The decision comes as Oxfordshire County Council continues its wider work to tackle congestion, improve air quality and encourage more sustainable travel across the county.

Under the council’s congestion charge scheme, revenue raised is being used to support free bus travel from Oxford’s Park and Ride sites, helping residents travel into the city without adding to congestion on already busy roads.

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, agreed the move at a cabinet meeting on Thursday, 18 June. He said the council must lead by example and ensure elected members are not exempt from the expectations placed on residents.

He said: “Oxfordshire County Council is about fairness. County councillors don't need privileged access to a free car park in OX1. We all need to play our part in making the county's roads safer and free from congestion so our fleet of electric buses can flow freely around this amazing city.

“I hope my colleagues will try out the new buses for free from any one of our park and ride sites but for councillors who insist on driving into the centre of town for meetings they will still be able to park at the Westgate or any of the City Council's off street parking sites for a small charge.”

The changes would ensure parking at County Hall remains available for those with accessibility needs and for essential operational use, while supporting the council’s broader ambitions around active travel, public transport and reducing traffic in Oxford city centre.

Councillor Tim Bearder became only the fourth leader of the authority since 2001 when he succeeded Councillor Liz Leffman at the Extraordinary General Meeting of the council today (May 20).

He currently represents Wheatley at County Hall and lives in the village. He grew up in Wendlebury, went to school in Bicester and has also lived in Oxford.

The former BBC journalist addressed councillors after being elected to the role. Since 2021 he has served as both Cabinet Member for Adults and Cabinet Member for Highway Management.

He said: “It is a huge honour to have been given the opportunity to serve as Leader of Oxfordshire County Council. I do not take that responsibility lightly.

“Politics matters most when it improves people’s everyday lives.

“I came into politics because I believe in fairness. Fairness between communities. Fairness between generations and fairness in the opportunities people have to live healthy, secure and fulfilling lives.

“I also believe deeply that Oxfordshire can lead the way — on climate action, on sustainable transport, on strong public services and on building a county where prosperity is shared more fairly.

“Difficult problems are not solved through blame or simplistic slogans. They require thought, honesty, evidence-based policy and the courage to make difficult decisions. That is the kind of leadership I will strive to provide.

“I want us to be ambitious for Oxfordshire, but also grounded in the realities people face every day — cost of living, access to care, housing pressures, congestion, pollution and the need to protect the environment that makes this county so special.

“We are at our best when we work together — with each other, with residents and with our partners across the county.”

At the annual meeting of Oxfordshire County Council on 12 May the membership of cabinet was announced. There have been some adjustments made:

• Councillor Tim Bearder, Leader of the council
• Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources
• Councillor Sean Gaul, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People
• Councillor Gareth Epps, Cabinet Member for Transport
• Councillor Dan Levy, Cabinet Member for Finance and Property
• Councillor Liz Leffman, Cabinet Member for Highways Construction and Repair
• Councillor Rebekah Fletcher, Cabinet Member of Adult Social Care
• Councillor Kate Gregory, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities
• Councillor Judith Edwards, Cabinet Member for Local Government Reorganisation and Human Resources
• Councillor Laura Gordon, Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy

Counting started at 11am on Friday, 2 May after the election on Thursday, 1 May.

The outcome of the election in terms of the political parties is as follows:

 A full list of the election results in each division can be found here. Turnout at the election was 35.6 per cent.

Martin Reeves, Chief Executive of Oxfordshire County Council and Returning Officer, said:: “My thanks go to the many people who have worked for several months to make this election run smoothly.

“That includes the people who on Thursday managed the polling stations and those who on Friday were involved in the count – either actually counting votes or in terms of making sure the organisation of the event ran well.

“Countless other people have also contributed along the way and they have all played an invaluable part.

“Councillors elected will now work to form an administration and officers will then work with the new arrangements as they emerge. I welcome and look forward to working with all newly elected councillors.”

The annual meeting of the county council will take place on Tuesday, 20 May.

The events, part of Oxfordshire County Council’s Future Generations Programme, are designed to help those aged 11 to 18 understand local democracy and encourage them to participate in politics.

Following the success of the first pilot event back in November, young people were joined at County Hall in Oxford, Edmonds Park Pavillion in Didcot and Banbury Children and Family Centre by county council directors and councillors from across the political spectrum in Oxfordshire who shared their experiences.

MP for Didcot and Wantage, Olly Glover, and MP for Banbury, Sean Woodcock, also took part in the events, providing an overview of their roles as MPs and answering the young people’s questions.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, who attended the Oxford and Banbury events, said: “I would like to thank our young people from across Oxfordshire who attended our pizza and politics events across the county. I was inspired by their questions and contributions, which were insightful and eye-opening, and will ensure that young people's voices continue to be heard as part of our future generations programme of work.”

The agenda included an introduction to local and national government, a vibrant question and answer panel session between young people and politicians, and themed discussions.

Participants had the opportunity to ask questions throughout, discuss important issues, and share their thoughts on various topics linked to different services the county council provides.

The events form part of the county council's Future Generations work, which seeks to put the wellbeing of future generations at the heart of all decision making.

Councillors passed a motion back in March 2023 with cross party support setting out a commitment to considering the wellbeing of Future Generations in all decision making.

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To mark the occasion Oxfordshire County Council is flying the Ukrainian flag outside County Hall to show continued solidarity with Ukraine. 

The council is continuing to work in collaboration through the Oxfordshire Migration Partnership to support Ukrainians and provide dedicated resources to keep guests safe and well during the ongoing war.   

Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Over the past three years, more than 2,800 Ukrainians have come to stay in the county to seek sanctuary. At the same time, our residents have continued to show their support and generosity by hosting Ukrainian guests under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. We stand together in solidarity with the people of Ukraine who have come here to seek safety” 

“We are flying the Ukrainian flag outside County Hall to show our support, and we will continue to do all that we can to provide a warm welcome and offer the necessary support for those seeking sanctuary in our county.” 

More information about support offered to Ukrainian families in Oxfordshire, and those hosting them is available by visiting oxfordshire.gov.uk/ukraine.  

Following a motion passed at full council in November 2023, and cabinet approval in June 2024, Oxfordshire County Council is working to become a recognised Council of Sanctuary, as awarded through the City of Sanctuary movement.  

City of Sanctuary aims to build a movement of welcome and inclusion across the UK and provides a framework for developing the council’s approach to supporting refugees and asylum seekers, with a strong focus on engaging people with lived experience so that they can play a vital role in creating a fairer Oxfordshire for all. 

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Meanwhile Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner also announced that all 21 two tier (district and county council) areas in England, including Oxfordshire, will be asked to submit plans for unitary structures. Local authorities in Oxfordshire will await further information from government on future timescales as to when a new unitary council or councils would go live.

Changes will ultimately mean that the present two-tier system of county and district councils that has been in place in Oxfordshire since 1974 will be replaced by consolidating all council services into unitary authorities. This is already the case in neighbouring areas such as Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Northamptonshire.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “We are now able to confirm that our county council elections will go ahead on 1 May, which has always been our preference.”

“The government is pressing ahead with conversion to unitary authorities and, as a group of partner councils in Oxfordshire, we are continuing to discuss this and prepare for it.

“We are also continuing our discussions with neighbouring authorities across the Thames Valley about devolution.

The pizza and politics session was open to all in Oxfordshire aged 11 to 18. It aimed to help them get an understanding of local democracy and encourage them to get involved in politics.

Attendees were also joined by Cabinet Member Councillor Pete Sudbury, Councillor Charlie Hicks, Champion for Future Generations, and other councillors and members of staff, who shared their experiences.

Austin Isles and Alfie Walker, who are both 15 and go to Marlborough School, Woodstock, joined the session. Both of them had been to a number of events previously.

“In particular I was interested in the green belt and how land could be effectively used for the new Oxford United stadium,” said Alfie.

They both feel it’s important for young people to get more involved in politics at both a local and national level to influence change when they are old enough to vote.

“By having an interest it can help you to have more knowledge when it comes to voting when you turn eighteen,” Austin added.

Alfie agreed: “It allows people to get their voice out from a young age so by the time that they are old enough to take things into their own hands, they'll already be experienced.”

Aiman Shah, who is 17 and attends The Swan School in Oxford, was also at the event, the first one of its kind she has been to.

“I do politics at A Level so I thought this would be a good link and also I think it's just quite good for young people to have a say in what happens in local government,” she commented.

“I think it's cool to meet people who have the same interests as me because I think we all came here for like similar reasons.”

Aiman found the event to be a big confidence booster and was particularly inspired by the councillors who shared their stories and passion for politics with the young people.

She continued: “I think the main takeaway was just seeing these councillors and how passionate they are about their roles.

“This has really boosted my confidence too. So if I keep attending things like this, hopefully I will become a more confident person, and it will a good experience to put on my personal statement because I'm in the sixth form.”

Councillor Pete Sudbury, Deputy Leader of the Council with Responsibility for Climate Change, Environment & Future Generations, said: “We want to develop and strengthen youth engagement with local democracy, and hearing the voice of young people in Oxfordshire, which the pizza and politics event was a crucial part of.

“As holder of the climate and environment portfolios, I am painfully aware of the burdens we are passing to these young people, to clear up the problems we have left unsolved. We are leading the way on laying the foundations of their ability to succeed”.

“In this time, more than any before it, it is important that young people have their voices heard, particularly on the matters that affect them most. Even if they aren’t old enough to vote yet, there’s plenty of ways to get involved in politics and make a difference.

“It was an inspiring experience to meet with young people from all over the county. I hope that the event has inspired them to get involved in local democracy, both now and in the future.”

Councillor Charlie Hicks, Oxfordshire County Council’s Champion for Future Generations, said: “Pizza and politics is a part of our new work promoting the wellbeing of future generations – to ensure all the decisions the council makes are in the interests both of people alive today, but also for the whole life-course of people who are children today and those yet to be born.

“This is an approach started by the Welsh government and we are following in their footsteps as the first council in England to put future generations at the heart of our work.

“I'm so pleased that the pizza and politics event was such a success. We heard young people's priorities for what matters most to them, which is an important counterbalance to the voices that we hear most often in the council chamber.

“I'm looking forward to furthering our youth engagement and democracy work so that every young person in the county feels comfortable to come forward and let councillors know what matters to them.”

Future Generations Fortnight will continue as an annual programme of engagement events to encourage, support and inspire young people to make their voices heard and have a greater influence on decision making in Oxfordshire.

Councillors passed a motion back in March 2023 with cross-party support setting out a commitment to considering the wellbeing of Future Generations in all decision-making.

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The Oxfordshire Councils Charter is the first of its kind in the country to include all three tiers of local government – parish/town councils, parish meetings, the city council, the district councils and the county council.

