Oxfordshire County Council have today published a report from PwC entitled ‘Local Government Reform in Oxfordshire’.
Below is a statement from Oxford City Council in response to the Local Government Reform in Oxfordshire report:
“We are in the midst of a pandemic which has caused a national economic crisis. Now is not the time for major restructuring of local government.
“This report looks rushed and flawed, before the Government has set out its policy on this. It gives attention-grabbing financial forecasts without looking at the delivery of essential services. It makes basic errors on essential data like the size of population. The savings assessments are flawed, un-evidenced and contradict other reports – including by PwC.
“The report does not consider all options, nor, crucially does it even acknowledge the current context of COVID-19 in terms of health arrangements, community support and economic recovery.
“Why rush this out now? We are happy to be involved in discussion about the future local government arrangements in Oxfordshire, but based on evidence and considering the needs of our communities and businesses, and with their engagement.
“For the moment, our top priority has to be mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on the local economy, on protecting jobs and supporting residents and local businesses through recovery. On the day that BMW have sadly announced job losses in Oxford because of the impact that COVID-19 has had on the world economy, the livelihoods and wellbeing of the people of Oxford are my top priority.”
Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council
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