Agenda, decisions and minutes

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 8 July 2025 (CC1) and to receive information arising from them.

The minutes of the meeting held on 8 July 2025 were approved.

Apologies were received from Councillors Baines, Brant, Cotter, Edosomwan and Hingley.  Councillor Gordon was on parental leave.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Chair announced that the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Marjorie Glasgow, will address Council at its next meeting on 4 November 2025 to speak about the role of the Lord Lieutenant in representing the Royal Family in the county.  Her address will start at 10.30 and the Council meeting itself will commence at 11.00 am.  The meeting may continue until 4pm if business has not been completed by 3.30pm.

A list of events attended by the Chair, Vice-Chair and past chairs since the last Council meeting was attached in Annex 1 to the Schedule of Business.

The Chair thanked everyone who came to the charity quiz held on 27 August which raised £997 for his charities: OXSRAD, Oxford United in the Community and Abingdon RDA.

Council had been notified of the passing in August of former councillor Peter Brennan who represented the Kidlington North division as a Labour Party member between 1985 and 1989.  He served on the Public Protection Committee and Kidlington Traffic Advisory Panel.  Councillor Brighouse paid tribute to the work of former councillor Brennan.

The Chair also acknowledged the passing of the Duchess of Kent. Her Royal Highness was a remarkable figure who dedicated her life to public service and the betterment of our community. Her unwavering commitment to charitable causes and her compassionate spirit have left an indelible mark on all those who knew her.

Council stood for a minute’s silence.

To make any changes to the membership of scrutiny and other committees on the nomination of political groups and to note any changes to the Cabinet made by the Leader of the Council.

The following change of committee membership was agreed:

On the Education and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee Councillor Fletcher to replace Councillor Shiri.

Members of the public who wish to speak on an item on the agenda at this meeting, or present a petition, can attend the meeting in person or ‘virtually’ through an online connection. Requests must be submitted no later than 9am three working days before the meeting i.e., 9am on Thursday <date, month, year>. Requests to speak should be sent to committeesdemocraticservices@oxfordshire.gov.uk

If you are speaking ‘virtually’, you may submit a written statement of your presentation to ensure that if the technology fails, then your views can still be taken into account. A written copy of your statement can be provided no later than 9am on the day of the meeting. Written submissions should be no longer than 1 A4 sheet.

The Chair accepted the following requests to present a petition or speak on an item on the agenda:

Petitions

Siobhan Lancaster:

“Make the crossing by Abingdon Road (Oxford) Tesco safe.”

Siobhan Lancaster presented the petition which had over 440 signatures.  She outlined how the junction of Abingdon Road and Weirs Lane had no pedestrian crossing.  With a Tesco shop adjacent to the junction, housing all around and a park, schools and bus stops in the vicinity, the junction had the effect of cutting people off from local amenities.  She felt that private traffic was being prioritised over pedestrian safety.

Councillor Gant, Cabinet Member for Transport Management, thanked Ms Lancaster for the petition and for clearly stating her experiences of crossing the junction.  He confirmed that officers were working on a project to provide a pedestrian crossing.  This was part of a wider plan to use potential funds from the proposed Workplace Parking Levy to provide better facilities for active travel.  He believed that it was necessary to reduce congestion to speed up bus times in order to provide opportunities to install better facilities for active travel.

The Chair accepted the following requests to speak on an item on the agenda:

Item 16 Motion from Councillor Hanna

Vicki Power

Barbara Shaw

Graham Shelton

Any speeches provided to the Council are published alongside these minutes.

The deadline to submit questions is 9am, five working days before the meeting i.e. 9am Tuesday <date, month, year>.

Thirty eight questions were asked. The questions, responses and supplementary questions and responses are recorded in an Annex below.

Fifty two questions were asked. The questions, responses and supplementary questions and responses are recorded in an Annex below.

Report from the Leader of the Council.

The report summarises the decisions from the Cabinet meeting on 15 July 2025.

Council received the report of Cabinet covering its meeting for 15 July 2025.

On Item 1 Community Banking Hubs Motion

Councillor Fry asked that the British Banking Association and the Post Office be contacted to create badly needed joint community hubs. Councillor Fawcett responded that he concurred and would take the process forward and further responded that the system was too restrictive and a more flexible approach was needed to provide more help in more places.

Councillor Barlow asked that to make banking more accessible and to achieve climate change targets that residents be directed towards banks that prioritise climate performance. Councillor Fawcett responded that there was a limit to the role of the Council in this regard and that ultimately it was the decision of residents in terms of choice of banks. The councillor further responded that the proposal would nevertheless be given due consideration.

