Agenda, decisions and minutes

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 14 February 2023 and to receive information arising from them.

The minutes of the meeting held on 14 February 2023 were approved as a correct record.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Bulmer, Field-Johnson, Murphy and Thomas.

The Chair welcomed Councillor Trish Elphinstone (Rose Hill & Littlemore) and Martin Reeves, Chief Executive, to their first meeting of the Council.

The Chair reported the following:-

·       The Council has won a gold award for its commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion at work, and has also secured a spot on Stonewall’s Top 100 list which recognises exceptional employers who are committed to supporting their LGBTQ+ staff and customers.

·       Jamie Kavanagh of ICT Services secured 2^nd place in the CS “Future Data Leader of the Year Awards.  He was highly commended in a field of over 100 data professionals from across the UK.

Council noted the following appointments:-

Cllr Elphinstone to be appointed to the vacancy on Audit and Governance Committee

Cllr Elphinstone to replace Councillor Edosomwan on People Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Cllr Povolotsky to replace Cllr Gregory on People Overview ad Scrutiny Committee

Cllr Gregory to replace Cllr Povolotsky on Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Shadow Cabinet changes

Cllr Fenton has replaced Cllr Bulmer, shadowing Cllr Hannaby, Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Community Services and Safety

Cllr Constance has replaced Cllr Fenton, shadowing Cllr Sudbury, Cabinet Member for Climate Change Delivery and Environment

Members of the public who wish to speak at this meeting can attend the meeting in person or ‘virtually’ through an online connection. To facilitate ‘hybrid’ meetings we are asking that requests to speak are submitted by no later than 9am on the day before the meeting i.e., 9am on Monday 27 March 2023. Requests to speak should be sent to chris.reynolds@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 2 working days before the meeting. Written submissions should be no longer than 1 A4 sheet.

Richard Parnham addressed the Council on the Citizens Jury recommendation regarding environmental cycling across disused University land. He had attended Cabinet previously where the recommendation had given this suggestion a low priority score. He asked that the Council should ask the Cabinet to give this proposal further consideration I view of its priority to encourage active travel.

Mark Boulle spoke in support of the motion by Councillor Walker.  He questioned how 20 minute neighbourhoods had been made a priority of the Council. He argued that investment should be made in the infrastructure of the areas affected.  He also questioned the policy regarding the issue of passes and areas affected by traffic filters and was of the view that local authorities should not be dictating the mode of transport to be used by residents.

Clinton Pugh explained that he was a local trader affected by the Cowley LTN scheme.  He referred to his previous address to the Council’s Cabinet and the accusation by a Cabinet Member of lying.  He argued that the Council had misled the public on the traffic control measures introduced in Oxford City and said that the Cabinet Member should resign.

The Monitoring Officer sated that she had investigated the code of conduct complaint referred to by the speaker in accordance with the Council’s established procedures

Anne Gwinnett, addressed the Council in support of the motion by Councillor Walker. She said that the Council had hidden evidence from data that the proposals would increase the volume of traffic in certain areas and that there was significant opposition to the Council’s proposals.  She said that the Council was not listening to residents and that a further study was required

Asha Gill addressed the Council in support of the motion by Councillor Reeves.  She said that a campaign had ben launched in support of the Spare seats scheme and opposition to the withdrawal of a removal of a number of seats in the scheme.  She argued that this contradicted a number of the Council’s policies and that the campaign group had not been asked to contribute to the Council’s review of school transport chaired by Councillor Graham.

Ken Pelton spoke in support of the motion by Councillor Walker. He was a resident of Noake where residents were severely impacted by the closure of Marston Ferry Road resulting in additional travel distances into Oxford. They would only receive 25 permits per annum.  The consultation was poorly organised and not supported by data and should be rerun as proposed in the motion.  The large sums being spent on traffic filters should be spent on improving the traffic infrastructure outside Oxford city.

Sarah Singleton spoke in support of the motion by Councillor Reeves. She said that the Council should consider the disproportionate effect on rural areas of the County, and sectors of the community including key workers, single parents and parents of pupils on free school meals. of the ongoing reductions in the spare seats scheme.  Rural pupils’ attendance at local and catchment  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11/23

Councillor Bartholomew moved and Councillor Reeves seconded a procedural motion to change the order of business to bring forward the motions on notice by Councillor Walker (item 18 on the agenda) and Councillor Reeves (item 19 on the agenda) so that these would be the first two motions to be debated.

