Why the Push for a Real Living Wage Faces Setbacks: Inside the Vale of White Horse Council's Dilemma

An Oxfordshire council is taking a surprising step back in its effort to become an accredited employer for the real living wage. In 2023, Green councillors from the Vale of White Horse District Council spearheaded the initiative after learning that some contractors were paying below the minimum living wage. However, the Lib Dem-controlled authority announced it was pausing its accreditation bid due to a recent government announcement regarding local government reorganization, which raises the question of how pay structures will be managed in the future.

The Living Wage Foundation defines the real living wage at £12.60 per hour outside London, slightly above the National Minimum Wage of £12.20. Despite over 16,000 employers already being accredited for paying the higher wage, the council noted that achieving this status would require engaging all third-party suppliers and contractors to ensure their commitment—an endeavor described as time-consuming and resource-intensive.

Green councillor Katherine Foxhall expressed her disappointment over the council’s decision, emphasizing the need for councils to lead by example as major employers within the county. She highlighted that the council’s actions should reflect its priorities, especially in the context of the upcoming local government reforms that will ultimately dismantle district councils in Oxfordshire by 2028. The shift to unitary authorities raises concerns about how these changes may affect fair pay practices within council services—an essential component of the council’s responsibility.

Overall, the decision to pause the push for real living wage accreditation highlights the complexity and challenges surrounding labor practices amidst significant governmental changes.