“Ridgeway” on hold

The Government has announced it will review its Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) decisions across England, following legal advice.

This will have implications on the future of councils in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire. In effect, the recently agreed formation of Ridgeway has been put on hold.

Councillor Jeff Brooks, the Leader for West Berkshire Council, said:

“It’s disappointing to have received this information at such short notice. We will be seeking further clarity from the government, including what this means for local elections in May, and how this will affect the Local Government Reorganisation timeline in our area. We hope the government will provide the detail required urgently given the impact this announcement may have on our local area.

“Considerable work has taken place already to prepare communities for LGR in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire along the lines of the government’s announcement in July. The three-council model is a positive step for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire with benefits for our residents, and the services they receive. For us here in West Berkshire that means joining a new Ridgeway Council providing stronger, more sustainable local services by bringing decision-making, resources and expertise together across a wider area while maintaining a focus on the communities we serve.”

The Government has promised a rapid review. West Berkshire Council, like the many other councils affect by this news, can only wait.