A government-led consultation on the future of local government in Oxfordshire is now underway, giving residents in Thame an opportunity to help shape how local services will be delivered in the future. You have until Thursday, 26th March to share your views on three proposals for reorganising local councils.
One of these is the One Council, One Oxfordshire proposal — a plan to create a single, unitary council responsible for all local services across the county.
This article is simply to encourage residents to be aware of what is happening, to get involved, and to have their say in the public consultation process – we do not have a bias either way when it comes to these plans.
Why this matters for Thame
At the moment, services that affect daily life in Thame are delivered by different councils. Some services sit with the county council, while others are managed by district councils. There’s a brilliant image halfway down this page that shows which services sit with which part of the council.
The One Council proposal aims to simplify the system by bringing services together under one organisation, making it easier for residents to access support and get things done. What do you think of that? Now is your chance to share your views.
Here’s what’s been said…
Protecting and improving local services
By reducing duplication and bringing services together, a single council is expected to save over £63 million every year. The aim is not to reduce services, but to make them more efficient — freeing up funding to reinvest directly into the things that matter most to communities like Thame. How do you think that would work? We’d be interested to know what people think.
This consolidation is aimed to support:
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Better road maintenance and transport links, important for commuters, local businesses, and families (a BIG topic in Thame at the moment)
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Strong social care services, supporting older residents and vulnerable members of the community
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Support for families and young people, helping Thame remain a strong place to grow up
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Investment into local communities, supporting town centres, local groups, and community spaces
At a time when councils across the country are facing financial pressure, making sure money goes further is becoming increasingly important.
Keeping Thame’s community voice strong
A key concern people often have about larger councils is losing local identity. The intention behind the One Council proposal is not to take away Thame’s character or local voice, but to strengthen services while continuing to work closely with towns and communities.
Local knowledge, partnerships, and community engagement would still be essential in shaping how services are delivered locally.
Your chance to have a say
This consultation is an opportunity for you to directly influence how local government works in the future. Whether you support the One Council proposal or prefer another option, your feedback is important.
Decisions made through this process will affect how services are funded, delivered, and improved for years to come.
If you live, work, or run a business in Thame, taking part in the consultation is one of the most direct ways to help shape the future of your town and the wider county.
Looking to the future
Change can feel uncertain, but it can also bring opportunity. The One Council, One Oxfordshire proposal is built on the idea that by working more efficiently together, Oxfordshire can protect essential services, invest in communities like Thame, and build a stronger future for everyone.
Now is the time to find out more, ask questions, and make your voice heard — because the future of Oxfordshire should be shaped by the people who live in it.
