Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Edwards.

- guidance note below

There were none.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 16 June 2026 (CA3) and to receive information arising from them.

The minutes of the meeting held on 16 June 2026 were approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

Any county councillor may, by giving notice to the Proper Officer by 9 am three working days before the meeting, ask a question on an item on the agenda.

The number of questions which may be asked by any councillor at any one meeting is limited to two (or one question with notice and a supplementary question at the meeting) and the time for questions will be limited to 30 minutes in total. As with questions at Council, any questions which remain unanswered at the end of this item will receive a written response.

Please see attached.

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 to present a petition must be submitted no later than 9am ten working days before the meeting.

Requests to speak must be submitted no later than 9am three working days before the meeting.

Requests should be submitted 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.

8 – Best Start Family Hubs

Cllr Jane Hanna OBE

12 – Cowley Branch Line – Enterprise Zone Funding

Rita Atkinson

Cllr Andrew Crawford

Cllr Bethia Thomas

Cllr Jane Hanna OBE

14 – Procurement of a Strategic Partner to Support Local Government Reorganisation across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire

Cllr Glynis Phillips

18 – Capital Programme Monitoring Report

Richard Drew

There were none.

Cabinet to receive the following reports from Scrutiny Committees:-

Education and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee report on Best Start in Life Family Hubs

Performance and Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee reports on:-

a)    Commercial Strategy

b)    Shaping Oxfordshire’s Future Economy

Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee report on Protocol for Flag Flying

Councillor Liz Brighouse OBE, Chair of the Education and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee, presented the report on the Best Start in Life Family Hubs.

Councillor Glynis Phillips, Chair of the Performance and Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee, presented reports on:

-       Commercial Strategy

-       Shaping Oxfordshire’s Future Economy

Councillor Liam Walker, Chair of the Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee, presented the report on the Protocol for Flag Flying.

Cabinet received the reports and will respond in due course.

Cabinet Member: Children and Young People

Forward Plan Ref: 26/138

Contact: Shona Harris, Transformation Programme Manager (Shona.Harris@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Director of Children’s Services (CAB8)

This report sets out the proposed strategic direction for the development and implementation of Best Start Family Hubs in Oxfordshire, as a core delivery mechanism for the council’s Best Start in Life Plan.

Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to

a)    Approve the strategic direction of travel for Best Start Family Hubs in Oxfordshire and delegate authority to the Director of Children’s Services for the delivery of the proposal, including the expenditure of the Department for Education (DfE) Grant and budget.

Cabinet had before it a report setting out the strategic direction for the Best Start Family Hubs in Oxfordshire as a core delivery mechanism in the Council’s Best Start in Life Plan, which responded to the national ambition for 75% of children to achieve a good level of development by age five by 2028.

Councillor Sean Gaul, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, introduced the report and outlined proposals for a network of family hubs operating across five localities, supported by voluntary, community and faith sector organisations. Particular emphasis was placed on improving outcomes for children and families, supporting school readiness and tackling inequalities.

Members highlighted the importance of partnership working, the contribution of community-run family centres and opportunities for integration with wider health and wellbeing services, whilst welcoming ongoing discussions regarding provision in Wantage and Grove.

Councillor Gaul moved and Councillor Gregory seconded the recommendations and they were approved.

RESOLVED to:

a)    Approve the strategic direction of travel for Best Start Family Hubs in Oxfordshire and delegate authority to the Director of Children’s Services for the delivery of the proposal, including the expenditure of the Department for Education (DfE) Grant and budget.

Cabinet Member: Leader

Forward Plan Ref: 2025/251

Contact: Joanne Fellows, Place Planning Manager – Central (Joanne.Fellows@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Director of Environment and Highways & Director of Public Affairs, Policy and Partnerships (CAB9)

To provide an update on the progress of the recommendations from the 2025 Oxfordshire Travel and Transport Citizens' Assembly, as approved at Cabinet in July 2025.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to

                      a)         Note the progress being made to deliver against recommendations from the Travel and Transport Citizens’ Assembly since July 2025.

                      b)         Note the additional engagement that has taken place with assembly members over the past year, in support of deeper involvement of communities in transport policy development, and scheme design and delivery.

