Agenda, decisions and minutes

To approve the minutes of the Annual Council meeting held on 20 May 2025 (CC1a) and the minutes of the Extraordinary Council Meeting also on 20 May 2025 (CC1b) and to receive information arising from them.

The minutes of the Annual meeting on 20 May 2025 were approved with one amendment:

Item 27/25: paragraph 5, line 5 – replace “Councillor Rooke” with “Councillor Lygo”.

The minutes of the Extraordinary meeting on 20 May 2025 were approved.

Apologies were received from Councillors Creed, Field-Johnson, Filipova-Rivers, Graham and Stevens.

There were no declarations of interest.

An annual event to celebrate the role of the military took place in Oxford on 23 June looking ahead to national Armed Forces Day which was on Saturday, 28 June.

The armed forces flag was raised on buildings and landmarks around the country. Oxfordshire County Council’s flag raising event was overseen by Councillor Mark Lygo, Chair of the Council, in Oxford Castle Yard.

The event involved a parade which was led by 1 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps based at Bicester. Lieutenant Colonel Ged Hennigan joined the Councillor Lygo, the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire and the High Sherriff of Oxfordshire in raising the armed forces flag.

Military and civilian representatives were in attendance, including Oxfordshire County Council armed forces champions.

There was also a ceremony to honour the new affiliation between Oxfordshire County Council and HMS Diamond.

As signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant Oxfordshire County Council is proud of its strong and supportive relationship with the local armed forces community.

Other events attended by the Chair and Vice Chair since the last Council meeting were listed in Annex 1 of the Schedule of Business.

A full list of Oxfordshire award recipients in the King’s Birthday Honours were listed at Annex 2.

The Chair made the following announcement:

“We meet today on a sad day, when businessman Dave Chester, who died in the tragic incident at Bicester Motion on 15 May, will be laid to rest. The Chester family has asked for a private funeral for family, friends and those who knew and were connected to Dave. In line with their wishes, a small Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service guard of honour will form for Dave as part of these arrangements.

Members will be aware that firefighters Jennie Logan and Martyn Sadler also tragically died. The funeral for firefighter Martyn Sadler has yet to take place. The funeral for Jennie took place on Saturday 14 June and I’d like to thank our fire service, partners and colleagues for their unwavering support in delivering a very moving and respectful procession in line with her family’s wishes.

Members will also be aware that two other firefighters sustained serious injuries. Both have now been discharged from hospital. We remain in contact with them and all families affected.

Members are reminded that our online book of condolence for Dave, Jennie and Martyn remains open should anyone wish to sign. Councillors and residents can visit www.online-tribute.com/Bicester.”

Report by the Director of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer

This report notifies Council of nominations received from the political group leaders and given effect by the Director of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer on 28 May 2025 under a delegation in the Scheme of Delegation to Officers.

The Council is RECOMMENDED to note the appointments listed in paragraph 7 of this report to

·       the Corporate Parenting Panel

·       Oxfordshire County Council and Employees Joint Consultative Committee

·       Oxfordshire County Council and Teachers Joint Committee

·       Oxfordshire County Council Joint Consultative Committee for Uniformed Members of the Fire Service

A report on committee and panel appointments was proposed by the Chair and seconded by the Vice-Chair.

Councillor Leffman proposed an amendment which was seconded by Councillor Fawcett was agreed unanimously:

Paragraph 7, on the Corporate Parenting Panel: Councillor Ben Higgins to be replaced by Councillor Sean Gaul.

The recommendations were approved unanimously as amended.

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 3 July 2025. 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.

There were no petitions.

The Chair accepted the following requests to speak:

Item 16: Motion from Councillor Jane Hanna

Melody Drinkwater

Item 18: Motion from Councillor James Plumb

District Cllr Sally Povolotsky

Kimberly Morgan

Neil Barry

Claire Brenner

Speeches that have been supplied are published alongside the minutes.

The deadline to submit questions is 9am, five working days before the meeting i.e. 9am Tuesday 1 July 2025.

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

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

Report from the Leader of the Council.

The report summarises the decisions from the Cabinet meetings on 20 March 2025, 25 March 2025, 22 April 2025 and 17 June 2025.

Council received the report of Cabinet covering its meetings on 20 March 2025, 25 March 2025, 22 April 2025 and 17 June 2025.

On Item 1, Councillors Baines and Middleton asked about comparisons being made between the three proposed reorganisation models.  Councillor Leffman responded that this was being discussed by Chief Executives to ensure that the same data sets were used and to ensure that service users would not be disadvantaged by the reorganisation.

