Cherwell District Council and Oxfordshire County Council are in discussions to bring their formal partnership to an end.

ALSO READ: Partnership could end between two Oxfordshire councils

Here's an explainer on the history of the council's relationship and what this means.

When did the councils partner up?

Oxfordshire County Council and Cherwell District Council joined forces back in September 2018. 

The county council was run by a coalition of Conservatives and independents while the district council was run by Conservatives.

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What changed?

The two authorities provided joint services under a single chief executive Yvonne Rees.

Why did the councils partner up?

They started working together after Cherwell ended its partnership with South Northants Council which had a serious financial issue and became a unitary.

What did it mean?

It meant Cherwell District Council shared some of its executive staff members with Oxfordshire County Council, including the chief executive, the director of law and governance and the corporate director for customers.

It was revealed that £364,000 was saved in 2019/20, which was more money saved than planned.

What will happen now?

Now, Ms Rees will return to her post as CEO for Cherwell District Council from the date of both full council decisions and the county council will recruit a new head.

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