Businesses, partners and parliamentarians came together alongside Oxfordshire County Council and Advanced Oxford to celebrate the county’s life sciences sector at a high profile event in Parliament earlier this month (18 May).

The event, hosted by Baroness Blackwood of North Oxford, showcased the work of Oxfordshire organisations to improve lives, strengthen the economy and reinforce the UK’s position as a global leader in life sciences.

It also gave businesses a platform to engage directly with national policymakers on the opportunities for growth and the challenges facing the sector, including skills and investment.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Oxfordshire is one of the UK’s leading centres for life sciences innovation, with world class research being translated into real improvements in people’s lives.

“This showcase highlighted both the scale of opportunity in our county and the importance of continuing to invest in skills, infrastructure and partnerships to support future growth.

“By bringing businesses and policymakers together in Parliament, we are helping to ensure Oxfordshire continues to play a vital role in driving innovation and better outcomes for communities across the UK.”

Speakers from Immunocore, Perspectum and Pictura Bio spoke about their innovative approaches to healthcare and the unique growth potential of Oxfordshire’s innovation economy. They also highlighted challenges facing the sector, including attracting and retaining talent and the need for investment and capital.

Baroness Blackwood of North Oxford, who hosted the event, said: “It was a pleasure to host the Oxfordshire Life Sciences Innovation Showcase and to welcome a range of dynamic and ambitious life sciences organisations to Parliament.

“What distinguishes Oxfordshire is not just the excellence of its science, but also the consistency with which that science is translated into companies, products, and into patient and social benefit. And this innovation is taking place right across Oxfordshire within a deeply connected ecosystem where research, infrastructure, and enterprise all reinforce one another. This county-wide connection is what makes Oxfordshire such a great place to invest in.

“Oxfordshire innovation has had a global impact, from the roll out of the R-21 malaria vaccine across Africa, to advances in cell and gene therapies and digital health. In addition, growth in Oxfordshire contributes directly to growth in the UK, with investment collaboration flowing into other regions and supporting a more connected national innovation economy.

“Events like these matter because they showcase that innovation in action, and this showcase was about connection – discovery connecting with delivery, innovation connecting with investment, regional strength connecting with national ambition.”

Sarah Haywood, Managing Director of Advanced Oxford, said: “It is important for the region to communicate its strengths and the role in plays within the UK and global innovation economy.

“When we hear about the amazing work that our companies are undertaking, as highlighted by our speakers and the other companies in the room, we see the difference they are making. This includes new treatments for cancer and the delivery of a Community Diagnostics Centre by Perspectum, which redesigning diagnostic pathways for patients in Oxfordshire, while increasing capacity and reducing waiting times for diagnosis.”

“Despite the exciting work in our life sciences sector, we know there are challenges and barriers to growth that we must address. Our series of parliamentary receptions has given us an opportunity to take these issues directly to Westminster.

“We will only see the growth of these companies if we also address the skills challenges we are facing. We need to strike a balance between growing skills locally and creating a welcoming environment that attracts and retains talent from around the world.”

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People who use social care, along with the staff who support them, are benefiting from innovative sensor-based technology being used across the Thames Valley to help prevent falls in care homes.

Oxfordshire County Council, Buckinghamshire Council and NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West ICB are taking a leading role in improving falls prevention in care homes through advanced sensor-based technology.

The innovative technology, supported by NHS England’s Digitising Social Care Fund, has trialled passive sensors in five care homes in the counties, covering 215 residents.

These sensors provide round-the-clock, touch-free monitoring without cameras or wearable devices, protecting privacy while offering real-time alerts and data to help prevent falls and reduce hospital admissions.

Remote monitoring and sensor-based falls technology deliver wide-ranging benefits to people who use social care and the staff who provide it. These benefits include reduced hospital admissions, quicker discharge and shorter stays in hospital.

Deirdre Wallace, Health and Care Innovation Team Leader at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “This is more than just technology - it’s a cultural shift in how we deliver care.

“By combining remote monitoring with a people-first approach, we’re empowering care homes to move from reactive to proactive care, improving outcomes and independence for residents.”

Early feedback from care providers has been overwhelmingly positive, with benefits including better night-time monitoring, quicker response to incidents, and improved support for both residents and staff.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Oxfordshire is proud to be at the forefront of innovation in adult care.

“This project shows our commitment to using smart solutions to tackle real challenges - reducing falls, improving safety, and supporting our dedicated care workforce.”

This initiative marks a major step towards a more preventative and data-driven model of care, aligning with Oxfordshire’s wider strategy to help people age well and live independently for longer.

Henry Wright, Head of Digital Transformation at NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West ICB, said: “Our priority is to improve health and care for local people and patients. Working with our partners, we have been able to secure funding for innovative technology which supports the wellbeing of our older communities.”

Isobel Darby, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing said: “Buckinghamshire Council is proud to be working collaboratively with the Integrated Care Board and Oxfordshire County Council in this joint initiative which promises to deliver real benefits to residents in care homes.

“By embracing innovative technology like this, we are helping to take a proactive approach to falls prevention and demonstrating our commitment to supporting people to live better, longer, independent lives.”

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Oxfordshire has globally renowned strengths in innovation, life sciences, clean energy, AI and quantum computing, and advanced manufacturing and is continuing to build on these.

Cllr Liz Leffman, the leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “The Modern Industrial Strategy is a huge vote of confidence in Oxfordshire. The groundbreaking research and development taking place here – from new medical breakthroughs to advancements in sustainable energy and autonomous systems – directly fuels economic growth, creates high-value jobs, and drives productivity far beyond our county boundaries.

“Our innovation spills over, inspiring and empowering other regions of the UK to develop their own capabilities and contribute to the nation's collective prosperity.

“We firmly believe Oxfordshire has the potential not only to deliver current expectations of growth but to plot an ambitious path forward to exceed this and deliver faster – particularly working with partners across the Thames Valley and the Ox-Cam Corridor.

“A key enabler of performance in the county is continued development of transport and energy infrastructure, noting our rural character and the importance of connecting our communities in a green and equitable way. We look forward to working with the government on how we can build on East West Rail and secure the further investment needed to make this collective opportunity a reality.

"Oxfordshire is a powerhouse of innovation, and we are ready to play a leading role in the UK's Modern Industrial Strategy. To truly unlock our potential, this strategy must be underpinned by a clear commitment to sustainable investment in our infrastructure, particularly transport and housing, and a relentless focus on developing the skills pipeline necessary for the industries of tomorrow.

“We must ensure that our world-leading research and innovative businesses can thrive, while also creating opportunities and a better quality of life for all our residents."

Jeremy Long, Co-Chair of the Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership: "While Oxfordshire is a highly productive region, we also face significant challenges around inequality. The Modern Industrial Strategy presents a vital opportunity to embed inclusive growth at its core. We must ensure that as our economy flourishes, the benefits are widely distributed, addressing issues of deprivation and creating genuine opportunities for everyone in our county, regardless of their background. Our partnership is committed to working to translate national ambition into local action that genuinely improves local lives."

Alex Betts, Pro-Vice Chancellor at the University of Oxford said, “Oxford welcomes the Modern Industrial Strategy’s focus on UK strengths. As a cornerstone of Britain’s innovation landscape, our research in AI, quantum and life sciences is fuelling growth and delivering global impact.

“Innovation is international by nature, and Oxfordshire’s ability to attract talent and investment is key. We remain committed to developing expertise, discoveries and spinouts that keep our region at the forefront of UK and global innovation.”

Oxfordshire County Council looks forward to working closely with the Oxford Growth Commission, Ox-Cam Corridor, and the Government to identify further interventions necessary to maximise the impact of the Modern Industrial Strategy, ensuring that Oxfordshire continues to be a driving force for innovation and a significant net contributor to the UK economy.

The Chancellor Rachel Reeves has unveiled plans for an Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor that it is reported will boost the UK economy by up to £78 billion by 2035. Lord Patrick Vallance is to be appointed as Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor Champion

Cllr Liz Leffman, the leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: We particularly welcome the investment in East-West Rail, which is so important for connectivity across the Oxford to Cambridge corridor. As is well known our ambition at the county council is to see greater investment in our rail infrastructure locally and regionally to boost connectivity and productivity. But we also need urgent action to fix our crumbling water and sewage system, and improve the electricity grid, if the region is to flourish.

“We look forward to working with Lord Patrick Vallance in his new role, alongside our partners in Oxfordshire and neighbouring areas, to enable our county and the wider region to reach its full potential.  

“One aspect of the announcement which will cause concern locally is the mention of a new reservoir near Steventon. We know that this is opposed by the majority of local people and has been questioned and scrutinised at many levels over a long period of time.”

The monthly event, next taking place on 17 October from 6pm, provides a free opportunity for individuals to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, share knowledge, experience and ideas, and grow their businesses.

