A DRAFT paper outlining Oxfordshire’s hopes to gain more political power from central Government will be submitted tomorrow.

September 4 is the deadline for local authorities to get applications in to be granted more powers.

It is part of efforts by Oxfordshire’s councils to gain more freedom to spend Government cash.

Oxfordshire county and Oxford city councils, West Oxfordshire District Council, Vale of White Horse District Council, South Oxfordshire and Cherwell District Council’s have worked together to draft the proposals, which WODC leader Barry Norton admitted had been put together at the last minute to meet the deadline.

Mr Norton, who is to receive a knighthood, said: “We had to get a draft proposal in quickly but if you don’t buy a ticket, you don’t win the lottery.

“The Government has told us that if we don’t get considered for the first tranche of areas to get devolved powers then we will get further chances later on.”

He added: “Oxfordshire is very well placed because we have two world-class universities, and a Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) of businesses that covers the county. It would mean self determination.’’ At this stage the powers would be limited to health and social care, transport infrastructure and skills, but more could be added later.

City council leader Bob Price said the Oxfordshire proposal would be a “holding statement” to allow more detailed discussions to take place with officials, as well as debate among each of the local authorities.