Following debate, the procedural motion was put to the vote and was lost by 34 votes to 21 with 1 abstention.

Ms Jamila Azad had given written notice of the following question to Cllr Andrew Gant

Can the Council explain how the proposed ANPR cameras in Cowley will mitigate against the increase in NO2 pollution in Cowley (relative to the rest of Oxford) since the Crowley LTN ANPR were installed?

Councillor Gant replied:-

The ANPR cameras are not proposed to mitigate air quality but to allow enforcement and exemptions for buses and/or emergency service vehicles

Mr Matthew Webb had given written notice of the following question to Cllr Andrew Gant:-

Can the council please provide any revenue estimates for the proposed Cowley LTN ANPR cameras for their first and second year of operation?

Councillor Gant replied:-

For each proposed Cowley LTN ANPR site, the projected revenue estimates are expected to be:

Year 1 - £59,568 (per site)

Year 2 - £99,280 (per site)

These figures are estimates based on income from similar sites. However, with expectations that residents would observe the Traffic Order we are hopeful that the projected estimates would be lower and any funds potentially raised would be reinvested in further initiatives to promote Active Travel. The consultation for the ANPR cameras ends on 17 April 2023 and a decision on the way forward will be made by the County Council in the summer. 

Mr Saj Malik  had given notice of the following question to Cllr Andrew Gant:-

How many of the emergency services in Oxfordshire have made representations to you (Andrew Gant) that they want ANPR cameras to replace planters in Cowley?

Cllr Gant replied:-

The LTN team have held regular meetings with stakeholders, including the emergency services during the stages of the Cowley LTN scheme. I have met with representatives of the emergency services on many occasions, both in meetings and on-site within Cowley. 

In addition, as part of the preparation of the mitigations to the Cowley scheme, I requested and held individual one-to-one meetings with a senior representative of each of the emergency services to discuss their operational requirements. These discussions naturally form an important part of planning the scheme of mitigations and the proposals for ANPR at three sites, currently out for consultation. 

Ms Jenny Wells had given notice of the following question to Cllr Andrew Gant:-

I would like to ask Andrew Gant why the council has targeted East Oxford and Cowley for the implementation of the LTNs in Oxford?   

Cllr Gant replied

There are many key factors that recommend an area for a low-traffic neighbourhood. These include poor air quality, high traffic volumes, urban density, a high number of vulnerable road users, and a lack of green space.

Areas where there are a high number of schools, lower than average access to public transport, and a higher number of road traffic accidents may be suitable for LTN trials.

The eastern area of Oxford has a high population of young families and a mix of primary and secondary schools, as well as a large number of children travelling through to schools in other parts  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13/23

21 questions with Notice were asked. Details of the questions and answers and supplementary questions and answers will be set out in the Annex to the minutes

In relation to question 1 (Cllr Yvonne Constance to Cllr Andrew Gant) Cllr Gant undertook to provide a written response on the specific issues concerning the footpath used by pupils at King Alfred’s School in Wantage.

In relation to question 2 (Cllr Donna Ford to Cllr Calum Miller) Cllr Miller undertook to provide a written response on the dispute resolution costs relating to the Children’s Service department.

In relation to question 6 (Cllr John Howson to Cllr Calum Miller) Cllr Miller undertook to provide a written response on any adjustments made to the County Hall building by the previous administration.

In relation to question 13 (Cllr Sally Povolotsky to Cllr Andrew Gant) Cllr Gant undertook to provide a detailed response on the repair project including projected timings.

In relation to question 17 (Cllr Ian Middleton to Cllr Calum Miller) Cllr Miller undertook to meet with Cllr Middleton on options for  the Glebe House site.

Report of the Cabinet meetings of 20 December 2022 & 24 January and 21 February 2023.

Council received the report of the Cabinet.

In relation to a question from Cllr Jane Hanna, Cllr Mark Lygo confirmed that he would submitting a further report to the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee on provision of primary care services and information provided to the County’s residents

Report of the Corporate Director of Public Health and Community Safety

Directors of Public Health have a statutory duty to publish an annual report on a subject of their choice that they feel demonstrates the state of health within their community.  The purpose of this item is to share the report for 22/23

Council is RECOMMENDED to

Note the Director of Public Health Annual Report and to take every opportunity to support actions and initiatives that will progress related work.