It has been co-produced by all three layers of local government working hand in hand and it is high-level and flexible enough to empower councils rather than create additional burdens with specific operational commitments.

It will be launched at the Oxfordshire Association of Local Councils Annual General Meeting at County Hall on Monday, 15 July.

Lucy Dalby, County Officer at OALC said: “This charter is a very positive step to achieving better partnership working between Oxfordshire councils. Since OALC instigated the idea of a charter, we have ensured local councils have been consulted directly. It has been wonderful to see so many councils engaging enthusiastically with this process and we want to thank every councillor, clerk and officer who has contributed.

“This work does not end with the launching of the charter – we will remain involved as this work moves forward, and the real and impactful changes needed for partnership working to reach its full potential. Councils will also continue to have the opportunity to feed in to how the charter is implemented.”

Cllr Liz Leffman, the leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “While other parts of the country have charters like this one, none of them cover all three layers of local government. The fact that we do in Oxfordshire is a testament to the grass roots nature of our local democracy.

“This is now a great platform to build on and I am excited about changes that are already underway to improve how we work and communicate with our local councils.”

The charter is a voluntary framework that:

• Outlines mutually agreed principles and commitments to support meeting the above aims.
• Recognises and acknowledges the importance of local councils in reaching and supporting residents and communities.
• Underpins how Oxfordshire councils work better together to deliver outcomes for residents and communities.

The charter is designed to be high-level and flexible enough to empower councils rather than create additional burdens with specific operational commitments. Oxfordshire chief-executive officers and leaders have provided oversight throughout the charter’s development.

The contents of the charter have been informed by an extensive engagement process with town and parish councils from across the county, capturing the needs and priorities of local councils, which are reflected in the principles and commitments.

The charter was endorsed by Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet in May and by Oxfordshire’s district councils in June.

On 7 November 2023, a motion was passed at full council saying that the county remains proud of its history of welcoming into the county people from abroad who are seeking safety.

This has been reaffirmed once again by Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, who has signed a pledge to fight the anti-refugee laws on behalf of the council. The pledge calls on the government to repeal the Illegal Migration Act and the Nationality and Borders Act and to withdraw from the UK-Rwanda partnership.

Councillor Leffman said: “Our ambition in Oxfordshire is to support a refugee and asylum system that ensures a warm welcome for all new arrivals and embraces and supports independent living for those staying in the county. Oxfordshire is enhanced by the contribution of a range of diverse communities living here and we are committed to playing our part in the overall national and international challenge. To that end, Oxfordshire County Council is looking to become a recognised Council of Sanctuary.

“We are very proud of our work and our partners throughout the years in supporting migrants fleeing dangerous situations, and helping them to settle in our communities.

“We want to ensure that we can continue to provide a safe haven for vulnerable people, especially young people and children. That’s why I have also written to the home secretary to reaffirm our stance on supporting asylum seekers here in Oxfordshire.”

Through the Oxfordshire Migration Partnership, the county council is already supporting many vulnerable people who have arrived in the county on a range of different schemes, including Homes for Ukraine, Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme, the UK Resettlement Scheme and Hong Kong (British National Overseas).

Becoming a member of the City of Sanctuary Local Authority Network provides a framework for developing the council’s future approach to supporting refugees and asylum seekers, with a strong focus on engaging people with lived experience so that they can play an important role in creating a fairer Oxfordshire for all.

There are a number of local charities that also provide support for refugees in Oxfordshire:

• Asylum Welcome helps asylum seekers, refugees and detainees in Oxfordshire (including unaccompanied children) with English lessons, food, hardship payments, advice on housing, jobs, and the asylum system and more.
• Refugee Resource promotes the wellbeing of refugees and asylum seekers.
• Oxford City of Sanctuary is part of the wider City of Sanctuary Local Authority Network, which seeks to provide support, dignity and welcome to refugees and those seeking sanctuary.
• Connection Support provide a range of emotional and practical support to help the families settle into everyday life

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Cllr Sudbury will also retain his current role as the cabinet member for climate change delivery and environment.

Meanwhile it has been revealed that there will be a newly created position of cabinet member for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This and other appointments – including cabinet member for children’s services – will be announced later this week.

Until then, Councillor Liz Leffman will take responsibility for children’s services, corporate services, travel and development strategy and public health and inequalities.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “It is important that we begin to quickly fill vacant cabinet positions so that we can rapidly re-focus on the issues that matter to Oxfordshire people. I look forward to working with Cllr Sudbury in his new role as deputy leader.

“Very much at the fore of our thoughts is the subject of special educational needs and disabilities following the recent Ofsted judgement.

“We need to act urgently on the matters raised in the recent Ofsted inspection. The creation of a new cabinet role focused wholly on SEND will ensure that the whole council has a constant and permanent focus on turning the situation around at pace.

“We feel strongly that we need to build trust with parents and children, communicate better with them, listen to them and deliver better outcomes for the most vulnerable children in the county. I look forward to the new arrangements coming into place and to working with colleagues to deliver the change that’s needed.”

Councillor Michele Paule had been elected at the 2021 local elections in May of that year.

As a result of this a by-election is scheduled to take place on Thursday, 2 March. Details on candidates for the vacant seat will confirmed in due course.

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Gill served the people of Oxford as a city councillor for 26 years and as a county councillor for nine years. In 2018 she was bestowed one of Oxford’s highest honours when she was named an honorary alderwoman for her outstanding service and dedication to the city.

Gill will be greatly missed by her friends, colleagues, and the many residents of Oxford who knew her.

