susan Brown, a Labour member, said the proposal offered the correct approach for Oxford, Oxfordshire and West Berkshire.
She maintained that the changes would streamline local government, retain local decision-making and support the construction of new homes and the creation of secure, well-paid employment while safeguarding significant habitats in the Green Belt.
Oxfordshire County Council leader Tim Bearder, a Liberal Democrat, had backed the creation of a single council for the county and said he was examining possible legal action.
The council had previously written to the government and filed a protective claim in court concerning a potential judicial review of the reorganisation decision.
Bearder expressed disappointment that ministers were continuing with three unitary councils despite concerns about public services, expenditure and accountability.
He said the government had described the decision as entirely new, meaning the earlier legal action no longer applied and the council had to present its case again before ministers reached a final decision.
He said this added uncertainty for residents, council colleagues and the future provision of essential services.
Liberal Democrat leaders of district councils had previously favoured a two-council structure covering Oxfordshire and West Berkshire.
They also expressed disappointment but welcomed the certainty provided by the announcement.
South Oxfordshire District Council leader Maggie Filipova-Rivers said the selected model would divide South Oxfordshire by placing rural villages within Greater Oxford despite their stronger economic, social and geographical links to the rural district.
She nevertheless welcomed the publication of a timetable for local government reform, stating that the prolonged period of uncertainty had benefited no one.
Filipova-Rivers and other council leaders said they would prepare representations and develop their proposals during a three-week consultation scheduled to take place before Christmas.
Cherwell District Council leader Lesley McLean described the decision as a missed opportunity.
She said the priority would be to ensure that the new authorities were in the strongest possible position when they began operating, with residents and local communities remaining central to decisions.
Vale of White Horse leader Bethia Thomas said the announcement finally established a direction after two months of uncertainty.
She said the forthcoming councils would need to reflect the needs and ambitions of the communities they served, regardless of differing views about the outcome.
Oxfordshire County Council’s Conservative leader and West Oxfordshire councillor Liam Walker also welcomed the prospect of a new approach to local government in Oxfordshire.
He described it as a once-in-a-generation opportunity for residents to elect a completely new council.
Walker said the May 2028 elections would give residents an opportunity to choose who they trusted to manage local services.
His party intended to argue that the new Northern Oxfordshire Council would be better governed by a Conservative team, presenting the transition as an opportunity to establish a new beginning.