Councillors to think about proposal for one council for Oxfordshire

A future for native authorities in Oxfordshire that might ship stronger and easier companies, that are nearer to communities, linked and price efficient, and imply no disruption for vital frontline companies – is to be thought of by councillors.

Oxfordshire County Council’s ‘One Oxfordshire’ proposal for bringing companies collectively below one unified council might be mentioned at Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 12 November and Cabinet on 13 November.

Submissions for the longer term form of native authorities have to be made to authorities ministers by 28 November.

One Oxfordshire units out a powerful, evidence-based case for change: a single unitary council that may save over £63 million yearly, with whole internet financial savings of £163 million by 12 months 5. These financial savings might be achieved by bringing companies collectively, eradicating duplication throughout six councils and reworking service supply.

Under the proposal vital companies reminiscent of grownup and kids’s social care and provision for particular academic wants and disabilities (SEND) might be protected, avoiding the expensive and dangerous means of separating them throughout a number of unitary authorities.

Local democracy might be strengthened via strong neighbourhood governance, with native councillors working on the coronary heart of their communities along with city and parish councils and new space committees, making certain choices are made nearer to the communities they have an effect on.

The proposal is straight aligned with authorities coverage on public sector reform, devolution and financial development, and is underpinned by engagement with residents, companies and public sector suppliers. It meets all the factors set by authorities when it proposed reorganisation.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, mentioned: “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 choices are being proposed?

The proposal to be put ahead by Oxfordshire County Council is joined by two different choices being developed by different councils in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire. The full record is beneath.

1. A single unitary council for Oxfordshire – Oxfordshire Council (answerable for all companies for Oxfordshire residents). This is the county council’s most popular possibility.
2. Two unitary councils:
   0. Oxford and Shires Council (beforehand referenced as North Oxfordshire Council) created from the present district councils of Cherwell, Oxford City and West Oxfordshire.
   1. Ridgeway Council created from the present district councils of South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse and the unitary council of West Berkshire.
3. Three unitary councils – with a unitary metropolis on expanded boundaries (known as Greater Oxford) in addition to northern and southern unitaries, additionally together with West Berkshire.

A statutory invitation from the authorities was issued to all councils in two-tier areas encouraging them to work with one another and companions within the growth, and joint submission of unitary proposals to convey collectively decrease and higher tier native authorities companies in new unitary councils. It was confirmed in July that the ultimate date for submissions could be 28 November.