Why two new councils?
Creating two new unitary councils balances the criteria set by the government and ensures the councils represent their local areas and can best support local communities. It is about striking the right balance between being large enough to deliver services well but remaining focused on local needs.
Both of the two proposed councils will have their own unique strengths. The main benefits of a two-unitary proposal for the whole of Oxfordshire and West Berkshire are explained below.
Something new and better
The new unitary councils won’t just be more of the same – it will be a chance for something new and better. The councils will be forward-looking, innovative and modern, providing better services to residents at a lower cost. They will offer better value, quality services
Unique characteristics
The two councils will be better placed to take advantage of the unique opportunities in each part of the county. Each area will have its own council to drive local ambitions forward, grow the local economies and build a better future for each area, recognising that each area has different priorities.
Local
The councils will be local enough to be responsive to the needs of individual communities. They will also be well placed to support the rural areas as well as the urban ones and not so big that places get forgotten.
Representation
There will be good community representation by councillors, with each council having the appropriate number of elected representatives to better reflect the areas the councils serve.
Priorities
The two-council model will provide a suitable platform to better respond to local priorities such as developing more affordable housing, protecting our environment and bringing more jobs across the whole area.​
The right size
It meets the government’s requirements to have a large enough population that the councils are financially secure while protecting and improving local services.
Reputation
It will be able to build on the nationally recognised Oxford brand in a way that encourages economic growth across the wider area, as well as improving Oxford itself. It will meet the needs of its residents and support its institutions and reputation.
Building on existing services
While the councils will be new, we will use existing service structures in the County Council area and West Berkshire such as adult social care, children’s services and highways, to avoid the costly disaggregation of services. This will save taxpayers money when transitioning to the new councils
Economic benefits
The councils will focus on how the new model can bring real economic benefit to communities, strengthening existing business links in partnership and forging new ones. This includes growing the valuable rural economy, which is a large proportion of the area.