Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors Mark Gray and Steve Harrod.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on  23 February 2021 (CA3) and to receive information arising from them.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 23 February 2021 was approved and signed as a correct record..

The questions received from County Councillors and responses are set out in an Annex the these Minutes.

This Cabinet meeting will be held virtually in order to conform with current guidelines regarding social distancing. Normally requests to speak at this public meeting are required by 9 am on the day preceding the published date of the meeting. However, during the current situation and to facilitate these new arrangements we are asking that requests to speak are submitted by no later than 9am four working days before the meeting i.e. 9 am on [DATE]. Requests to speak should be sent to sue.whitehead@oxfordshire.gov.uk together with 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 9 am 2 working days before the meeting.

Where a meeting is held virtually and the addressee is unable to participate virtually their written submission will be accepted.

Written submissions should be no longer than 1 A4 sheet.

The following requests to address the meeting had been agreed by the Chairman. 

Item 6 – Business Management & Monitoring Report:           Councillor Liz Brighouse, Chairman of Performance Scrutiny Committee

Councillor Glynis Phillips, Shadow Cabinet Member Finance

Item 7– Capital Programme Monitoring: Councillor Glynis Phillips, Shadow Cabinet Member Finance

Item 8 – Oxford Zero Emission Zone Pilot Formal Consultation: Councillor John Sanders, Shadow Cabinet Member for Environment

Item 9 - Oxfordshire Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy:       Councillor John Sanders, Shadow Cabinet Member for Environment

Item 12 - England’s Economic Heartland Final Transport Strategy: Councillor John Sanders, Shadow Cabinet Member for Environment

Item 13 - Objection to West Berkshire Minerals and Waste Local : Councillor John Sanders, Shadow Cabinet Member for Environment

Cabinet Member: Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance

Forward Plan Ref: 2020/

Contact: Louise Tustian, Head of Insight & Corporate Programmes Tel: 07741 607452/Hannah Doney, Head of Corporate Finance Tel: 07584 174654

Report by Corporate Director Customers & Organisational Development and Director of Finance (CA6).

This report sets out Oxfordshire County Council’s (OCC’s) progress towards Corporate Plan priorities for 2020/21 – January2021.

 Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to:

(a)       To note this month’s business management and monitoring report.

(b)       Approve virement set out in Annex C-2b relating to the planned use of the Public Health Savings to fund appropriate expenditure in other services, and the virement from the COVID-19 Budget to the services for the period November 2020 to March2021;

(c)       Note the virements set out in Annex C-2c;

(d)       Approve the bad debt write-offs set out in AnnexC.

(e)       Approve the 2021/22 Charges set out in paragraph 33 and Annex C-6

Councillor Liz Brighouse, Chairman of Performance Scrutiny Committee detailed comments from the Performance Scrutiny Committee including concerns with the LED lighting contract and performance with highway’s resurfacing. Councillor Brighouse outlined the further information they had asked for in relation to these issues. The Committee had also requested changes to simplify the information in the commentary for listening to residents under the number of pothole enquiries and a request to see the average time for repairs, noting that this work was underway. Councillor Brighouse commented that the Committee had raised the number of drainage issues raised through Fix My Street that did not meet the criteria and that they had queried whether the criteria needed to be reviewed given the importance of this issue to many residents. Questions had been raised over the Skanska contract and noted the assurance given that the new contract would be brought to the Performance Committee for scrutiny. Referring to the backlog in assessments for Education and Health Care Plans the Committee had noted the shortage of educational psychologists and had queried whether this shortage could be addressed using apprenticeships. The Committee had also highlighted as a priority for the Committee to look at this issue and the operation of the CAMHS service.

Councillor Glynis Phillips, Shadow Cabinet Member for Finance, highlighted the need for a robust and sustainable action plan to tackle delays to EHCPs. Councillor Phillips noted the positive activity detailed in the report including the recruitment of an air  quality programme manager and commented that it would be helpful to know when the County Strategic Framework for Managing Air Quality with partners and service areas would be published in order to support a number of important initiatives. She noted the positive impact of the Family Solutions Programme in families getting help sooner although there had been an increase in referrals to the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub linked to a high level of domestic abuse. Councillor Phillips also highlighted the work of the library staff in relation to Making Every Contact Count with the aim of encouraging a healthy lifestyle. Staff needed to have the expertise, confidence and knowledge to have those conversations and the Council could do more to build on the work of the libraries by including such training in the induction programme for new staff.

Councillor Phillips referred to the budget noting that Oxfordshire had received £1.3m for the covid winter grants scheme to support children, families and the most vulnerable and that the funding should be used in the period early December to 31 March. Having worked with Districts Councils on distributing funds she queried whether the spending was being monitored to see that allocations were on track.