Cabinet received a report which provided an update on the progress and continued engagement related to the recommendations from the February-March 2025 Oxfordshire Travel and Transport Citizens’ Assembly, highlighting the council’s positive response, further workshops on specific transport projects such as the temporary Oxford congestion charge and OxRAIL 2040 plan, and ongoing efforts to involve assembly members in policy development and scheme delivery aligned with the county’s strategic goals for greener, healthier, and fairer transport systems.

Councillor Gareth Epps, Cabinet Member for Transport, presented the report. He reported that many recommendations were already being progressed through existing transport programmes and highlighted work on behaviour change, road safety, reducing traffic, improvements to Park and Ride services and continued engagement with Assembly members on congestion charging and OxRail 2040 proposals.

Members thanked participants and acknowledged the value of deliberative engagement in informing transport policy.

Councillor Bearder moved and Councillor Epps seconded the recommendations and they were approved.

RESLVED to:-

a)    Note the progress being made to deliver against recommendations from the Travel and Transport Citizens’ Assembly since July 2025.

b)    Note the additional engagement that has taken place with assembly members over the past year, in support of deeper involvement of communities in transport policy development, and scheme design and delivery.

Cabinet Member:  Environment and Economy

Forward Plan Ref: 2026/111

Key decision

Contact: Hannah Battye, Head of Place Shaping (Hannah.Battye@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Director of Economy and Place (CAB10)

Seeking approval for Oxfordshire County Council to participate in, and help lead, a joint Thames Valley partnership (Oxfordshire, Berkshire unitary authorities and Swindon) to progress the pre-inception phase of work for a Thames Valley Spatial Development Strategy (SDS).

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to:   

a)    Approve the establishment of a partnership with the councils covering Oxfordshire and Berkshire, including Swindon in the initial pre-inception period of the statutory Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) for the Thames Valley area and pending agreement by Government on geography.

b)    Note the funding and resource allocations for the pre-inception programme.

c)    Agree that Bracknell Forest Council will act as the accountable body for funds held on behalf of the partnership and will host any staff appointed for the Thames Valley SDS programme.

d)    Agree the high-level interim governance and oversight, monitoring and assurance arrangements set out in this paper, covering the arrangements for the period before a statutory Strategic Planning Board (SPB) is established through secondary legislation.

e)    To delegate the detail agreements and working arrangements for pre-inception development of the SDS to the Director of Economy and Place in consultation with the Head of Legal and Governance and Deputy Monitoring Officer.

Cabinet considered a report recommending approval for establishing a partnership of councils from Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Swindon to collaboratively develop a pre-inception Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) for the Thames Valley area.  The report outlined governance, funding, staffing, data sharing, and risk management arrangements ahead of the statutory Strategic Planning Board’s formation expected in Autumn 2026, with Bracknell Forest Council acting as the accountable body and host for staff, supported by government funding and partner contributions to ensure readiness for the SDS statutory requirements by mid-2029.

Councillor Laura Gordon, Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, presented the report.

Cabinet noted that the SDS was a government-imposed process, with the geography set to include Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Swindon, but not Buckinghamshire or Milton Keynes. Members expressed concerns about the logic of the boundaries and the practical implications for strategic planning.

Members clarified that participation in the SDS did not imply acceptance of a devolution deal including Swindon, and that spatial planning and devolution were being treated as separate processes. The importance of including Buckinghamshire for effective planning was reiterated.

Councillor Gordon moved and Councillor Gaul seconded the recommendations and they were approved.

RESOLVED to:-                                                                 

a)    Approve the establishment of a partnership with the councils covering Oxfordshire and Berkshire, including Swindon in the initial pre-inception period of the statutory Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) for the Thames Valley area and pending agreement by Government on geography.

b)    Note the funding and resource allocations for the pre-inception programme.

c)    Agree that Bracknell Forest Council will act as the accountable body for funds held on behalf of the partnership and will host any staff appointed for the Thames Valley SDS programme.

d)    Agree the high-level interim governance and oversight, monitoring and assurance arrangements set out in this paper, covering the arrangements for the period before a statutory Strategic Planning Board (SPB) is established through secondary legislation.

e)    To delegate the detail of the agreement and working arrangements for pre-inception development of the SDS to the Director of Economy and Place in consultation with the Head of Legal and Governance and Deputy Monitoring Officer.

