THE Government is set to look at controversial plans for an Oxfordshire 'super council' after they were pushed through at a heated meeting.

Oxfordshire County Council's cabinet yesterday agreed to submit a formal proposal, with the decision now in the hands of Communities Secretary Sajid Javid.

The move was hailed as 'hugely important' by council leader Ian Hudspeth, but it came despite furious opposition from some corners.

The shake-up would see the county and five councils abolished to be replaced with a single authority, with supporters arguing it will save £20m a year.

Oxford City Council – one of three authorities opposed to the change – submitted a petition against the plan signed by 10,000 people and urged the county council to call off the bid.

John Tanner, a city and county councillor, said it amounted to carrying out a 'smash and grab' on other authorities to pay for stretched services such as social care.

He said: "We have every sympathy that the county council is not being properly funded by national government but we do not think this is the right solution.

"I cannot see the Secretary of State agreeing to something that is opposed by three district councils, a majority of MPs and something that is such a divisive idea."

Ian Green, of Oxford Civic Society, also urged the cabinet to reconsider, arguing the super council plans had not been 'properly thought through'.

He criticised suggestions that Oxford could be run instead by a parish council that would lose control over issues such as planning and housing, adding: "We are not saying we agree or disagree with the proposals – they are just simply not ready.

"They remain too vague and do not seem to take into account the city of Oxford's crucial economic role."

But Mr Hudspeth warned that without change the county faced 'more years of salami slicing' as central government funding was reduced.

He added: "The Better Oxfordshire proposal puts local government on a sustainable financial footing for the future.

"In contrast, choosing the status quo means continuing to spend money on running six councils, not council services.

"I do not believe that the status quo is a good enough response."

Jean Fooks, a Liberal Democrat county councillor, also spoke in favour of the proposals. She said: "I wish the city council and others would come to the table to talk about this.

"Yes we need more detail on some aspects but many assertions that have been made about this are, I am afraid, simply untrue."

The super council bid was unanimously supported by the cabinet.

It has also been supported by Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire district councils.

South Oxfordshire leader John Cotton last night welcomed the decision, adding: "We need to keep going at a pace. Right now, things are not as efficient as they could be and services are suffering as a result."

The secretary for state will now consider the bid over the coming months and launch a full consultation on the proposal.