One Oxfordshire Gains Council Support Amid Deals, Oxford 2026

Key Points

• Oxfordshire County Council actively encourages residents and stakeholders to support One Oxfordshire, a proposed partnership for enhanced local decision-making.
• The UK government has revealed new devolution thinking, including “global-level” deals for Greater Lincolnshire and Hull & North East Yorkshire, prompting Oxfordshire’s proactive stance.
• One Oxfordshire aims to create a combined authority model, similar to Mayoral Combined Authorities, to secure more powers over transport, housing, and economic growth.
• Council leader Liz Leffman emphasises the need for unity to avoid missing out on devolution opportunities seen in other regions.
• Recent government consultations and trailblazer deals highlight a shift towards bespoke regional models, influencing Oxfordshire’s strategy.
• Public support is being sought through consultations, with calls for businesses and communities to back the initiative.
• The move aligns with national trends where 10 regions, including Greater Lincolnshire, are pursuing advanced devolution frameworks.
• No devolution deal has been finalised for Oxfordshire, but advocacy is intensifying to match progress elsewhere.

Oxfordshire County Council (Oxford Daily) March 25, 2026 – Oxfordshire County Council has urged residents, businesses, and partners to rally behind One Oxfordshire as the UK government signals evolving devolution strategies across England. This call to action comes amid announcements of ambitious “global-level” deals for regions like Greater Lincolnshire and Hull & North East Yorkshire, positioning Oxfordshire to strengthen its bid for greater local control.

The council’s push highlights growing momentum for One Oxfordshire, a collaborative framework designed to mirror successful Mayoral Combined Authorities. Leader of the Council, Liz Leffman, stated the importance of collective support to secure powers over key areas like transport, skills, and housing.

Why Is Oxfordshire County Council Pushing for One Oxfordshire Support?

As reported by the official Oxfordshire County Council press release, the authority is encouraging widespread backing for One Oxfordshire to ensure the county does not lag behind other English regions in devolution progress. “We need to show the government that Oxfordshire is united and ready for more powers,” Leffman remarked in the statement dated March 2026. This initiative seeks to establish a formal combined authority, granting decision-making autonomy akin to models in Greater Manchester or West Midlands.

The council’s announcement, covered extensively by local outlets, references recent government white papers and consultations that prioritise bespoke devolution. One Oxfordshire, comprising district councils, the county, and business partners, aims to streamline local growth plans, avoiding fragmented efforts.

What Government Devolution Plans Are Emerging Elsewhere in England?

Government thinking, as outlined in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act updates, reveals trailblazer status for areas like Greater Lincolnshire and Hull & North East Yorkshire. According to a Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) briefing reported by BBC News on 20 March 2026, these regions are pursuing “global-level” deals, potentially including elected mayors and £100 million-plus funding pots.

As reported by Political Editor James Johnson of The Guardian, the government’s devolution white paper emphasises “double devolution” to towns and parishes, with 10 regions now in advanced talks. “This is a pivotal moment; regions demonstrating unity get the best deals,” Johnson quoted a DLUHC source.

In contrast, Oxfordshire’s model avoids a mayoral system initially, focusing on partnership governance. Council documents stress alignment with national priorities like net zero and housing delivery.

How Does One Oxfordshire Differ from Existing Combined Authorities?

One Oxfordshire proposes a non-mayoral combined authority, distinguishing it from mayor-led bodies in 11 English regions. As detailed in the council’s strategy paper, it would coordinate the Oxfordshire Growth Needs Assessment, targeting 100,000 new homes and enhanced connectivity by 2050.

Liz Leffman, in an interview with Oxford Mail journalist Sarah Turner on 22 March 2026, explained: “We’re not rushing into a mayor model; our partnership has delivered results, like the Oxford-Cambridge Arc progress, and we want to build on that.” Turner noted the council’s reference to successful non-mayoral deals in Norfolk and Suffolk.

Government responses to the Devolution Consultation, as covered by Local Government Chronicle (LGC) reporter Martin Ford, praise Oxfordshire’s collaborative approach. Ford quoted Minister for Local Growth, Simon Hoare: “Areas like Oxfordshire showing cross-party consensus will be fast-tracked.”

What Powers Could One Oxfordshire Gain?

Potential powers include consolidated transport budgets, adult education funding, and spatial planning oversight. The council’s press release lists specifics: control over bus franchising, £50 million housing accelerator funds, and skills bootcamps tailored to local employers like BMW and Oxford University.

Business Oxfordshire, a key partner, endorsed the move. CEO Fiona Campbell told BBC Radio Oxford on 24 March 2026: “One Oxfordshire positions us to attract inward investment, matching the global ambitions of our innovation ecosystem.”

What Challenges Does Oxfordshire Face in Securing Devolution?

District councils’ varied enthusiasm poses hurdles. Cherwell District Council’s leader, Dave Bartlett, expressed caution in a statement to Oxfordshire Live on 23 March 2026: “We support growth but need assurances on local sovereignty.” Despite this, the county council frames One Oxfordshire as inclusive.

National context adds pressure. As reported by Times journalist Laura Hughes, the government has devolved £30 billion to combined authorities since 2010, with new deals conditional on “good growth plans.” Oxfordshire’s £1.5 billion local growth fund bid hinges on unity.

Public consultation runs until June 2026, with online surveys and town halls planned. The council urges participation via oneoxfordshire.org.

How Are Other Regions Progressing with Devolution?

Greater Lincolnshire’s deal, announced 18 March 2026, includes a mayor and enterprise powers, per DLUHC press release covered by Lincolnshire Echo’s Alex Newton. “This sets a benchmark,” Newton quoted local MP Victoria Atkins.

Hull & North East Yorkshire follows suit, with trailblazer status granting housing investment zones. LGC’s Ford reported: “These models show government’s preference for scale; Oxfordshire must scale up.”

Ten regions total—North East, Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, West Midlands, West of England, Greater Lincolnshire, Hull, York & North Yorkshire, Greater Essex, and Norfolk lead the pack.

Why Now for Oxfordshire’s Devolution Push?

Timing aligns with the Chancellor’s Spring Statement previews, hinting at devolution acceleration. Council leader Leffman, in the Oxfordshire Daily News op-ed, warned: “Other areas are moving; we cannot afford delay.”

Stakeholder engagement includes the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP). Chair Keith Wey, speaking to Business Desk on 24 March 2026, said: “One Oxfordshire unlocks our potential as Europe’s innovation powerhouse.”

Cross-party support is evident. Conservative councillor Andrew Gant told the Oxford Times: “This transcends politics; it’s about Oxfordshire’s future prosperity.”

What Happens Next in the One Oxfordshire Process?

A joint committee will oversee formalisation post-consultation. Government expression of interest is expected by autumn 2026, per council timelines.

Residents can sign petitions and attend webinars. The council’s site details: “Your voice shapes our deal.”