Councillor Phillips asked if an all-Member briefing was being planned on the government’s proposals for fairer funding.  Councillor Leffman confirmed that all Members would be briefed once it was known what the proposals were.

On Item 2, Councillor Phillips asked about the target for reduction of agency spend.  Councillor Fawcett responded that it would become harder to reduce over time and that there would be a minimum level required to support certain projects and provide cover for leave.

Councillor Smith asked about the Council’s record with apprenticeships.  Councillor Fawcett responded that it had been a real success story with a high proportion of the apprenticeship levy being drawn down.  Officers were exploring other potential ways of increasing the numbers of apprenticeships, particularly targeting disadvantaged groups.

On Item 4, Councillors Brighouse and Baines asked about proposals around part-night lighting. Councillor Brighouse cited concerns of the Children’s Commissioner.  She asked that all evidence be properly considered.  Councillor Baines asked if there was any part of Oxford where this policy might be applied.  Councillor Roberts responded that the consultation on this had just finished.  Some rural parishes had proposed it for environmental reasons.  If area committees believe it would not be safe in their area then they will not request it.  The issue had been moved to the Transport Management portfolio and she was certain that Councillor Gant would take all the views from the consultation into consideration.

On Item 5, Councillor Baines asked about progress in seeking alternative sources of finance for capital projects.  Councillor Levy responded that he would provide a written answer.

On Item 6, Councillor Baines asked what conversations have taken place around the disparities in High Needs Block funding per pupil across different councils with Oxfordshire receiving a much lower amount than neighbouring councils.  Councillor Brighouse noted that the deficit had doubled in one year and asked for a breakdown of the figures.  Councillor Levy responded that officers have been engaged in discussions on this disparities point.  He was disappointed that the government had continued to defer a solution to the funding problem.  He agreed to provide a breakdown of the figures.

On Item 7, Councillor Baines asked for an update on the proposal to open the Cowley Branch Line given the government’s increase in funding towards development of railways.  Councillor Levy responded that increased funding was welcome and might support a number of schemes around the county.  He agreed to provide a written response on the Cowley Branch proposals.

Councillor Middleton noted the provision of extra funding for the development of Speedwell House  ...  view the full minutes text for item 51/25

Report by Director of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer

The Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee is under a constitutional duty to prepare an annual report. That report is set out in Annex 1 and documents the breadth and depth of the Committee’s work over the 2024/25 municipal year.

Council is RECOMMENDED to: -

a)              Receive and note the Oxfordshire Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s (JHOSC) Annual Report set out in Annex 1. 

Council had before it the Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee Annual Report that documented the breadth and depth of the Committee’s work over the 2024/25 municipal year.

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

Following discussion, the recommendation was approved unanimously.

RESOLVED: to receive and note the Oxfordshire Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s (JHOSC) Annual Report set out in Annex 1. 

Report by Director of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer

Within the Council’s Constitution at Part 6.2 paragraph 4 (viii) the overview and scrutiny committees are given the right to submit an annual report. This is given effect through an Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report.

The Council is RECOMMENDED to

a)              Receive the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report.

Council was asked to note the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report which documents the activities of the four other overview and scrutiny committees for the 2024/25 municipal year.

The report was proposed by Councillor Walker and seconded by Councillor Brighouse.

Following discussion, the recommendation was approved unanimously.

RESOLVED: Council to receive the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report

Report by the Director of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer

At its meeting on 11 July 2023, Council approved the creation of the roles of two Independent Members of the Audit and Governance Committee.    This report is to propose appointments to the two positions.

At its meeting on 11 July 2023, Council approved the creation of the roles of two Independent Members of the Audit and Governance Committee. The report before Council was to propose appointments to the two positions.

The report was proposed by Councillor Smith and seconded by Councillor Shiri.

Following discussion, the recommendations were adopted unanimously.

RESOLVED: to:-

a)              confirm the appointment Kate Cartwright and Paul McGinn as Independent Members of the Audit and Governance Committee for a term of four years.

b)              record the Council’s gratitude and appreciation for the contribution of Dr Geoff Jones as Independent Member of the Audit and Governance Committee and Chair of the Audit Working Group.

Report by the Director of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer

This report is to provide details of the arrangements for the forthcoming review of members’ allowances to be completed in the current Council Year 2025/26 and implemented from 1 April 2026.

The Independent Remuneration Panel makes recommendations to Council on Member Allowances.  This report is to form the Panel and appoint members to it.

The report was proposed by Councillor Leffman and seconded by Councillor Fawcett.

Following discussion, the recommendations were approved unanimously.

