The administration has supported establishing urban and rural boundaries as part of its overhaul of local authorities in what represents the clearest sign yet of potential changes for Oxfordshire.

Councils in Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk were informed today that by 2028 they would be reorganised into new boundaries as part of the local government restructuring.

Susan Brown, the Labour leader of Oxford City Council, is advocating for three separate councils within Oxfordshire.

These would comprise a Greater Oxford authority, a North Oxfordshire authority and a Ridgeway authority, with South and Vale merging with West Berkshire.

Oxfordshire County Council, however, favours the county becoming a single unitary authority, while the remaining district councils prefer a Ridgeway arrangement and an Oxford and Shires Council that would encompass Oxford City, Cherwell and West Oxfordshire.

Responding to the government’s announcement, Ms Brown expressed that urban areas require appropriate boundaries and powers to provide the housing, infrastructure and employment space needed by local people.

She noted that cities also require their own representation, as do residents of more countryside areas.

She expressed support for the government’s decision to endorse boundary changes in Norwich, Ipswich and Southampton that would allow those cities to expand and have their own representation.

This approach would result in separate authorities for urban and rural zones, reflecting the preferences of most local people.

The proposal for local government reorganisation would see Oxford’s boundaries extended to address the housing shortage, while safeguarding rural Oxfordshire from excessive development and giving countryside communities greater representation.

Greater Oxford would encompass the city of Oxford and neighbouring settlements including Kidlington, Kennington, Botley, Cumnor, Berinsfield and Wheatley.

However, the Liberal Democrats have labelled this a land grab, claiming Labour seeks the additional territory for the city to fulfil housing objectives, which represent a key priority for the Labour administration.

Greater Oxford has also faced objections due to its anticipated population falling short of the government’s suggested floor of 500,000 residents for new unitary councils.

Liz Leffman, the county council leader, stated that One Oxfordshire fully satisfies the government’s requirements regarding scale, efficiency and financial resilience to maximise savings.

She pointed out that this structure would be best positioned to manage future economic pressures and maintain essential services that councils must deliver.

She further explained that a single council, working with a robust and appropriately defined development corporation, would offer the leadership clarity, democratic responsibility and implementation capability required to achieve sustainable growth that benefits all communities.

By coordinating strategic planning, infrastructure spending and local choices across the entire county, the region can develop the housing residents require, support eco-friendly transportation and secure lasting economic success for Oxfordshire.

The government is anticipated to reveal its verdict on local government reorganisation for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire during July.

The consultation period is set to conclude on 26 March.