Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Leader

Forward Plan Ref: 2025/106

Contact: Carole Stow, Engagement and Consultation Manager

Carole.stow@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Director of Environment and Transport and Director of Public Affairs, Policy and Partnerships (CA10)

This  report provides Cabinet with background information about the citizens’ assembly on travel and transport, its 20 recommendations and the council’s proposed initial response to these. It is supported by: Annex A - the full report of the Citizens’ Assembly prepared by MutualGain; and Annex B - a table setting out the council’s proposed initial response to the citizens’ assembly’s 20 recommendations.

Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to

a)    Approve the council’s initial response to the 20 recommendations developed by the citizens’ assembly.

b)    Support the development of a work programme, including a prioritisation matrix, as the next step to take forward the citizens’ assembly recommendations.

c)    Support the deeper involvement of communities in transport policy development, and scheme design and delivery, including the ongoing involvement of citizens’ assembly members.

The Cabinet Member for Transport Management pointed out a correction to Annex B.  Recommendation 4 should be allocated to category 2 and not 3 as stated in the report.

Amended recommendations approved as follows:-

RESOLVED to

a)    Approve the council’s initial response to the 20 recommendations developed by the citizens’ assembly.

b)    Support the development of a work programme, including an amended prioritisation matrix and further technical development and engagement work to properly assess whether each recommendation can be progressed (including policy, legal and financial considerations), as the next step to take forward the citizens’ assembly recommendations.

c)    Support the deeper involvement of communities in transport policy development, and scheme design and delivery, including the ongoing involvement of citizens’ assembly members.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Cabinet Member for Transport Management presented the report.  He pointed out a correction to Annex B.  Recommendation 4 should have been allocated to category 2 and not 3 as stated in the report.

A number of speakers addressed the Cabinet on this item:-

·       They highlighted the need for a shift towards multi-modal transport, reduced reliance on private cars, and improved public and active transport infrastructure.

·       They praised the Citizens Assembly for their recommendations, including support for a congestion charge and expanded park and ride, and called for clear communication of the Council’s transport vision.

·       Concerns were raised regarding the need for robust implementation of specific recommendations, such as mobility hubs, bus and cycling-only roads, and provisions for deliveries and blue badge holders in a car-free city centre.

During discussion Cabinet members expressed support for the Assembly’s work and acknowledged its role in shaping bold, evidence-based policy.

Councillor Gant moved and Councillor Fawcett seconded the following mended recommendations, and they were approved:-

RESOLVED to

a)    approve the council’s initial response to the 20 recommendations developed by the citizens’ assembly.

b)    support the development of a work programme, including an amended prioritisation matrix and further technical development and engagement work to properly assess whether each recommendation can be progressed (including policy, legal and financial considerations), as the next step to take forward the citizens’ assembly recommendations.

c)    support the deeper involvement of communities in transport policy development, and scheme design and delivery, including the ongoing involvement of citizens’ assembly members.