Councillor Tim Bearder, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “I welcome today’s announcement pausing the government’s minded to decision for local government reorganisation (LGR) for Oxfordshire. It provides an opportunity to review the underpinning advice, considerations and evidence that informed the secretary of state’s decision, which I have already written to MHCLG to ask to see.

Cllr Judith Edwards, Cabinet Member for LGR and Human Resources, added: “Considerable work has taken place already to prepare our communities for LGR in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire along the lines of the government’s announcement in July.

"We will be seeking further clarity from the government, including what this means for local elections in May, and how this will affect the LGR timeline in our area.”

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Eleven on-street sites in Berinsfield, Burford, Henley-on-Thames, Kidlington and Oxford were given the go-ahead at an Oxfordshire County Council cabinet member decision meeting on Thursday 3 September.

These sites are being delivered by the county council through a £4 million government funded programme to install more than 1,500 public chargers of different types by summer 2028. Most sites in the overall programme will be in off-street car parks, with the remainder on street.

Seven other on-street sites across Oxford, Shrivenham, Witney and Bampton were deferred, to allow time for more engagement and site assessment work.

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “Approving these first sites marks an important step in making electric vehicle charging more widely available across Oxfordshire.

“There is more work to do before some sites can move forward, but we need to achieve a balance between ensuring residents without EVs can continue to park and access essential amenities and providing a public charger service that encourages EV take-up.

“Reliable public charging is essential if people are to have the confidence to switch to electric vehicles. This is particularly important for residents without driveways and for rural and underserved communities, so that nobody is left behind.”

When finished, the programme will more than double the number of currently available public EV chargers in Oxfordshire ahead of 2030 when no new petrol or diesel vehicles can be sold in the UK.

The Oxfordshire EV infrastructure programme involves four strands of work:

• providing public chargers in council-owned car parks
• providing public on-street chargers
• allowing residents to apply for EV cable channels outside their homes
• and working with town and parish councils to install EV charging microhubs at community facilities.

The programme is designed to help the estimated 30 per cent of Oxfordshire residents who do not have a driveway or private off-street parking where they could charge an EV.

More than 700 responses were received during a formal traffic regulation order consultation on the first 18 on-street sites, held from 8 July to 7 August 2026. The council considered concerns about parking pressure, footway space, and the appearance of equipment in conservation areas before the decisions were made.

The network is intended to be reliable, easy to use and contactless. Most on-street units will be standard 7.4kW chargers so that residents without home chargers can charge their EVs at discounted energy rates while parked for several hours or overnight. There will also be a smaller number of rapid 50kw+ chargers installed in strategic locations and where the electrical supply allows.

Future proposed charger sites are still being assessed to make sure they are suitable, practical and carefully planned. This includes checking the detailed design, technical feasibility and electrical connections before any final decisions are made.

For more information about this release contact Oxfordshire County Council’s communications team on 01865 323870 or email press.office@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Notes to editors

• In Oxford, Binsey Lane, Cowley Road, Hamilton Road, and Whitehouse Road/Salter Close were approved, with Hockmore Street, Water Eaton Road and Cuddesdon Way approved pending additional work to establish that a minimum of 1.5 metres of space is left clear on the footway when equipment is installed.
• The Cuddesdon Way site is also dependent on whether an alternative off-street site can be delivered instead.
• Latimer Road was deferred to allow for further consideration of wider parking changes in the area and pending the council being unable to find better supported alternative local sites.
• The Phelps site in Kidlington was approved pending the council being unable to find better supported alternative local sites.
• Sites in Shrivenham, Witney and Bampton were deferred to allow for more local engagement.
• EV parking spaces proposed for Deddington will be decided upon at an October cabinet member decision meeting.
• EV parking spaces proposed for Carterton and Eynsham will not go ahead at this time.
• Installation of approved sites remains subject to detailed design, technical feasibility and electrical connection work.
• Connected Kerb is a partner investor in the programme and will install and operate on-street chargers, as well as chargers at Oxfordshire County Council park and ride sites and other county council car parks.
• Bicester firm EZ-Charge will install and operate charging hubs in participating city and district council car parks.

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An initial pre-feasibility study by Oxfordshire County Council explored the potential for the new station on the Chiltern Main Line, including assessing viability and identifying key considerations for further development.

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “A new station at Ardley is something we explored in last year’s OxRail 2040: Plan for Rail, our ambitious plan to improve rail transport and connectivity across Oxfordshire and the wider region.

“This latest study, which we commissioned, has shown that a station at Ardley could significantly enhance rail access for nearby communities currently reliant on road travel. It could also serve a wider catchment area with appropriate infrastructure, mitigating the effects of wider proposed growth and transport changes.”

The pre-feasibility study is an early evaluation to see if there is enough evidence to continue developing the Ardley station proposal and to identify opportunities and constraints without selecting a final design or committing to delivery.

An initial simple station concept includes two platforms, accessible facilities, and modest parking, with an estimated cost range of between £24 - 29 million. A possible location would be the site of the historic Ardley station and its sidings, which closed in 1963.

Any further work would need to include detailed assessments of location, design, costs, timetable integration, environmental impacts, stakeholder engagement, and funding options to support the next stage – a potential strategic outline case.

OxRail 2040 proposes four new stations – Oxford Cowley, Oxford Littlemore, Begbroke and Wantage & Grove – while also exploring the feasibility of a fifth at Ardley.

These schemes will be developed through business case, design and delivery in partnership with the government, the infrastructure manager, operators, developers, commercial partnerships and district councils.

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The warning follows a series of Oxfordshire County Council trading standards’ investigations into the supply and sale of illegal tobacco products from retail premises across the county.

Officers have found businesses repeatedly selling counterfeit and smuggled tobacco from retail premises, undermining legitimate traders and depriving public services of vital revenue.

Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: "We hear the concerns of residents who are worried about the changing face of some high streets and the impact organised criminality can have on local communities.

“The illegal tobacco trade is not victimless. It damages legitimate businesses, facilitates tax evasion, undermines public health measures and is frequently associated with wider criminality.

“Oxfordshire is not a soft touch. The council and its partners are committed to creating a hostile environment for individuals and organised crime groups who profit from illegal tobacco and launder the proceeds of their offending.”

Illegal tobacco is often linked to organised criminal groups, tax evasion, money laundering and the exploitation of vulnerable people.

Landlords are advised to:

• Carry out appropriate due diligence before granting a new tenancy
• Ensure there is a written tenancy or lease agreement in place
• Verify and retain identification documents for tenants
• Know exactly who is occupying the premises
• Know who is paying the rent and investigate where payments are made by someone other than the named tenant
• Seek legal advice before permitting assignments or subletting arrangements
• Include clear provisions allowing action to be taken where criminal activity is identified
• Respond promptly to concerns raised by trading standards, police or other enforcement agencies

Davina Walkin, Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards Operations Manager, said: " The overwhelming majority of landlords want to do the right thing and would be extremely concerned to learn that premises they own were being used for organised criminality. We encourage landlords to act quickly when concerns are raised.

“Where we inform a landlord that criminal activity is taking place from a property they own, we expect those concerns to be taken seriously and acted upon without delay. Failing to act after receiving clear warnings may expose landlords to significant legal and financial risks."

Criminal groups often try to hide their involvement by using “ghost” directors, front companies, informal tenancy arrangements or third parties to pay rent.

Illegal tobacco is often sold at pocket money prices and avoids the safety, packaging and health warning requirements designed to protect consumers

Anyone who suspects illegal tobacco is being sold in their community can report it anonymously via the illegal tobacco hotline on 0300 999 6 999 or online at www.stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk.

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As a result, Oxfordshire County Council is temporarily limiting the number of these items it can accept at its household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

The council has written to government to ask for action to be taken.

Residents booking a fridge or freezer slot will see the daily availability online up to one week in advance, rather than the normal two-week window. Other materials and HWRC bookings are not impacted by this.

Households will be limited to one fridge or freezer booking every three months, although they can bring up to two of these items with each booking.

The council has also asked Oxfordshire’s district and city councils to make similar temporary restrictions on the collection of fridges and freezers to their bulky waste services. Residents will need to check the situation in their area with their district or city council.

Councillor Laura Gordon, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, said: “We are exploring every avenue to address the backlog and support residents to continue recycling. I have written to the government to suggest steps they could take to alleviate the situation at a national level.

“Unfortunately, our capacity for treatment nationally has been reduced by a third and we have now had to introduce temporary restrictions at our HWRCs to help manage a growing backlog as we seek to maintain the service for residents.

“We would also like to thank residents for their understanding and working with us through this nationally challenging period.”

People are reminded they can use retailer takeback schemes when buying a new appliance or resell or donate working units. Retailers must offer a like-for-like collection service, although they may charge for collection from the home.

Last week, Oxfordshire County Council announced it was temporarily stopping accepting the items from people living outside the county to prioritise Oxfordshire residents.

All the measures will be kept under constant review, and the council will make existing customers aware of any updates through the HWRC booking system.

Customers are reminded to book a slot online on the council’s website before visiting their HWRC.

Residents without internet access can book slots by phone by contacting the council’s customer service centre on 01865 519800 between 8.45am - 5pm, Monday - Thursday, and 8.45am - 4pm on Fridays.

Oxfordshire customers are also reminded to bring proof of address with them when visiting an HWRC – such as a driving licence or recent utility or council tax bill – as visitors from outside the county will be charged £15.

