For Charlbury and the surrounding area to become a zero carbon community that is thriving, inclusive, beautiful, biodiverse and sustainable now and in the future.
Welcome to the Charlbury Town Council website. On these pages, you will find information about dates of meetings, the Town Council contact details, and financial reports together with general information and links to other useful local sites.
Agendas and minutes for committees can be found on the relevant committee page.
Current consultations will be also be posted on this page.
Local Governance in Oxfordshire
Proposals for Governance in Oxfordshire
Plans laid out in the UK Government’s White Paper on devolution released in December 2024 have resulted in the following proposals currently out for consultation:
What changes will we see?
The White Paper sets out the Government’s intention to create a number of Strategic Authorities across the country. These will sit above the current councils and either be designated as a Foundation Strategic Authority or Mayoral Strategic Authority. The latter will be led by an elected mayor.
In the areas – like Oxfordshire – where a two-tier system for principal authorities remains, this must be abolished for a single unitary authority. The two-tier system is when two different councils handle different services, as is the case in Oxfordshire (i.e. we have a District Council and a County Council, both handling different responsibilities.)
The various Councils that operate in Oxfordshire have been discussing options and are preparing proposals for what the single unitary authority could be and how areas/populations can be divided. Proposals must be submitted by November.
What are the proposals?
There are currently three options being developed for local government in Oxfordshire. It is likely that all three proposals will be submitted to the Government, which will ultimately make the decision for our area.
Option 1: One authority
Oxfordshire County Council is proposing a single unitary authority for the county of Oxfordshire. More details about the rationale and potential benefits of this approach are available here: County council continues to endorse one council as best option for future local government in Oxfordshire
Option 2: Two authorities
Five councils in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire have collaborated on the proposal for two authorities. The proposal would divide the five existing councils into two new authorities: Oxford & Shires Council and Ridgeway Council.
Oxford & Shires Council would include Cherwell, Oxford City and West Oxfordshire. Ridegway Council would include South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse and West Berkshire.
More details are available on this proposal on the website: Home – Two Councils
There is a public consultation open until 16 July on this proposal and a number of public engagement sessions are happening across the area. The details are available on the website. Once the consultation closes, a revised proposal will be produced.
Option 3: Three authorities
Oxford City Council is proposing three unitary authorities be created to cover Oxfordshire and West Berkshire:
Oxford Council – comprising Oxford on expanded boundaries
Northern Oxfordshire Council – comprising much of the existing West Oxfordshire and Cherwell districts
Ridgeway Council – comprising much of the existing South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse districts combined with the existing West Berkshire unitary
More information about the proposal and its potential benefits is available on this website: A greater Oxford | Oxford City Council
When will all this happen?
The proposals are currently being developed and will be submitted by 28 November 2025, with decisions expected to be made during 2026. Shadow councils will be established during 2027 to start the transition process, with the new councils being formally created (or vested) in 2028.
Part-Night Lighting Public Consultation
Oxfordshire County Council is consulting on a proposed Part-Night Lighting Implementation Framework. It is now live on ‘Let’s Talk Oxfordshire’ Part-night lighting and street lighting policy | Let’s Talk Oxfordshire
The Consultation is running until midnight on Sunday 6th July.
What this consultation is about
This framework is about how part-night lighting could be implemented in Oxfordshire. It is not about whether part-night lighting is right for specific areas. In September 2025, the council’s cabinet will decide whether or not to move forward with part-night lighting. If the decision is to proceed, we are proposing that towns, parishes or Oxford city wards apply for part-night lighting schemes in their areas and that a public consultation is carried out for each scheme.
About the framework
The draft part night lighting framework proposes to introduce part night lighting in Oxfordshire locations where:
- it is requested by the local town or parish council/meeting, or local governance authorities
- the part night lighting exemption criteria does not apply
- local residents have been consulted via a public consultation, as well as stakeholders like the police, night economy employers and community groups
- the part night lighting scheme is approved at Oxfordshire Council Council’s Delegated Decision by Cabinet Member for Transport Management
Local Government: who does what?
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Upcoming events
LATEST NEWS
- Ask questions of the Wilderness organisers
It’s nearly time for Wilderness Festival in Cornbury Park. In advance, the event team are holding two Local Forum meetings to answer any queries you have and respond to feedback. Here are the details of the meetings: Online Forum: 3rd July 17:30 – 19:00 They will present traffic plans and noise measures, in addition to discussing… Read more: Ask questions of the Wilderness organisers - Annual Parish Boundary Walk is back
We’re delighted to say that the Charlbury Annual Parish Boundary Walk is returning this year — and everyone’s welcome to join in this wonderful local tradition!
Start Point: Lay-by at the top of Forest Road (Point 1 on the map) 
Time: 10:00am, just turn up – no booking needed! This is your chance… Read more: Annual Parish Boundary Walk is back - Charlbury Annual Town Meeting 2025 – A Wonderful Evening!
We’re delighted to say that this year’s Annual Town Meeting was a real success! It was fantastic to see so many people come along to enjoy an evening of community, conversation, and celebration. A huge thank you to all the wonderful health and wellbeing practitioners who came to showcase their work — your displays and… Read more: Charlbury Annual Town Meeting 2025 – A Wonderful Evening!
Get Involved!
Charlbury needs volunteers for all sorts of activities. Check out the ‘Get Involved’ page
Click here for the Charlbury Town Council Strategy
