Chief executives representing Oxfordshire's five district councils have met to formulate plans to get County Hall to devolve more power.

The five chiefs met yesterday ahead of a meeting next week with County Hall chief executive Joanna Simons when they will table plans for "a new game", which would involve more co-operative working.

The councils want to achieve more accountability and better clarity over which authority runs what service.

For example, Oxford City Council would be prepared to hand over control of its Pear Tree, Seacourt and Redbridge park-and-ride sites and delegated highways responsibilities - like towpath maintenance - so there was less confusion among taxpayers.

Oxford City Council leader John Goddard said: "It's a new game - it's definitely not the status quo.

"Five district councils working together is much more likely to work than in the past - we would be speaking with a stronger voice. It's co-operative working, not mergers.

"The county has to take devolution seriously."

The delegation of chief executives, headed by the city council's Brian Dinsdale, included David Neudegg, Terry Stock, David Buckle and Mary Harpley - the heads of West Oxfordshire, Vale, South Oxfordshire and Cherwell councils.

Ms Simons said: "The county council is keen to set the ball rolling on improved working to provide even better value for money for our Oxfordshire taxpayers."