West Oxfordshire District Council to put the district first in devolution and local government reform discussions

The Council will be focussing on making sure that in any new structures, West Oxfordshire residents and businesses are well represented and that valued services are protected.  

Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said, “We welcome the proposals to devolve more powers and decision making to local government and look forward to working with partners on how we could make the most of the opportunities that presents.  

“West Oxfordshire District Council has a good track record of providing support to our communities and we want to be at the front of conversations about local government reform, speaking on behalf of West Oxfordshire residents. We want to make sure we make the most of any new arrangements for the district and that local people don’t lose any vital services they rely on.  

“Working in partnership, with better funding and more powers, we have a great opportunity to address some of the key issues facing our area including the tackling the housing crisis, growing our economy and better responding to the climate emergency. 

“While we want to move quickly to make the most of the opportunities presented, we also need to make sure we carefully consider our options so that future organisations deliver for residents and businesses in West Oxfordshire and the wider area. 

“We will keep you well informed on the progress we make in bringing the best outcomes for our residents.” 

In December the Government announced the largest change to local government in over 50 years through the publication of the English Devolution White Paper. This paper included two main elements that will fundamentally change the structure of Local Government.  

The first is the creation of ‘Strategic Authorities’ that would sit above current councils and would receive additional funding and powers to have more control and influence at a regional level. They would be led by an elected mayor. 

The second is the proposal to get rid of the current two-tier system of local government where currently some areas, such as Oxfordshire, have two councils, each delivering different services.  

In the case of West Oxfordshire residents have the district council that deliver services such as bin collections, planning, homelessness support and parking among many others. The county council delivers other council services such as road maintenance, public health, adult social care or education. Many areas are also covered by parish councils which aren’t included in the proposed changes. 

In the future model, each area would be covered by a ‘unitary authority’. This would mean West Oxfordshire would form part of a larger area that would have all council services delivered by a single council. 

The Government have set an ambitious timetable for the reform with changes to council structures and the formation on the new strategic authorities due in the current parliamentary term. 

The phasing and timing of changes in specific areas is due to be decided over the coming months.