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South Oxfordshire residents invited to shape the future of local town and parish councils 

26 February 2026

South Oxfordshire residents have the chance to comment on potential changes for town and parish councils, including the area they cover, the number of elected councillors and how local wards are organised.  

People taking part in the 2026 Community Governance Review will play their part in helping to ensure that their local council is effective, efficient and better reflects the interests of the communities it serves.  

South Oxfordshire District Council is conducting these reviews in response to parish council requests.    

The requests include: 

  • Increasing the number of councillors for Ewelme (from six to seven), Stoke Row (from six to eight) and Woodcote (from ten to 12). 
  • Changing town warding arrangements in Didcot, Henley-on-Thames and Thame to improve electoral representation. 
  • Potential boundary shifts between Watlington and Pyrton, Shirburn and Pyrton, Clifton Hampden and Dorchester, and Thame and Great Haseley. 
  • Exploring the possibility of grouping Nuneham Courtenay with a neighbouring council. 

Cllr Maggie Filipova-Rivers, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “Our local councils are at the heart of our communities and it is essential that they evolve alongside the towns and villages they represent. Whether it is ensuring a growing village has enough councillors to serve its residents or adjusting a ward boundary to account for new homes, your feedback is a vital part of this process.  

Maggie-Filipova-Rivers
Cllr Maggie-Filipova-Rivers

“I encourage everyone in the impacted areas to share their views and help us strengthen local democracy for the years to come.” 

How to take part  

Residents can view the full details of the proposals and submit their feedback through the council’s online survey at southoxon.gov.uk/CommunityGovernance 

The consultation is open now and will close on Thursday 9 April 2026. 

Anyone who can’t access the survey online should contact 01235 422 425. 

What happens next 

Following the consultation, the council’s Community Governance and Electoral Issues Committee will collate all feedback to produce draft proposals. A follow up consultation is then expected to take place later this year, with any final changes scheduled to be implemented in time for the May 2027 local elections. 

Notes to Editors: 

The review is conducted in accordance with guidance from the Department of Communities and Local Government and the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.