Vale of White Horse District Council has paused its efforts to gain accreditation for paying the real living wage, a move that has drawn disappointment from some local Green councillors.
The bid, which was initially proposed in 2023, aimed to ensure that all council contractors paid workers the higher, more generous real living wage, rather than the statutory minimum wage.
The pause comes as the council faces the prospect of significant local government reforms that could affect the direction of such HR initiatives. As Oxfordshire prepares for reorganisation in 2028, the current authority will cease to exist, replaced by new unitary councils that will take on the responsibility for setting policies, including pay matters.
Council’s Decision to Halt Accreditation Efforts
In a statement, the Liberal Democrat-led Vale of White Horse District Council explained that its decision to pause the accreditation bid was due to “workload considerations” in light of the government’s upcoming plans to reorganise local government.
According to the council, local government restructuring, which will phase out district councils by 2028, means that the future authority will be the one to determine key issues such as pay.
The council acknowledged that obtaining real living wage accreditation would have required considerable time and resources.
In order to secure the accreditation, the council would have had to engage with all third-party suppliers and contractors, requesting their commitment to pay the higher wage. This process is described as “time-consuming and resource-intensive.”
Green Councillors Express Disappointment
The decision to pause the accreditation bid has not been well received by Green councillors. Councillor Katherine Foxhall, one of the key advocates for the proposal, expressed disappointment, stating that paying workers fairly should be a priority for local councils.
“We still really think that it’s vital that as major employers within the county, that councils really lead by example,” Foxhall said. She further emphasised that ensuring fair pay is a critical aspect of maintaining high-quality council services.
The move to pause the accreditation bid comes at a time when local government reform is high on the agenda in Oxfordshire. As part of the reforms, district councils will be replaced by unitary authorities, which will have greater control over local matters, including employment practices.
While the accreditation process is currently on hold, the debate over fair pay for council workers and contractors is expected to continue as the region prepares for a shift in governance.
