Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Environment and Economy

Forward Plan Ref: 2026/104

Key decision

Contact: Hannah Battye, Head of Place Shaping

Hannah.battye@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Director of Economy and Place (CAB12)

The report provides an update on the Cowley Branch Line scheme and seeks authorisation of funding contributions towards the project.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to

a)    Approve potential funding to meet up to £14.5m of local costs for the delivery of the Cowley Branch Line through the use of retained business rates funding from the two Oxfordshire Enterprise Zones as set out in paragraph 44 and subject to the provisions of paragraph 41.

b)    Note that the expectation is that this forward funding would be replaced by future S106 and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contributions but neither the amounts nor timing are certain at this stage.

c)    Note that any future shortfall in funding or additional borrowing costs remaining after these amounts are received would need a further decision to agree how to manage this.