The sessions are organised by the council’s Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) and each event includes one or two business presentations, a question and answer period, and ample networking time.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community & Corporate Services, said: “What our award-winning BIPC has achieved in such a short period of time has been astounding. Over 1,500 people have already been supported with their start-ups and their ideas, and the startup huddle is just one of a range of ways that people can benefit.

“Many of the services offered are free of charge, including this one. By providing free resources and support, we can help people in Oxfordshire turn their dreams into reality and help their businesses thrive.”

Located in the Oxford Central Library at Westgate, the centre provides a range of services, resources and activities for start-ups. Individuals can benefit from one-on-one support or attend workshops designed to help develop their business ideas.

Its success was recognised by the national Libraries Connected Awards back in June 2023, winning the children’s award for its work engaging hundreds of new youth participants aged eight to 25 in enterprising activities.

The centre is part of the British Library's National Network of Business & Intellectual Property Centres, which aim to transform the way ideas grow into successful businesses.

For more information on the BIPC, visit the centre on the second floor of Oxfordshire County Library or go online at oxfordshire.gov.uk/bipc.

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The rising demand for next-generation wireless service is leading to the exploration of opportunities to install smart infrastructure on lamp posts, traffic lights, CCTV columns, benches, bins and bus stops.

That is why six local authorities – including Oxfordshire County Council – will receive funding to trial new multi-purpose street columns which will house equipment to support the rollout of advanced wireless networks like 5G or free public WiFi.

The columns can be adapted to carry out a range of functions – from charging EVs, monitoring air quality and displaying public information to saving energy with street lighting. This builds on Oxfordshire County Council’s existing project to replace existing halogen bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs.

The money is coming from the government’s Smart Infrastructure Pilots Programme (SIPP) and the amount awarded will be matched by supplier contributions and savings from the council’s digital infrastructure fund to create a total investment of £500,000.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “I am delighted with our success in this funding competition. It will help us in building and delivering our strategy for improving digital connectivity.

“This includes EV charging access, improving street-level mobile connectivity and creating a network of ‘Internet of Things’ devices measuring aspects such as air quality monitoring.”

The pilot will demonstrate how new connected installations can help local authorities to deliver better services in their communities.

Sir John Whittingdale, Minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure, said: “The way we stay in touch, access information and do business is underpinned by digital connectivity – and a world-class wireless infrastructure will be the foundation for the jobs, skills, and services of the future.

“We want to ensure that towns and cities across the UK are right at the forefront of this connectivity revolution, ready to seize the opportunities it will bring for local communities, which is exactly what these pilots are about.

 “They will help demonstrate how advanced wireless technology can enable areas to innovate and deliver better public services, from rolling out electric vehicle chargers to boosting business growth and helping keep our streets safe.”

The SIPP is designed to support the government’s wireless infrastructure strategy, which sets out how the UK will put wireless connectivity at the heart of new and existing infrastructure, while driving private investment, boosting innovation and unlocking new opportunities for economic growth.

The pilot programmes will begin from October 2023 and will run until 31 March 2025.

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Oxfordshire County Council’s dedicated Innovation Hub (iHUB) has worked with Oxford based tech start-up company ROVR Systems Ltd and staff and residents at two care homes in Oxfordshire, to develop the technology which has seen some participants walking virtual distances of up to 3km per session from the comfort of their armchair.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Innovation is a key part of how we are transforming the way we deliver adult social care in Oxfordshire. By using modern technology, we can enable people to live well, making their lives richer and more fulfilling. All told it presents a range of exciting new opportunities for Oxfordshire residents to take part in.”

The 17 month trial was funded by a £350,000 Innovate UK grant and involved residents at Fairfield Residential Home in Summertown and Auditcare’s Mon Choisy care home in Kennington, as well as assisted living sites in Cornwall.

VR headsets were connected to specialist seated treadmills allowing the user to move their feet while sitting in a chair. For those with greater mobility, there was an option for a more active exploration by using a safety-enhanced standing treadmill.

An image was then projected onto the screen in the visor, giving the user the chance to explore a variety of areas of the UK and abroad, meeting other users taking a similar virtual journey. Care workers could also join the walk on a digital tablet, giving them the chance to have conversations along the way.

The main objective of the trial was to promote social engagement among people with restricted mobility. It aimed to help those whose physical activity had decreased, leading to deconditioning, reduced mental stimulation and fewer social interactions.

The trial results showed residents walked distances of between 300m and 3km per session and enjoyed seated immersive experiences for up to 40 minutes, where they were normally only registering in the tens to a few hundred steps per day.

Independent observers found residents competed with themselves to walk further than their last effort and were even more competitive when walking with others.  User feedback also showed participants felt a strong sense of achievement when told how far they had explored.

Maddie Gillies works at Fairfield Residential Home and supported residents who took part in the trial. She said: “Watching our residents using the VR for the first time was fantastic. Once they were used to the technology, they really relaxed into it and spent some considerable time walking around their virtual worlds. It was the perfect way to help residents move more freely, meeting other people and sparking conversations about places they had visited in their life.”

Having completed an evaluation of the initial trial, ROVR Systems Ltd now hope to use the technology to help benefit people with limited mobility up and down the country.

Charles King, ROVR Systems Ltd Chief Executive Officer, said: “Our partnership with Oxfordshire County Council has given us the opportunity to trial our virtual reality technology in a real life environment and the results have been beyond our expectations.

“We have seen our VR technologies expand the horizons of people whose worlds have shrunk, providing safe opportunities for social connections, learning and unwitting exercise. These wonderful experiences enhance their lives and further build caring relationships with the fantastic staff.

“We have witnessed glimpses of the real person where advanced dementia otherwise hides these interesting people, and seen new connections and insights for caring staff with people who usually don’t engage in activities.

“Described by one staff member as ‘miraculous’, our VR technologies are magical motivators of social connections and movement, and we continue to work with the county council, social care and the NHS to assist people in living longer, better."

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Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, has written a formal letter to Simon Clarke, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, to explain why it was thought this was not the right move for Oxfordshire.

She said: “We have thanked the government for inviting Oxfordshire to bid for investment zone status. We have decided not to progress this opportunity. Oxfordshire continues to support many very exciting business developments, particularly in the areas of science and technology, so in writing a letter to government I wanted to explain the logic behind why we feel that applying for an investment zone does not fit with our ambitions.

 “We consider that the de-regularisation of planning controls and reductions in environmental protection, which appear to be a condition of any investment zone, are incompatible with our net zero carbon aspirations and our commitment to protect and enhance biodiversity and environmental quality, as stated in our vision.

“Oxfordshire already has a successful and growing local economy built on the strengths of its world leading universities, science and technology base and locational advantages. We continue to support the creation of a high skill, high wage economy, which contributes significantly to the competitiveness of the UK, and we are proud that many of the UK’s leading research and innovation institutions are located here. We do not believe that an investment zone is needed to enhance this.

“Investment zones are better suited to large urban areas with substantial brown-field sites or former industrial areas, which are seeking much needed investment. We are very supportive of the intention to distribute economic advantage across the country and we will be happy to play whatever part we can in advancing this.

“In our letter to the secretary of state, we reiterate our call on government to provide support for infrastructure to support housebuilding. We remain committed to enabling the high levels of housebuilding that have been committed to within existing local plans, and as part of the government’s growth deal, to support our high performing economy. To do this, we need to focus on infrastructure, particularly promoting active travel and public transport and high environmental standards, which will contribute to the nation’s net zero carbon targets and protect the environment that we all rely on to survive.

“Any support government is able to provide to help us achieve balanced communities, with good infrastructure and decent environmental standards, would be welcome.”

The assistive technology team at the county council looks at various technology and how it can be used by people with differing or evolving needs, including learning disabilities, sensory impairments, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, MS and more.

Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Supporting residents to live independently and in their own homes for as long as it is safe to do so is a top priority for us. The work of our assistive technology team is imperative to this, and significantly enhances the lives, wellbeing and safety of many with additional needs. I’m extremely pleased to hear the team is currently testing new options and look forward to hearing more about the support our residents can receive.”

Michelle House, Practice Supervisor of the Assistive Technology Team, said: “Technology can be very effective in helping people remain safe and independent.  It’s really important that we consider new technologies so that we can offer people choice in how they are supported and get the right technology for the individual.

“For example, someone who is diagnosed with dementia may need some help in remembering appointments – using a smart phone to download an app to help them with this might work for one person, while another might prefer to use a digital calendar with audible reminders.”