Directors of Public Health had a statutory duty to publish an annual report on a subject of their choice that they feel demonstrates the state of health within their community. 

Council had before it the report relating to the period 2022-23 which focussed on the theme of excess weight.

Following debate it was:-

RESOLVED (on a motion by Councillor Mark Lygo, seconded by Councillor Liz Leffman, and carried unanimously) to note the Director of Public Health Annual Report and to take every opportunity to support actions and initiatives that will progress related work.

Report by the Director of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer

Council is RECOMMENDED  to approve:

The proposals for amendment to the Employment Procedure Rules Part 8.4 in the Councils Constitution – Annex 2.

Council had before it a report relating to the need to update the current Employment Procedure Rules set out in Part 8.4 of the Council’s Constitution. There were delegations in Scheme of Delegations for the Head of Paid Service regarding the appointment and dismissal of Chief Officers that contravened legislation governing the appointment and dismissal of chief officers. New delegations had been drafted to enable the Head of Paid Service to make Interim appointments of Chief Officers and appoint senior officers in the Council, who are for these purposes known as Deputy Chief Officers.  

RESOLVED (on a motion from Councillor Susanna Pressel, seconded by Councillor Felix Bloomfield, and approved unanimously) to approve the proposals for amendment to the Employment Procedure Rules Part 8.4 as set out in annex 2 to the report.

Report of the Interim Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development

Following induction exercises, conversations with senior colleagues, and the Leader, the new Chief Executive has determined that the senior leadership structure has a gap in strategic capacity.

As a result, the Chief Executive has taken steps to make a temporary appointment to a role to provide additional strategic capacity in the senior leadership team. The temporary role is Interim Executive Director for People, Transformation & Performance.

The Council is RECOMMENDED to

Approve a spot salary designation of £167,000 for the post of Interim Executive Director, People, Transformation & Performance

Council had before it a report referring to the establishment of a temporary appointment to provide additional strategic capacity in the senior leadership team.  In accordance with the Council’s constitution, the salary designation for the post required the approval of the full Council.

Following debate it was:-

RESOLVED (on a motion by Councillor Liz Leffman, seconded by Liz Brighouse, 40 voting in favour and 15 abstentions) to approve a spot salary designation of £167,000 for the post of Interim Executive Director, People, Transformation & Performance.
 

Report by the Director of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer

The Council is RECOMMENDED

To increase the Basic Allowance and Special Responsibility Allowances by 5.3% in line with the percentage rise in employee costs for Oxfordshire County Council arising from the 2022-23 Local Government pay award

The Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) recommendations on a new members’ allowances scheme were accepted by Council on 2 November 2021 and became effective on 1 April 2022. The recommendations included linking future increases to the Local Government pay award for employees each year.

Council had before it report proposing an increase to members’ allowances arising from the recent pay award for Local Government employees. 

Following debate it was:-

RESOLVED, (on a motion by Councillor Liz Leffman, seconded by Councillor Liz Brighouse, with 38 voting in favour and 17 abstentions) to:-

a)    increase the Basic Allowance and Special Responsibility Allowances by 5.3%, with effect from 1 April 2023,  in line with the percentage rise in employee costs for Oxfordshire County Council arising from the 2022-23 Local Government pay award

b)    add the following special responsibility allowance omitted from the report:-

Oxfordshire Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee:

Current                   5.3% uplift

£7,200.00               £7,584.00

Report by the Director of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer (To Follow)

The Council is RECOMMENDED

To submit the attached report on Division patterns to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.  This sets out proposed boundaries and names for the County Divisions in each of the five District areas: Cherwell, Oxford City, South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse and West Oxfordshire.

Council had before it a report on the second phase of the Local Government Boundary Commission’s electoral review of Oxfordshire proposing arrangements for setting the boundaries for each County Division.

Following debate it was:-

RESOLVED (on a motion by Councillor Stefan Gawrysiak, seconded by Councillor Neil Fawcett and approved unanimously) to submit the annexed report on Division patterns to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.  This set out proposed boundaries and names for the County Divisions in each of the five District areas: Cherwell, Oxford City, South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse and West Oxfordshire

Report by the Director of Finance (To Follow)

Council is RECOMMENDED to note the council’s treasury management activity in the third quarter of 2022/23.