Cabinet Member: Environment and Economy

Forward Plan Ref: 2026/113

Key decision

Contact: Dawn Pettis, Strategic Planning & Infrastructure Manager (Dawn.Pettis@oxfordshire.go.uk)

Report by Director of Economy and Place (CAB11)

The purpose of OxIS is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the strategic infrastructure that is necessary to support future development to 2050.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to

a)    Endorse the Oxfordshire Infrastructure Strategy Stage 2 Prioritisation Report (provided at Annex 1)

Cabinet had before it the 2026 Oxfordshire Infrastructure Strategy (OxIS) Stage 2 Prioritisation Report outlining the strategic infrastructure needed to support Oxfordshire’s projected growth to 2050.  The report identified key challenges in transport, energy, digital connectivity, water, green spaces, and social infrastructure, while highlighting a £7.6 billion funding gap out of the £9 billion required, and presenting a flexible, evidence-based prioritisation framework for over 550 projects to guide investment and sustainable development aligned with the county’s 2050 Strategic Vision.

Councillor Laura Gordon, Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, presented the report.

During discussion, members discussed the importance of clear infrastructure priorities to support Oxfordshire’s significant growth in jobs and housing, noting that infrastructure delivery has lagged behind development. They referenced the need for basic infrastructure such as renewable energy connections and water management.

Concerns were raised about the rigidity of the current project scoring system, with calls for more flexibility to ensure equitable distribution of funding and the ability to respond to strategic opportunities. Cabinet agreed to add recommendations emphasising flexibility and the need for nuanced prioritisation, especially regarding job and housing co-location.

Members also highlighted the lack of focus on climate adaptation in the current strategy and the need to consider alternative funding mechanisms, such as land value capture. They agreed that future iterations should place greater emphasis on climate mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable funding.

Councillor Gordon moved and Councillor Fawcett seconded the amended recommendations.

RESOLVED to :-

a)    Endorse the Oxfordshire Infrastructure Strategy Stage 2 Prioritisation Report (provided at Annex 1)

b)    Note the need for flexibility in bringing forward projects for funding to ensure equitable distribution of funding around the County and take advantage of strategic funding opportunities as they arise.

c)    Ensure that future iterations of this report or other infrastructure prioritisation exercises, such as the Spatial Development Strategy, place stronger emphasis on: job creation in priority locations; housing development in priority locations (notably Oxford City); climate mitigation and adaptation; and alignment with Oxfordshire County Council transport and other policies.

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.

Cabinet had before it a report recommending  approval of up to £14.5m in local funding for the Cowley Branch Line project using retained business rates from Oxfordshire Enterprise Zones, with repayment expected from future S106 and CIL contributions, while acknowledging potential funding risks and deferring the choice of financing method to future councils amid Local Government Reform.

Councillor Laura Gordon, Cabinet Member for Environment and Econonomy presented the report. She stated that the funding would unlock substantial Government and private-sector investment and contribute to economic growth across Oxfordshire. She also acknowledged concerns about consultation arrangements and outlined proposals for an Enterprise Zone Advisory Board.

During discussion, members emphasised the strategic importance of the scheme for OxRail 2040, Oxford station capacity, Oxfordshire Metro ambitions and future rail projects, including Warren Grove/Wantage station aspirations.

Members generally supported the proposal while acknowledging stakeholder concerns.

Further discussion covered the following points:-

• benefits for deprived communities in East Oxford;
• countywide economic impacts;
• future governance arrangements for EZ funding;
• progress on active travel schemes and Science Vale projects;
• future recovery of costs from developer contributions and infrastructure funding streams;

Councillor Gordon moved and Councillor Epps seconded the recommendations and they were approved.

RESOLVED 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 beyond those set out in this paper would need a further decision on how to manage.

Cabinet Member: Resources and Deputy Leader

Forward Plan Ref: 2026/120

Non-key decision

Contact: Lauren Bond, Senior Policy Officer

Laurn.bond@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Director of Public Affairs, Policy and Partnerships (CAB13)

This document sets out the policy for flying flags on the buildings and land owned or managed by Oxfordshire County Council. The policy aims to comply with the planning regulations, respect the national and local significance of certain dates and events, and accommodate the requests of organisations that wish to fly their own flags. It states the responsibilities and decision-making process for the flying of flags, and which flags are excluded. It does not refer to flags flown by citizens on highways or assets, which are treated separately under enforcement powers.

Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to:

a)    Review and approve the Protocol for Flag Flying (Annex A). The Protocol incorporates recommendations made by the Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Cabinet had before it a report proposing a Protocol for Flag Flying to establish a consistent framework for flag displays on council properties, ensuring compliance with legislation, supporting community cohesion, and managing one-off requests fairly and transparently. 

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, presented the report.

During discussion, members welcomed the amendments to the policy proposed by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Councillor Fawcett moved and Councillor Bearder seconded the recommendation, and it was approved.

RESOLVED to approve the Protocol for Flag Flying (Annex A to the report). The Protocol incorporates recommendations made by the Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Local Government Reorganisation and Human Resources

Forward Plan Ref: 26/151

Key decision

Contact: Lauren Diggett, Programme Manager – Local Government Reorganisation (Lauren.Doggett@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by the Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151 Officer) (CAB14)

This report seeks Cabinet approval to procure a Strategic Partner to support the delivery of Local Government Reorganisation across Oxfordshire. The proposed procurement is intended not only to enable a safe and legally compliant transition to new unitary arrangements, but to support a transformation-led approach that redesigns services, operating models and system working. The Strategic Partner will operate at system level, working across councils and partners to translate ambition into deliverable plans, develop future operating models, and support implementation before and after vesting. Cabinet approval is required as this constitutes a key decision, committing the Council to a significant procurement and enabling delegated authority to progress and award the contract.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to:

a)    Approve the commencement of a procurement exercise to appoint a Strategic Partner to support the delivery of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) across the Oxfordshire and West Berkshire councils involved in scope, supporting both the statutory transition to new unitary arrangements and wider transformation objectives across the system;

b)    Approve the commencement of procurement on the basis of an estimated contract value in the region of £3.0 million, with the contract expected to commence in September 2026 and run until March 2029 or 12 months following vesting day, whichever is later.  The proposed costs will be tested and refined through the procurement process, with final costs confirmed prior to contract award. Costs will be shared in accordance with the agreed 80/20 Memorandum of Understanding, which is the cost-sharing agreement between the councils involved in the scope of Local Government Reorganisation for relevant LGR-related work, with 80% funded by Oxfordshire County Council and 20% funded collectively by the partner councils;

c)    Delegate authority to the Chief Executive (in his capacity as LGR Oxfordshire and West Berkshire System Implementation Team Leader), following completion of the procurement process and subject to all required approvals, to take all necessary steps to award and enter into the contract, provided that the final arrangement remains within the contract value and duration parameters set out in this report. Any proposed arrangement outside those parameters would be reported back to Cabinet for approval.

Cabinet considered a report recommending approval of a procurement exercise to appoint a Strategic Partner to support Local Government Reorganisation across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire, with an estimated contract value of £3 million starting September 2026 until March 2029 or 12 months post-vesting day, sharing costs 80/20 between Oxfordshire County Council and partner councils.  This partner would provide specialist capacity for both statutory transition and system-wide transformation to achieve financially sustainable unitary authorities and improved service integration, with procurement conducted competitively under the Procurement Act 2023 and contract management ensuring risk mitigation and alignment with equality, sustainability, and legal requirements.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Leader of the Council, presented the report.

During discission, members discussed references to West Berkshire, noting uncertainty pending Government decisions on future local government structures. Cabinet agreed amendments to ensure flexibility pending those decisions and removed references to an unagreed cost-sharing formula.

Councillor Bearder moved and Councillor Leffman seconded the recommendations and they were approved.