Oxford City Council

Gill was first elected to the city council in 1990 and represented the Quarry Ward until 1998. She was then re-elected in 2000 to represent the Littlemore Ward until May 2018.

During her time at the city council, she served as deputy leader (1996 - 1997), lord mayor of Oxford (2002 - 2003), deputy lord mayor of Oxford (2003 -2004), and sheriff of Oxford (2004 - 2005).

She chaired the Highways and Traffic Committee (1994 - 1997), South East Area Committee (2004 - 2007), Standards Committee (2011 - 2018), and was vice chair of the Scrutiny Committee (2013 - 2014). She also sat on the Scrutiny Housing Panel, Licensing and Gambling Acts Committee and Appointments Committee.

Oxfordshire County Council

Gill served was elected to the county council in 2012 and represented Rose Hill and Littlemore Ward until 2021.

She served as chair of the county council in 2018/19 and Vice Chair in 2017/18. She also worked closely with her husband and fellow former county councillor, John Sanders, during his spell as chair in 2014/15.

The chair of the county council is the authority’s equivalent of a mayor at town or city councils.

During her time at the county council, Gill had been shadow spokesperson for children, education and families and was vice chair of the Education Scrutiny Committee. She also sat on the corporate parenting panel, the foster parenting panel and the joint meeting of Oxfordshire County Council with the teaching unions.

Personal life

Gill was a great supporter of charities in Oxford, including Rose Hill and Donnington Advice Centre, Rose Hill Junior Youth Club, and the City of Oxford Charity. She was the chair of the trustees of the Rose Hill Junior Youth Club.

Originally from Swansea in South Wales, Gill was the mother of two sons and also a grandmother. She worked in Oxford city schools for 25 years and eventually as an HR and administration manager at a large Oxford city comprehensive school.

Earlier in life she had been an air traffic control assistant and was one of the very few women in the country to be in the profession.

Tributes

Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council, said: “Gill gave so much time and dedicated service to the city of Oxford. In particular she helped drive forward changes to the city's transport policy, including pedestrianisation of much of the city centre and was passionate in her support for young people. I'm grateful that we were able to recognise this service when we made her an honorary alderwoman of our city. We are going to miss Gill enormously – our thoughts are with John and her family.”

Councillor Liz Brighouse, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Gill will be very sadly missed by the many people who knew and loved her – not least her husband John who served as a councillor with her for so many years. Our condolences go to Gill’s family. She was a committed and hard-working county councillor and an excellent chair of the council.”

Jayne Strangwood was declared the winner in Banbury Ruscote division. However this declaration was challenged. As a result the matter was subsequently referred to the High Court in line with long-established national practice in such situations.

In July the High Court gave approval for a recount to take place. This recount established that the result had indeed been incorrectly declared.

Following the recount a Special Case High Court hearing in London on August 11 has been informed that the winning candidate in Banbury Ruscote division should have been declared as Mark Cherry. The High Court has now determined that the previously declared election result was declared in error and that Mark Cherry was duly elected and ought to have been returned as the county councillor for Banbury Ruscote.

Yvonne Rees, Returning Officer of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “I would like to thank everybody who has been involved in this process for their co-operation and patience. Although the potential for an error was discussed on the day of the election count we knew that given the result had been declared we would have go through the correct legal channels to establish whether this was the case.

“We have now gone through each stage of that legal process, conducted a recount and reached a final conclusion. This means that Mark Cherry will be the county councillor for the Banbury Ruscote division.”

The deadlines for registering to vote and for a postal vote are now less than a fortnight away with the county council holding elections for all 63 seats and 61 divisions and one-third of Cherwell District Council seats also up for election. There is also a Police and Crime Commissioner election for the Thames Valley and elections at Oxford City Council and West Oxfordshire District Council.

Returning Officer for the Oxfordshire County Council, Cherwell District Council and Police and Crime Commissioner elections Yvonne Rees said: “If you are planning to vote by post or you believe you may not be registered to vote there is now less than a fortnight to sort those things out and ensure you can exercise your democratic right on May 6. Now is the time to act with Easter over and April well underway. The deadlines later in April will be here before we know it.”

What are the key dates?

• Monday, 19 April (at 11:59 pm) is the deadline for people to register to vote
• Tuesday, April 20 (no later than 5pm) is the deadline for receiving new postal vote applications for all these elections. You can apply for a postal vote here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-postal-vote .

Meanwhile at the end of Friday, April 9 the list of candidates for the county council and district council elections will be available.

People are also being reminded that there are vacancies across Oxfordshire in paid roles such as poll clerks and presiding officers on election day. More detail can be found here for people who are interested in applying. https://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/be-at-the-heart-of-local-democracy/

Local councils need your help on Thursday, 6 May, when the following elections are taking place across the county:

• Oxfordshire County Council elections
• Police & Crime Commissioner elections
• District Council elections (in Cherwell, Oxford City and West Oxfordshire)
• Town/Parish Council elections

Staff are required on polling day (Thursday, 6 May, 2021) to work as presiding officers and poll clerks at polling stations. These will be in each district area of the County (Cherwell, Oxford City, South Oxfordshire, Vale of the White Horse and West Oxfordshire).

Chief Executive of Cherwell District Council and Oxfordshire County Council Yvonne Rees said: “We are keen to hear from people who are eager to get involved in the excitement of running an election. Measures will be in place to keep people safe from COVID and there’s money to be earned for helping out.

“If you think one of the roles we have available may be for you then please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Equally if you have questions or need clarifications we’d be more than happy to answer them for you.