Councillor Middleton asked that a letter be written to Barclays to urge them to reconsider their decision to withdraw from the Exeter Hall banking hub, which also represented a disregard for customer needs. Councillor Fawcett responded that, if the contact details were provided, he will look into the matter, and that it was unfortunate that banks were not engaging with banking hubs.

Councillor Smith asked if an assurance can be given that urban areas like Headington and Quarry will also receive attention in terms of available banks and noted that the post office was also due to close. Councillor Fawcett provided reassurance that all communities where the services were disappearing would be given due attention.

On Item 3 EOTAS Policy (Education other than at School)

Councillor Filipova-Rivers asked that clarity be provided on the delivery of Education Other Than At School (EOTAS) policy and guidance. Councillor Gaul responded that a coproduced policy had been approved. He added that the EOTAS guidance was being reviewed by relevant groups, including carers and parents, and would be approved when ready.

On Item 4 Financial and land agreements relating to the conversion of Woodeaton Manor School to an academy

Councillor Hope-Smith enquired about steps to enhance the coproduction process, citing parental concerns about its effectiveness. Councillor Gaul responded that coproduction created a challenge due to its legislative and statutory nature and would welcome any Member that would be interested in the coproduction discussions currently being held.

On Item 5 Climate Action Programme update

Councillor Fry asked that the PM 2.5 (particulate matter up to 2.5 micro-metres) emissions be included in the future climate outcomes dashboard. Councillor Roberts said that the matter would be considered.

Councillor McLauchlan asked that in relation to the Climate Action programme, it would be useful to have regular updates on how the circular economy was being applied. Councillor Roberts agreed.

Councillor Lugova asked that an outline be provided of what will be included in the new Minerals and Waste Development Scheme (MWDS) to ensure that Oxfordshire was not only leading in this respect but can also achieve the goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2030.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 70/25

Report by the Executive Director of Resources & Section 151 Officer

This report sets out the Treasury Management position at 31 March 2025.  Throughout the report, the performance for the 2024/25 financial year is measured against the budget agreed by Council in February 2024.

Council is RECOMMENDED to note the council’s treasury management activity and outcomes in 2024/25.

Council had before it a report setting out the Treasury Management position at 31 March 2025.  Throughout the report, the performance for the 2024/25 financial year was measured against the budget agreed by Council in February 2024.

The report was moved by Councillor Levy, Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Transformation and seconded by Councillor Leffman, Leader of the Council.

Following discussion, the report was noted.

RESOLVED: to note the council’s treasury management activity and outcomes in 2024/25.

Report by the Director of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer

The procedures and guidance around Council appointments to Outside Bodies have not been reviewed since 2013.  This report summarises the procedures and proposes amendments to the way in which representatives are currently appointed to Category B (Non-strategic) and Category C (Local) Outside Bodies.

The Council is RECOMMENDED to:

a)    agree that appointments to Category B non-strategic Outside Bodies, useful to the Council’s work, as they relate to Council functions, be made by the Audit and Governance Committee;

b)   agree that appointments to Category C Outside Bodies that request Council representation or are of primary value to local councillors/the local community, as they relate to Council functions, be delegated to the Monitoring Officer;

c)    approve the Constitutional Amendments in Annex 1 to reflect these changes;

d)   approve the definition of a Strategic Outside Bodies in paragraph 14 of this report;

e)    note the Guidance for Members who are appointed to Outside Bodies adopted by the Audit & Governance Committee on 16 July 2025 (attached at Annex 2);

f)     endorse the list of ‘Strategic’ Category A Outside Bodies in Annex 3;

g)   confirm the appointments to Category B Outside Bodies in Annex 4;

h)   note the list of Category C Outside Bodies in Annex 5.

The procedures and guidance around Council appointments to Outside Bodies had not been reviewed since 2013.  Council considered a report summarising the procedures and proposed amendments to the way in which representatives are appointed to Category B (Non-strategic) and Category C (Local) Outside Bodies.

The Chair noted that there was one correction to Annex 3 Category A Outside Bodies:  On the Corporate Parenting Panel, Councillor Gaul replaced Councillor Higgins.

The recommendations were moved by Councillor Smith and seconded by Councillor Shiri, Chair and Deputy Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee.

Following discussion, the recommendations were agreed unanimously.