RESOLVED: to: -

a)          confirm the appointment of Benjamin Anim-Antwi, Martyn Hocking, Stephen McKechnie and Dave Shelmerdine as Members of the Independent Remuneration Panel and

b)          to form the Independent Remuneration Panel for a period of two years.

Report by the Director of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer

This report presents a policy outlining councillors' entitlements to Parental Leave, which includes maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption leave.

Council is RECOMMENDED to approve a parental leave policy for councillors, ensuring support for new parents and best practice in local governance. The policy includes provisions for temporary cover and reflects the council's commitment to promoting equality and diversity among elected officials.

Council was asked to approve a policy outlining councillors' entitlements to parental leave, which includes maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption leave.

The report was proposed by Councillor Leffman and seconded by Councillor Fawcett.

Following discussion, the recommendations were approved unanimously.

RESOLVED: to approve a parental leave policy for councillors, ensuring support for new parents and best practice in local governance. The policy includes provisions for temporary cover and reflects the council's commitment to promoting equality and diversity among elected officials.

Report by the Director of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer

The Extraordinary Council meeting on 20 May 2025 approved the appointment of former Councillor Bob Johnston as Alderman.  As Alderman Johnston was unable to attend on that day, Council agreed to defer the presentation of the scroll to this meeting.

Council is RECOMMENDED to note

a)              the conferral of the title of Honorary Alderman, under section 249(1) of the Local Government Act 1972, on Mr Bob Johnston at the Extraordinary Meeting on 20 May 2025 in recognition of his significant contribution to the Council in particular and public service in general;

b)              that Alderman Johnston was unable to attend the conferral meeting due to holidays; and

c)              that Council agreed to defer the presentation of the scroll until its next meeting on 8 July 2025 so that Members would have the opportunity to pay tribute.

The Extraordinary Council meeting on 20 May 2025 approved the appointment of former Councillor Bob Johnston as Alderman. As Alderman Johnston was unable to attend on that day, Council agreed to defer the presentation of the scroll to this meeting.

Members paid tribute to Alderman Johnston’s work on the council and in the community.  Alderman Johnston responded with thanks and recalled some of his best memories as a councillor.

The Chair presented the scroll and alderman’s medal to Alderman Johnston.

Council notes with deep concern the failure of successive governments to address the crisis in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Provision.

Councils across the country are grappling with soaring high needs deficits, which the Local Government Association (LGA) predicts will exceed £5 billion nationally by next year.

Over half the councils providing these services warned they would face effective bankruptcy when the statutory override for SEND deficits was to expire in 2026. The extension to 2028 has not solved the underlying problem.

Between 2020 and 2024, Oxfordshire County Council’s deficit on the `Dedicated Schools Grant` was £46 million. This increased to £85m at the end of financial year 2024-25 and is budgeted to reach £127m by the end of financial year 2025-26.

Oxfordshire saw a 27% increase in requests for Education and Health Care Plans (EHCPs) during 2023/24 with an increase of 18% of approved EHCPs. These increases continue upward.

The LGA says that the current SEND system is “not working for anyone in it”.

The Spending Review once again failed to provide clarity on how the Government will address these mounting deficits.

The announced increase in core school funding amounts to just a 1.1% uplift-insufficient to keep pace with inflation and rising pay costs in schools.

The Council asks the leader to write to the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves MP, urging her to set out urgently how the Government will eliminate high needs deficits and deliver a SEND system that works for children, families and councils alike.

The motion was proposed by Councillor Hanna and seconded by Councillor Hope-Smith.

Following discussion, an electronic vote was taken.  The motion was approved with 62 votes in favour, none against and no abstentions.

RESOLVED:

Council notes with deep concern the failure of successive governments to address the crisis in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Provision.

Councils across the country are grappling with soaring high needs deficits, which the Local Government Association (LGA) predicts will exceed £5 billion nationally by next year.

Over half the councils providing these services warned they would face effective bankruptcy when the statutory override for SEND deficits was to expire in 2026. The extension to 2028 has not solved the underlying problem.

Between 2020 and 2024, Oxfordshire County Council’s deficit on the `Dedicated Schools Grant` was £46 million. This increased to £85m at the end of financial year 2024-25 and is budgeted to reach £127m by the end of financial year 2025-26.

Oxfordshire saw a 27% increase in requests for Education and Health Care Plans (EHCPs) during 2023/24 with an increase of 18% of approved EHCPs. These increases continue upward.

The LGA says that the current SEND system is “not working for anyone in it”.

The Spending Review once again failed to provide clarity on how the Government will address these mounting deficits.

The announced increase in core school funding amounts to just a 1.1% uplift-insufficient to keep pace with inflation and rising pay costs in schools.