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From 21 September, Oxfordshire County Council will be carrying out traffic signal installation and improvement work to Islip Bridge to keep it safe, improve pedestrian access and reduce unsuitable through‑traffic in the village.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Construction and Repair, said: “The work is needed because the bridge has deteriorated due to higher traffic volumes, including heavier vehicles. Action is required to protect the bridge and ensure safe use for everyone.

“We appreciate that the scheme is likely to cause significant disruption, but we will endeavour to complete the work as safely and quickly as possible.”

The first phase, from 21-25 September, will involve temporary traffic signals for preparation works.

Phase two, from 28 September - 20 November, involves the full closure of Islip Bridge to all motor vehicles, including buses. A signed diversion route will be in place, although pedestrian and cyclist access will be maintained at all times.

The work will include the installation of permanent three-way traffic signals controlling vehicle movements across Islip Bridge; narrowing the carriageway to three metres to protect the bridge structure; installing a new 1.5 metre-wide footway on the west side of the bridge; and traffic calming on the southern approach.

Drainage repairs, resurfacing, footway improvements and new road markings will also be carried out, while Mill Street will be made one-way in advance of the scheme.

Staff will be present at either end of the bridge during the closure to manage safety and provide assistance.

Access to nearby properties and businesses will be accommodated where possible, although short delays may occur.

During the bridge closure, the H5 bus service between Bicester and the John Radcliffe Hospital will serve Islip from the north and then follow the diversion via Kidlington Road, Bicester Road, A40, to Barton and vice versa. 

A shuttle service will operate between Barton and the bus stop on the south side of the bridge.

The work was scheduled to take place after the summer harvest period, when agricultural traffic flows are lower. This helps reduce the impact on the surrounding road network, supports local communities and helps reduce the risk of delays.

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That is why Oxfordshire County Council is acting.

We are already leading the way on clean transport. Oxfordshire has one of the country's largest fleets of electric buses, helping to cut carbon emissions while making our air cleaner and reducing noise pollution. The progress has been recognised nationally, with Oxfordshire now described as a leader on clean air.

We are also helping residents reduce their own emissions and their energy bills. Through the Warm Homes: Local Grant programme, eligible households can receive free energy-saving improvements, including insulation, solar panels and heat pumps. More than 100 households have already benefited—including a Witney family who have had solar panels and a battery installed at no cost. (Oxfordshire News)

But the transition to a low-carbon economy has to work for communities too. We are working with partners across Oxfordshire to develop a framework that could allow communities hosting large renewable energy projects to share in the benefits—including through community payments and opportunities for shared ownership. (Oxfordshire News)

We are also changing the way the council itself operates. This summer Oxfordshire became the first local authority in England to introduce a dual-fuel hydrogen and hydrotreated vegetable oil highways maintenance vehicle. It is a practical example of how we can reduce emissions from the vehicles needed to keep our roads running. (Oxfordshire News)

Climate action isn't just about reducing carbon. It is about restoring the natural systems that protect us. Oxfordshire's Local Nature Recovery Strategy provides an ambitious, evidence-led plan to restore and reconnect habitats across the county, helping nature recover while making our landscapes more resilient to flooding and climate change. (Oxfordshire News)

And we are making our roads and communities better places to walk, cycle and live. Our new Quiet Lanes programme will create safer routes for walking, wheeling, cycling and horse riding where there is local support, reducing through traffic and making rural roads calmer and safer. (Oxfordshire News)

None of this means the job is done. Far from it. The climate crisis demands that we keep going—and sometimes that means making difficult decisions.

But when people ask what Oxfordshire County Council is actually doing about climate change, the answer is simple: a great deal.

We can tackle climate change while improving people's lives, cutting household bills, protecting nature and creating healthier communities. That is the future we are working to build—and Oxfordshire is determined to lead the way.

All but the most westerly stretches of Oxfordshire were previously included in this warning. The Met Office extended this further west to cover the whole county and beyond.

Weather forecasts

The Met Office issues weather warnings when severe weather is expected. These give an indication of problematic weather that may be on its way to Oxfordshire

Advice in hot weather

The government provides the following advice on how to stay safe during hot weather. Anyone can become unwell if they get too hot. However, some people are at higher risk.

It is important to follow this guidance so that you are prepared for hot weather and can take action to cool yourself and your home. The NHS offers additional advice .

Heatwaves may increase the likelihood of seizures in people with epilepsy. The Epilepsy Society has some useful information on managing epilepsy during heat.

Water safety advice in hot weather

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has water safety advice related to avoiding getting into difficulty in the county’s waterways during the hot weather.

Road and driving conditions

If any roads are affected during this period of extreme heat they will be listed on our road closures in severe weather webpage. National Highways are offering travel advice in hot weather.

Advice from district councils

This includes information on work undertaken with the homeless.

• Vale of White Horse District Council

• South Oxfordshire District Council

• Oxford City Council

• Cherwell District Council

Thames Water incidents

Thames Water regularly updates its list of water related incidents in the region.

Power outages

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks list power outages at any one moment.  You can zoom in and out of the map on this page or search by postcode.

Oxfordshire County Council, which operates the county’s seven HWRCs, said it would temporarily stop accepting the items from people living outside the county in order to prioritise Oxfordshire residents.

The measure reflects a nationwide shortage of specialist facilities able to process fridges and freezers.

This has created a significant backlog across the sector, with some councils around the country suspending acceptance of all fridges and freezers at their HWRCs.

Oxfordshire County Council’s targeted approach is intended to reduce incoming tonnage and protect limited storage capacity, while maintaining the service for Oxfordshire households.

The HWRC booking system has been adjusted so that non-Oxfordshire customers can no longer select fridges or freezers when making a booking, and customers with existing bookings will also be contacted to advise them of the temporary restriction.

The situation will be kept under close review and the council will continue discussions with its contractor and disposal outlets.

Customers are reminded to book a slot online on Oxfordshire County Council’s website before visiting their HWRC. Bookings are available up to two weeks in advance or 30 minutes prior, subject to availability.

Residents without internet access can book slots over the telephone by contacting the council’s customer service centre on 01865 519800 between 8.45am - 5pm, Monday – Thursday, and 8.45am - 4pm on Fridays.

Oxfordshire customers are also reminded to bring proof of address with them when visiting an HWRC – such as a driving licence or recent utility or council tax bill – as visitors from outside the county will be charged £15.

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The traffic filter trial will operate in a similar way to the temporary congestion charge, with the filters being at the same six locations and a permit scheme in place. The trial, under an experimental traffic regulation order, can last for up to a maximum of 18 months.

The key difference is that, from 28 September, car drivers will no longer be able to pay the £5 congestion charge to go through the traffic filters. However, with Botley Road open, everywhere in Oxford will be accessible by car at all times without driving through a traffic filter. You may need to take an alternative route, but often you won’t.

Cars with valid permits and all other vehicles can travel through the filters at all times.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “I’m pleased that we are finally in a position to launch this important trial measure to reduce traffic in the city. The traffic filter trial aims to further reduce through-traffic and tackle congestion that has blighted the city for decades, creating a healthier, more accessible and attractive Oxford.

“A six-month public consultation will open on 28 September. Residents and businesses’ feedback will help us shape our future plans. We are listening and learning as we develop the best long-term solution for traffic in and around Oxford.”

Most people with congestion charge permits don’t need to take any action as their permits will be automatically transferred to traffic filter permits. The permit’s start date will revert to the traffic filter trial start date. Day pass allocations will automatically re-set to 100 for Oxford residents and 25 for Oxfordshire residents.

The council will be contacting all permit holders before the trial starts to explain what will happen next.

For people who don’t yet have a permit, applications are open online. Residents in the Oxford permit area are eligible for 100 day passes per year, while residents in the Oxfordshire permit area are eligible for 25 day passes per year.

The start date of the traffic filter trial is subject to Network Rail reopening Botley Road on 20 September.

About the traffic filter trial

• The traffic filter trial was approved by Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet in November 2022, but implementation has been delayed because of the closure of Botley Road, due to Network Rail’s improvements to Oxford Rail Station.
• At each traffic filter site, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras will monitor and enforce the restrictions. There will be no physical barriers. Cars without a valid permit driving through the filters will receive a fine of £70 (reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days).
• During the first six months of the traffic filter trial, the council will send a warning notice the first time any car goes through a traffic filter without using a permit, instead of sending a penalty charge notice.
• The scheme only applies to cars. All other vehicles are exempt. For those where car use is essential, there are 20 different types of permits e.g. for carers and community health and care workers, making travel around the city easier for these groups.

The locations and operating times of the traffic filters will be the same as the temporary congestion charge:

- Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way - Monday to Saturday - At peak times between 7am to 9am and 3pm to 6pm

- Hythe Bridge Street, St Cross Road, St Clement’s Street and Thames Street - Monday to Sunday - 7am to 7pm

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As highways authority, the council said it would issue fines and other fees – likely to total tens of thousands of pounds – against the company for closing the slip road in Marston without a valid permit, leading to an increase in heavy traffic travelling through the villages of Elsfield and Woodeaton.

By failing to obtain the necessary permit and working outside the agreed statutory process, the company prevented the council from managing the wider impact of the roadworks to minimise disruption.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “It’s completely unacceptable that they did this unilaterally and without agreement.

“We, as highways authority, need to agree and schedule roadworks in a planned and considered way and I will be challenging this company about why this happened.

“It has caused immense disruption to residents who have seen heavy goods vehicles, double decker buses and a huge amount of traffic diverted on to a single-track road through their tiny villages.

“This must not happen again, and we will be making that perfectly clear to the utility company involved while also making sure that this work is completed as soon as possible.”

The council has taken formal enforcement action in relation to the permit breach. A fixed penalty notice has been issued in accordance with national regulations – the highest level of penalty ordinarily available for this category of permit offence.