RESOLVED to:

a)    agree that appointments to Category B non-strategic Outside Bodies, useful to the Council’s work, as they relate to Council functions, be made by the Audit and Governance Committee;

b)   agree that appointments to Category C Outside Bodies that request Council representation or are of primary value to local councillors/the local community, as they relate to Council functions, be delegated to the Monitoring Officer;

c)    approve the Constitutional Amendments in Annex 1 to reflect these changes;

d)   approve the definition of a Strategic Outside Bodies in paragraph 14 of this report;

e)    note the Guidance for Members who are appointed to Outside Bodies adopted by the Audit & Governance Committee on 16 July 2025 (attached at Annex 2);

f)     endorse the list of ‘Strategic’ Category A Outside Bodies in Annex 3 as amended;

g)   confirm the appointments to Category B Outside Bodies in Annex 4;

h)   note the list of Category C Outside Bodies in Annex 5.

Report by the Director of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer

The Independent Remuneration Panel was asked by the Director of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer to provide early recommendations on two specific matters:

i)          The payment of Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs) to the Leaders and Shadow Cabinet Members of the two equally sized opposition groups recognised as the official opposition, following the May 2025 elections.

ii)         The application of allowances for councillors taking parental leave, following the adoption of a new policy on 8 July 2025.

The Council is RECOMMENDED to consider the Interim Report of the Independent Remuneration Panel, and in so doing to consider the following options, either:

a)        To adopt the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel on the Special Responsibility Allowances for the recognised Opposition Group(s) as set out in Annex A to this report; OR

b)        To agree alternative values for any of the allowances, as the Council may determine; OR

c)        If the Council does not wish to accept the Panel’s recommendations at this time, in whole or in part, or to substitute alternative amounts, to agree a status quo Scheme of Allowances for 2025/26 for any unchanged aspect;

d)        To agree the Independent Remuneration Panel’s recommendation that basic and any Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs) should continue to be paid to any councillor taking parental leave in accordance with the Parental Leave Policy approved by Council on 8 July 2025.

The Independent Remuneration Panel had been asked by the Director of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer to provide early recommendations on two specific matters:

(i)           The payment of Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs) to the Leaders and Shadow Cabinet Members of the two equally sized opposition groups recognised as the official opposition, following the May 2025 elections.

(ii)          The application of allowances for councillors taking parental leave, following the adoption of a new policy on 8 July 2025.

Council had the interim report on these matters for consideration.

Recommendations a) and d) were proposed by Councillor Leffman and seconded by Councillor Fawcett, Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council.

Following discussion, an electronic vote was taken.  Recommendations a) and d) were approved with 56 votes in favour, none against and 3 abstentions.

RESOLVED:

a)    To adopt the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel on the Special Responsibility Allowances for the recognised Opposition Group(s) as set out in Annex A to this report; and

d)   To agree the Independent Remuneration Panel’s recommendation that basic and any Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs) should continue to be paid to any councillor taking parental leave in accordance with the Parental Leave Policy approved by Council on 8 July 2025.

This Council welcomes:

1. The Government’s announcement of a programme of new Best Start Family Hubs.
2. The adoption of a national target of 75% of five-year-olds having a good level of development by 2028.

Council notes:

1. The preceding Sure Start programme was developed under the last Labour Government to provide holistic support to families with children under the age of 5. By 2010 a network of over 3,000 centres had been established.
2. A recent report by the Institute of Fiscal Studies has found that Sure Start had significant positive impacts on children’s educational attainment as well as physical and mental health.

Council further notes:

1. That cuts by the Coalition Government to Local Government funding resulted in the closure of 1,168 of these valuable council-run children's centres.
2. In Oxfordshire, many children’s centres were saved by being taken over by local charities and community groups. These centres continue to pay rent to the County Council and face significant financial pressures.

This Council requests:

1. The Cabinet considers how it may support existing community-operated children’s centres in Oxfordshire to continue to operate, providing specialist and financial support where possible.
2. The Cabinet considers the development of a strategy to increase the range of services offered by existing children’s centres in line with Government plans for new Best Start Family Hubs – prioritising those areas of greatest need.
3. The Cabinet considers if existing children’s centres can help extend the reach of the County’s re-established youth service.

The motion was proposed by Councillor Creed and seconded by Councillor Brighouse.

Following discussion, an electronic vote was taken.  The motion was carried unanimously and will be referred to Cabinet.

RESOLVED:

This Council welcomes:

1. The Government’s announcement of a programme of new Best Start Family Hubs.
2. The adoption of a national target of 75% of five-year-olds having a good level of development by 2028.

