OXFORD Direct Services Limited (ODS) is now an official privatised company; created by the city council to deliver council services.

Why was there no consultation of the council tax payers of Oxford for the biggest change for a generation in how the city council services are delivered?

Why was the creation of ODS not part of Labour’s last local election policy? Is it acceptable that so few Oxford people are even aware of the privatisation of the ODS, with the implication for holding the city council’s service delivery to account? Are we still willing to be deceived into thinking that privatisation is the remedy for society’s shortcomings?

 Have we already forgotten about Carillion; which has caused thousands to lose their jobs and the taxpayers being left with Carillion’s debts?

Already ODS’s managing director, Simon Howick, clearly has his mind on winning a greater share of commercial work, and he is already calling the council tax payers of Oxford ‘customers’.

With the disastrous track record of Britain’s privatisations along with their hostility to trade unions, why has Unison welcomed ODS without expressing any concerns? Is there anything left within Oxford City Council which has not been privatised or outsourced?

CHAKA ARTWELL

Cranley Road, Barton