| For those who have been following the media debate around local government reform in Oxfordshire. I attach a briefing from Oxfordshire County Council on the latest developments - in particular OCC efforts to persuade Oxfordshire's district councils to agree to an independently commissioned review of all the options which have been put forward.
https://gallery.mailchimp.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/Public_service_reorganisation_for_Oxfordshire_April_2016.pdf
OCC regret that they have not been able to reach such an agreement, and therefore at present two studies are in the process of being commissioned - a district-led study which looks at 4 and 3 unitaries as their preferred options, and a county commissioned review which will look at 4, 3, 2, 1, and the status quo, on equal terms.
The districts have requested that their work be kept strictly confidential between them and the consultants. OCC brief takes the opposite approach, encouraging whomever they commission to speak to as many partner organisations as possible. The commissioning process will take at least three more weeks, and we will inform you of the outcome.
In the meantime, OCC would welcome your views on the proposed criteria for assessing the options in our study, which are: - Improving local service delivery and outcomes, particularly for the most vulnerable
- Delivering significant cost savings, value for money and financial sustainability
- Providing stronger and more accountable strategic and local leadership
- Driving economic growth and meet the infrastructure challenge
- Engaging with communities and empowering local areas
Please respond to:
Peter Clark
Head of Paid Service
Corporate Services
Oxfordshire County Council
County Hall
New Road
Oxford OX1 1ND
Tel: 01865 323908
Email: peter.clark@oxfordshire.gov.uk
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