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Devolution bill welcomed but concerns over time allowed for consultation
07/01/2025
Leader says local government works best when it is close to the people it serves
The Executive at Cherwell District Council has welcomed the English Devolution White Paper. Following a meeting last night the Council’s leader, David Hingley, said they believe local government works best when it is close to the people it serves, champions important local issues and gives a democratic voice to the communities it represents.
But one local councillor is concerned the government hasn’t allowed enough time for stakeholders to consider their response.
The English Devolution White Paper was launched in December, outlining structures which could see a new mayor for Oxfordshire and a single tier of local authority taking on the work of both Oxfordshire County and Cherwell District councils.
Following Monday’s meeting Councillor Hingley issued a statement. He said: “While these proposals are still in the early stages, with many details yet to be clarified, it is clear they bring both opportunities and challenges. We are carefully considering what the proposals could mean for our communities, services, and decision-making in our local area and across Oxfordshire. As a modern and forward-thinking council, our goal at Cherwell is to work effectively with our neighbouring councils to shape a future structure that will deliver meaningful benefits to residents.
“We firmly believe in the power of local government to create positive change and improve places, lives, and opportunities for the people we serve. As devolution moves forward, local government must continue to act in the best interests of residents and deliver the quality public services they expect. What is crucial now is that we engage swiftly and meaningfully with this process, ensuring we get the future right for our communities in this time of significant change for local authorities.”
Speaking at Monday’s meeting Councillor Ian Middleton welcomed the White paper, but expressed his concerns about the time the government had allowed for responses to the proposals.
He said: “The white paper was issued essentially six working days before Christmas, with a response required six days after most people come back from the Christmas break… It seems to me to be a bit of an unseemly haste.
“Why the paper had to be published before Christmas is beyond me. Why it couldn’t have been done after Christmas, and why there couldn’t have been a longer period.
“There’s a huge flurry of activity … meeting with different people, internally and externally.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam