Call to change 'inefficient' Oxfordshire councils structure

The new Labour government has emphasised devolution of more powers to local authorities, as well as elected mayors, but there are fears the county could come under pressure to change to a system which does not work for it.

County council offices. (Image: Ed Nix.)

Oxfordshire, along with other parts of the country, currently operates under a two-tier system of government.

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This means it has a county council as well as four district councils and a city council.

Liz Leffman. (Image: Oxfordshire County Council.)

The county is responsible for education and transport among other issues while the districts and city are responsible for issues like rubbish collection and housing.

A unitary authority would be responsible for all these services, under one council.

West Oxfordshire District Council offices. (Image: West Oxfordshire District Council.)

County council Liberal Democrat leader Liz Leffman has said she is "open minded about a move to unitary authority" but does not think a combined authority and mayor structure - similar to that in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough - would be a solution for the county. 

Deputy county council leader and Green politician Dr Sudbury said: "There is nothing more idiotically meaningless than a mayor of Oxfordshire.

"What would you do if you were mayor of Oxfordshire?"

Pete Sudbury. (Image: Other.)

Speaking of combined authorities, he said: "If you combine authorities to make bigger ones it looks good and efficient but is also a lot less democratic.

"Having strong representation at that level (district) is important."

Oxford Town Hall. (Image: Ed Nix.)

In reference to Labour calls for a change of system Dr Sudbury said he thought there would be "great pressure from the government".

Meanwhile, Independent Oxford Alliance city councillor David Henwood says his party is working on a new study around changing the way councils function which involves a "doughnut structure" with the city council in the centre.

David Henwood. (Image: Oxford City Council.)

He said the structure would "eliminate the need for county councillors in the city" and allow for more focus in Oxfordshire districts on issues specific to their area such as related to transportation.

Mr Henwood suggested this would remove the danger of a county council transport manager focusing too much on Oxford and neglecting other Oxfordshire districts as well as ensuring the person in charge of transport issues in Oxford lived in Oxford.

Meanwhile, Conservative county councillor Liam Walker said: "What Oxfordshire really lacks is someone banging the drum for business and investment for the county and perhaps if we moved more towards an elected mayor with more powers on local transport and infrastructure this could be a huge boost for our area.”

Liam Walker. (Image: West Oxfordshire District Council.)

Labour city council leader Susan Brown said there "isn't a lot to say at the moment" as "we are at an early stage of understanding the new government's proposals".

She added: "I am supportive of the idea of devolution of powers to Oxfordshire and the government's stated desire to see power devolved further, nearer to communities but we will need to see the proposals and discuss them."

Susan Brown. (Image: Oxford City Council.)

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About the author

Noor is the Local Democracy Reporter for Oxfordshire who covers political stories from across the county. 

She began working as a journalist in Oxford in September 2023 having graduated from the University of Oxford.

Noor was trained at the News Associates journalism school and can be found on X through the handle @NoorJQurashi