In May, the council’s lane rental scheme came into force – a system which allows it to charge companies up to £2,500 per day for working on the busiest roads at peak traffic times.

As the work took place on a designated lane rental road during periods where charging applies, the firm is expected to face fees of around £60,000.

Council officers will continue discussions with the company to ensure that appropriate improvements are made and that a similar situation does not arise again.

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As well as improving bus travel in the town, where congestion has historically affected journeys, the changes make it easier for people to walk to bus stops, shops, businesses and the rail station.

Oxfordshire County Council’s project, funded through the government’s Bus Service Improvement Plan programme, provides a longer running lane along Cherwell Street and optimised traffic signals at the George Street and Bridge Street junctions.

Pedestrian crossings have also been improved and nearby drainage and gully infrastructure cleaned.

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, said: “I’m delighted that work on the Cherwell Street improvement project is now complete on time and that people can begin to experience the benefits it will bring. I’d like to thank residents, businesses and everyone who uses this route for their patience during construction.

“Cherwell Street is a main gateway into Banbury town centre and an important route for local bus services. These improvements will help buses move through the area more efficiently, improving reliability for passengers and helping make public transport a more attractive choice.

“The project has also delivered safer and more accessible pedestrian crossings, making it easier for people to get around the town centre and connect with local shops, services and Banbury station.

“These improvements are an important part of our wider commitment to creating a transport network that is safer, more reliable and supports sustainable travel across Oxfordshire.”

Construction started in January 2026.

Surfacing and road lining works finished on 17 July, and the new permanent traffic signals have just been tested and installed.

The Cherwell Street scheme forms part of the council’s wider commitment to creating a healthier, more accessible and attractive county where journeys are quicker, more connected, more flexible and more reliable.

Ends

Notes to editors

The Cherwell Street bus service improvement project focused on Cherwell Street, between the George Street and Bridge Street junctions, and the Bridge Street and George Street junctions themselves.

The completed project includes:

· a longer running lane along Cherwell Street for left-turning vehicles, including buses, travelling north-bound into Bridge Street (west)

· optimised traffic signals at the George Street and Bridge Street junctions to reduce delay for buses and cars

· improved pedestrian facilities with new, safer, and more direct crossings

· and lining and signing work to improve traffic flow, safety, and overall road user experience.

The project is largely funded by the Department for Transport's Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) programme and improvements to bus service reliability and journey times were core requirements.

Additional money from local developers (known as Section 106 contributions) funded crossing facility and signal improvements at the Bridge Street junction.

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The Department for Transport has confirmed personal injury collision and casualty statistics for Great Britain. The trends are very encouraging for Oxfordshire.

Analysis of the data indicates that people killed or seriously injured (KSI) on Oxfordshire’s roads fell by around 18 per cent compared with the previous year. Across the Thames Valley area as a whole, KSIs appear to have increased by approximately 20 per cent over the same period.

The KSI measure is generally regarded as the most robust indicator within the provisional dataset because serious and fatal collisions are more consistently reported and recorded than lower-level incidents.

In February 2022, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet approved funding to support the roll-out of 20mph schemes in communities across the county at no cost to town and parish councils. Since then, more than 275 communities in urban and rural areas have requested and implemented 20mph measures.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “This is extremely encouraging. Oxfordshire is bucking the wider Thames Valley trend, with serious and fatal casualties falling significantly at a time when neighbouring areas are seeing increases.

“This shows the approach we have taken in Oxfordshire is working. We have made a conscious decision as a county to take speed seriously because lower speeds save lives, reduce the severity of injuries, and make our communities safer and healthier places to live.

“Our ambition is for Oxfordshire to become known as the county that takes road safety seriously. Whether someone is walking to school, cycling to work, catching a bus, or driving through one of our towns and villages, everyone deserves to get home safely.

“The growth in support for 20mph schemes across the county shows that communities understand the benefits. These measures are not about stopping people getting around; they are about creating streets that feel safer, calmer and more welcoming for everyone.”

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “"These figures show real progress and the positive impact of our Vision Zero programme.   Day by day, week by week, year on year, more people in Oxfordshire are getting home without harm from road collisions.  The patterns are good across all indicators.

"There is more to do, and we continue to need more enforcement of the law.  To achieve Vision Zero requires more year-on-year work.  That's why we are working to tackle issues on particular A and B roads, working with our town and parish councils, and will be putting forward more proposals through the year."

Donnington Bridge has operated under a weight restriction since summer 2024 after deterioration was detected in inspections. It forms part of Oxford’s inner orbital route (B4495) and is one of a limited number of River Thames crossings within the city’s ringroad.

The council is bidding to government’s Structures Fund for £8m to fund a strengthening scheme that would restore full loading capacity and enable efficient movement of goods and services, improve public transport reliability, and reduce congestion. The council would provide £2m of funding to make a scheme total of £10m.

Since late 2024, the council has provided a shuttle service for people affected by the re-routing of buses due to the weight restriction using its own minibus fleet.

Cllr Liz Leffman, Cabinet Member for Highways Construction and Repair said: “Donnington Bridge provides a key link between residential areas and major employment centres including Oxford city centre, Cowley, Headington and Littlemore.

“The weight limit that had to be imposed in 2024 has inconvenienced residents, disrupted bus services and heavy goods vehicle movements, increased journey times and decreased efficiency across the road network generally.

“That is why we have been working hard to put this bid to government together. We believe that we meet all of the relevant criteria and we are hopeful of a positive outcome. We want to see Donnington Bridge restored to full working capacity for the benefit of all road users and the residents of the city generally.”

From Monday 27 July, Oxfordshire County Council will start refurbishing Rose Hill roundabout traffic signals junction, which links the A4142 eastern bypass and Oxford Road between Rose Hill and Littlemore.

The project, due to last up to eight weeks, is being funded by a government grant for the council’s bus service improvement plan (BSIP).

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “This is the first refurbishment of this important interchange since 1995, and the upgrade is going to deliver a significant improvement in the roundabout’s efficiency and the flow of the ring road.

“This is another clear demonstration of bus service investment in the county and our efforts to speed up bus journeys and make buses a more convenient and attractive mode of travel.”

The work, which will take place overnight to reduce disruption, will be carried out in two phases.

The existing poles will be replaced, and a new signal controller will control the intelligent bus priority function, allowing improvements to bus journey times

New extra low voltage (ELV) equipment will be installed with ELV LED signal heads which, as well as greatly reducing the power consumption and carbon footprint of the site, will reduce hazards in the event of accidental damage to the equipment.

The upgraded junctions are equipped with technology which detects the imminent arrival of buses and then changes the phasing to reduce delays for buses and keep them on time.

The countywide programme has been successful in obtaining over £2.1 million in bus grants from the Department for Transport’s BSIP / Bus Grant in recent years, which has supported the refurbishment of 31 traffic signal junctions. The ongoing programme for 2026/27 to 2029/30 has been allocated almost £1.5m.

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Oxfordshire County Council and its principal highways contractor M Group will be upgrading approximately 32 surface inlay sites, involving over 85,000 square metres of road, and three in-depth carriageway structural maintenance schemes, covering 20,838 square metres.

The programme is designed to renew worn and deteriorated road surfaces, improve driving conditions and reduce the need for more reactive repairs in the future. It also supports the council's commitment to reducing carbon emissions from highway maintenance activities.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Construction and Repairs, said: “Following the extreme wet and cold weather we experienced last year, we will be using the summer months to get our roads ready to withstand the worst of the winters to come.

“This vital new programme will extend the life of roads by preventing water getting in, reducing the need for frequent repairs, enhancing skid resistance for safer travel, and smoothing out road surfaces.

“Prevention is better than cure. I know from my own division that the roads that were least affected by potholes this winter were the ones that had been resurfaced most recently.”

Richard Lovewell, M Group’s Business Director, said: “Resurfacing is a vital pillar of highway maintenance, alongside preventative measures such as surface dressing and reactive repairs. We’re proud to be once again partnering with Oxfordshire County Council to deliver a comprehensive package of resurfacing.

“By investing in resurfacing at the right time, we can extend the life of the carriageway, improve safety for road users and help prevent more costly repairs in the future.”

In a county first, one of the structural maintenance schemes will incorporate ACLA, an innovative carbon-negative aggregate-like additive. The technology helps maintain the road's structural integrity while permanently locking carbon into the carriageway, contributing to a lower-carbon approach to highway maintenance.

Major roads to be resurfaced include:

• A44 Worcester Road, Chipping Norton (3 - 7 August)
• A40, Swinbrook (5 August)
• A361 Southam Road, Banbury (24 August - September)
• A361 Horsefair, Banbury (27 August - 11 September)
• A361 Southam Road/Horsefair crossroads (9 - 10 September)
• A40, Milton Common (21 - 22 September)
• Thames Street, Oxford (23 September to 24 September)
• Horspath Driftway, Oxford (28 September - 16 October).

Longer resurfacing schemes include:

• Upavon Way, Carterton (17 August - 25 September)
• Lower Icknield Way, Chinnor (29 September - 2 October)
• A44 Cross Hands (24 August - 6 November).

These dates include preliminary work which will usually take place under temporary traffic lights, ahead of the main surfacing work which will require road closures. To minimise public disruption, the surfacing work takes place overnight wherever possible.

All dates are subject to alteration due to the weather.

Motorists are asked to observe the diversion routes which will be in operation while the work takes place.

Updated details about the programme, including a map showing where and when the work will be taking place, is available on the council’s website.

