Council leaders have set out a plan to replace seven local authorities across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire with two streamlined unitary councils - the only option on the table they say that puts service-improvement at its heart while keeping a local focus.
Under the proposal, each unitary would deliver highways maintenance, adult social care, children's services, waste collection, planning, housing and environmental health - tailored to local community needs. Leaders say the simpler model should bring significant improvements for residents.
Bringing highways, transport planning and local development together could allow a more proactive approach to transport networks. And because adult social care and children's services are the largest and costliest services, the councils say a more local approach could be both better and more efficient.
West Berkshire Council leader Jeff Brooks (Lib Dem, Thatcham West) said: "Adult social care and children's services are central to supporting some of our most vulnerable residents. A two-unitary structure would protect what works well in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire, while also looking to improve it based on best practice from across the country, which shows smaller councils are better able to deliver these services in many cases. The councils would bring together social care, housing and community services in a single organisation within each area, which could strengthen partnership working and simplify access for residents. They would also deliver over a sensible geography, meaning they understand the needs of their communities and can tailor services."
The proposal also stresses any transition would prioritise continuity of care and protect vital services. Residents have also highlighted the need for better planning to ensure infrastructure is delivered alongside the right housing for local people.
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
