The leader of the city council said the authority has discussed the option with neighbouring councils in other counties in anticipation of the government’s devolution plans.
The government announced proposals to abolish district councils and introduce large mayoral combined authorities as part of a devolution white paper.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said today (December 16) the plans would “bring new efficiency and accountability to local and regional government”.
READ MORE: Two Oxfordshire police officers hit by car and hospitalised
In a statement, councillor Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council, welcomed proposals to introduce mayoral combined authorities across regions in England.
She said: “Devolution of some of the powers and funding currently held centrally by Government, and a clear framework to enable local authorities to coordinate delivery of housing, planning, transport and economic growth, puts decision making closer to local people and should ensure a better approach.
Susan Brown (Image: Jon Lewis) “This also presents a real opportunity to secure the investment in infrastructure required to support sustainable growth and deliver more affordable homes that Oxford clearly needs.
“In anticipation of the White Paper, we have already been engaging in discussions with neighbouring councils in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and elsewhere about the potential creation of a Thames Valley Mayoral Combined Authority.
“Government has also indicated it is seeking to introduce a single tier of local authorities – so-called unitary councils, as part of this process.
She added that the white paper mentions that unitary authorities would be expected to contain around 500,000 people, which would be too big for Oxford and too small for Oxfordshire, but that there may be exceptions depending on the area and decisions would be made on a case-by-case basis.
She said: “We will be looking carefully at what the options will be best for the residents of Oxford to reflect the very different needs of a city from its surrounding rural hinterland, and ensure they continue to have democratic representation at the closest level possible to reflect their views.
“Our neighbouring councils will be similarly looking for solutions that work for their own residents.
She added that she would continue to work with neighbouring district councils over the coming months.
“We will make it clear which powers go with which type of authority.
“We will bring new efficiency and accountability to local and regional government, and we will truly empower the local champions who understand their area, its identity, its strength and how to harness them.”
Help support trusted local news
Sign up for a digital subscription now: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/subscribe/
As a digital subscriber you will get:
- Unlimited access to the Oxford Mail website
- Advert-light access
- Reader rewards
- Full access to our app
About the author
Esme is a Local Democracy Reporter covering politics, planning and council meetings across the county.
She joined the Oxford Mail in October 2024 after completing a Master’s in Journalism at the University of Sheffield.
Esme achieved a BA in History at Cambridge University before going down the journalism path.
She can be found on X by searching @esme_kenney.