Councillor Phillips expressed concern at the changes to the budget set out in the recommendations. The budget and the review of charges was agreed by Full Council only in February and she queried what explanation there was for making such a change so soon. Councillor Phillips expressed thanks for the efforts of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25/21

Cabinet Member: Finance

Forward Plan Ref: 2020/139

Contact: Hannah Doney, Head of Corporate Finance Tel: 07584 174654

Report by Director of Finance (CA7).

This report sets out the latest monitoring position for 2020/21 capital programme based on activity to the end of January 2021 and provides an update on latest ten-year capital programme to 2030/31.

Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to:

(a)           Note the latest capital monitoring position for 2020/21 in Annex 1; and

(b)           Note the latest forecast for additional costs to the Capital Programme associated with COVID-19 of £2.7m.

Cabinet had before them a report that set out the latest monitoring position for 2020/21 capital programme based on activity to the end of January 2021 and provided an update on latest ten-year capital programme to 2030/31.

Councillor Glynis Phillips, Shadow Cabinet Member for Finance referred to the problems with the LED replacement programme and noted that the report stated that delivery would catch up. Councillor Phillips queried what evidence supported this statement. Councillor Phillips also noted that the figures for the programme varied to the numbers in the report at agenda item 6 and sought clarification on the numbers involved in the programme.

Councillor David Bartholomew, Cabinet Member for Finance in moving the recommendations clarified the numbers in relation to the rephasing of the LED street light replacement and confirmed that the programme was still expected to end on time.

RESOLVED:           to:

(a)           Note the latest capital monitoring position for 2020/21 in Annex 1; and

(b)           Note the latest forecast for additional costs to the Capital Programme associated with COVID-19 of £2.7m.

Cabinet Member: Environment

Forward Plan Ref: 2020/173

Contact: Stewart Wilson, Senior Transport Planner Tel: 07801 740354

Report by Corporate Director Communities (CA8).

The report outlines a final proposal for the Oxford ZEZ Pilot which was published as part of a period of formal consultation between Friday 20 November 2020 and Sunday 17 January 2021.

Proposals for a ZEZ in Oxford form part of the county’s current Local Transport Plan and has a significant role to play in supporting the county council’s Climate Action Framework and Corporate Plan – it will help people live healthier, safer lives and it supports and protects the local environment.  The ZEZ will also help to reduce the county council’s carbon footprint.  Similarly, proposals also align with the strategic vision for Oxfordshire by enabling more sustainable growth and by putting Oxfordshire at the leading edge of UK and global de-carbonisation efforts.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to

(a)              note the content of the report and outcomes of the recent public consultation on the Oxford Zero Emission Zone Pilot; and

(b)              approve the final Zero Emission Zone Pilot scheme at Annex 6 and authorise the scheme to be implemented.

Cabinet considered a report that outlined a final proposal for the Oxford ZEZ Pilot which was published as part of a period of formal consultation between Friday 20 November 2020 and Sunday 17 January 2021. 

Councillor John Sanders, Shadow Cabinet Member for Environment, spoke in support of the proposals but sought assurance that there would be discussion with local councillors and interest groups.

Councillor Yvonne Constance introduced the contents of the report and moved the recommendations.

RESOLVED:           to

(a)              note the content of the report and outcomes of the recent public consultation on the Oxford Zero Emission Zone Pilot; and

(b)              approve the final Zero Emission Zone Pilot scheme at Annex 6 and authorise the scheme to be implemented.

Cabinet Member: Environment

Forward Plan Ref: 2020/157

Contact: Paul Fermer, Assistant Director Communities Operations Tel: 07825 273984/Llewelyn Morgan, Head of iiHub Tel: 07881 268208

Report by Corporate Director – Place & Growth (CA9).

All six of Oxfordshire’s councils have declared climate emergencies; Oxfordshire County Council’s broader vision includes an ambition to reducing carbon emissions to tackle climate change and improve air quality. Supporting a transition to zero emission road transport is a key component in Oxfordshire’s councils achieving their net zero carbon targets, reducing air pollution, and delivering key transport initiatives such as the Oxford Zero Emission Zone.

The government has proposed an end to the sale of petrol and diesel vehicle sales by 2030. Comprehensive, accessible and efficient charging infrastructure is essential in enabling the rapid adoption of electric vehicles. The Oxfordshire Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy (OEVIS) sets out the policies and plans to realise this goal, it has been a true collaborative piece of work with City and District Councils and has been informed through the lessons learnt from various innovative EV charging projects already being delivered. It is amongst the first of its kind in the UK, the strategy will put the county in a strong position to ensure that those wishing to purchase an EV can access convenient charging and we believe the strategy will provide a benchmark for UK Transport Authorities.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to ADOPT the recommended policies and key actions for the Oxfordshire Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy (2020-2025).

