The future governance of Oxfordshire is set to be decided tomorrow, according to a former county leader.
The national government's reorganisation of local authorities is set to see a new unitary council or councils created - abolishing those which currently run Oxfordshire, its city and districts.
Speaking about the decision at a cabinet meeting today, Tuesday, July 14, Liz Leffman, the former county council leader and current highways repair boss (Lib Dem), said: "We're expecting that to be made tomorrow."
She later added: "We'll have to wait and see what Government decides tomorrow".
The Government's timetable of plans previously stated that a decision would be shared ahead of the parliamentary recess, which begins on July 16.
This follows rumours from Westminster that the Labour government will choose to go with the Labour-run Oxford City Council's proposal for local government reorganisation.
Under its proposal, there will be a new 'Greater Oxford' authority which would merge the city with surrounding green belt.
Critics suggest this plan would be a 'land-grab', but the city council's cabinet says it would help achieve much-needed housing targets.
City council leader Susan Brown (Labour) said: "We are waiting the decision like everyone else.
"Obviously we hope that the three-unitary option that we proposed is successful as we believe it is the best option for all our areas and their residents."
A Northern Oxfordshire Council and Ridgeway Council, which includes West Berkshire, would also be created if the city's plans are chosen.
The county council wants a single council to run Oxfordshire, taking all the powers from the districts and city.
The districts of Cherwell, South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse and West Oxfordshire propose an Oxford and Shires Council (Cherwell, Oxford City and West Oxfordshire) and a Ridgeway Council (South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse, plus West Berkshire).
Calum Miller, the Lib Dem MP for Bicester and Woodstock, told Parliament that people in his constituency are "concerned" about rumours the government will sway towards a Greater Oxford.
He said: "My residents in Bicester and Woodstock are deeply concerned by rumours that the Cherwell and West Oxfordshire district councils will be hollowed out in order to create a Greater Oxford combined authority at the behest of Labour councillors in that city."
English devolution minister Alison McGovern responded: "As the honourable member has indicated, we have set out a process and are sticking to it."
Ms McGoven also responded to questions about whether a change in prime minister could present a change in course.
She said: "“The Government’s aim on local government reorganisation is clearer structures, stronger councils, quicker decisions, more homes and better services.
“We have set out the timetable.
“We are on track and this includes making announcements on the remaining areas this week.”
The new council or councils will come into force in April 2028, with elections for a temporary shadow authority or authorities taking place next year, 2027.
