Council launches survey into reorganisation proposal

Oxfordshire County Council wants to create a single unitary authority

A council has launched a public survey into its proposals to create a single unitary authority covering the whole of Oxfordshire.

Oxfordshire County Council says its plans to merge all of the county's authorities into one would save taxpayers £27m a year.

Its leader, councillor Liz Leffman, said the plans would "create stronger, simpler services closer to the communities we serve".

Four of the county's district councils have backed a separate plan for two new authorities covering Oxfordshire and West Berkshire.

Meanwhile, Oxford City Council says it wants three authorities for the same area - including an expanded "Greater Oxford".

'Protect and enhance'

Oxfordshire County Council said its plan to create a unitary authority for the county "offers the best value for money", saving millions of pounds each year.

It added that its proposals would "protect and enhance" key frontline services like social care and public health - for which the authority is already responsible.

"This one council will enable services to be delivered more equitably across Oxfordshire, with residents in every part of the county able to benefit," Ms Leffman said.

"A single countywide unitary council will provide both the scale and financial resilience that Oxfordshire needs and bring decision making closer to communities by partnering with town and parish councils."

She urged people to share their thoughts on the plan through the council survey, which is open until 27 July.

The plans have been put forward after the government announced in December 2024 its intention to abolish district councils and introduce large mayoral combined authorities in England.

Councils in those two-tier authority areas can submit proposals for new unitary authorities to the government until the end of November.