MPs claim that Oxfordshire unitary plan “fails DCLG criteria”

Three Conservative MPs and one Labour are challenging the way that momentum is being built to set up a unitary council structure across Oxfordshire.

The four - Labour’s Andrew Smith and Conservative colleagues John Howell, Victoria Prentis and Robert Courts - have issued a joint statement questioning the basis for the proposal, which they say “fails the criteria for consensus which the Department of Communities and Local Government are working to”.

The MPs claimed that the proposal is not a “unified bid” across the whole county and does not have the support of the majority of the County's MPs.  They cited three authorities which are not in favour - Cherwell District Council, Oxford City Council, and West Oxfordshire District Council.

The MPs’ statement continued: “"We recognise that over recent weeks there has been a lot of speculation about the future arrangement of local government across the county. We are committed to the accountability and efficiency of local government. But there are some red lines we would like to draw.

“It is essential that the distinct identities of the different areas in Oxfordshire are respected, with council arrangements which are sufficiently close and meaningful that they are in touch with and accountable to local residents and their needs. This is an important issue for everyone. It is not something that can or should be rushed. Our priority is to find the best arrangement for all our constituents.”

The OneOxfordshire website - run by Oxfordshire County Council - recently announced the support of the leaders of South Oxfordshire District Council and Vale of White Horse District Council for a unitary structure. Another local MP, Conservative Ed Vaizey, said: “I'm delighted that unitary proposals are being taken forward….I urge the government to look at this proposal urgently.”