Local Government Devolution Proposals Could Integrate Oxford into Thames Valley Authority, Raising Concerns for High-Performing Districts

A restructuring of local government could see Oxford integrated into a unified Thames Valley authority. These changes are part of a devolution white paper, through which the government has put forward plans to eliminate district councils and establish extensive mayoral combined authorities. Susan Brown, who leads Oxford City Council, expressed approval for the proposals, while MP Layla Moran voiced concerns that thriving districts might be “lumped in” with less effective councils. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner committed to stopping “micromanaging by central government.” Ms Brown, also the leader of the Labour Group, stated that devolution has the potential to bring decision-making “closer to local people and should ensure a better approach.” She further commented: “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…” She added, “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.” The government has also signaled its intention to implement a single level of local governance, referred to as unitary councils, as part of this initiative. She elaborated that the white paper specified an approximate population of 500,000 for unitary authorities, a size deemed excessive for Oxford alone but insufficient for Oxfordshire as a whole, though decisions would be determined individually. She indicated that the council would consider “the very different needs of a city from its surrounding rural hinterland.” A spokesperson for Oxfordshire County Council stated that the council is “committed to seizing the benefits provided by more investment, powers and influence and to ensure that the proceeds of our economy, now and in the future, are shared more fairly across all of our communities.” He added that the council plans to collaborate closely with local authority partners in the upcoming weeks to “collectively discuss its implications.” He further noted, “This council is still actively planning the delivery of county council elections, together with city and district council colleagues in May 2025.” Eddie Reeves, the Conservative leader of the opposition, expressed his preference for a “single council that is accountable to residents.” He also conveyed his hope that political parties would “put party politics aside to find the right models, both of devolution and of local government reform, that are in residents’ best interests.” However, Layla Moran, the Liberal Democrat MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, stated in the House of Commons: “South Oxfordshire District Council has doubled the number of social homes delivered over the last 10 years, meanwhile Oxford City next door has halved it. “So there are districts doing incredible work – why should they face finding themselves lumped in with other underperforming councils?” The government indicated that the specific regions of the country designated for prioritized devolution would be disclosed at a later time, with the objective of conducting mayoral elections in those localities by May 2026.