Oxford City and Oxfordshire have been awarded “City Deal” status by the Government following a successful joint bid by the county’s six councils, the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, its science parks and universities. The deal announced today means greater spending powers at a local level and substantially increased funding for critical areas of the county’s economy.

Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership Chairman Adrian Shooter said: “This decision is excellent news for Oxfordshire. It will be a very important boost to the local economy and will help to guarantee its future competitiveness. It paves the way for valuable investment in a host of infrastructure and housing projects and will lead to the creation of more skilled jobs.

“City Deal status puts more decision-making power in the hands of local people who have a better understanding of the local economy and where investment is needed most”.

Oxford is one of 19 cities to have won the Government’s City Deal contest. It was chosen for the huge growth potential of its knowledge-based economy, centred on its enterprise and innovation zones, and for its contribution to the wider national economy. Oxfordshire’s City Deal partners, which also include; West Oxfordshire District Council, Cherwell District Council, South and Vale District Council, Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire County Council, now begin the job of developing the proposal further to detail precisely how its economic growth can be achieved.

Councillor Bob Price, Leader of Oxford City Council says: "The City and County Councils, the LEP, Oxfordshire’s district councils, and the universities have worked closely together to make this a successful bid, but there is a lot more to be done to ensure that the final agreement meets our aspirations.

“Expanding the vitality of the Oxfordshire economy is vital for the future of our communities.”

Oxfordshire County Council Leader Ian Hudspeth said: “This will give us greater local control over how money is spent, targeted and delivered by national agencies towards a common agenda, but also provides Oxfordshire with real opportunities to address the transport issues which businesses identify as barriers to growth.

“The City Deal can help contribute to increased localism within our community in a way that creates efficient, effective and equitable public services as well as make Oxfordshire a place where businesses can thrive by creating jobs for people.

For more information contact Michael Williams 01865 816082 / 07818 238238 / michael.williams2@oxfordshire.gov.uk

For more information on the Government’s City Deal competition visithttp://www.dpm.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/content/unlocking-growth-cities