Plans to reorganise local government in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire have been put on hold while the government reviews the legal position following new legal advice.

In July, the government announced that Oxfordshire and West Berkshire would eventually be replaced by three new unitary councils, with the existing county, city and district councils disappearing. The three-council arrangement was based on a proposal submitted by Oxford City Council. Abingdon would become part of the Ridgeway Unitary Council covering VWHDC (Vale of White Horse District Council), South Oxfordshire and West Berkshire.

Oxfordshire and West Berkshire is now among 14 areas where reorganisation has been paused. In four other areas the government’s decisions have been withdrawn following legal challenges by councils.

Local Government Secretary Angela Rayner said she wanted to test whether the proposals meet the priorities of the new administration and new Prime Minister, alongside ensuring the process complies with the law.

For residents in Abingdon, the immediate effect is that the Vale of White Horse District Council will continue for a little longer.

The pause could provide an opportunity for greater scrutiny of the decision. Tim Bearder, leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said it provided an opportunity to examine the ‘underpinning advice, considerations and evidence’ behind the previous Secretary of State’s decision.

Oxford City Council, which proposed the three-council arrangement, has expressed disappointment at the pause.