The latest resurfacing work follows the council’s latest £8 million surface dressing road maintenance programme, most of which was completed between April and June.

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The reopening of Botley Road was planned for the end of August when the programme, involving the upgrading of Oxford Station and local infrastructure, was reviewed and amended in January 2025 to prioritise the reopening of the road to traffic.

However, during excavation work relating to drainage for the new road, three minor gas leaks were identified on part of the gas network, owned by SGN. The pipe was not damaged by the Network Rail work.

In the interests of safety, and to avoid disruptive and unplanned work to repair potential gas leaks in the future, Network Rail has agreed to accommodate work by gas distribution company SGN to replace a section of their network beneath Botley Road, as well as completing existing Network Rail work.

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “This is frustrating news for residents and businesses who have endured this closure for far too long as it is.

“We will continue to work with Network Rail and other partners to ensure the road can be reopened at the earliest possible time.

“As Network Rail has not released a revised opening date for Botley Road, we currently cannot say when our traffic filter trial will start and the temporary congestion charge will end. We will make an announcement in due course, once we can be certain about the reopening.”

Earlier this month the council announced that the traffic filter trial would replace Oxford’s temporary congestion charge on 14 September. Clearly this will not happen now, as the traffic filter trial will only begin after Botley Road has reopened.

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The programme was agreed by Oxfordshire County Council thanks to information gathered during a project to inspect and clean every highway gully in the county last year.

There are around 147,000 gullies across Oxfordshire. In April 2025, the council launched a programme to inspect every gully and catchpit in the county over 12 months.

Working with partners M Group and Drainline, all gullies were inspected and 135,254 were cleaned at least once – around 92 per cent of the total.

Some could not be cleaned, despite repeat visits, due to parked cars, or issues such as seized lids, and have been flagged for follow-up visits.

Others were found to have more complex defects and have been added to the latest programme for further investigation and repair, confirmed by Councillor Liz Leffman, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Construction and Repairs, on Thursday.

The additional £4m funding – taking the total investment to £9.42m – will help increase the number of drainage infrastructure repairs and investigations over the next two years and ensure that routine gully cleansing work is as effective as possible.

Cllr Leffman said: “Given the wet winter we had last year, and the extensive flooding that it caused, it’s important to maintain and clear gullies and make sure that broken infrastructure is replaced.

“We have a lot of broken gullies, due to many years of under investment. We know that by repairing them we will significantly improve drainage, particularly over the winter period. That’s why we have invested £4m over the next two years on gully infrastructure.

“This work will help to minimise network disruption, protect communities and property, and support safe, reliable travel. The programme will also prioritise preventative interventions, reduce reactive maintenance costs and strengthen our ability to respond to increasingly severe weather events.”

The programme will also see higher risk areas cleaned annually and others on a two-year cycle. Priorities are based on risk, using data from last year’s countywide programme, flood mapping and flood investigation reports.

The 2025-26 programme removed around 2,346 tonnes of waste from the county’s gullies.

The material was processed through a zero to landfill specialist waste recycling facility, where water was treated and discharged if not required for the wash plant, and sand and aggregate was recovered and re-sold.

Rubbish was sent to a materials recovery facility, followed by recycling or energy recovery, and nothing was knowingly sent to landfill.

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Oxfordshire County Council will carry out drainage improvements on Buttercross Lane from 3 – 28 August. The road will be shut from its junction with Willowbank while the work is carried out.

As the route is the only means of vehicular access, traffic management including marshals will be in place to manage the movement of vehicles and pedestrians.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Construction and Repair, said: “Residents have had to put up with flooding at this location for far too long due to a lack of proper maintenance by the developer prior to the road’s adoption by the council as highways authority.

“Officers have worked hard to come up with a solution to this problem, which was far from straightforward to resolve. Once completed, this should significantly reduce the risk of the road flooding whenever there is heavy rain.

“Although marshals will be present while the work takes place, there may be times when it is not possible for people to gain immediate passage through the site. When this happens, we would ask for patience and co-operation from the public.”

Before the project begins, survey work will take place to identify the depth of underground apparatus throughout the site. This element could result in some delays for those wishing access through the site.

Warning signs will be installed at the junction of Station Lane and Buttercross Lane two weeks before the start date.

During the work, one side of the carriageway will be left open, when feasible to do so, to allow residents to move through the site.

Temporary ramps will be installed on the kerb line to assist larger vehicles that need to travel through the site. This operation will be done under the guidance of one of the marshals.

Overnight barriers will be installed at the site while the work takes place, although one lane will be left open to enable the public to exit and enter Buttercross Lane.

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The range of MyBus Oxfordshire tickets, which offer passengers daily or weekly travel around the county, covering most routes and operators for a fixed price, will see prices go up from 1 August 2026.

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “MyBus has been a huge success. I do not want to change it. Government financial cuts are the only reason we are considering this unpalatable step.

“The revised fares will help ensure MyBus can continue to provide a convenient multi-operator ticket for passengers across Oxfordshire.

“These price changes are necessary to ensure that this important scheme can continue, in light of its growing popularity and the limited budget that Oxfordshire County Council has, to maintain operator participation.

“However, I will be writing to the secretary of state for transport to seek a better way forward for the future of MyBus.”

Since launching in 2024, MyBus has provided simple, flexible and great-value travel across Oxfordshire. The scheme has seen strong uptake – particularly among young people – and has helped residents and visitors make several hundreds of thousand journeys by bus.

Passenger feedback consistently highlights the convenience, flexibility and savings offered by being able to travel across multiple bus operators with a single ticket.

However, the government’s decision to increase the maximum single bus fare cap from £2 to £3 from 1 January 2025 meant that the savings offered by the MyBus tickets became more attractive, increasing sales, while also increasing the cost per ticket to Oxfordshire County Council. The initial budget for the scheme has now been exhausted, meaning that price increases are required to maintain the availability of the tickets.

The new prices will be:

• MyBus adult day ticket: £8.50 (previously £6.50)
• MyBus young person (5-18 inclusive) day ticket: £5.50 (previously £3.50)
• MyBus adult weekly ticket: £34 (previously £30)
• MyBus young person weekly ticket: £24 (previously £17).

Anyone affected by the changes may find that some operators’ own tickets – such as day, week or period products offered directly by bus companies – are cheaper for their journeys, particularly if they are only travelling on buses run by one company, or within the Oxford SmartZone. Check with your local bus operator for the best value ticket for your travel needs.

In addition, the government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme is expected to result in free August bus travel for five to 15 year olds, meaning that families can continue to enjoy low-cost travel over the summer holidays.

The council has also made a commitment to introduce a new 28-day MyBus ticket for both adults and young people from 1 April 2027 as part of its role within the Oxfordshire Bus Enhanced Partnership, a collaboration between the local authority and the county’s bus companies.

It was also agreed to consult with youth organisations within Oxfordshire on the emerging OXBus Plan 2040 and enhanced partnership, with particular focus on multi-operator tickets and bus travel costs.

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Since the booking system began in January, 67 users have had their access blocked, saving the taxpayer thousands of pounds in disposal costs.

Customers must book a slot online on Oxfordshire County Council’s website before visiting their HWRC. Bookings are available up to two weeks in advance or 30 minutes prior, subject to availability.

Councillor Laura Gordon, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, said: “Household recycling centres are for household waste – not trade waste.

“Trader abuse of the HWRCs costs taxpayers thousands and undercuts legitimate traders who are paying to dispose of waste.

“The measures introduced earlier this year are preventing commercial waste from illegally entering HWRCs, ensuring taxpayers are not covering disposal costs and preventing unfair competition impacting legitimate trade waste operators.”

The council has been able to identify suspicious patterns of usage, including unusually high frequencies of visits, the use of multiple sites across the county, and activity inconsistent with normal household use.

This analysis has identified companies undertaking property clearance activities, handymen, professional gardeners and other businesses generating waste as part of their commercial operations.

One trader was found to have used the HWRC service more than 60 times in 2026, visiting all sites across Oxfordshire.

Where sufficient evidence is obtained that an individual is abusing the service, access to Oxfordshire’s HWRCs is blocked.

The figures were revealed in an update on the first five months since the changes were introduced at the HWRCs. Other changes included a requirement for customers to sort all their recyclable content, updates to the van and trailer permit scheme, and the introduction of a £15 charge for customers from outside the county to access Oxfordshire’s sites HWRCs.

The update also showed:

• Recycling, composting and reuse rates have increased month on month, driven by less waste being incinerated or landfilled, and more recycled
• Customers are bringing approximately 10kg more waste per visit than last year (increasing from about 45 to 55kg per visit).
• Over £130,000 was saved from February - April 2026, compared to the same period last year, mostly through avoided incineration and landfilling costs
• Over £10,000 was generated from the new out of county charges.

Although the number of visits is down 36 per cent compared to the same period last year, this reduction is thought to be driven by:

• Visitors delivering more waste across fewer visits
• Better prevention of trader abuse of the service
• Some non-Oxfordshire customers choosing to use facilities within their local authority area.

The county council and Oxfordshire’s district and city councils have been closely monitoring fly-tipping. Data does not indicate any new trends emerging since the changes were introduced, nor increases outside of normal ranges that may suggest the new HWRC policies are leading to more fly-tipping.

However, data will continue to be collected and analysed to ensure the best possible understanding of fly-tipping in Oxfordshire.

A wider review of the changes will be published in December 2026.

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The updated guidance, agreed by the council’s cabinet in April 2026, aimed to enable a move towards more ‘car free’ and ‘car light’ developments, where appropriate.

