At last night's meeting of the Vale of White Horse District Council there was unanimous agreement to support a joint bid for a single Oxfordshire unitary council.
We recognised that as the facts change so we need to change our position. The two key principles that have remained unchanged through the unitary debate are:
- Unitaries make sense. The two-tier system is inefficient, bringing councils together can not just save money, but more importantly improve services.
- Local really matters. Even within the Vale we see a variety of different communities. Across Oxfordshire the contrast is even more stark. Decisions need to be taken at the most local level possible.
So with the three unitary proposal promoted by the Vale and other councils last year now firmly off the table, and with devolution deals also looking highly unlikely that leaves one clear option for anyone who wants to simplify and improve local government, a single unitary council.
It is important the public and councils engage with the process. I have been clear that the One Oxfordshire proposal as first published is far from perfect, but that is why I want to be part of improving it. The Vale of White Horse District Council, South Oxfordshire District Council and Oxfordshire County Council have therefore agreed to work together on a joint proposal that I believe the whole county can be proud of. A bespoke solution for Oxfordshire, recognising the unique character of the county and the city.
There are some key points issues that must be resolved, these include:
- It must be very clear that this is a new council, not a take over by one authority of another. A council to serve the interests of the whole of Oxfordshire.
- Area Executive Boards, smaller than the existing districts to be given real decision making powers. Rather than centralising control this will mean more local decisions than we see in the current model.
- An appropriate deal for Oxford City which allows it to levy a separate rate of council tax so that the burden is not spread across the whole of the county.
- A fair and transparent approach to council tax harmonisation.
- Powers for parish and town councils BUT ONLY if they want them. A genuine dialogue with individual communities to find out what they are willing and able to take responsibility for.
- Maintain a five year housing land supply. Eventually a new Oxfordshire local plan will be required, but in the meantime work must continue based on the current local plan processes to protect communities for further speculative development.
- Ensuring a diverse range of councillors to represent all communities. Making sure the structure of the new council accommodates those of all ages, and securing cross-party support in creating the new authority.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but they are some of the important matters that must be resolved before a final bid can be submitted to Government. The motion that was agreed at Council last night was as follows:
This Council supports the principle of a new countywide unitary council for Oxfordshire but recognises that the One Oxfordshire discussion document currently being publicised by Oxfordshire County Council requires strengthening in order to maximise the benefits to, and influence of, local communities and to satisfy the concerns of residents about some aspects of the proposal including the need for more local decision making.
Council authorises the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to work with other partner councils to develop the terms of a proposal for local government change in Oxfordshire and present a detailed report to Council in due course.
This gives authority to progress discussions towards a joint proposal. I hope that an agreement can be reached, ideally with additional councils persuaded of the case in time for the Vale District Council to formally consider it on 8th March.
