Latest survey on unitary council option launched
26/06/2025
Three alternative ideas have been proposed
Oxfordshire County Council has launched a survey into its proposal for one single unitary council for the county.
Its one of the three options which are being proposed for when a single unitary authority takes over the work currently completed here in North Oxfordshire by both Cherwell District and Oxfordshire County councils.
The county council believes one countywide authority would create stronger, simpler services, protecting and enhancing areas like social care and public health, which are already delivered at county level.
They estimate their proposal would save £27 million per year.
Councillor Liz Leffman, the council’s Leader, 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.
“Our county is highly connected, from school transport right through to how our economy works and beyond. We believe we can maintain and strengthen that connection through a new, progressive single council for all Oxfordshire residents, businesses, institutions and investors.
“This is an ambitious county which is home to a globally leading critical mass of science, technology, learning, intellect and innovation.
“It is critical to Oxfordshire’s future that we maintain the links between our great universities and organisations developing advanced technology, including on Bicester, Culham, Harwell and Milton Park campuses, so that our county can drive innovation and inclusive growth that benefits everyone across the region.
“A single countywide unitary council simplifies services for residents, businesses and investors and makes them stronger with clear accountability.”
Elsewhere Cherwell and West Oxfordshire District Council are proposing an alternative “Oxford and Shires Council”, covering the Cherwell, West Oxfordshire and Oxford City areas.
But Oxford City Council believe the city should have its own council, covering an expanded area including Kidlington and parts of the southern side of the existing Cherwell area. A Northern Oxfordshire Council would then cover the rest of the existing Cherwell and West Oxfordshire districts.
Cherwell are inviting local people to a consultation event at Banbury Town Hall between 3pm and 7pm on Monday July 7. They have also set up a website with more information.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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