Technology currently undergoing trials includes:

• Automatic curtain openers. This can be used using a remote control, smart phone, timer or voice activation, and can by fitted to most types of existing curtains. These are useful for people who are unable to open or close their own curtains, perhaps due to a physical disability. It would provide them with greater control over their home, increased privacy and help them to feel safer.
•  Buddi Connect. This is a wrist sensor linked to a smartphone that can alert others if the wearer has fallen and pressed a button to request help. This would support people who are worried about falling outside and reassure them that help can be called for quickly and their location known.
•  TabTime timer. This is a watch which discreetly reminds the wearer to take medications through a vibrating alarm. It is particularly useful for people who may forget or miss the timings of their medication.

When trialling new technology, the assistive technology team carefully reviews the capabilities of an item, safety, ease of use, costs and what value it might bring to someone.

The team work closely with support partners across Oxfordshire, and others within the county council’s adult social care support team, to ensure eligible residents can gain information about technology might help them. Some assistive technology is available on a trial, loan or permanent basis depending on an individual’s needs, or information will be given on how people can purchase it for themselves.

 To find out more about assistive technology and who is eligible for the support, visit Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

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A new plan aims to enhance the infrastructure, environment and new developments in the counties of Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. It will be developed by government, informed by engagement with local communities and stakeholders, and will have sustainability at its core.

This public consultation is the first of three that will guide a new Spatial Framework over the next two years, and a digital platform has been created that will make it quick and accessible for people who live, work, and have an interest in the area to make their voices heard.

Comments received in the consultation will help create the Spatial Framework’s vision for the area to 2050, and will help guide local planning and investment decisions in four areas; the environment; the economy; connectivity and infrastructure; and place-making. Visit this link.

The consultation is also seeking views on the work the Government has done to set the scope of the Sustainability Appraisal.

The government has additionally today announced a new expert panel to advise on sustainable economic and housing growth in the Arc. The panel will be chaired by leading development and regeneration expert Emma Cariaga and will advise the government on issues ranging from design and sustainability to delivery and investment models.

The panel’s primary area of focus is between Bedford and Cambridge, where the government is examining opportunities to bring forward well-designed, inclusive and sustainable places.

Other members will consist of industry leaders, local representatives and subject area experts from a range of disciplines, who will work with local government and other partners to inform the panel’s advice. The full panel will be confirmed in due course. Further details can be found here.

Housing Minister Rt Hon Christopher Pincher MP, said: “Today is a big step forward for the OxCam Arc as we have launched an innovative digital consultation with the public, including those that live and work in the Arc, so that everyone has a chance to have their say.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for people across the arc to make their voice heard and help create the future for their community that they want to see. Both the Spatial Framework consultation and Expert Advisory Panel will help us to ensure the Oxford-Cambridge Arc to be a great place to live and work – now and in the decades to come."

Transport Minister Chris Heaton-Harris, said: “The East West Rail project plays an important role in enabling connectivity within the OxCam Arc and will help us build back better from COVID-19.

“We’ve committed £760m to the first phase of EWR which will support improved access to jobs and other opportunities in the area as well as boosting economic growth in the region more widely.”

Cllr Barry Wood, Leader of Cherwell District Council and Chair of the Arc leadership groups, said: “The bold economic and sustainability ambitions we have set out for our region need to be matched by well-planned, long-term and coordinated investment into our towns, cities and rural areas. Inclusive growth, with high environmental standards so that all our residents can benefit, remains at the heart of what we seek to achieve.

“By progressing the Arc Spatial Framework, government will look at how and where we need to connect and build new infrastructure, whilst enhancing our environment to deliver the sustainable growth that our region is capable of. To start, we must shape a shared vision for the type of growth we want to see.

“This is why it’s so important for every single resident to be able to have their say directly to government on what matters most to them. How we create opportunities for people to prosper, today and in the future, is an important matter for everyone.”

Dr Barbara Ghinelli, Director, Harwell Campus Development and High-Tech Clusters, UKRI-STFC, said: “The Oxford-Cambridge Arc has a unique combination of world-class scientific, technical and knowledge capabilities that can drive forward the economy, improve quality of life and benefit all the residents of the United Kingdom.

“These capabilities are crucial for attracting talent to further science and technology excellence across a number of business sectors and therefore making the UK highly competitive on a global scale. It is important that we do not squander the opportunities thus created, and that means fashioning an environment in the region where people can thrive, be engaged and deliver their best.”

Clare Walton, Chief Executive, Community Action: MK, said: “The success of the Oxford to Cambridge Arc will be measured by the experience of the communities who live there. The key to creating inclusive and sustainable communities will be partnership working and investment in community support.

“This is an exciting opportunity for the government to think differently about how large-scale housing developments can design out inequalities. The Arc offers great potential to innovate and embrace science and technology, but our collective prosperity must be paramount. We must create opportunities for all people regardless of income, gender, race, disability, age, and this requires commitment to social infrastructure. Enabling the Voluntary and Community Sector to thrive in these new communities will help create vibrant sustainable places that people feel invested in and a part of.”

Emma Cariaga, Chair of the Expert Advisory Panel, said: “I am delighted to be chairing the new panel exploring opportunities for sustainable economic and housing growth in the arc. The past eighteen months have highlighted the importance of the quality of the places in which we live, work and enjoy ourselves. So it is great to see those opportunities to bring forward well-planned places that make the most of existing, proposed and emerging infrastructure are being properly considered.

“As a panel, we will explore a range of subjects – including design, finance models and sustainability – that will be vital for these places to get right if they are to serve present and future communities. I look forward to getting started.”

“This regional success will build on the work of the government that has helped millions of people continue to provide for their families as part of its Plan for Jobs to protect, support and create employment.”

The Oxford-Cambridge (OxCam) Arc is the name given to the area identified by government as a key economic priority with the potential to be one of the most prosperous, innovative and sustainable economic areas in the world. It is made up of the five ceremonial counties of Oxfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire.

The consultation document just published, Creating a vision for the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, is the first of three planned public consultations on the Spatial Framework. Alongside this, the government has published the Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report for consultation.

The Sustainability Appraisal (SA) will inform development of the Spatial Framework and ensure that sustainability is at its heart. The consultation will be supported by a new and innovative digital engagement platform designed to give a voice to the wider community, as well as traditional engagement methods such as workshops.

Feedback from this consultation will help to create the Spatial Framework’s vision for the arc to 2050. Using the vision as a foundation, the next document "Towards a Spatial Framework" is planned to be published for consultation in spring 2022, focussing on options for delivering the Spatial Framework’s objectives based on feedback from engagement, initial evidence gathering and analysis.

The government then hope to publish a draft Spatial Framework for consultation in autumn 2022, with implementation of the final framework shortly after. The public will be consulted with at each of these stages and government will continue to work closely with local stakeholders throughout.

With the right interventions and investment, local economic forecasts suggest that by 2050 we would see economic output in the arc doubling to over £200bn. The arc’s success is key to Britain’s national prosperity, international competitiveness, and ability to meet the challenges and opportunities we will face as a country over the next century, including climate change and supporting nature recovery, technological change, fighting COVID-19 and preventing future pandemics.

The OxCam Arc offers a significant opportunity for the government and partners to work together to support the harmonious delivery of improved connectivity, productivity and place-making, whilst ensuring pioneering environmental standards and enhancements are delivered and the government’s 25 Year Environment Plan is put into action.

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The Oxfordshire Strategic Vision for Long Term Sustainable Development is a landmark document for Oxfordshire led by the Oxfordshire Growth Board and being voted on this spring by its constituent members including the county and district councils.

Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet approved the vision with some amendments at its meeting on Tuesday, April 20. The document sets out specifically the concept of “good growth” based on enhanced social, environmental and economic wellbeing. This means that by 2050 amongst other goals that Oxfordshire will:

• Be healthy and inclusive, with all development addressing inequalities and contributing positively to the overall health and wellbeing of Oxfordshire's communities, environment and economy.

• Support diverse, accessible employment, generating a highly productive and inclusive economy based on our world-class research, innovation and technology.

• Build resilience to change, with growth planned in ways that: build on strengths and assets to support communities during periods of change; support economic diversity and can accommodate changes in technology; recognise changes in the way that people live and work and changing demographics; and respond to worldwide impacts, particularly from climate and economic changes.

These goals will form the basis of county council-specific plans for growth including the Local Transport and Connectivity Plan (LTCP), the Oxfordshire Infrastructure Strategy (OXIS) and the future Nature Recovery Network Strategy.

In addition, the vision includes working towards a County target of 2040 for net zero carbon. This emphasises a shared commitment for county-wide net zero target of 2040 in alignment with district councils within 10 years of our own Carbon Reduction Framework target of 2050.

As a partner of the Oxfordshire Growth Board, the county council has been part of the commissioning and development of a new Oxfordshire Strategic Vision for Long-Term Sustainable Development. The Growth Board published a draft Vision document for engagement in November which was considered by Cabinet on 15 December.