RESOLVED to:-

a)    Approve the commencement of a procurement exercise to appoint a Strategic Partner to support the delivery of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) across the Oxfordshire (and West Berkshire) councils involved in scope, supporting both the statutory transition to new unitary arrangements and wider transformation objectives across the system;

b)    Approve the commencement of procurement on the basis of an estimated contract value in the region of £3.0 million, with the contract expected to commence in September 2026 and run until March 2029 or 12 months following vesting day, whichever is later. The proposed costs will be tested and refined through the procurement process, with final costs confirmed prior to contract award. Costs will be shared in accordance with the cost-sharing agreement between the councils involved in the scope of Local Government Reorganisation for relevant LGR-related work.

c)    Delegate authority to the Chief Executive (in his capacity as LGR Oxfordshire and West Berkshire System Implementation Team Leader), following completion of the procurement process and subject to all required approvals, to take all necessary steps to award and enter into the contract, provided that the final arrangement remains within the contract value and duration parameters set out in this report. Any proposed arrangement outside those parameters would be reported back to Cabinet for approval.

Cabinet Member: Finance, Property and Transformation

Forward Plan Ref: 2026/093

Non-key decision

Contact: Tim Chapple, Treasury Manager

Tim.chapple@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by the Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151 Officer) (CAB15)

To note the Council’s treasury management activity and outcomes in 2025/26

Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to:

a)    Note the council’s treasury management activity and outcomes in 2025/26

Cabinet considered the Treasury Management Annual Performance Report for 2025/26 detailing the council’s debt and investment activities. 

Councillor Dan Levy, Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Transformation presented the report. He stated that all treasury management activity had remained within approved prudential indicators. The Council had reduced external debt, generated strong investment returns and maintained a cautious approach to risk.

Councillor Levy moved and Councillor Gregory seconded the recommendation, and it was approved.

RESOLVED to note the council’s treasury management activity and outcomes in 2025/26.

Cabinet Member: Finance, Property and Transformation

Forward Plan Ref: 2026/033

Key decision

Contact: Verity Royle, Planning and Reporting Manager (Verity.Royle@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151 Officer) (CAB16)

To note the report and approve the recommendations. Update on Finance (August month end position), and Risk and Performance Quarter 1.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to:

a)    Note the report and appendixes.

b)    Note the increases to funding following the final settlement (paragraph 21)

c)    Approve the resulting contribution to general balances of £4m (para 36).

d)    Approve the creation of an earmarked reserve to manage fluctuations in commercial income (para 35).

e)    Approve the new Highways fees and charges commencing on 1 August 2026 (para 38 appendix 5)

Cabinet received a report which set out the initial revenue forecast and expected outlook for the financial year 2026-27 and includes updates on:

·       financial risks which are being managed in 2026/27;

·       savings and investment position; and

·       funding notified since the budget was agreed.

Councillor Dan Levy, Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Transformation, presented the report. He explained that services were forecasting to remain within budget at month two, while acknowledging financial pressures in social care, highways and pay negotiations.

Councillor Levy moved and Councillor Gregory seconded the recommendations and they were approved.

RESOLVED to:-

a)     Note the report and appendixes.

b)     Note the increases to funding following the final settlement (paragraph 21)

c)     Approve the resulting contribution to general balances of £4m (para 36).

d)     Approve the creation of an earmarked reserve to manage fluctuations in commercial income (para 35).

e)     Approve the new Highways fees and charges commencing on 1 August 2026 (para 38 appendix 5)

Cabinet Member: Finance, Property and Transformation

Forward Plan Ref: 2026/031

Key decision

Contact: Verity Royle, Planning and Reporting Manager (Verity.Royle@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by the Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151 Officer) (CAB17)

To provide background and context to the budget and business planning process for 2027/28.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to:

a)    Note the report and the starting point for the 2027/28 budget;

b)    Approve a five-year period for the medium-term financial strategy to 2031/32 and ten-year period for the capital programme to 2036/37;

c)    Note the high-level timetable for the budget process.

d)    Note the requirement for the Council to set a sustainable balanced budget for 2027/28 which shows how income will equal spending plans.

Cabinet had before it the County Council’s 2027/28 budget report which outlined the need to set a balanced budget amid funding reductions from the Fair Funding Review 2.0, with a medium-term financial strategy extending to 2031/32 and a capital programme to 2036/37.  The report addressed service demands, inflation, council tax increases, and risks including social care pressures and Dedicated Schools Grant deficits, while planning for Local Government Reform in 2028 and engaging public consultation, with final budget approval scheduled for February 2027.

Councillor Dan Levy, Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Transformation presented the report.

Councillor Levy moved and Councillor Gregory seconded the recommendations and they were approved.