Council believes that it is vital to consider the wellbeing of Future Generations in all decision-making in the Council, as set out in the Alliance’s guiding principles.

Therefore, Council requests the Cabinet to undertake the following as soon as reasonably practicable:

·        Review how all decision-making and commissioning of services will consider the wellbeing of future generations and put in place appropriate internal controls to ensure this happens,

·        Consider the need for any additional internal roles to support this work (e.g. a future generations commissioner for Oxfordshire)

• Implement a ‘Future Generations impact assessment’ section in all officer reports for elected decision-makers, and
• Set up an Oxfordshire Youth and Future Generations Advisory Council

- Requests that the Future Council Governance Group, as part of its remit, develop recommendations on how to structure political decision-making in the council in a way which best considers the impact of decisions on future generations, including exploring the role of deliberative and participatory processes (including citizens’ assemblies) as part of routine council governance and decision-making.

 - Asks that all of the above be done in consultation with people and organisations who have experience of delivering future generations work in UK political institutions, including the application future generations principles, defined as “acting in a manner which seeks to ensure that the needs of the present are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”, and the development of wellbeing goals, with a view to creating equivalent goals for Oxfordshire.

Cpuncillor Charlie Hicks moved and Councillor Robin Bennett seconded the following motion:

Council believes that it is vital to consider the wellbeing of Future Generations in all decision-making in the Council, as set out in the Alliance’s guiding principles.

Therefore, Council requests the Cabinet to undertake the following as soon as reasonably practicable:

·        Review how all decision-making and commissioning of services will consider the wellbeing of future generations and put in place appropriate internal controls to ensure this happens,

·        Consider the need for any additional internal roles to support this work (e.g. a future generations commissioner for Oxfordshire)

• Implement a ‘Future Generations impact assessment’ section in all officer reports for elected decision-makers, and
• Set up an Oxfordshire Youth and Future Generations Advisory Council

- Requests that the Future Council Governance Group, as part of its remit, develop recommendations on how to structure political decision-making in the council in a way which best considers the impact of decisions on future generations, including exploring the role of deliberative and participatory processes (including citizens’ assemblies) as part of routine council governance and decision-making.

 - Asks that all of the above be done in consultation with people and organisations who have experience of delivering future generations work in UK political institutions, including the application future generations principles, defined as “acting in a manner which seeks to ensure that the needs of the present are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”, and the development of wellbeing goals, with a view to creating equivalent goals for Oxfordshire

Following debate the motion was carried unanimously (55 voting in favour, 0 against and 0 abstentions)

RESOLVED (55 to 0):

Council believes that it is vital to consider the wellbeing of Future Generations in all decision-making in the Council, as set out in the Alliance’s guiding principles.

Therefore, Council requests the Cabinet to undertake the following as soon as reasonably practicable:

·        Review how all decision-making and commissioning of services will consider the wellbeing of future generations and put in place appropriate internal controls to ensure this happens,

·        Consider the need for any additional internal roles to support this work (e.g. a future generations commissioner for Oxfordshire)

• Implement a ‘Future Generations impact assessment’ section in all officer reports for elected decision-makers, and
• Set up an Oxfordshire Youth and Future Generations Advisory Council

- Requests that the Future Council Governance Group, as part of its remit, develop recommendations on how to structure political decision-making in the council in a way which best considers the impact of decisions on future generations, including exploring the role of deliberative and participatory processes (including citizens’ assemblies) as part of routine council governance and decision-making.

 - Asks that all of the above be done in consultation with people and organisations who have experience of delivering future generations work in UK political institutions, including the application future generations principles, defined as “acting in a manner which seeks to ensure that the needs of the present are met without compromising the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22/23

The government recommitted in the 2022 Autumn Statement to the delivery of East West Rail (EWR). In 2021, EWR consulted on a series of proposals to address the fact that increased train frequency would, in due course, require the level crossing at London Road, Bicester, to be closed. The Chief Executive of EWR told a meeting of local elected representatives on 13 January that EWR would publish its proposals for the whole line by June.

