In December 2024, the UK government unveiled plans to overhaul local government structures across England, which could have a profound impact on Oxfordshire.
These proposals, outlined in the devolution white paper, seek to streamline local governance by creating larger, more powerful unitary authorities and transferring powers to mayoral combined authorities.
As the government moves forward with these plans, Oxfordshire residents and local leaders must understand what’s at stake and how these changes might reshape the way services are delivered and decisions are made.
What is Local Government Devolution?
Devolution refers to the process by which the central government transfers decision-making powers and responsibilities to local authorities.
Under the new proposals, areas that still operate under a two-tier system of local government – where county and district councils have distinct roles – will transition to unitary authorities. These authorities would combine the functions of both county and district councils into a single, larger body.
Additionally, the government aims to bring certain regions under the control of a mayoral combined authority – a powerful new local governance model that would combine multiple councils within a region, with a directly elected mayor overseeing key decisions, from infrastructure development to economic strategy.
Why is Oxfordshire Affected?
Oxfordshire, currently a two-tier authority, is made up of the Oxfordshire County Council and five district councils, namely Oxford City Council, Cherwell District Council, West Oxfordshire District Council, Vale of White Horse District Council and South Oxfordshire District Council.
Each council is responsible for specific services. The county council oversees services like education, highways, and social care, while district councils manage housing, waste collection, leisure, and parks.
Under the devolution proposals, the government is pushing for Oxfordshire to adopt a unitary authority model, effectively merging the county and district councils into a single governing body. This would simplify local governance and could provide the county with greater influence.
The white paper mentions a population of around 500,000 as an appropriate size for unitaries in most areas but also highlights there may be exceptions to ensure new structures make sense for an area, including for devolution and that decisions will be on a case-by-case basis. This is much bigger than Oxford but smaller than Oxfordshire. Additionally, there is recognition that, perhaps, Oxford has very different needs as a city compared to its surrounding rural hinterland.
What’s at Stake for Oxfordshire?
Impact on Elections
One of the first significant impacts of the proposed reforms is the potential delay of local elections. Currently, Oxfordshire is due to hold county elections in May 2025. However, under the proposed model, some local leaders are considering asking the government to postpone these elections until 2026, when a new unitary council might be in place. While this could allow for smoother implementation of the new system, many worry it could undermine democracy by denying residents a say in their local governance.
Changes to Local Services
A shift to a unitary authority would consolidate various local services, which may result in both benefits and challenges. On one hand, merging services could lead to greater efficiency, cost savings, and more coordinated planning across the region. However, concerns have been raised that a larger authority may be less responsive to local needs and lead to a loss of community-level decision-making.
A Greater Role for Mayors
Another key aspect of the proposals is the creation of mayoral combined authorities. These authorities would oversee broader regions, with an elected mayor holding significant powers over areas like transport, housing, and economic development.
In Oxfordshire’s case, a proposed Thames Valley mayoral authority could unite the county with surrounding areas, like Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, to create a more powerful regional body. Supporters argue that this could lead to better investment and stronger regional coordination. However, critics warn that such a large-scale authority might become too remote from local communities.
Economic Opportunities
Proponents of the devolution proposals argue that Oxfordshire stands to benefit from a stronger local government that can negotiate with the central government on issues like funding, infrastructure, and housing. A unitary authority could streamline decision-making processes and improve local services, creating new opportunities for economic growth.
Community Representation
One of the biggest concerns about the devolution proposals is the potential loss of local representation. District councils have historically provided a closer connection to communities, and merging them into larger authorities may make it harder for residents to engage with their government.
Local leaders such as Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council, have expressed concern that the devolution process could create a “democratic deficit,” where communities feel disconnected from their decision-makers.
What Happens Next?
As the government moves forward with its devolution agenda, Oxfordshire’s local councils are carefully evaluating the proposals and their potential impacts.
Oxfordshire County Council has held a crucial cabinet meeting to discuss its response to the government’s plans, including a proposal to ask for Oxfordshire to be fast-tracked into the new mayoral combined authority. The council also debated whether to request a delay in the 2025 elections, contingent upon a commitment to an ambitious timescale for the new unitary council by May 2026.
What Do Local Leaders Think?
While some leaders are excited about the prospects of a stronger, more unified local authority, others, like Oxford City Council leader Susan Brown, have voiced concerns. Brown has stressed the need for a thoughtful and transparent process that prioritises the interests of local communities.
Meanwhile, leaders of the district councils, such as David Hingley of Cherwell District Council, have advocated for ongoing dialogue between councils and residents to ensure the changes are implemented in a way that preserves local connections.
Conclusion
The proposed devolution of Oxfordshire’s local government could significantly reshape the region’s political landscape.
While the shift to a unitary authority and a mayoral combined authority presents potential opportunities for greater efficiency and regional influence, it also raises important questions about local democracy, community representation, and service delivery.
As discussions continue, it’s vital for Oxfordshire’s residents to stay informed and engaged in the process to ensure their voices are heard in this critical period of change.
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