RESOLVED to:-

a)      Note the report and the starting point for the 2027/28 budget;

b)     Approve a five-year period for the medium-term financial strategy to 2031/32 and ten-year period for the capital programme to 2036/37;

c)      Note the high-level timetable for the budget process.

d)     Note the requirement for the Council to set a sustainable balanced budget for 2027/28 which shows how income will equal spending plans.

Cabinet Member: Finance, Property and Transformation

Forward Plan Ref: 2026/031

Key decision

Contact: Natalie Crawford, Capital Programme Manager

Natalie.crawford@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by the Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151 Officer) (CAB18)

Financial Report on capital spending against budget allocations, including any necessary capital programme approvals

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to:

Capital Programme

a)    Note the capital monitoring position for 2026/27 set out in this report and summarised in Annex 1.

b)    Approve the updated Capital Programme at Annex 2 incorporating the changes set out in this report.

Budget Changes / Budget Release

c)    Note the proposed release of £4.0m from corporate resources agreed by Council in February 2026 for drainage infrastructure improvements (para 69).

d)    Note the proposed inclusion of Didcot Valley Park SEND school into the capital programme with a development budget of £1.4m (para 70-71).

Funding Updates

e)    Agree the inclusion in the capital programme of the following grant funding updates and allocations:

·       Revise of the previous forecasted value of the School Condition Allocation 2026/27 to £4.645m (para 73).

·       Include the SEN High Needs Capital Allocation 2026/27 of £11.299m to earmarked reserves to address SEN reform requirements (para 74-77).

f)     Note the current over-programming of the capital programme is £10.365m as agreed by Council in February 2026. The impact on the review of corporate resources and the additional funding available through the DfT Transport consolidated funding settlement will be considered as part of the budget process for 2027/28.

Cabinet received a report which provided an update and monitoring on the County Council’s 2026/27 Capital Programme, detailing an increased forecast expenditure across various strategic areas such as pupil places, major infrastructure, highways, property, IT, and equipment, alongside new funding allocations including the SEN High Needs Capital Allocation. The report highlighted key projects, budget changes, funding sources, risks, and sustainability implications to support the council’s priorities and statutory functions.

Councillor Dan Levy, Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Transformation presented the report.

During discission, members highlighted the following as aspects of the report:-

• extensive investment in school places and SEND provision;
• drainage and highways schemes;
• progress on major transport projects;
• continued commitment to the Watlington Relief Road despite delays;
• the strategic importance of capital investment in supporting county growth.

Councillor Levy moved and Councillor Gregory seconded the recommendations and they were approved.

RESOLVED to:

Capital Programme

a.    Note the capital monitoring position for 2026/27 set out in this report and summarised in Annex 1.

b.    Approve the updated Capital Programme at Annex 2 incorporating the changes set out in this report.

Budget Changes / Budget Release

c.    Note the proposed release of £4.0m from corporate resources agreed by Council in February 2026 for drainage infrastructure improvements (para 69).

d.    Note the proposed inclusion of Didcot Valley Park SEND school into the capital programme with a development budget of £1.4m (para 70-71).

Funding Updates

e.    Agree the inclusion in the capital programme of the following grant funding updates and allocations:

·       Revise of the previous forecasted value of the School Condition Allocation 2026/27 to £4.645m (para 73).

·       Include the SEN High Needs Capital Allocation 2026/27 of £11.299m to earmarked reserves to address SEN reform requirements (para 74-77).

f.      Note the current over-programming of the capital programme is £10.365m as agreed by Council in February 2026. The impact on the review of corporate resources and the additional funding available through the DfT Transport consolidated funding settlement will be considered as part of the budget process for 2027/28.

Cabinet Member: Finance, Property and Transformation

Forward Plan Ref: 2026/127

Non-Key decision

Contact: Ian Dyson, Director of Finance and Commercial Services (Ian.Dyson@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Director of Finance and Commercial Services (CAB19)

This report seeks approval of the governance arrangements for Oxford Castle Apartments Limited (OCAL), that will become a wholly owned company of Oxfordshire County Council, as part of the Castle Quarter acquisition.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to:

a)    Note that the acquisition of the Oxford Castle Quarter site has now completed and that the related acquisition of Oxford Castle Apartments Limited (OCAL) for the nominal consideration of £1 will be concluded, subject to final due diligence, in August 2026.

b)    Agree that the Council will exercise its shareholder function through the Shareholder Committee, consistent with existing arrangements for council-owned companies.

c)    Delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive (S151 Officer), in consultation with the Director of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer, and the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Transformation, to:

·       approve the Articles of Association; and

·       appoint the initial Company Directors,

with these decisions to be ratified by the Shareholder Committee at its earliest available meeting.