The Strategic Vision was endorsed by the Oxfordshire Growth Board in March. The vision is being considered for endorsement by all local authorities in Oxfordshire this spring.. This will then allow the Vision to play its appropriate role in helping shape the next stage of the Oxfordshire Plan for 2050.

The  plan will help to create thousands of jobs, drive investment, protect and enhance the environment, and provide the infrastructure and beautiful new places needed to make the area – which spans the five counties of Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire – an even greater place to live and work.

Read more about this announcement from the Government.

The Arc is already home to nearly four million people and two million jobs which together generate over £111bn of economic output each year. Based upon determined leadership and new financial backing, forecasts show that increased productivity resulting from intensifying the Arc’s global strengths in science, technology and high value manufacturing, could double the area’s economic output to over £200bn by 2050.

Cllr Barry Wood, Chair of the Arc Leaders Group and Leader of Cherwell District Council, said: “The Arc region has a critical mass of research, high-technology expertise and innovation assets found nowhere else in the UK. Yet we are at a pivotal time, during which our nation’s economic resilience is being tested far beyond anything we’ve seen before. Working with Government we can release the potential of the Arc’s key sectors, scientific community and entrepreneurial spirit to propel our country’s response to the major national and global challenges we face.”

The prospectus asks for commitment from Government to long term investment in the area, enabling the Arc to fulfil its true potential to deliver transformational economic growth that will benefit the whole of the UK. That investment will be crucial to tackle connectivity and congestion constraints and to provide the skills that industry requires to enable the Arc to pursue its role as a leading global innovation region.

Jeremy Long, Chair of the Arc Local Enterprise Partnerships Group and Chair of OxLEP, said: “Our vision is for the Arc to be a global hub for innovation, and home to exemplary models of green development that will inspire communities around the world. The Arc’s place is at the forefront of the UK’s green recovery and this will be made possible through bold leadership that focuses on the big opportunities. The Arc’s world-leading innovation across multiple sectors can deliver prosperity for the UK. We now need the commitment from Government and international investors to make the ambition a reality.”

The Arc will pursue innovation-led growth to help solve major, urgent environmental, health and social challenges, and at the same time, drive UK competitiveness and local prosperity. The Arc’s vision specifically sets out a plan to make the UK a world-leader in new technology and industries in zero-carbon aviation, space, life sciences, future mobility and energy.

Professor Sir Peter Gregson, Chair of the Arc Universities Group, said: “With investment, we can better connect and realise the potential of our world-class assets and the know-how created by our area’s people, businesses and institutions. We aim to be a testbed for new ways of living and working including by demonstrating net zero carbon and environmental net gain are achievable and economically beneficial. This connection will unlock the potential across our sector strengths to propel the Arc and the UK into an era of global growth at the vanguard of innovation.”

Cllr Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council, said: ''The cities of Oxford, Cambridge and Milton Keynes are all dynamic drivers of growth within the Arc and are known around the globe. They have a key role to play in its success. We want to make sure that Oxford plays its part in the economic recovery. We have the expertise, the innovation and the research and we must ensure that our residents are able to benefit from the huge economic opportunities to be gained from working with our local authority and other partners across the geography of the ARC.

“The economic prospectus sets out the huge concentration of economic assets across the ARC and makes a compelling case for investment. We believe that the ARC is leading the way in innovation that can support clean and inclusive growth.

“Many of our aspirations are long term, but there are some critical infrastructure investments that are urgent if we are to make full use of the potential of Oxford and other areas. For Oxfordshire and beyond, this includes confirmation of investment in Oxford City station, to increase capacity in support of east-west rail, and to open up economic development opportunities in several surrounding market towns. It will also allow development sites that will support the opportunity for all areas to level up and to ensure no communities are left behind. We need to deliver more homes to meet local demand, and help ensure that our economic growth is greener and that Oxford continues to be a dynamic place with an excellent quality of life.”

Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “This is a very significant moment. The development of the Oxford to Cambridge Arc is a real key to unlocking economic growth that will bring jobs and prosperity to all of the people who live in the areas around and between these two famous university cities. That would be important at any time but as we emerge and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic it will be particularly crucial. I look forward to seeing these plans come to life in future months and years along with the associated benefits for our towns, cities, villages and rural areas.”

Cllr Sue Cooper, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “The work taking place now and in the future across the Arc region will have an impact on our lives, whether that’s through transforming how we live and work, by providing us with the means with which to tackle the climate emergency, or by helping us to come up with innovative solutions to address issues such as social inequality. I would encourage people to take a look at the prospectus to find out what it means, not only for those of us living and working here but also in terms of our future nationally and globally.”

Cllr Emily Smith, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “The world leading research and development work that takes place in Oxfordshire and across that Arc region every day will play vital role in our future, from how we address the climate emergency to ensuring that we can respond quickly and effectively to situations such as Covid-19. Local leaders are now asking government for support to provide physical and social infrastructure and to support our world leading businesses and research in a way that ensures everyone living between Science Vale and the Cambridge Science park benefits - whether that is from skills of employment opportunities, quality housing, or the acceleration of sustainable transport.”

Cllr James Mills, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “The Arc represents an opportunity for our children and future generations to be able to have meaningful, high value jobs and still be able to live in their local communities. There is so much potential and if that is supported properly, then it will change lives, power the UK economy and make us a genuinely global centre for science, technology and innovation.”

Culham Science Centre-based Reaction Engines is one of thousands of innovative Oxfordshire companies that is set to take advantage of the new infrastructure, connectivity, and investment in the Arc. The growing company employs over 200 people who are developing new engines to make space and hypersonic travel more efficient, as well as commercialising thermal management technologies and improving the performance of electric vehicle batteries.

Mark Thomas, CEO of Reaction Engines, said: “We benefit greatly from our location and already collaborate with a number of suppliers and partners across the region and also undertake validation testing and share ideas with the UK Aviation Innovation and Technology Entrepreneurship cluster at Cranfield University. By coming together as an Arc we gain a more powerful voice, both with government and with international investors, and it gives us all the opportunity to bring revolutionary green technologies and their supporting supply chains to worldwide attention.”a vision for

ENDS

In October, work will start on the first phase of the Bicester A4095 road realignment scheme. The work, funded by Homes England and the Oxfordshire Housing and Growth Deal, is designed to address expected congestion between Howes Lane (A4095) and Bucknall Road, ensuring road capacity keeps pace with the housing and economic development in and around Bicester.

The new road realignment will also help to support the North West Bicester eco-town development, delivering up to 6000 much needed new homes and related community infrastructure.

The scheme has been helped with £23.5 million of funds from the £150 million Oxfordshire Housing and Growth Deal the Oxfordshire Growth Board agreed with the Government to accelerate the building of already planned housing that requires infrastructure investment to bring them forward.

The first phase of the work will be a bridge under the railway (a rail underbridge) to accommodate the realigned Howes Lane together with a separate underpass through the railway embankment at Bicester. The underpass will open a new route for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders, eliminating the current obstacle of the railway embankment.

The building of both the underbridge and underpass beneath a live railway, the twin track NAJ2 Marylebone to Aynho line, is a specialist and challenging engineering project. This has been achieved through the close and collaborative working, for over a year, on design and delivery of the scheme by key partners of Oxfordshire County Council including Network Rail, Cherwell District Council, adjoining landowners and utility firm Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks.

A brief railway closure over the Easter period of 2021 has been agreed with Network Rail to allow safe insertion of the steel underbridge while minimising disruption to the public.

The work is due for completion by July 2021. Both bridges will deliver the first phase of the A4095 realignment to be followed by the roadworks to complete the scheme; reducing local traffic congestion, improving connectivity and supporting the goal to open the Bicester eco-town and its promise of 6,000 new homes.

Cllr Yvonne Constance, Cabinet member for Environment said:

“Investment in better infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians along with real sustainable travel options is a vital part of our growth strategy. New homes are much needed in Oxfordshire but only in locations where they can be built with sustainable supporting infrastructure.

This work along the A4095 will allow Bicester to grow with real active travel options for future residents to enable it to be healthy and sustainable community.”

Cllr Lynn Pratt, lead member for economy, regeneration and property at Cherwell District Council said:

“The realignment of Howes Lane, and associated improvements for walkers and cyclists have only been possible because of extensive collaboration between Cherwell, Oxfordshire County Council, Network Rail, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks and local landowners.

“Delivering this new infrastructure will not only ease congestion in the area but also unlock a vital parcel of land in north west Bicester, enabling the provision of 6,000 homes under the Garden Town scheme.”

The county council is currently spending almost £600,000, through the first part of the government’s emergency active travel fund, in a series of measures to help make journeys easier by bike and on foot and enable people to maintain social distancing. The government requires this money to be allocated to projects in the first four weeks and completed in eight weeks.