This Council:

•         Strongly supports East West Rail as it will increase opportunities for lower carbon travel and support sustainable growth and jobs; 

•         Notes that the closure of the London Road would sever the road connection between the south-east of Bicester and the town centre;

•         Believes that it must be a priority, working with Cherwell District Council and East West Rail, to find a sustainable, funded solution that continues to provide suitable rail crossings for cars, cycles and pedestrians at or near London Road;

•         Recognises that the next three months are critical to ensuring that this solution is adequately funded by EWR and national government, given that the new line is of national importance while the negative impact of closing London Road would fall on the local community in Bicester;

•         Resolves to ask the Leader to write to the Chief Executive of East West Rail, stating this Council’s support for new railway crossings at or near London Road, suitable for cars, cycles and pedestrians.

Councillor Calum Miller moved and Councillor Robin Johnston seconded the following motion:

The government recommitted in the 2022 Autumn Statement to the delivery of East West Rail (EWR). In 2021, EWR consulted on a series of proposals to address the fact that increased train frequency would, in due course, require the level crossing at London Road, Bicester, to be closed. The Chief Executive of EWR told a meeting of local elected representatives on 13 January that EWR would publish its proposals for the whole line by June.

This Council:

•         Strongly supports East West Rail as it will increase opportunities for lower carbon travel and support sustainable growth and jobs; 

•         Notes that the closure of the London Road would sever the road connection between the south-east of Bicester and the town centre;

•         Believes that it must be a priority, working with Cherwell District Council and East West Rail, to find a sustainable, funded solution that continues to provide suitable rail crossings for cars, cycles and pedestrians at or near London Road;

•         Recognises that the next three months are critical to ensuring that this solution is adequately funded by EWR and national government, given that the new line is of national importance while the negative impact of closing London Road would fall on the local community in Bicester;

•         Resolves to ask the Leader to write to the Chief Executive of East West Rail, stating this Council’s support for new railway crossings at or near London Road, suitable for cars, cycles and pedestrians.

Following debate the motion was pit to the vote and was carried unanimously (55 voting in favour, 0 against and 0 abstentions):-

RESOLVED (55 to 0):

The government recommitted in the 2022 Autumn Statement to the delivery of East West Rail (EWR). In 2021, EWR consulted on a series of proposals to address the fact that increased train frequency would, in due course, require the level crossing at London Road, Bicester, to be closed. The Chief Executive of EWR told a meeting of local elected representatives on 13 January that EWR would publish its proposals for the whole line by June.

This Council:

•         Strongly supports East West Rail as it will increase opportunities for lower carbon travel and support sustainable growth and jobs; 

•         Notes that the closure of the London Road would sever the road connection between the south-east of Bicester and the town centre;

•         Believes that it must be a priority, working with Cherwell District Council and East West Rail, to find a sustainable, funded solution that continues to provide suitable rail crossings for cars, cycles and pedestrians at or near London Road;

•         Recognises that the next three months are critical to ensuring that this solution is adequately funded by EWR and national government, given that the new line is of national importance while the negative impact of closing London Road would fall on the local community in Bicester;

•         Resolves to ask the Leader to write to the Chief  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23/23

This Council recognises the deep concerns around the recent information that it did not release specific traffic impact data in relation to the Oxford bus filters consultation.

Given this revelation this Council now calls on the Cabinet to authorise officers to conduct a new six-week consultation for the Oxford bus filters trial with all information made available to the public, including a clear ‘support or oppose’ question.

Councillor Liam Walker moved and Councillor Ian Snowdon seconded the following motion:

This Council recognises the deep concerns around the recent information that it did not release specific traffic impact data in relation to the Oxford bus filters consultation.

Given this revelation this Council now calls on the Cabinet to authorise officers to conduct a new six-week consultation for the Oxford bus filters trial with all information made available to the public, including a clear ‘support or oppose’ question.

Following debate the motion was put to the vote and was lost by 38 votes to 17.

Oxfordshire’s Spare Seats programme has offered children a safe and affordable bus to school for c. 35 years.

This Council apologises unreservedly for its decision to send ‘withdrawal’ letters to parents under its Spare Seats scheme without parental or wider public consultation. The wording of its withdrawal letters caused significant anxiety and distress to parents in predominantly rural areas, with up to 235 children affected in the short term and as many as 1,384 students in the medium term.

To date, the Council has defended its decision on the basis that it has no legal obligation to operate the scheme, adding that its continuation: “reinforces children travelling to schools further away than their nearest school”.

This Council restates its commitment to the Spare Seats scheme and to the underlying principles of safeguarding parental choice, tackling climate change, encouraging social mixing and ensuring children’s safety. 

