THE fresh debate about the structure of Oxfordshire’s councils should be welcomed.

After all, it’s the taxpayers who could ultimately benefit from any reorganisation in the county.

But there are valid questions about the timing of the report commissioned by Oxfordshire County Council about unitary options.

Spending £40,000 may be a drop in the ocean in the council’s overall budget but at a time of non-stop cuts people are right to ask if it’s justified in the current climate.

If the predicted savings of up to £33m every year are realistic with the creation of a unitary authority then the £40,000 does seem insignificant.

But many may be wondering if the focus is right at the moment, particularly with a General Election just a few months away.

There is no doubt that to push forward with plans for a unitary authority we must consider all of the details.

With such a huge restructure, every aspect has to be looked at.

The report by Ernst & Young has delved into some of the details including how much a unitary status could save the county.

But it’s still very early days, not least because the same financial details haven’t been considered across the rest of the district councils or the city.

The reaction from all of our council leaders has been reassuring – they’re all taking it very seriously at least.

Let’s hope the debate is done in a sensible and proper way wih the focus on what’s best for the people, not the politicians.