All six of Oxfordshire’s councils have declared climate emergencies; Oxfordshire County Council’s broader vision includes an ambition to reducing carbon emissions to tackle climate change and improve air quality. Supporting a transition to zero emission road transport is a key component in Oxfordshire’s councils achieving their net zero carbon targets, reducing air pollution, and delivering key transport initiatives such as the Oxford Zero Emission Zone.

The government has proposed an end to the sale of petrol and diesel vehicle sales by 2030. Comprehensive, accessible and efficient charging infrastructure is essential in enabling the rapid adoption of electric vehicles. Cabinet had before them The Oxfordshire Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy (OEVIS) that set out the policies and plans to realise this goal.

Councillor John Sanders, Shadow Cabinet Member for Environment, commented that paragraph 6.2 of the report set out pitfalls but it was key to the successful take up.

During discussion: Cabinet:

·       Noted that other initiatives such as car clubs were important to encourage car sharing and reduce congestion.

·       Referred to the possible issue of electric companies keeping up with demand. In some areas of Oxfordshire power could be lost for six hours at a time making it difficult to charge vehicles regardless of the provision of charging points. Officers advised that they had discussed this point with the company who were confident of being able to supply sufficient energy for the grid.

RESOLVED:           to ADOPT the recommended policies and key actions for the Oxfordshire Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy (2020-2025).

Cabinet Member: Deputy Leader of the Council

Forward Plan Ref: 2021/005

Contact: Jody Kerman, Head of Trading Standards Tel: 07909 905514

Report by Director Community Safety & Chief Fire Officer and Assistant Director of Regulatory Services (CA 10).

The report seeks approval of the adoption of a regime of financial penalties for breaches of relevant legislation. Legislation governing the activities of lettings agents and other businesses in the property sector provides for financial penalties as the main formal means of dealing with non-compliance. The issuing of financial penalty notices to non-complaint traders in Oxfordshire is therefore the most appropriate response to the legislation, where informal advice has not resolved the non-compliance. National guidance would be adopted to ensure that penalties are proportionate, evidence-based and consistent. Adopting this national guidance as a local policy requires a cabinet decision.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to approve a new mechanism for the Trading Standards Service to take  action against property agents for breaches of relevant housing legislation by means of civil financial penalties, as outlined in the supporting Enforcement Policy (adopted from the model implemented nationally by the National Trading Standards Estate and Lettings Agency Team).

Cabinet had before them a  report seeking  approval of the adoption of a regime of financial penalties for breaches of relevant legislation governing the activities of lettings agents and other businesses in the property sector.

Councillor Judith Heathcoat, Deputy Leader of the Council introduced the contents of the report and moved the recommendations.

RESOLVED:           to approve a new mechanism for the Trading Standards Service to take  action against property agents for breaches of relevant housing legislation by means of civil financial penalties, as outlined in the supporting Enforcement Policy (adopted from the model implemented nationally by the National Trading Standards Estate and Lettings Agency Team).

Cabinet Member: Environment

Forward Plan Ref: 2021/032

Contact: Rachel Wileman, Assistant Director Strategic Infrastructure & Planning Tel: 07554 103691

Report by Corporate Director Communities (CA11).

To seek agreement of a report setting out the intention of the County Council to support the establishment of a new County wide environment advisory group ( as part of Oxfordshire Growth Board Governance and subject to endorsement by the Oxfordshire Growth Board) and to agree the Oxfordshire - Cambridge Arc environmental principles ( subject to endorsement at the OxCam ARC Plenary meeting) .

Cabinet considered a report seeking support for the intention of the County Council to support the establishment of a new County wide environment advisory group ( as part of Oxfordshire Growth Board Governance and subject to endorsement by the Oxfordshire Growth Board) and to agree the Oxfordshire - Cambridge Arc environmental principles ( subject to endorsement at the OxCam ARC Plenary meeting)

Councillor Ian Hudspeth, Leader of the Council introduced the contents of the report and moved the recommendations.

RESOLVED:           to 

(a)          Acknowledge the breadth of County Council partnership activity for              climate action, environmental resilience and renewal in Oxfordshire.

(b)        Support the establishment of an Environment Advisory Group of the Oxfordshire Growth Board and its Terms of Reference as set out at Appendix 1, subject to the outcome of the meeting of the Growth Board on 22 March.

(c)Endorse the shared principles for protecting, restoring and enhancing the environment in the Oxford to Cambridge Arc, as set out at Appendix 2.

(d)        Support the development of an Arc Environment Strategy which will provide for how the principles can be delivered and delegate authority to the Corporate Director Environment and Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment to take this forward.

(e)        Note progress concerning the development of a Local Nature Partnership for Oxfordshire.

Cabinet Member: Environment

Forward Plan Ref: 2021/031

Contact: John Disley, Infrastructure Strategy & Policy Manager Tel: 07767 006742

Report by Corporate Director Communities (CA12).