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “If every new development is designed around the assumption that car ownership and car use should continue to grow unchecked, congestion will simply get worse and journeys will become less reliable for everyone.

“However, it’s essential that our approach commands broad support and can be delivered successfully in practice.”

Representations received by the council highlighted the complexity of balancing transport, climate, and housing objectives – particularly social housing – with the need to ensure that any guidance is both ambitious and capable of effective implementation through the planning system.

The council will continue to work closely with local planning authorities, developers, and other stakeholders to review the issues that have been raised and consider whether reasonable refinements can be made that support both housing delivery and shared transport and climate ambitions.

Cllr Epps added: “We remain concerned that the growth demands of central government will be unachievable and result in chaotic levels of congestion unless we do something to address future car use.  Developers are encouraged to concentrate on how to build more homes, not more car parks.

“By working creatively and collaboratively across the sector, we are confident we can develop an approach that supports sustainable travel while also enabling the delivery of the homes and communities Oxfordshire needs.”

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Over recent years, heatwaves have become increasingly frequent, posing significant risk to Oxfordshire residents in unsuitable housing. Without appropriate adaptations in homes, higher temperatures can increase the risk of heart attacks, stroke, lung disease and severe mental illness.

In summer 2025, there were 1,504 heat-associated deaths in the UK. The council believes that these deaths are unnecessary and avoidable. Now experts estimate that more than 2,700 people may have died due to heatwaves in England and Wales so far this year.

Under the Warm Homes Local Grant, the council currently receives funding from central government to install adaptations in homes to retain heat in winter. However, there is no funding specifically designed to support the retrofit of homes that suffer from overheating.

Councillor Laura Gordon, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, said: “England recorded its warmest June on record, with another heatwave hitting just two weeks later. This is not a one-off occurrence, but a new reality to which the UK must adapt.

“This is also a health inequalities issue, where those most at risk from heatwaves are often least able to afford effective home adaptations to prevent overheating, while also being more likely to have pre-existing health conditions, mobility limitations or social isolation. Without targeted investment there is a risk that climate adaptation widens health inequalities.

“Oxfordshire County Council is already working to address risk, and this summer will launch its pilot Heat Safe Homes programme. This will provide advice through home visits, local cool home training, community engagement, and the provision of cool packs. We are calling for central government support to expand this work to the scale needed to meet the challenge.”

The council believes that the government should consider expanding this Warm Homes Local Grant to include a Cool Homes Grant to protect our most vulnerable residents from overheating in their homes.

This grant would be used to help install passive and active cooling measures in vulnerable homes that are unable to afford them. External window shutters, blinds, improved ventilation, awnings, and air conditioning could all support these homes to be safe and liveable in summer.

The council has also called for the government to review current planning policies and building regulations which are currently constraining the uptake of external shading and ventilation measures.

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Oxfordshire County Council will fund the installation and initial maintenance costs of the cameras, which will detect vehicles travelling over the 50mph speed limit and identify vehicles jumping a red light in both directions. Thames Valley Police will be responsible for their ownership and operation.

The measures are in response to several collisions and near-misses since the junction to the Barton Park development opened, and follow concerns raised by residents and councillors.

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “This will be extremely welcome news to everyone who lives in or visits this area and needs to cross this road. Excessive speeds and red-light jumping are genuine concerns at this location, with a video survey showing how widespread the problem is.

“We are delighted at this example of working in partnership with our colleagues at Thames Valley Police to put in a deterrent, which will make this road safer. Motorists who follow the rules will have nothing to fear. Those show disregard for others’ safety by breaking them will face the consequences.”

Chief Inspector Jade Hewitt, of Thames Valley Police’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “Road safety remains a priority for Thames Valley Police, and we welcome the installation of these safety cameras at the Barton Park junction. We are aware of concerns regarding speeding and red-light offences at this location, and the evidence gathered has demonstrated the need for further enforcement measures.

“The cameras will act as both a deterrent and an enforcement tool, encouraging motorists to comply with the speed limit and traffic signals, helping to reduce the risk of serious collisions. Speeding remains one of the Fatal Five factors that contribute to the most serious and fatal collisions on our roads, alongside drink and drug driving, distraction, not wearing a seatbelt and careless driving.

“Most drivers use our roads responsibly, but those who choose to ignore the law and put others at risk should expect to be held accountable.

“We are pleased to be working alongside Oxfordshire County Council as part of our shared commitment to improving road safety and protecting all road users across Oxfordshire.”

The funding is coming from the council’s Vision Zero programme, its ambition to eliminate death and serious injuries from road collisions in Oxfordshire by 2050.

The poles and cameras will be painted bright yellow to be as visible as possible to drivers, and advance warning signage has been approved by Thames Valley Police.

Installation work is scheduled to take place overnight, from 8pm - 6am, for up to four nights from Monday 20 July.

Traffic management will be in place, including lane closures when necessary to allow for safe working. The eastbound left-turn into Barton Park will be closed at times, and a diversion via the Headington roundabout will be in operation.

Residents are warned that some of the excavation work will be noisy, as vacuum excavation techniques are necessary due the presence of underground gas and electricity utilities.

Another recent addition to improve road safety in the area was the installation of flashing amber light warning signs either side of Barton Park Primary School.

This was also funded through the council’s Vision Zero programme and warns drivers of the likely presence of children crossing the road at school start and finish times.

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During her visit, Representative Ruth Bradley-Jones MBE met pioneering businesses and research organisations across the county, including Harwell Science and Innovation Campus.

The visit highlighted Oxfordshire’s strengths in cutting-edge sectors such as quantum computing and space, and explored new opportunities for collaboration, investment and shared learning with partners in Taiwan.

The representative visited world-leading organisations including QuEra, a global leader in neutral-atom quantum computing, and RAL Space, the UK’s national space laboratory. The programme provided a first-hand view of how Oxfordshire’s innovation ecosystem is turning research into real-world impact.

This visit builds on a growing programme of diplomatic engagement in the county. Following the success of last year’s visit by Lindsay Croisdale-Appleby CMG, the Head of the UK Mission to the European Union, further roadshows are planned over the coming months to strengthen international partnerships and promote regional growth.

These domestic roadshows form part of the government’s wider effort to connect global partners with UK regions, enabling trade, investment and long-term economic opportunity.

Councillor Laura Gordon, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, said: “I’m delighted to have welcomed the UK Representative in Taiwan to Oxfordshire, and to see continued international interest in what our county has to offer.

“Oxfordshire is home to one of the most dynamic innovation ecosystems in the world, with strengths across several internationally significant sectors. But our ambition goes beyond growth alone – we are focused on delivering growth that is sustainable, inclusive and benefits communities across the county.

“By building stronger international partnerships and opening up new opportunities for collaboration and investment, visits like this help ensure that our success is shared more widely, supporting good jobs, thriving places and a greener future.

“We look forward to continuing to work with partners in Taiwan and welcoming further international delegations to Oxfordshire in the months ahead.”

Representative Ruth Bradley-Jones MBE said: “It was a pleasure to visit Oxfordshire and see first-hand the innovation, talent and ambition that make it one of the UK’s leading science and technology clusters. I was inspired by the world-class work taking place across the county, from quantum technologies and space science to cutting-edge research and entrepreneurship.

“Taiwan is a natural partner for the UK, with complementary strengths in semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, research and emerging technologies. The presence of Taiwanese companies such as MSI and Acer in Oxfordshire reflects the strong links already connecting our innovation ecosystems.

“I see significant opportunities for deeper UK–Taiwan collaboration and look forward to supporting new partnerships between Taiwan’s technology sector and the UK’s leading innovation clusters.”

Monika Zemla, Director, Leasing & Business Development, at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus said: “We were delighted to welcome the UK Representative in Taiwan, Ruth Bradley-Jones MBE, to Harwell and showcase the breadth of innovation taking place across our campus. Harwell is home to a unique community of world-leading organisations, pioneering companies and research facilities, making it an ideal place to build international partnerships that translate cutting-edge science into real-world impact.

“Strengthening links with Taiwan creates exciting opportunities for collaboration in areas such as quantum technologies, space, health and advanced engineering, helping to drive innovation, investment and economic growth for both our nations.”

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The council’s cabinet will be asked on Tuesday, 14 July to approve the progression to “due diligence” of the purchase of the farm. This will be discussed in closed session.

The details of the purchase and price must legally remain confidential until due diligence is complete at which point it would return to cabinet to be openly debated.

The move would be financed through borrowing. Income generated during the lifetime of the operation of the farm would cover the costs and provide additional revenue for services.

Councillor Dan Levy, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Transformation said: “This scheme would involve an up-front cost but it would be covered by the amount of money it would generate for the council while at the same time making a material contribution to our own future carbon management.

“This combination of  support for the council’s climate objectives and the prospect of long-term financial returns is why we want to look further in to progressing the potential scheme. There would be future opportunities for the council and the taxpayer to avoid costs.”

Although the solar farm would export electricity to the national grid rather than directly serving the local community, the associated planning permission requires the developer to provide community benefit funding. This is expected to support local community groups, education and related initiatives.

The scheme would generate approximately 52,000 MWh of renewable electricity per year, meaning a reduction in reliance on fossil-fuel based energy, supporting national as well as local decarbonisation targets. It would offset approximately 2,600 tonnes of CO2E by 2030 and between 25,000 and 36,000 tonnes over its operational life.

Councillor Laura Gordon, Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, said: “Oxfordshire County Council has set ambitious climate targets. This purchase would enable us to generate renewable energy exceeding our own expected usage and keep us on track to reach net zero by 2030. We are already seeing the effects of climate change in weather patterns and we need to explore all options to reduce emissions.”

