South Oxfordshire council tax payers are being asked how they want £167,000 of their money spent on getting best value.

A telephone survey will assess a cross-section of the district's population and the results will then provide a list of the priorities for the council.

The survey will be done to ensure the council can comply with government Best Value guidelines.

The aim is to make sure councils scrutinise all their activities to make sure they are performing efficiently and economically in comparison with similar-sized councils.

If the private sector proves more capable, then work should be put to outside contractors.

The council has budgeted £167,000 to help it put the new rules into practice.

The council's best value record to date was publicly criticised by the District Auditor, the watchdog on council spending.

Council leader Jan Morgan said: "We have no choice in this matter but to comply with government regulations.

"It is about more than just saving money. We have to look at everything we do to make sure our services are the best value the public can get."

On the survey she said: "It will give the council important information on helping decide the order in which we carry out our services.

"I hope the people contacted will react in a positive way."