Two Oxfordshire district councils eager to become a unitary authority covering the south of the county are ready to ditch their plans.

The leaders of both South Oxfordshire District and the Vale of White Horse District councils say the Government White Paper Strong and Prosperous Communities was the final nail in the coffin.

They had hoped it would give them the chance to become a powerful joint unitary authority, but after reading it they decided it was not the way forward.

The White Paper says any submissions to become a unitary authority must cover the whole of a county area, not just part of it.

In May, both councils started talks about the possible change but held fire until the White Paper was published.

Vale leader Jerry Patterson said: "If the Government's intention was to generate as few applications as possible for unitary councils, it has succeeded.

"The process set out in the White Paper is unnecessarily complex and will discourage many councils from submitting proposals.

"We have to weigh up very carefully the resources we would need and I think it is unlikely we will be able to move forward.

"It is a great shame as I remain convinced that unitary government would bring about real improve- ments."

He was supported by Ann Ducker, leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, who said: "What we feared has come true - the Government is paying lip service to unitary govern- ment.

"The Government has already said only eight areas will go forward to become unitary authorities.

"This looks like a missed opportunity to provide the people of southern Oxfordshire with a simplified form of local government with better accountability."

Both leaders say they will discuss the issue with colleagues before making a final decision on whether to ditch the plans to unite.