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Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution

Updated 29 October 2026

Government confirms three new unitary councils for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire. 

The government has announced it is minded-to proceed with three new unitary councils for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire from 1 April 2029.

The new councils will replace the existing county, district and city councils, bringing local services together under three new organisations. This change is designed to simplify how services are delivered and make it easier for residents to access support.

Devolution and Strategic Authorities  

The government has now confirmed it intends to pursue an MSA for the Thames Valley covering Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Swindon. The news was published in papers accompanying the budget on Wednesday 28 October 2026.

The geography of the proposed MSA in our area is Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Swindon. Buckinghamshire is not included but could join at a later date.

The new authority would be led by an elected mayor and would bring new powers and funding opportunities to the region.

You can read the reaction of our leader in our press releases:

For further information visit www.reading.gov.uk/devolution.

LGR and Devolution formal correspondence

A letter was sent on 28 August, to Rt Hon. Louise Haigh MP and Rt. Hon Angela Rayner MP confirming a collective ambition to establish a Thames Valley Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) by 2028.

On 6 August a letter was sent to the Leaders of all local authorities by Rt Hon. Louise Haigh MP and Rt. Hon Angela Rayner MP confirming the plan to ensure every area in England has a strategic authority by 2028.

24 March 2025: Council leaders of West Berkshire Council, South Oxfordshire District Council and Vale of White Horse District Council wrote a joint letter to minister Jim McMahon regarding the proposed Ridgeway Council. 

17 February 2025: Cllr Rouane wrote letters to MPs Olly Glover and Freddie Van Mierlo with an update on unitary discussions. 

19 December 2024: Cllr Rouane wrote to Cllr Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council on the subject of local government reorganisation. 

30 September 2024: All six Oxfordshire council leaders wrote an expression of interest letter on devolution in Oxfordshire to Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.