“Delivering elections is a big undertaking and the backbone of the operation is always hard-working local people pitching in to help out on polling day.”

What roles are available?

Polling station roles

• Presiding officers – (previous election experience is preferred): 
  • are in charge of the setting-up and running of the polling station
  • ideally have experience of polling station duties but training is provided
  • will be paid a fee of £261 if there are two elections in the polling station or £271 if there are three elections in the polling station – plus mileage
  • must complete online training for which an additional fee will be paid
  • pick up the ballot box and equipment a couple of days before polling day
  • deliver the ballot box to their allocated counting centre after the close of poll.

• Poll clerks
  • assist the presiding officer in setting-up and running the polling station
  • will be paid a fee of £165 if there are two elections in the polling station or £175 if there are three elections in the polling station – plus mileage
  • must complete online training for which an additional fee will be paid

Polling hours are 7am - 10pm and you will need to be at your polling station by no later than 6.15am to enable set-up. All payments are subject to tax.

COVID-19 considerations

The safety of all has been at the forefront of planning for the elections and there will therefore be extra processes and procedures in place. This is for everyone’s safety. The public health principles we are all currently following in our daily lives to help mitigate the risk and spread of COVID-19 should be followed throughout the day at polling stations – such as maintaining social distancing; cleaning hands regularly; avoiding touching your face and wearing a face covering.

Health and safety assessments have been undertaken at all venues being used as polling stations to ensure they are safe for those working and for electors voting at the station.

Most venues already have measures and signage, but additional equipment you need for your station, including Perspex screens, hand sanitiser, face coverings and signage will be provided. Most venues allow for one-way systems to operate and you will be able to use the signage to set this up. Where a one-way system is not possible in a polling station, there will be an extra poll clerk to assist in managing electors in the polling station.

There will be a national and local publicity campaign making electors aware that voting at a polling station will be different on 6 May 2021: they will have to wear a face covering; they are encouraged to bring their own pen; social distancing will be in place; and they may have to queue.

How to take part

To take part people need to be aged 18 or over, and ensure any childcare responsibilities are in hand.

People need to ensure they are available to commit for the entire day; these are not part-time or flexible hours posts. Polling station staff are not allowed to leave the polling station, so people will not be able to pop out for a lunch break, and will need to take their own food and drink for the day.

Councils will always be flexible in accommodating specific requests in terms of precise locations.

People who are keen and meet the criteria should email electionstaff@oxfordshire.gov.uk with:

• their home address
• a telephone number and email address that they use regularly
• confirmation as to whether or not they have transport
• an indication of which district area(s) they would be able to work (Cherwell, Oxford, South Oxfordshire, Vale of the White Horse, West Oxfordshire)

People who may be planning to work on the elections are reminded not to lose their own right to vote. Apply for your own postal vote before the deadline of 5pm on 20 April 2021.

All 63 seats at Oxfordshire County Council will be up for election on May 6 with a third of seats Cherwell District Council also set to be put before the electorate. Elsewhere in the county, Oxford City Council also has all of its seats up for election and West Oxfordshire District Council has elections for a proportion of its seats.

Meanwhile there is the election for the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner on May 6 with various town and parish councils will also be taking place

Exercise your democratic right

Yvonne Rees the Chief Executive at Cherwell District Council and Oxfordshire County Council  said: “It’s coming to the time of year when there’s the opportunity for people to exercise their democratic right to vote for those they want to represent them on issues that affect them and their families.

“Councils around the country are currently in the process of planning to make sure polling stations and the election counts are safe places for all. We recognise there will obviously be concerns so ensuring COVID compliance is a priority for us.

“There will be more information in due course but hand sanitisers, screens, social distancing and face masks will be part of planning to allow people to vote with confidence.

“In the meantime there are key dates that people should put in their diaries. This is so that they can ensure they are registered to vote or know how they can apply in a timely way for a postal vote. It’s also important that people have an awareness of who will be standing for election.

“Please be aware of these dates. There will be further reminders nearer the time.”

What are the key dates?

On Monday, March 29 a formal notice of election will be published and then the next key date will be Friday, April 9 when a notice of people nominated to stand in the election will be published.

Monday, 19 April (at 11:59 pm)  is the deadline for people to register to vote if you haven’t already. Tuesday, April 20 (no later than 5pm) is the deadline for receiving new postal vote applications for all these elections. You can apply for a postal vote here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-postal-vote .

ENDS

Over 350 projects have benefited from Oxfordshire County Council’s Councillor Priority Fund with each of the authority’s 63 county councillors having £15,000 available to them to award in grants to projects within their area.

Towns, villages, hamlets and the city of Oxford and its districts have all benefited from the scheme which is now in its third year.

The types of projects that have been awarded grants include laptops for schools to help with distanced learning, tree planting schemes, playground refurbishments, installations of defibrillators and support to local food banks and larders.

Councillor Mark Gray, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Local Communities, said: “This scheme remains a real success story with grass-roots organisations and schemes feeling the benefit from the Cotswolds to the Chilterns, from the south to the north and from the city of Oxford to our smallest hamlets.

“The beauty of the Councillor Priority Fund is that it connects the county council with very local priorities. Individual county councillors know what their local residents see as important and this gives them some discretion in recognising those priorities and providing them with some financial support and impetus.

“The variety and sheer number of schemes that have been completed is very impressive. I recently checked-in virtually via Zoom/MS teams on some of the schemes that have been benefited and it was a pleasure to hear about how the grant funding county councillors are able to award has made a real difference to the day to day lives of people in their streets and neighbourhoods.

