Witney council publishes guide to three-tier governance

The guide explains that Witney Town Council covers community and recreational services within the town, including parks, play areas, allotments, the lake and country park, bus shelters, and some civic and community events.

The council recently allocated funding for youth services and is also responsible for cemeteries as the town’s burial authority.

It can comment on planning applications but does not have the power to approve or reject them.

West Oxfordshire District Council (WODC) provides services across all towns and villages in the district, including waste and recycling collection, housing, council tax, business development, and larger community grants.

WODC also handles maintenance of certain areas of land across the district, some of which are managed under contract from the county council.

Oxfordshire County Council is the highest tier, responsible for services including education, libraries, social care, and transport.

It also manages the maintenance and repair of roads, pavements, and most verges.

The guide aims to help residents direct their queries to the correct authority and reduce confusion over who is responsible for different services.

It is available to read in full on Witney Town Council’s Facebook page.