Cabinet had before it a report which detailed the completion of the acquisition of Oxford Castle Quarter and the planned acquisition of Oxford Castle Apartments Limited (OCAL) as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Council. It outlined the governance arrangements and legal requirements for OCAL, a special purpose vehicle holding residential leasehold interests.

Councillor Dan Levy, Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Transformation, presented the report.

Councillor Levy moved and Councillor Leffman seconded the recommendations and they were approved.

 RESOLVED to:-

a)    Note that the acquisition of the Oxford Castle Quarter site has now completed and that the related acquisition of Oxford Castle Apartments Limited (OCAL) for the nominal consideration of £1 will be concluded, subject to final due diligence, in August 2026

b)    Agree that the Council will exercise its shareholder function through the Shareholder Committee, consistent with existing arrangements for council-owned companies.

c)    Delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive (S151 Officer), in consultation with the Director of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer, and the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Transformation, to:

·       approve the Articles of Association; and

·       appoint the initial Company Directors,

with these decisions to be ratified by the Shareholder Committee at its earliest available meeting.

Cabinet Member: All

Contact Officer: Chris Reynolds, Senior Democratic Services Officer, chris.reynolds@oxfordshire.gov.uk

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 CA.  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 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.

Minerals and Waste Planning

Protocol for Flag Flying

Road Safety

Unauthorised Waste Disposal Site near Kidlington

Cabinet noted the following responses to Scrutiny recommendations:-

Minerals and Waste Planning

Protocol for Flag Flying

Road Safety

Unauthorised Waste Disposal Site near Kidlington

Cabinet Member: Finance, Property and Transformation

Forward Plan Ref: 2026/149

Key decision

Contact: Ian Dyson, Director of Finance and Commercial Services (Ian.Dyson@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Director of Finance and Commercial Services (CAB22)

The information contained in this report is exempt in that it falls within the following prescribed categories

Paragraph 3 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)

and since it is considered that, in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

To consider proposals for a potential investment in renewable energy infrastructure, including approval to progress acquisition subject to undertaking further investigation and due diligence.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to

a)    Agree to the acquisition of the solar farm, on the terms set out in exempt Annex 1.

b)    Delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy and the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Transformation to negotiate and agree the final acquisition terms which will be substantially in accordance with the details set out in exempt Annex 1.

c)    Delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Director of Property & Assets and the Director of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer, to conclude negotiations and complete all necessary legal documentation (subject to the completion of all due diligence exercises) to implement the acquisition.

d)    Note that the outcome of the due diligence and contract terms will be shared with Performance Scrutiny and Cabinet ahead of confirming the contract terms.

Councillor Bearder moved and Councillor Fawcett seconded the following resolution and it was approved.

RESOLVED: that the public be excluded for the duration of this item since it is likely that if they were present during the item there would be disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) and specified below in relation to this item and since it is considered that, in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Cabinet had before it proposals for a potential investment in renewable energy infrastructure, including approval to progress acquisition subject to undertaking further investigation and due diligence.

Councillor Laura Gordon (Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy) introduced the report.

Councillor Gordon moved and Councillor Levy seconded the recommendations and they were approved.

RESOLVED to:

a)    Agree to the acquisition of the solar farm, on the terms set out in exempt Annex 1.

b)   Delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy and the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Transformation to negotiate and agree the final acquisition terms which will be substantially in accordance with the details set out in exempt Annex 1.

c)    Delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Director of Property & Assets and the Director of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer, to conclude negotiations and complete all necessary legal documentation (subject to the completion of all due diligence exercises) to implement the acquisition.

d)   Note that the outcome of the due diligence and contract terms will be shared with Performance Scrutiny and Cabinet ahead of confirming the contract terms.