“Having spoken to many county councillors from all parts of the county I know that they value this fund and the leeway it gives them to provide support to important work on their patch. Irrespective of the political party they belong to they have embraced the opportunity to have some ability to provide financial support to local people in their work to enrich their local communities.”

Councillor Mitchell served as council leader from 2001 to 2012 and had served in prominent roles at the council prior to this. He represented Bloxham, Adderbury, Bodicote and the surrounding areas of north Oxfordshire at County Hall from the 1989 local elections until 2013.

The council’s political complexion had been “no overall control” from 1985 to 2005 – but in 2001 Councillor Mitchell became leader of the council when he formed a coalition administration in which his Conservatives joined forces with the Liberal Democrats.

The county council adopted the cabinet system for the first time and Councillor Mitchell’s Deputy as Leader was at first Councillor Margaret Godden and then Councillor Dermot Roaf.

In 2005 the Conservatives won the local elections which meant the end of the coalition arrangement. Councillor Mitchell’s Deputy Leader became Councillor David Robertson and this remained the case until Councillor Mitchell stood down as leader in 2012.

During this period the Audit Commission was still inspecting and rating each council in the country and for the first time Oxfordshire County Council was rated as “Outstanding” – the highest possible rating.

In his later days as Council Leader it fell to Councillor Mitchell and his cabinet to oversee the first of the cuts that were experienced in local government from 2010.

Other responsibilities included serving on the South East England Regional Assembly (SEERA) and the Local Government Association. He had also been a Cherwell District Councillor and was active in Freemasonry.

The current leader of the county council, Cllr Ian Hudspeth, was Keith Mitchell’s successor. He said: “Keith is a towering figure in the history of Oxfordshire County Council and was at the helm through some very significant times. He was very proud to lead the county council.

“He brought experience of the business world in to the role having previously run his own accountancy business. Keith’s public profile could be at odds with the experience of councillors and council officers who dealt with him on a day to day basis and who would testify that he was pragmatic, practical and conciliatory.

“I am sure everyone at the county council would join with me in passing on condolences to Keith’s wife. He will be missed, respected and long-remembered by staff and councillors of all political persuasions.”

ENDS

Innovative ideas have been identified by county councillors all over Oxfordshire in response to the Government’s national £250 million cash fund to implement changes to roads and transport networks.

There’s set to be a focus on encouraging residents to walk and cycle, with the county council linking up with district councils, Oxford City Council and other partners on the work. In terms of longer-term recovery, the use of public transport will be encouraged as part of the county-wide strategy.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment Cllr Yvonne Constance and Cycling Champion Cllr Suzanne Bartington recently asked all 63 county councillors covering every part of the county for their ideas on what should be done.

Enthusiastic responses were received as the council seeks to make sure that every town and village will benefit from how the funds are invested.

Of the responses submitted, there is particularly clear support for measures including:

• Wider roll-out of 20 mph speed zones where supported by residents
• The introduction of school streets to restrict motor vehicles around schools at certain times of day
• Improved cycling infrastructure such as more cycle-only lanes in every town
• Additional cycle facilities such as more secure cycle racks at rural bus stops

Oxford is already well positioned to benefit from the work done as a result of its Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), which has identified steps to maximise the uptake in cycling and walking across the city.

Cllr Yvonne Constance said: “The immense challenges of coronavirus have disrupted our transport network. However there are now opportunities to rethink the way we travel and a chance to make strides towards sustainable and zero emission transport. There’s a real chance to do things differently, helping more people to walk, cycle and travel in sustainable ways.

“By working with councillors across the county on adapting our transport infrastructure and options we can alter the way people think about travelling. This could all lead to much-needed improvements in air quality as well as supporting a sustainable recovery from the pandemic.”

“The county council will work to ensure people have access to the facilities and information they will need to take advantage of the adapted infrastructure that is planned.”

Specific steps will be announced shortly - some will be implemented in June, with further changes to be made between July and September.

The precise allocation and terms for the county of the £250 million government fund is still to be confirmed. The county council will work with the district and city councils to use this funding as widely as possible to address the active transport measures under consideration for the benefit of residents.

A meeting of all county councillors was recently staged (May 4) using Microsoft Teams with councillors joining the debate from in front of their computers and laptops in the safety of their own homes.

A small number of other meetings have taken place including Cabinet Member for Environment Yvonne Constance’s decision meetings. A gradual resumption of meetings is planned in coming weeks using the same technology.

Councillor Ian Hudspeth, the leader of Oxfordshire County Council said: “With social distancing guidelines in place for the foreseeable future there is no way we can hold a full council meeting in the traditional sense – with 63 county councillors tightly packed into the council chamber at County Hall.

“Similarly our other committees involve council officers, councillors, members of the public and journalists being in rooms in which it would be virtually impossible to abide by social distancing guidelines.

“Our full council meeting on Microsoft Teams was an excellent first attempt at conducting the county council’s equivalent of parliament in a very different way.

“Had the Coronavirus pandemic hit the world at  any time before recent years we would not have had the technology to do what we are doing and democracy would have had to be brought to a halt entirely.

“Our IT team have performed wonders in getting us to the stage at which we are able to do this and the fact that we have 98 per cent Super-Fast Broadband coverage in Oxfordshire also helps. We will be conducting cabinet and other meetings via Microsoft Teams as well.

