Seven councils abolished as Oxfordshire and West Berkshire get three new authorities

The UK government confirmed on 16 July 2026 that seven existing councils across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire will be abolished and replaced by three new unitary authorities — Greater Oxford, Northern Oxfordshire, and Ridgeway Council — from 1 April 2028. Elections for the successor bodies are expected in May 2027, leaving under twelve months for shadow authorities to prepare.