The council needs to make savings of at least £15.5m in 2027/28, rising to £22m in 2028/29, as well as achieving all existing savings, to manage cuts to its funding announced by the government earlier this year.  

A balanced budget for 2026/27 was set in February 2026 with warnings that future years would become more difficult because of government decisions to change formulas governing the distribution of funding – with some councils receiving more and others less.

However more savings will be required as inflation in the wider economy or demand for the council’s services increases the council’s costs beyond existing the assumptions built into the budget. The cabinet will receive a report at its meeting on Tuesday, 14 July detailing these risks and other updates known at this stage.

Councillor Dan Levy, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Transformation, said: “The government has already cut Oxfordshire’s grants. However like any responsible organisation we forward plan and anticipate risks which may emerge. There are a number of these which could exacerbate an already difficult situation that is not of our making locally.

“The county council has a long track record of responsible financial management. We have consistently set aside contingency budgets to deal with uncertainty about demand and other risks. 

“We know there are risks in the wider economy – everybody knows from their own household budgets or from running a business that inflation remains a persistent problem in the economy. When prices keep rising this also increases the cost of the council’s services.

“As we look towards setting our budget for 2027/28 we are already planning carefully and looking at options to reduce expenditure and make savings. We must balance budgets for services that the council is responsible for to the funding that we expect to be available. People will hear more detail about this in autumn and winter. We will protect frontline services as far as we can.

“We recognise that there are areas of the country with higher levels of deprivation than our own, and it is right that the people in those places receive the support that they need. However, it is disappointing that councils like Oxfordshire will see real terms reductions in grant funding as a result and it leaves us more exposed when extra pressures arise.

“The government also assumes that we would set Council Tax rises at 4.99 per cent each year giving us no real flexibility locally.”

What are the risks being presented to cabinet?

• Demand for children’s social care continues to rise along with the cost of placements driven by a lack of capacity in the market nationally. The government has indicated it will take action to manage excessive profits by children’s social care providers, but it is unclear how this will be implemented.
• National changes are planned to the Better Care Fund, which was introduced in 2013 to enhance the integration of NHS and council social care services across the country. There is potential for the council to experience lower funding as a result of changes.
• The government is currently planning a fair pay agreement in adult social care to address national recruitment and retention issues. This will be implemented in 2028. The implementation of this represents an as yet unquantified costs risk for adult social care services.
• Integrated Care Boards across the country are operating under significant financial pressure. This increases the potential for unfunded pressures emerging which could impact adult social care services because a number of vital services are jointly funded by local authorities and the NHS.
• The impact of continued inflationary pressures in the UK economy on council services and on the setting of the National Living Wage – which remains unknown.

Road closures will be in place on sections of Bridge Street East, Bridge Street West, Concord Avenue, Cherwell Street, George Street, Britannia Road and Lower Cherwell Street.

Vehicles will need to follow a diversion route around the works area, but pedestrian access will be maintained, with clearly signed routes. Emergency services have been notified.

No work will take place on Saturday 11 July or Sunday 12 July, when the road will reopen with temporary traffic lights in operation. 

All work is weather dependent and may be rescheduled. Once resurfacing is complete, the new traffic signals will be tested, while temporary traffic lights will continue to operate at the junctions until all work is finished.

Notes to editors

For more information about the improvements, visit the Oxfordshire County Council Cherwell Street bus improvements webpage where a diversion map is also available.

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Oxfordshire County Council ‘s principal highways contractor M Group has welcomed the arrival of a 3.5-tonne highways maintenance truck – the first hydrogen-powered vehicle across the company’s 10,000 vehicle UK-wide fleet.

It marks a significant step in both M Group’s and the council’s commitments to reducing carbon emissions.

Compared to diesel, HVO and hydrogen fuel has significantly lower tailpipe carbon emissions by an average of 30 - 40 per cent. It also reduces emissions affecting air quality, such as nitrogen oxide, which support cleaner air across Oxfordshire.

While the fuel source is new, the vehicle is not.

Hydrogen technology specialists ULEMCo have retrofitted a standard maintenance truck, with the conversion funded by M Group. ULEMCo will also adapt a second vehicle, expected to be a medium or larger HGV, which will join the Oxfordshire fleet early in 2027.

Richard Lovewell, M Group’s Business Director, said: “M Group Highways has an ambitious target of being net zero carbon by 2040. We’re excited to be working with Oxfordshire County Council to trial practical solutions that can accelerate the journey to net zero.”

Councillor Liz Leffman, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Construction and Repair, said: “The climate emergency is the biggest challenge the planet faces, and we are committed to not only reaching our own net zero target as a council by 2030 but to enabling Oxfordshire to be carbon neutral well ahead of 2050.

“We are delighted to be working with M Group to trial this innovative technology which will mean lower emissions and cleaner air across Oxfordshire.”

The dual fuel vehicles will be used to transport crews and materials to sites to carry out repairs and improvements on Oxfordshire’s roads.

Highways crews have received in depth training on how to refuel, maintain and operate the converted vehicles, with a particular focus on driver and public safety.

The drivers’ experience – along with a host of metrics, such as costs and fuel usage efficiency – will help assess the overall success of the trial.

With HGVs and trucks contributing around 17 - 21 per cent of road transport emissions, Oxfordshire’s trial could be pivotal in accelerating the UK’s transition to hydrogen-powered vehicles.

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Oxfordshire County Council’s traffic filter trial will operate in a similar way to the temporary congestion charge, with the filters being at the same six locations and a permit scheme in place. The trial, under an experimental traffic regulation order, can last for up to a maximum of 18 months. 

The key difference is that, from 14 September, car drivers will no longer be able to pay the £5 congestion charge to go through the traffic filters. Cars with permits and all other vehicles can travel through the filters at all times. However, with Botley Road open, everywhere in Oxford will be accessible by car without driving through a traffic filter. You may need to take an alternative route, but often you won’t.  

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport said: “The traffic filter trial is designed to further reduce congestion in the city, creating a healthier, more accessible and attractive Oxford. By removing the option for drivers to pay, it aims to further reduce through-traffic and encourage more people to take public transport or walk, cycle and wheel. 

“A six-month public consultation will open on 14 September, and we invite residents and businesses to give feedback on how the scheme is working for them. 

“Your feedback will help us shape our future plans. We are listening and learning as we develop the best long-term solution for traffic in and around Oxford.” 

Most people with congestion charge permits don’t need to take any action as their permits will be automatically transferred to traffic filter permits. 

The council is contacting all permit holders before the trial starts to explain what will happen next and if they need to take any action. 

For people who don’t yet have a permit, applications are now open online. Residents in the Oxford permit area are eligible for 100 day passes per year, while residents in the Oxfordshire permit area are eligible for 25 day passes per year. 

About the traffic filter trial 

• The traffic filter trial was approved by Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet in November 2022, but implementation has been delayed because of the closure of Botley Road, due to Network Rail’s improvements to Oxford Rail Station.
• At each traffic filter site, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras will monitor and enforce the restrictions. There will be no physical barriers. Cars without a valid permit driving through the filters will receive a fine of £70 (reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days).
• During the first six months of the traffic filter trial, the council will send a warning notice the first time any car goes through a traffic filter without using a permit, instead of sending a penalty charge notice.

 The locations and operating times of the traffic filters will be the same as the temporary congestion charge:

• Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way - Monday to Saturday - At peak times between 7am to 9am and 3pm to 6pm
• Hythe Bridge Street, St Cross Road, St Clement’s Street and Thames Street - Monday to Sunday - 7am to 7pm

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Oxfordshire County Council has commissioned consultants Jacobs to carry out an options appraisal for a mass rapid transit (MRT) system between Carterton, Witney, Eynsham and Oxford.

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “The closure of the Witney railway in 1970 and subsequent largescale development in the area have proved to be costly and mistaken. Reversing congestion and improving connectivity won't be easy – but it is essential that we try to address this.

“We want to identify, evaluate and recommend feasible options which can be in place by 2050 at the latest. The study will consider existing and planned infrastructure, as well as projected housing and employment growth.

“Current and forecasted travel demands, plus national, regional and local policy aimed at prioritising sustainable transport, mean that a major change in public transport provision is needed. Projects like this could help provide that.”

Bruce Slattery, Jacobs’ Director for Transport Planning, said: “Jacobs is supporting Oxfordshire County Council with the early-stage development of the west Oxfordshire mass rapid transit project. Through this work, we are helping to define a transport solution that will deliver essential public transport connections to the area and help to stimulate sustainable economic growth.”

An MRT system is a public transport network typically operating on dedicated corridors or priority lanes to offer reliable and efficient services. Unlike standard bus or rail services, MRT systems often use advanced vehicles, benefit from priority measures, and feature high-quality infrastructure such as segregated lanes or tracks, level boarding, and integrated ticketing.

West Oxfordshire is experiencing significant pressure from housing and employment growth, with Carterton, Witney, and Eynsham identified as key areas for development with up to 18,000 new homes and 60 hectares of employment proposed to be delivered by 2043.

Carterton is also home to the UK’s largest and potentially expanding RAF base required for national security while the Cotswolds is a national tourism hub with visitor numbers increasing annually.

Oxford, as a regional employment and educational hub, is facing increasing congestion and demand for sustainable travel options. The A40 corridor, the primary route serving west Oxfordshire, is subject to ongoing and planned improvements, in particular focused on prioritising bus services.

An MRT system is being considered to address the challenges, improve connectivity, and support sustainable regional growth.

It is expected that the chosen system will form part of the Oxfordshire Metro as discussed in the council’s recent OxRAIL 2040: Plan for Rail.