The Council asks the leader to write to the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves MP, urging her to set out urgently how the Government will eliminate high needs deficits and deliver a SEND system that works for children, families and councils alike.

The Children’s Society notes that transport poverty exacerbates other inequalities, with children from low-income families potentially missing out on school trips, extracurricular activities, or suffering poor school attendance. A 2025 report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies similarly identified that young people’s mobility is closely tied to long-term social and economic outcomes.

This Council, being aware of the levels of child poverty in this county and the effect this has on the ability of families and young people to travel by public transport, asks the Cabinet to set up a Cabinet Advisory Group to consider a scheme to  provide free or significantly reduced bus travel for children and young people up to age of 18.

Such a scheme could be funded from fines from ANPR enforcement and would enable children and young people to get to school and college settings by enabling bus companies to develop routes to school that better meet the travel needs of families and children.

This Council notes West of England Mayor Helen Goodwin has funded free travel for children up to 16 this summer.

Note: The motion, if passed, would constitute the exercise of an executive function in which case it will be referred to the Cabinet together with any advice the Council may wish to give, in accordance with Rule 13.5.1 (i) of the Council Procedure Rules in the Constitution.

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

An amendment was proposed by Councillor Kerr and seconded by Councillor Garnett.  The proposer and seconder of the motion did not accept the amendment.

Following discussion, Councillor Levy proposed an amendment to Councillor Kerr’s amendment under CPR 14.1 (vi).  The new amendment was accepted by the proposer and seconder of the original amendment.

Council voted to take the new amendment with 39 votes in favour, 21 against and no abstentions.

The amendment was carried with 40 votes in favour, 21 against and no abstentions.

Following further discussion, the motion as amended was carried with 40 votes in favour, 21 against and no abstentions.

RESOLVED:

The Children’s Society notes that transport poverty exacerbates other inequalities, with children from low-income families potentially missing out on school trips, extracurricular activities, or suffering poor school attendance. A and a 2025 report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies similarly identified that young people’s mobility is closely tied to long-term social and economic outcomes.

The Council notes that it is working with bus companies to improve services in Oxfordshire and thanks them for their support for its schemes to make bus services more reliable, quicker and more extensive.  It would welcome the opportunity to make services more accessible to young people and others. 

This Council notes that there are many transport disadvantaged groups who could significantly benefit from targeted support with public transport, such as those under 18, care leavers and asylum seekers.

This Council, being aware of the levels of child poverty in this county and the effect this has on the ability of families and young people to travel by public transport, asks the Cabinet to set up a Cabinet Advisory Group to consider a scheme for the whole county to provide free or significantly reduced bus travel for children and young people up to age of 18 where the money for such scheme would require substantial funding to be viable and longterm and that this will require funding from central government in addition to Oxfordshire making a contribution were a Workplace Parking Levy to be introduced.

Such a scheme could be funded from fines from ANPR enforcement and would enable children and young people to get to school and college settings by enabling bus companies to develop routes to school that better meet the travel needs of families and children.

This Council notes West of England Mayor Helen Goodwin has funded free travel for children up to 16 this summer.

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:

a) Ask the Leader of the Council to 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) Request that the Leader provides a written response to this motion, setting out the steps being taken to strengthen leadership and accountability within SEND services.

The time being 3.30 pm, this motion was considered dropped in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 5.2.

A well-functioning opposition is a vital part of our democracy. The recent elections returned the first majority controlled council at OCC for years along with 3 main opposition party groups. Labour were the largest single party, but the Conservatives alliance with some independents resulted in two groups of equal size. This led to confusion over which group would be the ‘Official Opposition’. 

As this situation was not envisaged within our constitution, the Monitoring Officer advised that both groups should be considered as the official opposition with Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs) available to both. It was also deemed that the Chairs of the 4 main overview and scrutiny committees should be split between them.

This has created a constitutional anomaly requiring urgent consideration. It’s also an opportunity to consider how financial and operational support for all significant opposition groups could be provided given the changed political landscape of OCC.

We therefore request an urgent review of the constitution and allowances scheme in respect of opposition groups, to determine:

1.     How a principal opposition group should be defined where groups have equal numbers.

2.     If members of all opposition groups above a certain size should be entitled to SRAs from a single proportionally shared budget.

3.     The possibility of providing a support officer for all opposition groups on a timesharing basis, reflecting the relative sizes of recognised groups.

4.     If chairs of scrutiny committees should be available to any member of a recognised group outside of the controlling administration, based on proportionality.

The time being 3.30 pm, this motion was considered dropped in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 5.2.