Latest news with #RidgewayCouncil
BBC News
20-03-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Devolution: Oxfordshire County Council to put plans to government
A plan for devolution in Oxfordshire is set to be submitted to county council's cabinet is meeting later to agree on is expected to say that a new mayor for the region should cover Berkshire, Oxfordshire and are also set to make the case for one unitary council for the whole of Oxfordshire - which it has said could save taxpayers £27m a year. The government announced in December 2024 proposals to abolish district councils and introduce large mayoral combined authorities in England. The changes will be the most significant reforms to local government since areas have been "fast-tracked" - meaning they will not have planned elections this May and will instead push on with reorganisation and devolution. Oxfordshire was not successful in its bid to be included in the fast track scheme -but has been told by government to prepare plans for reorganisation, with changes set to be in put in place in 2028. 'A single front door' If agreed later, Oxfordshire County Council will tell government that it's "preferred geography" for a new mayoral authority will include Berkshire, Oxfordshire and a directly-elected regional mayor, there will be one or more unitary authorities covering Oxfordshire. The council's report sets out options for one, two or three councils covering the county - with the latter two options also including West Berkshire in a "Ridgeway Council".Oxfordshire County Council's cabinet is expected to back the idea of a single council for the authority's report, Liberal Democrat leader Liz Leffman said: "This Council would create a single front door for all local authority services across the historic and recognised county of Oxfordshire, delivering high-quality, value-for-money and responsive services to residents, businesses, institutions, visitors and investors."That position puts her at odds with other district councils in the area, who want to see a model with more than one council covering Berkshire, South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse Councils have proposed they form a new authority, because of their "strong demographic and economic similarities" and "significant historical ties".Oxford City Council's leader Susan Brown has said there should be "separate councils for central, northern and southern Oxfordshire together with West Berkshire to reflect our distinct geographies". You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X, or Instagram.
BBC News
13-03-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Berkshire and Oxfordshire councils to discuss potential unitary
Three councils will discuss the possibility of forming a new unitary authority covering parts of Berkshire and Oxfordshire next Berkshire, South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse Councils have proposed they form a new authority, ahead of the government asking for plans for reorganisation later this initial proposal is titled Ridgeway Council, named after the ancient footpath that cuts through the three council government wants all new unitary authorities to serve about 500,000 residents or more and for every region to have a mayor. The three councils said they have "strong demographic and economic similarities" and "significant historic ties".They think the plan is a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" that would deliver high quality services and improve financial Berkshire's leader Jeff Brooks said the plan was an "exciting opportunity to establish a council that is ready for the future – one that works smarter, delivers better outcomes, and strengthens local democracy".David Rouane, South Oxfordshire Council's leader, said it would "provide a strong and effective foundation for the future… while maintaining and enhancing the unique character of our market towns and rural areas".While Bethia Thomas, Vale of White Horse Council's leader, said the authorities' "combined strengths would create a modern and effective local authority that puts people and communities at the heart of strong, health and robust local government, all white providing a firm base for wider regional growth".All of the councils will discuss the plans on 19 March, ahead of a potential submission to government for approval later this changes would be subject to public consultation. You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