Longer term, the county council is now looking at ways to maximise environmental gains with a further £2.4m of government funding, and boosting the uptake of cycling, walking and public transport are at the top of the agenda. Measures being discussed include:

• Three new bus gates in central Oxford to slash city centre congestion, cut air pollution and improve the speed of bus journeys as services recover
• The adoption of school streets (ready for September) to prohibit vehicles around schools at certain times of day to help improve air quality and encourage active travel
• Greater reallocation of road-space for bikes across Oxfordshire
• Further 20mph zones to make journeys safer for those who walk or cycle (Banbury, Bicester & Kidlington, Abingdon, Didcot, Faringdon, Henley, Thame, Wallingford, Wantage and for villages that support them)
• Changes to road junctions to improve safety, especially for those on foot or bike (Banbury & Bicester, Abingdon, Didcot, Faringdon, Henley, Thame, Wallingford and Wantage)
• Electric scooter trials being brought forward from 2021 to this summer as another zero-emission way to travel sustainably

A survey of county councillors was undertaken in May to determine the core priorities for how the active travel funding should be invested to benefit all areas of the county.

Residents are welcome to give feedback on the proposals via the council’s active travel website:

www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/activetravel.

Cllr Yvonne Constance, Cabinet Member for Environment, said:

“The active travel funding will build on our existing ambitious plans for transforming how people travel and how communities are connected.

“Active travel and climate action is at the heart of our plans, and I’d like to encourage everyone to make their comments about how we can target the funding to achieve cleaner and more sustainable travel for Oxfordshire and help transform our lives for the better.”

Testing of the technology is now being opened to wider community participation which will collect insights from 300 lights which are available at just £15 against a normal retail price of £45.

The trial is being run between Oxfordshire County Council, Milton Park, Smart Oxford and smart cycle light company See.Sense. The trial involves the ACE light which is a compact but bright LED rear light that charges by USB. The light operates in tandem with an app on a users mobile device which then transmits data on the ride and route to a data hub where it can be analysed.

What really separates the ACE from standard rear lights is the extra smart functionality. It flashes brighter in high-risk situations such as intersections and switches to a solid red light when riders brake. The app also allows users to control the light’s settings and keep track of ride statistics and even calories expended—one user reportedly burned off the equivalent of 121 donuts and saved 64 kg of CO2 compared to completing his journeys by car. The range of data insights offered helps bring alive the tangible the benefits of cycling and can gently motivate users to make even more use of their bikes as a form of everyday transport.

By joining the Oxfordshire Smart Cycling Project on the See.Sense app and connecting the light to the app, data from the light is collected by See.Sense, depersonalised, and shared with county transport planners. Over 100 million points of data have been collected thus far in Oxfordshire, not only showing where and when people cycle, but speeds, obstructions and road surface conditions.

Insights collected from See.Sense lights add to the development of a comprehensive cycling dataset. Other sources of data include Vivacity Lab sensors, which use artificial intelligence to count cyclists and pedestrians passing through over 120 junctions in Oxfordshire. Together, these innovative technologies are providing the county council with a rich and ongoing source of cycling data that will be used to inform how the county council can reprioritise our road space to provide improved cycling routes across the City and beyond.

Laura Peacock, Innovation Hub Manager at Oxfordshire County Council said:

“The Oxfordshire County Council Innovation Hub is excited to work together with See.Sense and Smart Oxford as part of this Smart Cycling Project. The project provides an opportunity for citizens and the council to work together to improve our understanding of how cyclists move around the city. The ACE lights, through their smart functionality, will help make cycling safer and more fun for participants. Data gathered from the lights will provide the council insights on not only where cyclists travel, but speed, delays, and even road surface conditions. This data will inform how the county council can improve cycle routes in the city and beyond. Further, See.Sense lights, as a consistent source of data, will show how cyclists interact with new road infrastructure, allowing the council to continue to iterate and invest in the most effective interventions.”

The lasting impact of the See.Sense technology will be to allow cycle rides to be visible to council transport planners, enabling a better-connected, safer cycling infrastructure to be developed.

The project will run from December 2019 to December 2020. See.Sense has offered the smart bike lights at a reduced cost of £15 on a first come first serve basis.

Go to https://seesense.cc/pages/oxfordshireproject to find out more about the project and buy your discounted ACE light while supplies last. Enter SmartCities code OXFORD on the See.Sense app to join.

These are some of the exciting opportunities being pursued for Oxfordshire’s road users by the county council’s Smart City initiative.

As an education and high-tech innovation hub, Oxford is uniquely placed to develop new technologies for the benefit of its residents.

Smart City exploits these strengths, with Oxfordshire County Council working in partnership with entrepreneurs and academics to tackle the county’s traffic challenges. It’s part of the council’s commitment to provide services that enhance the quality of life for communities and protect the local environment.

The Smart City projects are grant supported – for example, from central government – which means Oxfordshire County Council is playing a leading role in many of the innovative schemes without requiring significant funding from local taxpayers.

The county council’s head of innovation, Llewellyn Morgan, is speaking at the Smart Places of the Future conference, in London, today (Tuesday 22 January). He’ll be sharing a vision of Oxford as a high-tech beacon of urban transport innovation.

One of the ground-breaking projects involves exploiting the information-gathering capabilities of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs); how they can help with traffic movement and make road maintenance more efficient.

Llewellyn explains: “Experimental CAV cars are fitted with special surveying equipment that measures distance to particular targets using pulsed laser light and a sensor.

“Working with Oxbotica, an autonomous vehicle software company, the team is testing this equipment, mapping Oxford’s road surfaces.

“Could the data be used quickly and accurately to identify where tarmac is breaking up? If so, it could help our highway maintenance teams to fix potholes and plan resurfacing work before further deterioration.

“A ‘prevention before cure’ approach has potential to save council tax payers thousands of pounds a year.”

Similar technology has been applied to two-wheels. The Smart Cycling Detection project aims to improve cyclist safety, gathering real-time information on their locations within traffic flows, such as at busy junctions. The data is then used to protect cyclists by warning other road users that they’re there.

Data showing how many cyclists are using roads at certain times will help council planners consider the best places to introduce dedicated cycling lanes, traffic lights and other traffic management measures.

Sensors on cycles and vehicles could capture air pollution levels, with real-time digital maps offering alternative walking and cycling routes to dodge the smog.

Route and timing information, showing how much quicker cycling and walking can be – and the benefits to health and well-being – have potential to encourage more people to leave their cars at home.

Oxfordshire County Councillor Cabinet Member for the Environment, Yvonne Constance, said: “These exciting projects are turning Oxford into a ‘living laboratory’ where we test technology, discover and develop innovative congestion solutions, and promote healthy transport options.

“By working closely with industry and academics, we can help shape practical uses for ingenious high-tech innovations. It’s a win-win-win; for Oxfordshire’s residents, for local businesses and university researchers.”

For further information about Oxford Smart City, visit the website: www.oxfordsmartcity.uk

Carillion provided services on behalf of Oxfordshire County Council including maintenance of council buildings; property services, and building work such as school extensions.

Members of a county council committee will next week consider the process of assessing costs, liabilities and risks to assure themselves that the review of the county council’s properties is thorough and comprehensive.

Oxfordshire County Council made a net payment of £10.6m at the end of December 2017 to Carillion to cover work already completed as part of the final settlement to end the contract with the company, limiting any future financial liability.

However, the costs of dealing with ongoing construction and property maintenance problems following the Carillion collapse have not yet been calculated but are expected to be “very significant”. Surveys to assess defects in buildings including schools are continuing across the county council’s properties.

Compliance with health and safety requirements is also being considered, with any safety issues that emerge being dealt with quickly. One of the problems that came to light after Carillion collapsed was that records of building assessments were not kept properly. This means that building maintenance requirements are emerging for the first time.

Councillor Nick Carter, chairman of the Audit and Governance Committee, said:

“Like many other public bodies, Oxfordshire is having to pick up the pieces left after the collapse of Carillion. We need to know the real costs of getting our properties in good order so the council can plan and budget properly.

“To minimise the impact to Oxfordshire tax payers, it is vitally important that no stone is left unturned when reviewing the potential costs and liabilities. Councillors on the audit committee will want to satisfy themselves that there is a proper process in place, with health and safety made the number one priority.”

Where possible, unfinished work by Carillion as the council’s property maintenance and building contractor has restarted, with new contractors in place.

The hardest cost to quantify are ‘latent defects’ – problems that emerge after building work is completed that would normally be dealt with as part of the contract with the builder. With some – but not all - Carillion businesses in liquidation, claiming for the cost of these defects is not straightforward, and may lead to legal action.

The county council is surveying the structural condition of buildings and does not include the general condition of buildings, including schools, which schools manage themselves through their delegated budget.

Alexandra Bailey, Director of Capital Investment and Delivery, said:

“The collapse of Carillion has created financial and legal difficulties related to our properties, which we are working through in detail. We don’t yet know what the total cost will be but I do know it will be very significant.