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The High Court has awarded an injunction to Oxfordshire County Council to prevent the continued unauthorised placement of flags on or near the public highway.

Each named defendant has given an undertaking in the court not to put up flags in Oxfordshire, not to encourage others to do it or abuse people taking them down. The hearing took place at the Royal Courts of Justice on Tuesday, 23 June.

The application aimed to stop repeated interference with the highway and the council’s legal duties as highway authority. It relates to a series of incidents involving named individuals associated with the organisation known as Raise the Colours.

This includes the unauthorised placement of flags on highway infrastructure, amounting to a criminal offence. It also includes trespass, obstruction of the highway, and incidents where council teams, contractors and residents have faced confrontation or harassment when items are removed.

This activity has created clear road safety and public safety risks and caused distress in local communities.

A civil injunction is a court order that requires an individual or organisation to stop specified activities. If granted, it would prohibit further unauthorised installations on or near the highway and allow the council to take enforcement action if the order is breached.

The application follows months of sustained activity involving the placement of flags on or near the public highway without permission. This has continued despite a formal legal notice in March 2026 requiring it to stop and further pre-action letters sent to named individuals in May 2026.

Residents across Oxfordshire, from Adderbury to Wallingford, have complained to the council about safety risks, intimidation and distress linked to this activity. Council teams have also been subject to abuse and harassment when removing unlawful flags.

The council has a legal duty to keep the highway safe and ensure that public spaces are safe and inclusive. The ongoing scale and persistence of the behaviour by Raise the Colours has created safety risks, caused distress within communities, and led to abuse and intimidation directed at council teams and residents. The council has a duty to act to protect those affected.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “We’re pleased with this result. The injunction helps protect our residents and our workforce and supports our responsibility to keep the highway safe.

“This is not, and never has been, about the flag. We proudly fly the Union Flag and St George’s flag at County Hall and we fully support the right of residents to display their own flags – including to show their support for the England football team.

“However, the behaviour we’ve seen from Raise the Colours is nothing to do with national pride or with support for the England team during the World Cup. It’s unlawful behaviour, which has put people at risk and caused fear within our communities for almost a year.

“We have a clear responsibility to keep people safe and ensure our public spaces are welcoming for everyone. That’s why we’ve taken this action and why today’s decision by the court provides clarity and protects our colleagues and communities.”

More information can be found on our website along with supporting documents .

Since 2025, Oxfordshire County Council has been reviewing speed limits and safety on its network as part of its Vision Zero programme to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on the network.

The review looks at whether existing speed limits are appropriate, using evidence such as collision data, road layout and how routes are used.

This has led to speed limit reductions on some stretches of road, including lowering national speed limit sections to 50mph or 40mph, alongside other measures such as junction changes or traffic management where risks have been identified.

The aim is to make rural roads safer for all users, recognising that many routes are narrow, winding and shared by drivers, cyclists, walkers, and horse riders.

Provisional government statistics published in late May suggest that the council’s approach is helping lead to significant improvements in road safety, with serious and fatal collisions in Oxfordshire falling sharply.

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “This review is all about reducing deaths and serious injuries on our roads. The premise that no one should be killed or seriously injured as the result of a road collision, whatever mode of transport they are using, is at the heart of our Vision Zero strategy.

“Making sure speed limits are safe and appropriate is key to achieving this. Oxfordshire’s last major A and B road speed limit review was carried out 15 years ago, so this review is much needed.

“While it was heartening to see that Oxfordshire is seeing significant improvements in road safety, according to recent provisional government data, we are far from complacent. Every death is one too many. Indeed, it has strengthened our resolve to push on and make conditions safer on more of our rural roads.”

So far, the review has led to changes being approved on stretches of the A4074, A40, A420 and A417, as well as corridors such as the A4260 and associated B roads. Additionally, a consultation on changes on the A361 has been completed with a decision to be taken in July on whether to progress these.  

Now around 60 more schemes are coming forward in 2026-27 as part of the Vision Zero programme.

Stakeholder consultation will begin later this month including with parish and town councils, Thames Valley Police, and bus operators. This will be followed by statutory consultation later in the year, where the public will be invited to have their say.

Cllr Epps added: “It is important for people to realise that the review is not about introducing blanket changes across the county. This is a bespoke approach. Proposals are assessed case by case, consulted on publicly, and monitored once implemented to ensure they are effective.

“The review is a data-led reassessment of safety and speed on Oxfordshire’s main rural routes. Officers are using current Department for Transport criteria on speed limits to guide the changes to be considered.”

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Today Oxfordshire County Council approved a grant of £306,200 for the Community Action Groups (CAG) Oxfordshire to continue its work for 2026 - 27.

This includes £100,000 in one-off public health funding in support of enhancing community gardening and land skills, addressing climate anxiety through social action, and the Heat Safe Homes project.

Councillor Laura Gordon, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, said: “CAG Oxfordshire has been running for 25 years in the county and is the largest network of its kind in the country. It is full of committed and passionate groups doing great things in their local communities, working on waste, energy, transport, biodiversity, food and social justice.

“As a council, we are delighted to enter a one-year grant funding arrangement and will be working with them going forward to ensure we continue to support their great work, while being mindful of the significant funding challenges faced by the council in future years.”

The county council has fully funded the network since 2001. The latest grant will run until 31 March 2027 while the council considers its other voluntary and community sector offerings.

In 2024 - 25, CAG Oxfordshire held over 8,000 events and activities, attracting more than 120,000 attendees, and brought almost £6 million in funding and income to the county.

Katherine Chesson, Director of CAG Oxfordshire, said: “CAG Oxfordshire is grateful to the county council for its ongoing commitment to the thousands of volunteers who are making a difference on issues of social change that affect us all.

“Our member groups undertake activities that range from supporting residents to grow and cook nutritious food with zero waste; hosting libraries of things and repair cafes to encourage repairing and sharing over buying new; engaging people in nature recovery and nature engagement plans; and working to bring wealth and power back to communities.”

The council’s policies and strategies benefit from the groups’ activities and awareness-raising on topics such as social justice and equity, waste reduction and recycling, energy, climate mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity and flooding.

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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.

This week, Oxfordshire County Council and its highways contractor M Group used Wildmere Road in Banbury as a test site to trial 15 different methods of filling in potholes or ‘patching’ minor defects.

Some of these methods are already used in Oxfordshire, while the others were new technology sourced by M Group.

Wildmere Road was closed and a 700-metre stretch was divided into sections. Each section had a different type of pothole or patch repair carried out to get a direct comparison of the various methods.

It is the second time the council has carried out a pothole repair innovation event, following a similar trial in Steventon in 2023, believed to have been the first of its kind in the country. Seven repair methods were trialled in 2023, making this week’s event a much larger undertaking.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Construction and Repair, said: “The impact of potholes on our roads this winter, not just in Oxfordshire but nationwide, has been unprecedented.

“We are committed to seeking new and innovative methods of carrying out repairs on our 3,000 mile road network. Technology is changing all the time and it is important to test the latest products to maximise value for money when it comes to highway maintenance.

“The 2023 event led to us adopting several new methods of repair, and ruling out others, so we hope this latest trial will provide evidence and information for our contractors about what repair methods work best by testing them on the same stretch of road.”

Since January 2026, M Group has repaired more than 33,000 highways defects – compared to 37,042 potholes filled in the whole of the 2024 - 25.

This was against a backdrop of perfect pothole-forming weather conditions this winter – a prolonged freeze followed by a protracted period of rain, which led to an unprecedented increase in the number of emergency pothole reports. The council was receiving more than 1,000 reports a week, reaching over 1,300 defects in a single week in early March.

As a result, the number of repair crews was increased from seven to 25 to reduce a backlog of potholes caused by the weather. More specialist crews and equipment were also brought in, including a ‘Bobcat’ planer, Dragon Patcher and thermal road repairs.

Richard Lovewell, M Group Business Director, said: “From introducing the Dragon Patcher back in 2015 to hosting the UK’s first pothole trial day in 2023, M Group and Oxfordshire County Council have a strong track record of working together to find better ways to maintain and repair roads.

“This latest trial is about building on that progress. By testing new products and approaches we can ensure that we are using the best value materials in the right conditions and the right places, increasing efficiency and durability, and delivering better value for Oxfordshire residents.

“With wetter winters and hotter summers, it is vital we keep adapting our maintenance techniques to cope with increasing pressure on our road networks.”

Wildmere Road will be monitored regularly over the next two years to allow comparisons of the type of repair, equipment, material, and labour used, and the time taken.

This will include an understanding of the potential results, longevity of repairs, waste generated, carbon impact, use of recycled content and productivity that may be achievable.

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The High Court has issued the proceedings and the hearing will take place at the Royal Courts of Justice on Tuesday 23 June.

The application aims to stop repeated interference with the highway and the council’s legal duties as highway authority. It relates to a series of incidents involving named individuals associated with the organisation known as Raise the Colours.

This includes the unauthorised placement of flags on highway infrastructure, amounting to a criminal offence. It also includes trespass, obstruction of the highway, and incidents where council teams, contractors and residents have faced confrontation or harassment when items are removed.

This activity has created clear road safety and public safety risks and caused distress in local communities.

A civil injunction is a court order that requires an individual or organisation to stop specified activities. If granted, it would prohibit further unauthorised installations on or near the highway and allow the council to take enforcement action if the order is breached.

The application follows months of sustained activity involving the placement of flags on or near the public highway without permission. This has continued despite a formal legal notice in March 2026 requiring it to stop and further pre-action letters sent to named individuals in May 2026.

