A national programme of devolution and reform to local government structures is to be discussed by Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet on 09 January.
Following the publication of the Government’s devolution white paper on 16 December on the future of local government in England, the cabinet will be asked to agree a response.
The report to the meeting will recommend that a letter should be sent to Government saying that the county council is committed to progress at pace towards a mayoral strategic authority for the Thames Valley, with further discussions to take place in the coming weeks and months.
The cabinet will be recommended to request that Government places Oxfordshire into a ‘fast track’ to progress local government reorganisation while it progresses devolution conversations.
There will also be a recommendation that the council should express significant reservations to Government about postponing scheduled elections but that it is minded to accept a postponement if Government can commit to the most ambitious timescale of elections to a new shadow unitary council/councils in May 2026.
Strategic authorities already operate in areas such as Greater Manchester, West Midlands and the East Midlands.
They work across a broader area than council boundaries and cover issues that require strategic oversight of the entire region, such as strategic planning, adult education and local growth plans.
In mayoral strategic authorities, mayors will have significant powers over housing and planning, including the ability to develop and propose the spatial development strategy for their areas, working alongside other members of the strategic authority.
Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Across England, there is a lot of change ahead in the world of local government, triggered by the Government’s recent white paper. We want to take full advantage of all the opportunities on offer for the benefit of local people both here in Oxfordshire and in our neighbouring areas.
“No decisions have yet been taken and a lot of detailed discussions are still to take place between councils within Oxfordshire, across the Thames Valley and between all of those councils, their areas and central Government.
“However, we are all aware that we need to work at pace to secure the advantages on offer. I look forward to the cabinet meeting on 09 January and to continued discussions with all of our partner councils.”
