County council takes formal step in its call to government for LGR evidence

Oxfordshire County Council has taken the formal step of issuing a legal letter to government ahead of a potential judicial review regarding local government reorganisation (LGR) in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire.

The council has been asking government to provide the evidence and analysis that informed its minded-to decision in July to create three unitary councils across this area. In the absence of a response, the county council has now formally issued a pre-action protocol letter that provides the legal basis for requesting the evidence and documents underpinning the government’s decision-making.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, shares his thoughts in the video above.

In September, the government announced a pause to review its minded-to decisions on LGR. The government is yet to update on the scope or timetable for this. The county council remains ready to engage constructively with the government on the review.

Its priority remains to secure future local government arrangements that protect vital services, are financially sustainable and deliver the best outcome for its communities.

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