This Council requests the Cabinet to write to all parents/guardians whose children benefit from the scheme to reassure them that this Council is giving active consideration to improving Spare Seats and/or encouraging replacement community transport services to ensure that there is no loss of services to parents and pupils.

This Council requests the Cabinet to provide a written explanation to members of this Council surrounding the withdrawal letters and to work with the Chair(s) of relevant committee(s) to ensure that members can discharge their democratic duties as scrutineers of Council policy.

Councillor Eddie Reeves moved and Councillor Yvonne Constance seconded the following motion:

Oxfordshire’s Spare Seats programme has offered children a safe and affordable bus to school for c. 35 years.

This Council apologises unreservedly for its decision to send ‘withdrawal’ letters to parents under its Spare Seats scheme without parental or wider public consultation. The wording of its withdrawal letters caused significant anxiety and distress to parents in predominantly rural areas, with up to 235 children affected in the short term and as many as 1,384 students in the medium term.

To date, the Council has defended its decision on the basis that it has no legal obligation to operate the scheme, adding that its continuation: “reinforces children travelling to schools further away than their nearest school”.

This Council restates its commitment to the Spare Seats scheme and to the underlying principles of safeguarding parental choice, tackling climate change, encouraging social mixing and ensuring children’s safety. 

This Council requests the Cabinet to write to all parents/guardians whose children benefit from the scheme to reassure them that this Council is giving active consideration to improving Spare Seats and/or encouraging replacement community transport services to ensure that there is no loss of services to parents and pupils.

This Council requests the Cabinet to provide a written explanation to members of this Council surrounding the withdrawal letters and to work with the Chair(s) of relevant committee(s) to ensure that members can discharge their democratic duties as scrutineers of Council policy.

Councillor Andy Graham moved and Councillor Kate Gregory seconded the following amendment to the Motion as shown in bold italics and strikethrough below:

Oxfordshire’s Spare Seats programme has offered children a safe and affordable bus to school for c. 35 years. This Council apologises unreservedly for its decision to send ‘withdrawal’ letters to parents under its Spare Seats scheme without parental or wider public consultation. The wording of its withdrawal letters caused significant anxiety and distress to parents in predominantly rural areas, with up to 235 children affected in the short term and as many as 1,384 students in the medium term.

To date, the Council has defended its decision on the basis that it has no legal obligation to operate the scheme, adding that its continuation: “reinforces children travelling to schools further away than their nearest school”.

Council recognises that a recent letter sent to the parents/guardians of 235 children regarding possible withdrawal of spare seats has caused anxiety. It notes that officers are working to identify commercial or community alternatives for those who are not offered a spare seat from September.

Council recognises that national policy on home to school transport has beenfollowed by all administrations over the past c35 years, and that we continue to provide transport in line with national policy. Council notes that no authority has a legal obligation to operate the spare seats scheme, but recognises the successful efforts of officers over many years in working with schools and parents to identify alternatives where spare seats  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25/23

This Council supports reasonable steps to mitigate the harmful effects of anthropogenic climate change, on which there exists considerable cross-party consensus in Oxfordshire.

This Council welcomes certain of the Council’s investments passed at its budget-setting meeting on 14 February 2023, including the £600,000 investment in mitigating flood risks. However, mindful of the administration’s approval of £3 million of expenditure on tree-planting in its most recent budget, this Council accepts in principle that it would be wrong to pass financial liabilities, over which there is no agreement at present, down to our county’s Parish and Town Councils without due consultation.

Accordingly, this Council resolves to refer the matter to Cabinet with a view to clarifying where responsibility towards, and liability for, planting and maintenance of such trees lies pursuant to such expenditure.

This Council further resolves to ask Cabinet to write to the Council’s Parish and Town Council partners to ensure that agreements surrounding ongoing liabilities are put in place in a timely manner.

The time being 3.55 pm, this Motion was considered dropped in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15.1

Publishing the voting and attendance records of elected representatives is critical for democratic accountability. It allows residents to make informed decisions during elections and hold elected representatives to account. This council therefore requests the Director of Law and Governance to publish the attendance records and individual votes of members made at full council on the Oxfordshire County Council website at the earliest possible date. Votes taken by show of hands at the Chair's discretion will be not require individual votes to be published. The Director of Law and Governance is not required to retrospectively publish voting or attendance records, but to do so going forwards

The time being 3.55 pm, this Motion was considered dropped in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15.1