I have been following the lively debate on unitary authorities in letters to the Oxford Mail over the last few months.

I started work with Nottingham City Council in 1955, followed by spells at four other county boroughs, one urban district, one metropolitan county and two London boroughs.

I then undertook consultancy work for other public sector bodies, including two county councils.

There is no doubt in my mind that unitary government is the most successful, although I believe the contribution of parish councils in local issues is very useful and should be retained.

There is one aspect which has received little attention and that is the size of the unitary authority.

So far, a limited view has been paramount, taking it for granted that the county of Oxfordshire must be split.

It is essential for a unitary authority to have the size and resources to undertake the functions effectively and attract the best quality management.

My experience is that a population of 300,000 is the minimum required to perform to consistently high standards.

In a predominantly urban area, that figure would increase to 500,000.

To achieve this level of magnitude, it is difficult to see Oxfordshire as more than one unitary authority.

This would work well if those involved wanted it to work.

County council, Oxford city and district council premises could all be used, duplication of work and staff would be minimised and decisions of benefiting both the city and country taken.

My only fear is that elected members would find it difficult to look for the greatest benefit to the whole of Oxfordshire, rather than follow political dogma with parochial boundaries.

RON ROBINSON, Mill Street, Eynsham