“I know this uncertainty is having an impact on service users and staff who use our buildings and I am sorry about the disruption and uncertainty this has caused. We have no choice but to go through each issue systematically and come up with a long-term recovery plan.

“Where we can get building work moving again we have, and our first priority is always to deal with health and safety issues.”

Many councils and other public service organisations were hit by the collapse of the Carillion, and Oxfordshire County Council believes that those organisations need to band together to deal with the government and the company’s liquidators.

The county council is now gathering support for a national stakeholder event in October organised jointly with the Local Government Association to consider opportunities for joint action to minimise the costs to local council tax papers.

“This is a national issue and we would like to see a national response to ensure that the public sector does not bear the brunt of this corporate failure,” said Alexandra Bailey. “The cost is likely to be significant, but the county council’s financial position is resilient and we can manage the impact on our budget over the long term.

“We are doing everything we can to minimise the costs and taking a robust legal position with the liquidators to ensure that local tax payers do not bear an unfair burden following Carillion’s collapse.”

The county council’s Audit and Governance Committee meets on 25 July to review the process for estimating the council’s financial liabilities that emerged following the collapse of Carillion. The council’s Cabinet is expected to receive an assessment of the costs in the autumn, along with a long-term plan for dealing with the problems identified in surveys.

Oxfordshire County Council is part of a consortium that has secured more than £400,000 of Innovate UK funding for the V2GO project under the recent Vehicle to Grid competition.

The project will test and trial “bi-directional charging” meaning that a group of electric vehicles can help to “balance” the power grid – effectively giving back power from their batteries when it is needed during peak times and charging up ready to drive when demand is lower.

The consortium is made up of eight major organisations with expertise in energy and power markets and systems, fleet operation value chains and electric mobility: EDF Energy R&D UK, University of Oxford, Oxfordshire County Council, Arrival, EO Charging, Upside Energy, and Fleet Innovation.

Congestion and air quality could benefit

Working with business and academic partners, the county council will be investigating the impacts and benefits to the locality. These could include congestion reduction and air quality improvement.

The team will also be supporting the development of a tool kit for other local authorities looking to harness the opportunities the technology presents.

New opportunities in energy storage

The energy storage capacity of electric vehicles (EVs), presents new opportunities and value propositions for fleet operators and power system services (e.g., potentially alleviate the need for generation and transmission investments; increasing network efficiency and energy security).

Oxfordshire County Council is committed to supporting the deployment low carbon transport technologies across a variety of platforms. With central government continuing to challenge local authorities to think differently and drive efficiencies we are delighted to be collaborating with the private sector and academia to develop solutions for our county’s challenges.

Oxfordshire a leader in innovation

County Councillor Yvonne Constance, Oxfordshire County Council Cabinet member for Environment and Economy, said: “Oxfordshire is a leader in new developments in innovation and technology.

“We know that making the switch to electric vehicles in our county will help improve air quality and reduce local emissions.

“Smart, connected technology is proving to be incredibly helpful in our daily lives and the fact that Oxfordshire County Council is driving forward another cutting edge demonstrator project with a team of excellent, innovative partners is really exciting.

“The V2GO project appears highly technical, but in simple terms it shows that we are thinking not just about the transport technologies of the future and the “smart” infrastructure required to power it, but also the wider benefits of such innovations to the people of Oxfordshire.

“Oxfordshire is home to 678,000 residents and has a thriving network of villages, towns and a major city as well as fast growing locations such as Banbury, Bicester, Abingdon, Didcot and Henley. Oxfordshire’s economy generates output to the value of £21.9bn per year from 400,000 jobs and over 30,000 businesses. And that is why the county council is constantly pushing to be at the forefront of encouraging new technology as we know it will help enhance and support our thriving economy.”

Background to the project and funding

The project is part of the Vehicle-to-Grid competition, funded by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) and the department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), in partnership with Innovate UK.

In January 2018, OLEV and BEIS announced that 21 projects (8 feasibility studies, 5 collaborative research and development projects, and 8 real-world v2g trial projects) were to receive funding of c£30m to develop the business proposition and core technology around V2G, and demonstrate those with large scale trials. The projects involve more than 50 industrial partners and research organisations from both the Energy and Automotive sector, marking the largest and most diverse activities on V2G in the world, and trialling more than 2700 vehicles across UK.

The V2G projects represent a significant step towards the transition to a low carbon transportation and a smart energy system. Allowing EVs to return energy to the Power Grid when parked and plugged for charging, will increase Grid resilience, allow for better exploitation of renewable sources and lower the cost of ownership for EV owners, leading to new business opportunities and clear advantages for EV users and energy consumers.

More than 95 per cent of Oxfordshire premises are now able to get superfast broadband and take-up of the technology by local households and businesses is among the highest in the country*, with more than 50 per cent of those reached by the roll-out already opting for an upgrade.

So far BBfO has enabled more than 73,000 households and businesses to connect to superfast broadband speeds. The latest communities to benefit from the BBfO roll-out include: Cookley Green, Pyrton, Balscote, Baulking and Waterperry.

The major milestones were confirmed by Oxfordshire County Council and BT Group, who spearhead the BBfO partnership.

It is part of the Government’s Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) programme, which aims to make superfast broadband available to 95 per cent of the country by the end of the year.

Councillor David Bartholomew, Cabinet member for Finance of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Reaching these important milestones in the run-up to Christmas and ahead of schedule is a terrific achievement and shows our commitment to make this important service available to as many parts of Oxfordshire as quickly as possible.

“We’re using a combination of technologies and co-funding solutions to ensure residents and businesses in even the smallest, most remote parts of our county have access to fast broadband.”

The upgrade work is being carried out by engineers from Openreach, the business responsible for Britain’s largest digital phone and broadband network.

Steve Haines, Openreach’s Managing Director of Next Generation Access, said: “The broadband landscape across Oxfordshire has been transformed in recent years so that the great majority of households and businesses can now get superfast speeds. And we are most certainly not stopping there. We’re committed to going further with superfast and ultrafast broadband.

“Increasingly high-speed broadband is no longer a ‘nice to have’ – it is a ‘must have’. Reaching this important milestone at this busy time of the year is particularly good news for people wanting to use the internet more than usual for online shopping and ‘click and collect’ services. At home, it enables families to connect to several different devices at the same time, so children can play online games without affecting parents or grandparents while they watch catch-up television or contact friends and relatives abroad.

“This exciting technology also breaks down barriers to doing business in the digital world, around Oxfordshire and across the globe. It helps small businesses to find new markets, sell new products and communicate more easily and quickly with their customers, suppliers and employees.”

People can follow the progress of the roll-out and get more information about the council’s community co-funding scheme via the website: www.betterbroadbandoxfordshire.org.uk

Because the fibre broadband network is being installed by Openreach, households and businesses have a wide choice of fibre broadband providers. Upgrades do not happen automatically. Anyone wanting to benefit needs to place an order with their chosen fibre broadband provider.

Read how superfast broadband helped these SMEs in Oxfordshire:

Notes to Editors

*Source: Thinkbroadband

The 95 per cent superfast broadband coverage figure has been achieved as a result of superfast broadband roll-outs by BBfO combined with private sector investment by network businesses such as Openreach.

About Better Broadband for Oxfordshire

Better Broadband for Oxfordshire is a partnership between Oxfordshire County Council, BT Group and BDUK.

Backhill Tunnel – which links Milton Park and the adjacent A4130 in west Didcot – was officially opened earlier today (17 November) by Didcot and Wantage MP Ed Vaizey.

The redeveloped tunnel now benefits from a lit pedestrian and cycle link, joining the northern side of the A-road directly with Milton Park.

The tunnel is set underneath the main London Paddington line and was redeveloped through its existing structure.

Its completion will now enable 9,000 people working at Milton Park to either cycle or walk to-and-from their place of work. The tunnel will also allow better access to amenities at Milton Gate, including the four-star Milton Marriott hotel, due to open next summer.

Alongside Mr Vaizey at the official opening were representatives from the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP), Oxfordshire County Council and South Oxfordshire and Vale of the White Horse District Councils.

Representatives from MEPC – the asset manager and developer of Milton Park, who organised the event – were also in attendance alongside members of the 250 businesses based there.

OxLEP secured the £1.4m funding for the project via the government’s Growing Places Fund, with further private works funded directly by MEPC.

A second phase of the project – which will see the creation of a safe crossing for pedestrians and cyclists across the A4130, adjacent to the tunnel – is set to be completed by March next year.

Nigel Tipple – OxLEP Chief Executive – said: “The completion of such a significant project – that will have a positive impact on hundreds of businesses and their employees – is excellent news.

“As the local enterprise partnership for Oxfordshire – we want to ensure our county benefits from an infrastructure that is fit-for-purpose, supporting economic growth.