“I’m sure we still have a lot to learn and there’ll still be issues to iron out. However our first full council meeting using this format was a real landmark moment.

Historic moment

Councillor Les Sibley oversaw the recent meeting of the full council in his role as Chairman of Oxfordshire County Council. He said: “Back in May 2019 when I assumed this role I could never have imagined my year in office would end in this way.

“We are meeting the challenges presented to us at the county council and I look forward to future meetings being conducted online. I also look forward to being able to be safely in the same room with my fellow county councillors so that we can debate in the way that we always have. I’m sure we’ll also want to reflect on the technological lessons of this period in our lives as they might apply to democracy. However for now we can be pleased that the first historic online full meeting of Oxfordshire County Council has successfully taken place. ”

The budget proposals are being reviewed by the county council’s Performance Scrutiny Committee on Thursday 13 December before the council sets its budget in February. Residents and other stakeholders can comment on proposals as part of the formal budget consultation process.

Locally and nationally, the number of children at risk referred to social services is increasing. The number of children taken into care by the county council has increased by 80 per cent since 2011. Last month, the Local Government Association released figures showing more than 1,000 children a day are being referred to social services across the country.

To make sure the growing number of children at risk of abuse and neglect are protected, the children’s social care budget has increased annually from £46m in 2011 to £78m this year (2018/19). Next year, the children’s services budget will need to increase to £86m, and up to £95m in 2022/23 – more than doubling in ten years.

Councillor Ian Hudspeth, the leader of the county council, said: “Where a child is at real risk of abuse or neglect we act first, and deal with the budget impact later. We must meet these budget pressures by finding ways to make savings so we can continue to fund services to support the most vulnerable children and adults.”

The growing number of children with special educational needs and disability (SEND) has meant significant investment is planned to meet increasing demand, with further proposals considered by the county council’s Cabinet in December.

Robust financial position despite long-term pressures

Tough decisions taken since 2010 have created a route to financial stability at Oxfordshire County Council as the council plans to set its 2019/20 budget at a time when all councils face financial challenges.

Councillor Hudspeth continued: “Pressure on funding for day-to-day council services remains intense for all councils, including here in Oxfordshire. We have listened to residents so that we can improve our services and continue to support all of Oxfordshire’s thriving communities.

“We have already agreed to invest up to £120m to improve roads and repair and maintain schools. We know these things are the top of many residents’ list of priorities and we have already spent an additional £10m on repairing roads this year.”

Supporting Oxfordshire’s ageing population

The proportion of older people and adults with complex needs in Oxfordshire is rising faster than the national average, with more people requiring care services each year.

As a result, the county council needs to save money in other parts of its budget to find more money to care for people who need our help the most. Next year the county council proposes to increase funding to adult social care services by £5m to account for demographic changes.

Councillor Hudspeth continued: “The government’s autumn budget provided additional funding for social services, which relieves some of the short-term pressures next year [2019/20] but like all councils, our social workers are dealing with more and more children and adults.”

Council Tax proposals

The council’s plan – agreed at the last budget in February 2018 - to raise Council Tax by 2.99 per cent in 2019/20 and 1.99 per cent in the years thereafter remains the same in the new budget proposals.

However, funding for local government beyond 2020 is currently uncertain, with councils waiting for funding decisions from central government which will not be known until late 2019.

The planned redesign of the council around the changing needs of residents and communities will maintain or improve services, with investment in new technology enabling us to save money in the process.

Transforming will enable us to meet future demand for council services – particularly for vulnerable children and adults – while continuing to invest in the county’s infrastructure.

Following agreement of the blueprint for the transformed council, the council is planning for the implementation of the changes and identifying the upfront investment needed, particularly in digital technology. The costs and savings from the implementation of the redesign over the next four years will be reflected in the budget once they have been finalised.

Have your say

We are asking people for their views on our budget proposals and our proposed Council Tax level for 2019/20. Read the consultation booklet and take part online from Thursday 6 December at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/budget. Alternatively pick up a copy of the consultation booklet at a library or email your views to budget@oxfordshire.gov.uk. The closing date for comments is Sunday 6 January 2019.

Main budget proposals

Budget increases to meet the predicated demand for services

• Investment of almost £6m by 2023 to increase care packages to meet assessed needs for adults with learning and physical disabilities. (Adult Social Care)
• An increase of £5.8m is proposed to be added to the budget in 2022/23 in adult social care to meet projected increased need as a result of the aging population. The council’s existing planning up to 2021/22 already includes provision for budget increases of £5.0m in 2019/20 and 2020/21 and £5.6m in 2021/22. (Adult Social Care)
• Invest £3.2m up to 2023 (£800,000 per year) to support the increasing number of children qualifying for school transport – in particular children with special educational needs. (Children, Education and Families)
• Invest £17m to support the predicted increasing numbers of children in care, including more permanent care staff (Children, Education and Families)

Other financial pressures

• Following a review by the Treasury, the employer contributions to the firefighter pension scheme have been increased nationally to meet the future costs of the scheme – this creates a pressure of £1.6m up to 2023. (Communities)
• Energy price increases of approx. 30% in 2017/18 continue to impact on the cost of providing street lighting and along with repayment of borrowing to pay for LED lighting upgrades this creates a pressure of £2.6m up to 2023. (Communities)
• Funding the inflationary increase in the rates the council pays to adult social care providers from 2020/21 to keep pace with potential increases in the National Living Wage and to respond to other inflationary pressures of £3.3m (Adult Social Care)
• A growing number of children in the county have defined special educational needs (SEND). The number of SEND children; the increasing complexity of disabilities, and the legal changes that mean parents can ask for an assessment for more services has contributed to the growing numbers with an assessed need. This is an unavoidable budget pressure of £5.6m as the Department for Education grant does not cover council costs, and Oxfordshire receives one of the lowest grants in the country. (Corporate)

Proposed savings

This is a list of some of the most significant savings that will be considered by members of the Performance Scrutiny Committee on Thursday 13 December.

