This report provides an update on the implications of Oxfordshire’s Interim Proposals for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) which they have submitted to Government. 

The Committee considered a report outlining the potential implications for Reading Borough Council (RBC) of the proposed Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Oxfordshire. The report set out the current position, the potential impacts on RBC, and the proposed approach to engagement and response.

The report explained that Oxfordshire County Council had submitted a proposal to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) to create a single unitary authority for Oxfordshire, replacing the existing two-tier structure. Although Reading was not within the Oxfordshire boundary, the proposal had potential implications for the Berkshire authorities, particularly in relation to cross-boundary services, regional collaboration, and strategic planning.

The report highlighted the following key issues:

·       The potential for changes to regional governance structures, including the Oxfordshire-Cambridgeshire Arc and sub-national transport bodies;

·       Risks to existing joint arrangements and partnerships, particularly in areas such as transport, economic development, and infrastructure planning;

·       The importance of maintaining Reading’s strategic influence in the region, particularly given its role as a key economic centre;

·       The need for proactive engagement with DLUHC, neighbouring authorities, and regional bodies to ensure Reading’s interests were represented.

The report recommended that the Council monitor developments closely, engage with relevant stakeholders, and prepare a formal response to any consultation on the proposals.

At the invitation of the Chair, Simon Pike addressed the Committee members to speak on the item and to ask a question.

(The full text of the question and response was made available on the Reading Borough Council website.)

The Committee discussed the report and a number of points were made. It was noted that the formal request would be submitted to Council ahead of submission to Government in November 2025.

Resolved –

(1)  That the interim proposals submitted for local government reorganisation in Oxfordshire be noted;

(2)  That a formal request be made to Government for a modification of the boundary between Reading and West Berkshire be agreed;

(3)  That the Chief Executive be authorised to undertake all necessary activities to inform and evidence the request, in line with the initial proposal as set out in Appendix 3 of the report, and consultation with the Leader of the Council; and

(4)  That the request will be presented to Council for approval prior to submission to Government in November 2025, to align with the reorganisation timetable, thereby enabling the Secretary of State to consider the rationale for a modified boundary.