The England’s Economic Heartlands (EEH) Transport Strategy directly supports a number of the Council’s strategic priorities in the Corporate Plan, in particular reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, reducing the need to travel, promoting public transport and active travel over private use of the car where appropriate and strengthening investment in strategic transport and digital connectivity, notably rail investment such as East-West Rail. The Strategy before Cabinet

The County Council has had significant input into the Strategy at both officer level (via the EEH Transport Group) and Member level (via the Strategic Transport Forum (STF)) and given the recent launch and importance of the Transport Strategy to the emerging County Council Local Transport and Connectivity Plan (LTCP), Cabinet are asked to formally endorse the final EEH Transport Strategy.

The England’s Economic Heartlands (EEH) Transport Strategy directly supports a number of the Council’s strategic priorities in the Corporate Plan, in particular reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, reducing the need to travel, promoting public transport and active travel over private use of the car where appropriate and strengthening investment in strategic transport and digital connectivity, notably rail investment such as East-West Rail. The Strategy before Cabinet

The County Council has had significant input into the Strategy at both officer level (via the EEH Transport Group) and Member level (via the Strategic Transport Forum (STF)) and given the recent launch and importance of the Transport Strategy to the emerging County Council Local Transport and Connectivity Plan (LTCP), Cabinet had before them a report asking them to formally endorse the final EEH Transport Strategy.

Councillor John Sanders, Shadow Cabinet Member for Environment welcomed the commitment to consider all options as set out at paragraph 16 of the report and welcomed the focus on mass transport. However, he considered that there should be reference to the motion of council on 5 November 2019 rejecting the Expressway in favour of support for prioritising the East West Rail link. Councillor Hudspeth, Leader of the Council explained that the Strategy was not an OCC document.

Councillor David Bartholomew, referred to reference in the earlier consultation response that there should be greater recognition in the strategy of the need for cross boundary working with surrounding sub-national transport bodies on connectivity.  He expressed concern that there was no response to these comments. He proposed an amendment, seconded by Councillor Yvonne Constance to reflect this concern. The amendment was agreed unanimously, and it was:

RESOLVED: 

(a)  Cabinet endorses the England’s Economic Heartland (EEH) Transport Strategy in broad terms but is concerned to note that the previous consultation response "...that there should be greater recognition in the strategy of the need for cross boundary working with surrounding sub-national transport bodies on connectivity and scheme proposals that have impacts across both areas," appears to have been ignored.

(b)  To continue our representation on the EEH Board and Strategic Transport Forum (STF) to ensure alignment with our emerging Local Transport and Connectivity Plan (LTCP).

Cabinet Member: Environment

Forward Plan Ref: 2021/029

Contact: Kevin Broughton, MWLP Manager Tel: 07979 704458

Report by Corporate Director Communities (CA13 to be circulated separately).

The Cabinet are asked to endorse the officer recommendation to raise an objection to the R19 West Berks Minerals and Waste Local Plan pre-submission draft.

The Cabinet are asked to endorse the officer recommendation to raise an objection to the R19 West Berks Minerals and Waste Local Plan pre-submission draft.

Councillor John Sanders, Shadow Cabinet Member for Environment spoke in support of the recommendations.

Councillor Yvonne Constance, Cabinet Member for Environment commented that it was unexpected that West berkshire would conntinue to rely on Oxfordshire. An officer added that they were working closely with West Berkshire and had suggested a possible way forward.

RESOLVED:            to:

(a)        endorse the officer response to the West Berkshire Minerals and Waste Local Plan Consultation (Reg 19 Submission) and the Statement of Common Ground (appended).

(b)        To delegate authority to the Corporate Director, Environment and Place in conjunction with the Cabinet member for Environment, to:

                                          i.         seek to overcome and where possible withdraw the objections set out in the appended Officer response through duty to co-operate discussion with West Berkshire Council; and

                                         ii.         approve the Statement of Common Ground with West Berkshire.

Cabinet Member: All

Contact Officer: Sue Whitehead, Principal Committee Officer Tel: 07393 001213

The Cabinet Procedure Rules provide that the business of each meeting at the Cabinet is to include “updating of the Forward Plan and proposals for business to be conducted at the following meeting”.   Items from the Forward Plan for the immediately forthcoming meetings of the Cabinet appear in the Schedule at CA14.  This includes any updated information relating to the business for those meetings that has already been identified for inclusion in the next Forward Plan update.

The Schedule is for noting, but Cabinet Members may also wish to take this opportunity to identify any further changes they would wish to be incorporated in the next Forward Plan update.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to note the items currently identified for forthcoming meetings.

The Cabinet considered a list of items (CA) for the immediately forthcoming meetings of the Cabinet together with changes and additions set out in the schedule of addenda.

RESOLVED:                        to note the items currently identified for forthcoming meetings.