Children, Education and Families

The following are proposals already announced that will now take place over coming financial years.

• The council is re-negotiating contracts with outside organisations who assist in the provision of children’s social care. Block contracts provide specific varieties of care for pre-agreed payment. This would save £2.65m between 2019 and 2023.
• The council is working on a new model of delivering children’s social care following the example of other councils who have been able to structure themselves differently to deliver faster more intensive and therefore more effective care to families while at the same time streamlining processes. This would save £1.74m up to 2023.
• Moving children in care back home with increased support rather than keeping them in expensive care placements could save £2.491m. This is based on a new ‘safer and sooner’ approach to family support developed with the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).

Communities

• Greater streetlight efficiency due to LED replacements would save £2.6m up to 2023.

Adult social care

• The council currently contributes money towards mental health services that sit with the NHS. This has not reduced over the last five years. Mental health has been protected to date but it is proposed that savings now be made in keeping with savings made elsewhere in adult social care. This would save £1m over 2020/21 and 2021/22 and a further £600,000 on staffing. The reduction in staff spend of £600k with Oxford Health is in order to invest in social work staff for special educational needs and safeguarding and is not an absolute reduction.
• In adult social care, proactive and supportive review / reassessments of learning disability packages of care to increase user independence and ensure best use of resources would save £1.5m
• A person’s care needs are assessed at the time the care is put in place and there are then annual review/reassessments. By investing in a more proactive approach to these review /reassessments care packages can be streamlined to ensure they continue to meet people’s eligible needs while capacity can be released for other people’s essential care needs. With a limited amount of home care the council needs to ensure the right people are getting the right amount of care. This could save £2.4m
• In adult social care, savings of £1.5m are expected as a result of price negotiations with providers on long and short-term care home beds.

Areas of uncertainty in budget setting looking forward to 2023

There are key areas in which councils need more information in coming months:

• Fair Funding Review – the Government is examining the current formula that decides funding allocations for local authorities by updating the assessment of their needs. The Government plans an updated funding formula by looking again at the factors that drive costs for local authorities.
• National Government’s Spending Review – the Treasury is conducting a review across Central Government as to how each much each Whitehall Department will receive in funding. This will affect local government but also defence, health, home affairs, education and all other Government departments.

• Business Rates Retention – the Government is undertaking a review of how much councils should retain in Business Rates that are collected locally.
• Taxbase and collection fund – for 2019/20 the council is awaiting information from district councils about how many homes will be paying Council Tax overall (factoring in housebuilding etc) and how successful district councils have been in collecting Council Tax from those eligible to pay.

You need to be registered if you want to vote at the General Election on 8 June. Paying council tax does not automatically add you to the electoral register.

The deadline to register is 22 May. It only takes a few minutes to register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or you could register directly with your local district council at:

www.westoxon.gov.uk

www.oxford.gov.uk

www.southoxon.gov.uk

www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk

www.cherwell.gov.uk

A number of existing county councillors have decided to stand down.

Candidates standing for election

The full list of candidates standing is available here. The last day for people to register to vote in this election was Thursday April 13.

The last date to apply for a postal and postal proxy vote is Tuesday 18 April and the last date to apply for a new proxy vote is Tuesday 25 April 2017.

Polling day

Polling Day on Thursday, May 4 runs from 7.00am to 10 pm. The election count takes place on Friday, May 5 in Abingdon.

The 2013 election result

The current composition of the county council following the 2013 election and by-elections since is as follows:

Conservatives: 31 seats

Labour: 15 seats

Liberal Democrats: 11 seats

Independents: 4 seats

Greens: 2 seats

The 2013 election was the first in which 63 seats were contested. In elections previous to this there had been 74 county council seats. The reduction occurred following a boundary review.

A total of 32 seats are required for one political party to gain an overall majority at the county council.

All 63 county council seats will be up for election and residents all over Oxfordshire will begin to receive polling cards during the last week of March.

On Wednesday, April 5 the list of candidates for each county council seat will be published. A number of existing county councillors have already indicated they are standing down but the definitive list will not be clear until April 5.

Registering to vote

The last day for people to register to vote is Thursday April 13. Although this is a county council election, Oxfordshire’s district councils are the authorities responsible for administering the electoral register and people should contact them if they are not already registered to vote.

The last date to apply for a postal and postal proxy vote is Tuesday 18 April and the last date to apply for a new proxy vote is Tuesday 25 April 2017.

Polling day

Polling Day on Thursday, May 4 runs from 7.00am to 10 pm. The election count takes place on Friday, May 5 in Abingdon.

The 2013 election result

The current composition of the county council following the 2013 election and by-elections since is as follows:

Conservatives: 31 seats

Labour: 15 seats

Liberal Democrats: 11 seats

Independents: 4 seats

Greens: 2 seats

The 2013 election was the first in which 63 seats were contested. In elections previous to this there had been 74 county council seats. The reduction occurred following a boundary review.

A total of 32 seats are required for one political party to gain an overall majority at the county council.