A future for local government in Oxfordshire that would deliver stronger and simpler services, which are closer to communities, connected and cost effective, and mean no disruption for critical frontline services – is to be considered by councillors.
Oxfordshire County Council’s ‘One Oxfordshire’ proposal for bringing services together under one unified council will be discussed at Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 12 November and Cabinet on 13 November.
Submissions for the future shape of local government must be made to government ministers by 28 November.
One Oxfordshire sets out a strong, evidence-based case for change: a single unitary council that will save over £63 million annually, with total net savings of £163 million by year five. These savings will be achieved by bringing services together, removing duplication across six councils and transforming service delivery.
Under the proposal critical services such as adult and children’s social care and provision for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) will be protected, avoiding the costly and risky process of separating them across several unitary authorities.
Local democracy will be strengthened through robust neighbourhood governance, with local councillors operating at the heart of their communities together with town and parish councils and new area committees, ensuring decisions are made closer to the communities they affect.
The proposal is directly aligned with government policy on public sector reform, devolution and economic growth, and is underpinned by engagement with residents, businesses and public sector providers. It meets all the criteria set by government when it proposed reorganisation.
Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “One Oxfordshire sets out a bold vision for a stronger, fairer and more ambitious future for every resident and business in the county. By bringing together all council services into one single financially resilient authority, we can unlock the full potential of our people and places, drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth, and deliver high quality services our communities deserve.
“A single unitary would simplify services for residents and businesses, with one front door to access everything, from social care and housing to planning and public health. It would provide more equitable service delivery across the county, with residents in every part of the county able to benefit.
“Under this proposal there would be one set of councillors, one chief executive, and one set of buildings. Bringing services together under one council offers the best value for money for residents, and money saved from bringing services together could be reinvested into strengthening them and providing headroom to deliver transformation and further savings. It would preserve the established identity and geography of Oxfordshire.
“This is a once in a generation opportunity to deliver a stronger and more prosperous future for Oxfordshire. One Oxfordshire will provide the scale and stability to withstand future financial shocks, the efficiency to maximise value for money, and the ambition to deliver real and lasting benefits for every resident and business.”
What options are being proposed?
The proposal to be put forward by Oxfordshire County Council is joined by two other options being developed by other councils in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire. The full list is below.
- A single unitary council for Oxfordshire – Oxfordshire Council (responsible for all services for Oxfordshire residents). This is the county council’s preferred option.
- Two unitary councils:
- Oxford and Shires Council (previously referenced as North Oxfordshire Council) created from the existing district councils of Cherwell, Oxford City and West Oxfordshire.
- Ridgeway Council created from the existing district councils of South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse and the unitary council of West Berkshire.
- Three unitary councils – with a unitary city on expanded boundaries (referred to as Greater Oxford) as well as northern and southern unitaries, also including West Berkshire.
A statutory invitation from the government was issued to all councils in two-tier areas encouraging them to work with each other and partners in the development, and joint submission of unitary proposals to bring together lower and upper tier local government services in new unitary councils. It was confirmed in July that the final date for submissions would be 28 November.
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