“Recent national research has shown that the demand for business space in Oxfordshire is at its highest level in just under five years – with this mind, projects like this will further attract businesses to invest in the county.

“We believe this project meets that aim and even supports people to take up a more active lifestyle.”

The tunnel’s opening also coincided with Milton Park’s ‘Bike 2 Work’ event – encouraging employees across the site to take to the saddle as part of their commute to work.

Philip Campbell – Commercial Director at Milton Park, MEPC – said: “We’re delighted the tunnel is now open. It provides an excellent new pedestrian and cycle link into Milton Park and will also allow the many thousands of people working at Milton Park access to the amenities at Milton Gate, which will soon include the new four-star Milton Marriott hotel.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved.”

Ed Vaizey MP added: “It has been a great honour to be asked to open Backhill Tunnel today.

“This is a great piece of infrastructure which will benefit a huge amount of people that work in Milton Park and also those who will be staying in the area at the new hotel.

“I am particularly impressed by the way these projects can be achieved when the local enterprise partnership, county council and Milton Park work so well together.”

County Councillor Yvonne Constance – Oxfordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Environment – said: “After two years of close working with our partners at the UK Atomic Energy Agency, Network Rail and local businesses we are delighted to be realising the project and to further enhance pedestrian and cycle links.

“Opening this underpass beneath the Great Western Railway provides an excellent opportunity to improve access for residents to jobs and recreation, reducing distances to bus services and reducing the need for private car use.

“This legacy will further support the many millions of pounds the county council is spending on cycling and walking infrastructure in Oxfordshire over the coming years.”

Councillor Matthew Barber – Leader of Vale of White Horse District Councils – added: “We are delighted that the disused tunnel has been reopened for everyone working and travelling around Milton Park and the wider Science Vale area.

“Projects to open pathways and cycle routes fit exactly with the principles of the Didcot Garden Town and we hope to see more schemes as new plans are formalised.”

For more information on the project, go to: www.oxfordshirelep.com.

Local roads are also set to benefit from Oxfordshire County Council being given a share from a national roads fund but details of the exact proportion of money to be allocated to Oxfordshire and other councils in England have yet to be confirmed as well as the type of road which would eligible for funding.

Bev Hindle, Strategic Director for Communities at Oxfordshire County Council said: “We welcome today’s announcement from the Government, confirming their support and commitment to invest in the A34 (M4-M40), East West Rail and the Oxford to Cambridge Expressway. We will continue to talk to Government and partners about the county’s transport infrastructure strategy to ensure the needs of future generations who live, work or travel through Oxfordshire can be met and planned for.

He continued:  “As the Transport Secretary said, getting transport spending right is absolutely crucial which is why the county council and members of the Oxfordshire Growth Board are working on a the development of an Oxfordshire Infrastructure Strategy which will identify, prioritise and cost Oxfordshire’s future infrastructure to 2040. We already know that existing funding will not deliver the scale of infrastructure investment required which is why we will work together to explore alternative sources of funding.

He concluded by saying:  “I am delighted the Government has highlighted England’s Economic Heartland as one of a number of partnerships in England that have been created between local authorities with the aim of becoming a Strategic Transport Authority. As a co-founder of England’s Economic Heartland, the county council is working hard with eight local authorities (Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes, Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough) to improve physical connectivity between larger urban centres, with a particular emphasis on east-west connectivity, and improved access into and within larger urban centres.”

The project is the result of a successful Oxfordshire County Council bid for almost £240,000 of government and will use big data and smart technology to guide vehicles towards available parking.

Called CASPAR (CollAborative Smart PARking project), the scheme will help provide up to the minute information showing the occupancy of Blue Badge spaces, carparks and some city centre pay and display spaces, as well as any new electric vehicle charge points.

Now that the money has been awarded the county council will look closely at the best ways to deliver the information and the infrastructure that would be needed.

It is likely that the information would be sent to a smartphone app that would be versatile enough to show users not only where there was a Blue Badge space available near their destination, but also to reroute them to the next nearest one if that space was taken before they got there.

The county council hopes that the scheme will help reduce stress for people trying to find somewhere to park as well as reducing congestion. Improved access to information effectively helps people to look ahead and plan journeys according to where facilities are available.

Llewelyn Morgan, Service Manager Infrastructure, Innovation & Development for Communities at the county council said: “Oxfordshire County Council is working at the cutting edge of transport at the moment and is helping a range of visions such as driverless cars and intelligent transport smartphone apps get off the ground. The way we travel continues to change, and technology has a valuable role to play through intelligent transport systems.

“The work being done now is great news especially for people who are seeking Blue Badge spaces or to charge their electric vehicle. Looking to the future there is also the prospect of the information collected by the system being pushed out to the next generation of ‘connected vehicles.”

A total of £238,928 for the project, which will start in April 2017, has been awarded from the DfT’s Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems fund following a bid submitted by Oxfordshire County Council.

He will see first-hand how the technology is driving innovation and transforming the way Oxfordshire firms do business during his visit to Milton Park today (Friday).

The whole area – part of Science Vale UK Enterprise Zone – now has access to faster fibre broadband thanks to Better Broadband for Oxfordshire (BBfO).

The £35 million BBfO roll-out is being led by Oxfordshire County Council and BT, with additional funding from Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP). It is part of the Government’s Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) programme and builds on private sector investment.

Across Oxfordshire more than 70,000 businesses and households now have access to superfast fibre broadband as a result of BBfO. The figure rises to around 273,000 when combined with commercial roll-outs.*

The Rt. Hon Matt Hancock MP said: “Nine out of 10 homes and businesses can now get superfast broadband, and we’re reaching thousands more every week. I’m delighted we’ve now reached more than 70,000 additional properties in Oxfordshire, providing a tremendous boost to the local economy, and helping make sure that the people of Oxfordshire have the connectivity they need in today’s digital society.”

More than 6,500 Oxfordshire businesses can now access the technology as a result of the BBfO roll-out, including around 250 firms on Milton Park, home to some of the county’s most dynamic industries, innovative small and medium businesses and world-leading life science companies.

Among them are Motors.co.uk, the online car specialists, based in Olympic Avenue, and printing and design experts, Carbon Colour, whose bosses welcomed the new development.

Phill Jones, managing director of Motors.co.uk, said: “As an online business, fast and reliable internet access is critical for our operation. It is great to see investment in the infrastructure to support the growth of businesses like ours and others in Oxfordshire.”

Nigel Allen, managing director of Carbon Colour, said: “As a print and display company we rely on fast broadband to send and receive large image files, so welcome the arrival of fibre broadband to Milton Park. This superfast service will increase our productivity and help us beat the tightest of deadlines that can be a problem when using just basic broadband.”

Councillor Ian Hudspeth, leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “We’re delighted that all businesses at Milton Park are now able to choose a connectivity service which offers choice and affordability to innovative companies who are helping to boost a critical segment of the economy, not just here in Oxfordshire, but around the UK.”

Engineers from Openreach – BT’s local network business – have installed five new fibre broadband cabinets on Milton Park and more than four kilometres of fibre optic cable.

As a result, many households in nearby Milton village that were previously not able to access fibre can now get the many benefits of the technology.

Councillor Hudspeth added: “We expect at least 95 per cent of Oxfordshire premises to have access to superfast broadband by December, and I’m delighted to announce an ambition to improve on this. In partnership with BT, we are finalising plans to make the technology available to a further 2,000 premises as a result of contract savings achieved in this successful programme to date.

“We’re also about to launch a co-funding scheme whereby Oxfordshire County Council will support those very rural or very small communities which are too expensive to upgrade using public funds alone.”

Further details are available on the BBfO website: www.betterbroadbandoxfordshire.org.uk

Nigel Tipple, chief executive of OxLEP, which contributed £2 million to the BBfO programme to enable more businesses in the Enterprise Zone to get superfast broadband, said: “This is a great step forward for Oxfordshire. Introducing superfast broadband at Milton Park, along with our wider programme of improvements to digital connectivity in Oxfordshire, means we have a great platform to ensure network capacity is available for our modern businesses to thrive and grow, benefitting the local economy.”

Phillip Campbell, Milton Park’s commercial director, said: “Giving Milton Park businesses plenty of choice when it comes to broadband services is very important to us. The timing of the extra service fits nicely with our new Park Drive East development.”

Steve Henderson, BT’s regional director for broadband partnerships, said: “Superfast fibre broadband is transforming the way people do business and communicate. Whether it’s downloading or sharing large files and other information with customers, suppliers or employees, or uploading graphics and photographs, everything is easier and faster with fibre technology. As a result, it makes firms more efficient and competitive, and opens up new and exciting trading opportunities for local businesses across the county and around the world.”