Council notes:

1. The preceding Sure Start programme was developed under the last Labour Government to provide holistic support to families with children under the age of 5. By 2010 a network of over 3,000 centres had been established.
2. A recent report by the Institute of Fiscal Studies has found that Sure Start had significant positive impacts on children’s educational attainment as well as physical and mental health.

Council further notes:

1. That cuts by the Coalition Government to Local Government funding resulted in the closure of 1,168 of these valuable council-run children's centres.
2. In Oxfordshire, many children’s centres were saved by being taken over by local charities and community groups. These centres continue to pay rent to the County Council and face significant financial pressures.

This Council requests:

1. The Cabinet considers how it may support existing community-operated children’s centres in Oxfordshire to continue to operate, providing specialist and financial support where possible.
2. The Cabinet considers the development of a strategy to increase the range of services offered by existing children’s centres in line with Government plans for new Best Start Family Hubs – prioritising those areas of greatest need.
3. The Cabinet considers if existing children’s centres can help extend the reach of the County’s re-established youth service.

Council notes the increasing pressures on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services across Oxfordshire, with rising demand, complex needs, and a need for stronger local support.

Previously, Oxfordshire County Council had a dedicated Cabinet Member for SEND Improvement, reflecting the importance of this area.

This role was recently removed, diluting specific leadership and focus on one of the most challenging areas of Council responsibility.

Council believes that:

1. Children and young people with SEND deserve a dedicated champion at the highest political level within the Council.

2. A single Cabinet Member with clear and focused responsibility for SEND would enhance decision-making, oversight, and transparency.

3. Reinstating this post would demonstrate a renewed commitment to improving outcomes for families who rely on these vital services.

Council therefore resolves to ask the Leader of the Council to:

a) reinstate the Cabinet Member for SEND Improvement as a standalone portfolio within the Cabinet.

b) ensure this role has clear responsibility for SEND policy, provision, and engagement with parents, carers, and stakeholders.

c) provide a written response to this motion, setting out the steps being taken to strengthen leadership and accountability within SEND services.

The following motion was proposed by Councillor Plumb and seconded by Councillor Walker.

“Council notes the increasing pressures on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services across Oxfordshire, with rising demand, complex needs, and a need for stronger local support.

Previously, Oxfordshire County Council had a dedicated Cabinet Member for SEND Improvement, reflecting the importance of this area.

This role was recently removed, diluting specific leadership and focus on one of the most challenging areas of Council responsibility.

Council believes that:

1. Children and young people with SEND deserve a dedicated champion at the highest political level within the Council.

2. A single Cabinet Member with clear and focused responsibility for SEND would enhance decision-making, oversight, and transparency.

3. Reinstating this post would demonstrate a renewed commitment to improving outcomes for families who rely on these vital services.

Council therefore resolves to ask the Leader of the Council to:

a) reinstate the Cabinet Member for SEND Improvement as a standalone portfolio within the Cabinet.

b) ensure this role has clear responsibility for SEND policy, provision, and engagement with parents, carers, and stakeholders.

c) provide a written response to this motion, setting out the steps being taken to strengthen leadership and accountability within SEND services.”

Following discussion, Councillor Walker called for a named vote and was supported by at least six other councillors as required under Council Procedure Rule 17.4.1.

The motion was lost with 29 votes in favour, 31 against and no abstentions.

Councillors voted as follows:

For the motion:

Councillors Ashby, Barlow, Brighouse, Cherry, Coles, Creed, Crichton, Du, Evans, Fenton, Field-Johnson, Fry, Garnett, Henwood, Jones, Kerr, Lygo, Malik, Markham, McLauchlan, Middleton, Philips, Plumb, Pressel, Robertshaw, Sargent, Saul, Snowdon, Walker.

Against the motion:

Councillors Batstone, Bearder, Boucher-Giles, Edwards, Epps, Fawcett, Filipova-Rivers, Fletcher, Gant, Gaul, Gawrysiak, Graham, Greenaway, Gregory, Hanna, Hannaby, Heritage, Higgins, Hope-Smith, Leffman, Levy, Lugova, McLean, Overton, Rawlins, Roberts, Shiri, Smith, Stevens, Thomas, Worgan.

There were no abstentions.

Oxfordshire hosts military air bases and training facilities, some of which are used by international forces.

