West Berkshire residents to give views on idea for Ridgeway Council
A consultation has been launched to gauge views on a new council area for West Berkshire.
It's part of the local government review, and West Berkshire Council has thrown its hat in with the existing district areas of South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse with a proposal for a Ridgeway Council.
A second new authority, Oxford and Shires Council, would comprise all of the existing district areas of Cherwell, Oxford City and West Oxfordshire. All five authorities are currently working together to propose the two new unitaries.
The government wants to replace the current two-tier system of local government, which consists of district and county councils, with new unitary authorities. It also wants smaller existing unitary councils, like West Berkshire, to reorganise so they cover areas of around 500,000 people.
Currently, there are plans to maintain continuity of services for residents, with the existing social care provision at West Berkshire Council and Oxfordshire County Council continuing as part of the new councils.
Jeff Brooks, leader of West Berkshire Council, said: “It’s important that we deliver the best option for our residents and there is a compelling case to be made for joining with our neighbours to the north.
“Whilst we think the argument for a new Ridgeway Council is a strong one - a council which is big enough to cope but small enough to care - it’s important to us that we understand what our communities think and I hope residents will look at what we are proposing and have their say.”
The public consultation is now live and will run until July 15.
Residents can find out more and share their thoughts by taking part in the online survey at twocouncils.org
A number of engagement events are also being held across the area.
On Wednesday, June 18 it will be at the Beansheaf Community Centre, Charrington Road, Calcot, from 11.30am until 2.30pm, before moving to Newbury Library, in The Wharf, on Thursday, June 19, from 11am until 3pm.
On Wednesday, June 25 they will be at Hungerford Library, 2 Church Street, from 11am until 2pm and on Saturday, June 28, they will be in Northbrook Street, Newbury, from 11.30am until 2.30pm.