The Openreach network is ‘open’, which means businesses and households choosing to upgrade have a wide choice of fibre broadband providers. The FTTC network provides access to download speeds of up to 80 megabits per second (Mbps) and uploads of up to 20Mbps**.

*Source: www.thinkbroadband.co.uk

**Speeds referred to are the top wholesale speeds available from Openreach to all service providers; speeds offered by service providers may vary.

Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council which co-founded England’s Economic Heartland Strategic Alliance said:

“We strongly welcome the publication of today's interim report from the National Infrastructure Commission which acknowledges the vast economic potential of the corridor connecting Cambridge, Milton Keynes and Oxford, comparable to Silicon Valley. We share the Commission’s view that England’s Economic Heartland is a national asset, one whose economic success is central to the future of the UK economy.

“As co-founder of England’s Economic Heartland Strategic Alliance, Oxfordshire County Council is delighted that the Commission is encouraged by the Alliance’s work on strategic transport to date and agrees with our view that the full potential of East West Rail and the Expressway cannot be realised without investment in its wider road and rail network.

“We have long argued that East West Rail and the Oxford-Cambridge Expressway, can be a catalyst to bring the region together to deliver the housing that is required in the region as well as the connectivity it will need to compete with the best in the world and welcome the Commission highlighting this in their report today.

“We remain committed to taking an integrated strategic approach to transport and infrastructure planning to secure the area’s future success.”

Corridor could be Britain’s Silicon Valley

Releasing the report, National Infrastructure Commission Deputy Chair, Sir John Armitt said,

“To succeed in the global economy, the UK must build on its strengths. The corridor connecting Cambridge, Milton Keynes and Oxford could be Britain’s Silicon Valley – a globally recognised centre for science, technology and innovation. But its future success is not guaranteed.

“Transport links across the corridor are often slow, unreliable and congested, and the area is home to two of the least affordable cities in the UK, in part because it has consistently failed to build the homes it needs. These twin problems are already increasing costs for businesses and diminishing their ability to attract employees at all levels – including the recruitment and retention of globally mobile talent.

“This area can become greater than the sum of its parts with better strategic planning which radically improves its transport connectivity whilst securing the tens of thousands of new homes it so desperately needs. This is a once in a generation opportunity – we must grab it with both hands.”

The results of the Oxfordshire Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) published in 2014 established the overall housing need for each district planning area. The councils in Oxfordshire generally agree that Oxford City is not able to fully accommodate its need within its boundaries. Government requires neighbouring areas to cooperate in such circumstances and an agreement was reached that assistance would be needed from other districts in Oxfordshire to meet Oxford’s unmet need. Senior officers for all of Oxfordshire’s councils set up a programme of work to address this issue.

The Oxfordshire Growth Board will meet to agree a proposed apportionment of 15,000 homes but will not make decisions on where in each district housing growth will go. Each Local Planning Authority has the responsibility of doing this in their Local Plans. The Growth Board will consider a body of jointly produced work with a view to reaching a cooperative agreement on how Oxford’s unmet housing need should be distributed across the county. This work has involved consideration of the level of unmet housing need, the sustainability of broad growth options, a study of the Green Belt, transport and infrastructure issues.

The report to be presented on Sept 26 recommends that the Growth Board:

• approve the apportionment of the agreed working figure for the unmet housing need for Oxford

• approve a Memorandum of Co-operation setting out the apportionment and timetable for delivery of the unmet housing need for Oxford

• formally recommend the approved apportionment to each of the Oxfordshire Local Planning Authorities for consideration in the preparation of their Local Plans, in the interest of meeting the objectively assessed housing needs for Oxfordshire.

Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council and Chair of the Oxfordshire Growth Board, said:

“It is a well-known fact that housing is a major issue in Oxfordshire, with no easy answers, so it’s important that we all work together to consider the housing needs of the county in the context of economic growth.

“The Oxfordshire Growth Board enables local government and representatives from education, transport and local business to focus on resolving county-wide issues such as housing in a co-ordinated and sustainable way.

“It is welcome news that the Oxfordshire Growth Board now has a comprehensive, county-wide evidence base which is needed to consider a fair and sustainable way to share Oxford’s housing needs beyond the Oxford boundary.”

Notes to editors

Item 15 of ‘Oxfordshire Growth Board Post SHMA Strategic Work Programme’ report

The recommended apportionment is as follows:

The Oxfordshire Growth Board is a joint committee of the six councils of Oxfordshire, set up to facilitate and enable joint working on economic development, strategic planning and growth. It does this by:

• advising on matters of collective interest, to seek agreement on local priorities and influence relevant local, regional and national bodies

• overseeing the delivery of projects that the councils of Oxfordshire are seeking to deliver collaboratively in the fields of economic development and strategic planning and those agreed in the City Deal and Local Growth Deals that fall to the councils, working collaboratively, to deliver and has an overall responsibility to manage these programmes of work alongside the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP).

The meetings are administered and hosted on a rota basis and currently Oxfordshire County Council is the hosting authority.

The Oxfordshire Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) was commissioned jointly by all the Oxfordshire district councils supported by Oxfordshire County Council and published in 2014. It was a technical study intended to help the Oxfordshire local planning authorities understand how many homes will be needed in the period 2011 – 2031. It also considers the housing needs of specific groups such as older people, minority groups and people with disabilities and what housing growth will be needed to support the economy.

Oxfordshire County Councillor, Nick Carter, said: “With Oxfordshire firmly over the 90 per cent superfast coverage target, it is good news the programme is now reaching even more premises, as is happening today in Ashbury. This important phase of delivery is extending fibre broadband coverage into the most rural parts of the county and we look forward to reaching over 95 per cent of households and businesses across Oxfordshire by the end of next year.”

Visitors to benefit as well as households and businesses

The arrival of faster fibre broadband was welcomed by Neil Hislop, co-owner of the Rose and Crown Inn, Ashbury who said: “Customers nowadays expect to be able to get online when out and about, and it’s great news we can now offer that to people in our pub, restaurant or staying at the Inn. All of our customers will be able to benefit and use apps like Facebook, Skype and media streaming services. But in particular, we think it’ll really benefit our business visitors who are working away from home. Not only will it allow them to work in their rooms or around the Inn during their stay, but it’ll also make it far easier for them to stay in touch with family and friends, which is obviously very important.”

Paul Bimson, BT’s regional partnership director, said: “Whether it’s families wanting to connect more than one device to the internet at the same time, or people working from home – everything is easier, better and faster with fibre broadband, which is why it’s so important that our roll-out is reaching some of the most remote parts of Oxfordshire.”

“When combined with BT’s own investment, the total number of premises in Oxfordshire able to access fibre broadband is more than 275,000.”

As the Openreach network is open to all communications providers, local households opting for an upgrade will be able to order fibre broadband with download speeds of up to 80Mbps and uploads of up to 20Mbps* from a wide range of service providers.

Residents and businesses can follow the progress of the roll-out via the project website: www.betterbroadbandoxfordshire.org.uk

Notes to Editors

Pictures were taken by Andrew Walmsley L-R: Cllr Nick Carter (Oxfordshire County Council), Cllr Matthew Barber (Leader of the Vale District Council) and Paul Bimson (BT’s regional partnership director). The fibre optic broadband roll-out, which is part of the Government’s Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) programme, is led by Oxfordshire County Council and BT.

* These are the top wholesale speeds available from Openreach to all service providers; speeds offered by service providers may vary.

About Better Broadband for Oxfordshire

Better Broadband for Oxfordshire is a partnership between Oxfordshire County Council, BT and BDUK.

The first phase of the programme was comprised of £25 million of funding: £10m from Oxfordshire County Council, £4m from the Government (Broadband Delivery UK) and £11m from BT. Engineering work on this phase began in August 2013 with the first homes and businesses going live in December 2013.

Further funding of £5.1 million to roll out fibre broadband was announced in February 2015 and work began earlier this year. Funding was made up of £1 million from South Oxfordshire District Council, £500,000 from Cherwell District Council, £250,000 from the Vale of the White Horse District Council, £200,000 from Oxfordshire County Council, £1.2m from BT, and a further £1.95m from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Superfast Extension Programme (SEP).

Additional funding of £5.58 million was announced in November 2015. This will increase the percentage of county homes and businesses able to get superfast fibre broadband to more than 95 per cent when combined with earlier phases of the Better Broadband for Oxfordshire programme and the private sector’s commercial roll-out of the technology. This funding comprises: £2 million from the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP); £120,000 from the South East Midlands LEP and Cherwell District Council; £168,000 from Oxford City Council; £2.2 million from the Government’s Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) programme and £1.1 million from BT. When combined the additional funding adds a further 12,000 premises to the programme.

Better Broadband for Oxfordshire has now completed its planned work in West Oxfordshire. Further roll-out is being carried out here by Cotswold Broadband, which is separate from Better Broadband for Oxfordshire.