Media reports have suggested that Oxfordshire air bases have been used to support Israeli Air Force actions in Gaza and that Israeli military personnel may have received training at the Defence Academy in Shrivenham.

Oxfordshire residents, faith groups and humanitarian organisations have expressed concern about the UK’s potential complicity in war crimes in Gaza and the West Bank and this has already attracted demonstrations by protest groups around some Oxfordshire military bases.

Residents deserve transparency about the use of such facilities within the County and the local resources required to protect and police them given the likelihood of further protests in response to increasing evidence of war crimes and potential genocide in Gaza.

We therefore ask the Leader of the Council to write to the Police and Crime Commissioner requesting information on any increased costs and resource requirements for protecting facilities in Oxfordshire that are being accessed by the Israeli military.

The following motion was proposed by Councillor Middleton and seconded by Councillor Jones.

“Oxfordshire hosts military air bases and training facilities, some of which are used by international forces.

Media reports have suggested that Oxfordshire air bases have been used to support Israeli Air Force actions in Gaza and that Israeli military personnel may have received training at the Defence Academy in Shrivenham.

Oxfordshire residents, faith groups and humanitarian organisations have expressed concern about the UK’s potential complicity in war crimes in Gaza and the West Bank and this has already attracted demonstrations by protest groups around some Oxfordshire military bases.

Residents deserve transparency about the use of such facilities within the County and the local resources required to protect and police them given the likelihood of further protests in response to increasing evidence of war crimes and potential genocide in Gaza.

We therefore ask the Leader of the Council to write to the Police and Crime Commissioner requesting information on any increased costs and resource requirements for protecting facilities in Oxfordshire that are being accessed by the Israeli military.”

Following discussion, an electronic vote was taken. The motion was lost with 19 votes in favour, 34 against and 2 abstentions.

Council notes with concern that Oxfordshire Healthwatch and local Councils of Governors of Oxfordshire hospitals are to be abolished within a new Health and Social Care Act, and integrated into existing local departments, with queries diverted to the NHS App. 

The Council endorses the work of Healthwatch Oxfordshire for listening and helping  thousands of patients each year, recognising that many vulnerable residents do not use the NHS App. Their team shared patient and carer experiences in thirty eight reports influencing local improvements through the Health and Wellbeing Board, the Place Based Partnership and contributions to the Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee. 

As part of the ten year NHS plan, Health and Wellbeing Boards are required to develop neighbourhood plans with NHS partners to shift more resource to prevention and from hospitals to a neighbourhood health service model. The financial, workforce and integration challenges are significant.  Patients and the public will need 

• A trusted and credible local body, to speak for patients, offering constructive challenge and supporting communities’ engagement
• their elected members and lower tier councils with relevant local knowledge engaged 
• Safe public spaces, including scrutiny, to speak up 

Council calls on the Leader and Cabinet to urgently consider how the Council working with NHS partners can safeguard and develop the Healthwatch function and engage and meaningfully consult with all local stakeholders to ensure the local delivery of national reforms at neighbourhood level best meet patient and community need.  

The motion was proposed by Councillor Hanna and seconded by Councillor Epps.

Following discussion, an electronic vote was taken. The motion was carried unanimously (56 votes in favour, none against, no abstentions) and will be referred to Cabinet.

RESOLVED:

Council notes with concern that Oxfordshire Healthwatch and local Councils of Governors of Oxfordshire hospitals are to be abolished within a new Health and Social Care Act, and integrated into existing local departments, with queries diverted to the NHS App. 

The Council endorses the work of Healthwatch Oxfordshire for listening and helping  thousands of patients each year, recognising that many vulnerable residents do not use the NHS App. Their team shared patient and carer experiences in thirty eight reports influencing local improvements through the Health and Wellbeing Board, the Place Based Partnership and contributions to the Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee. 

As part of the ten year NHS plan, Health and Wellbeing Boards are required to develop neighbourhood plans with NHS partners to shift more resource to prevention and from hospitals to a neighbourhood health service model. The financial, workforce and integration challenges are significant.  Patients and the public will need 

• A trusted and credible local body, to speak for patients, offering constructive challenge and supporting communities’ engagement
• their elected members and lower tier councils with relevant local knowledge engaged 
• Safe public spaces, including scrutiny, to speak up 

Council calls on the Leader and Cabinet to urgently consider how the Council working with NHS partners can safeguard and develop the Healthwatch function and engage and meaningfully consult with all local stakeholders to ensure the local delivery of national reforms at neighbourhood level best meet patient and community need.