Residents across Oxfordshire, from Adderbury to Wallingford, have complained to the council about safety risks, intimidation and distress linked to this activity. Council teams have also been subject to abuse and harassment when removing unlawful flags.

The council has a legal duty to keep the highway safe and ensure that public spaces are safe and inclusive. The ongoing scale and persistence of the behaviour by Raise the Colours has created safety risks, caused distress within communities, and led to abuse and intimidation directed at council teams and residents. The council has a duty to act to protect those affected.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “This application is about protecting our residents, our workforce and the values we stand for as a county.

“We are proud of Oxfordshire’s diverse communities and of our Council of Sanctuary status. We proudly fly the Union Flag and St George’s flag at County Hall and we fully support the right of residents to display flags on their own private property.

“However, there’s an important distinction between lawful expression and activity that puts people at risk or intimidates residents in their own communities.

“This activity is not about national pride or unity. It is unlawful behaviour, which has caused fear and division within our communities.

“We have a clear responsibility to keep people safe and ensure our public spaces are welcoming and inclusive for everyone.”

A survey of businesses across Oxford, together with newly published consumer spend data from Experian, reveals how business conditions and performance have changed since the temporary congestion charge was introduced. 

The temporary congestion charge has been in place on six roads in Oxford since 29 October to help reduce traffic while Botley Road remains closed and the traffic filter trial is delayed.  

The survey, carried out by Indiefield on behalf of Oxfordshire County Council, shows nearly half of businesses (48%) reported no noticeable effect from the congestion charge, with 30 per cent reporting negative impacts and 22 per cent positive. Meanwhile, spend in Oxford city centre since the congestion charge was introduced has declined the same amount as the average in comparable centres outside Oxfordshire. 

Councillor Gareth Epps, Cabinet Member for Transport at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “This new data gives us an evidence-based picture of how businesses are faring in the city. There are many challenges affecting businesses at this time, and data can help us understand what is having an impact. While it’s great that nearly 80 per cent of businesses who gave a view on their performance compared to a year ago said they are doing the same or better it is clear that many are feeling significant pressures due to a number of local and national factors.

“There is still more to do to improve travel in and around Oxford and help keep the city moving. The traffic filters trial, from autumn, is one way we’ll further reduce traffic.” 

The survey also highlighted wider pressures facing businesses, with rising costs (69%) and economic uncertainty (61%) cited as the most common challenges. At the same time, Oxford continues to be seen as a great place to do business, with 71 per cent of respondents highlighting location and accessibility as a key advantage and 72 per cent saying their business is performing well. 

The survey gathered views from 300 businesses across OX1 to OX4 postcode areas and provides a detailed snapshot of business sentiment, operational pressures and travel behaviour. 

• 39 per cent say deliveries or servicing have become more difficult
• More businesses report customer decreases (29%) than increases (21%)
• More than half of businesses (56%) say that staff have changed how they travel to work as a result of the scheme.
• Businesses in retail, hospitality and tourism are more likely to report negative effects.

Among these “shop-front” businesses:

• 47 per cent report a negative overall impact (compared with 24 per cent of other businesses)
• 58 per cent report a decrease in customer numbers (compared with 18 per cent of other businesses)

Spend in Oxford’s suburban food and beverage destinations has declined more than the average in comparator areas. All car parking in suburban areas is accessible without passing a congestion charge point. 

Businesses with mobile or transport-intensive operations reported sharper pressures on their trade in this period, particularly around costs and travel. 

Spend in most of Oxford’s suburban mixed retail destinations has declined more than the average in comparator cities. 

The survey report and spend data is published alongside other monitoring information for the congestion charge.

Notes 

The spend data is provided by the credit reporting company Experian and comes from a national sample of around four million debit and credit cards. The figures show year-on-year estimated change in credit and debit card spending for the months since the temporary congestion charge was implemented.

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Martin has led Oxfordshire County Council since March 2023, bringing with him more than 25 years’ experience in senior leadership roles across local government. 

Prior to joining Oxfordshire, he served as Chief Executive of Coventry City Council for over 14 years, during which time the city saw its most significant transformation since the post-war period.

Under his leadership, Coventry became the first Marmot City in the country using innovative approaches to reducing health inequalities. He continued his work with Professor Sir Michael Marmot and the health equity team at University College London as Oxfordshire launched the first countywide Marmot place in 2024.

He was also instrumental in establishing the West Midlands Mayoral Combined Authority and was its first Chief Executive from March 2016 to September 2017. 

Throughout his career Martin has been at the forefront of public service reform, driving innovation, partnership working and transformation programmes across complex organisations. His leadership has helped shape modern local government, including his role as a former President of the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE) and the first Honorary President of LARIA (Local Area Research and Intelligence Association).

Martin said: “I’m incredibly honoured to receive this award. Local government is ultimately about people and unique places and, over the past 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside dedicated and passionate colleagues and councillors who make a real, positive difference in their communities every day. 

“The best of local government is when we bring people together across a place, understand what really matters locally, and help create the conditions for positive change. This award genuinely reflects that collective effort.”

Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, Councillor Tim Bearder, said: “This honour is thoroughly deserved. Martin has made a real and lasting difference in Oxfordshire and across local government more widely. He combines insight, integrity and ambition with a genuine commitment to public service and improving the lives of the people we serve.

“His good humour, approachable nature and personable leadership style make him a real pleasure to work alongside. I particularly admire his willingness to explore new solutions and drive innovation to create a better and more effective council.

“We’re extremely fortunate to have him as our Chief Executive, and I’m delighted to see his contribution recognised in this way.”

The King’s Birthday Honours recognise individuals who have made a significant impact in their field or community. Martin’s OBE reflects a career dedicated to improving public services, strengthening local government, and delivering lasting benefits for communities.

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A government consultation for local government reorganisation (LGR) closed in late March with three options on the table for potential future structures. This followed the government’s invitation in February 2025 to submit proposals for a unitary council or councils in areas of England that currently have two-tiers of local authorities (counties and districts), as is the case in Oxfordshire.

The options are:

1. A single unitary council for Oxfordshire – Oxfordshire Council responsible for all services for Oxfordshire residents.
2. Two unitary councils:
   • Oxford and Shires Council created from the existing district councils of Cherwell, Oxford City and West Oxfordshire.
   • Ridgeway Council created from the existing district councils of South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse and the unitary council of West Berkshire.
3. Three unitary councils:
   • Greater Oxford Council – covering Oxford and its immediate surroundings
   • Northern Oxfordshire Council – covering most of the existing Cherwell and West Oxfordshire districts.
   • Ridgeway Council – covering most of the existing South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse districts combined with West Berkshire.

It will not be known whether there will be one, two or three unitary authorities for Oxfordshire until the government announces its ‘minded-to’ decision, which is its preferred, provisional decision before it’s put into law. This announcement is expected before the parliamentary summer recess, which starts on 16 July.

Leaders and chief executives of all councils in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire said: “Since the start of the year, colleagues across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire councils have been working together within a joint programme to prepare for what comes next. Following the statutory consultation, we have been collaborating to gather a variety of data and information so we are ready to move forward, whichever option gets the go-ahead from government.

“We are also thinking through the potential implications of each option, planning for how we would deliver services under one, two, or three new unitary councils to ensure we are ready to support our communities and colleagues through the changes ahead. 

“Whatever change government proposes, our priority is to make sure we continue to deliver high-quality services to the people we serve during transition and beyond.

“Similar changes from two-tier local government to unitary councils have happened in many other parts of the country or are in progress. We will follow good practice as we plan ahead collaboratively during the remainder of 2026, 2027 and early 2028.”

Bringing all services together under one roof through LGR will mean residents will benefit regardless of which option the government decides to take forward. They will only need to contact one council, no matter where they live, duplication will be reduced and money saved. This money can be reinvested in the local services residents rely on. Existing town and parish councils will still provide very local services to their communities.

When the government announces its ‘minded to’ decision, it will be followed by a structural changes order (SCO), expected later in 2026. This will set out the legal basis and process for moving to the new council(s) arrangements.

From that point, the existing councils will enter a transition period, working together to prepare for the new structures. This will include the election of a shadow authority or authorities in May 2027. This shadow body(ies) will act as a temporary council(s), making key decisions and preparing for the new organisation(s). The existing councils will continue to deliver services up until vesting day. The new council or councils will officially come into effect on vesting day, which is expected to be on 1 April 2028.

Over the next two years, Oxfordshire residents will benefit from the largest installation of public electric vehicle (EV) charging points ever seen in the county following the award of two charge point operator (CPO) contracts.

Connected Kerb and Bicester-based EZ-Charge have been chosen to provide more than 1,500 public EV charging sockets, doubling the number currently available.

Connected Kerb has been selected to install and operate on-street EV chargers on the highway, as well as Oxfordshire County Council-run park and ride sites and other car parks. EZ-Charge has been chosen to install and operate EV charging hubs in district and city council car parks in Oxfordshire.

These two companies will work together with Oxfordshire’s councils to create a reliable, easy-to-use, contactless EV charging network spanning the county. This will give more people the opportunity to switch to an EV – regardless of where they live or their parking situation – to improve Oxfordshire's environment and air quality.

Public EV charger deployment will be prioritised in areas where a high proportion of residents lack off-street parking. Site feasibility will be one of the first priorities of the new CPOs, and so announcements about locations will not be made until later.

Oxfordshire County Council is also set to launch a community microhub scheme by inviting town and parish councils and other non-profit-making community organisations to host public EV charging points in car parks at community hubs such as village halls, community centres and sports pavilions. Six pilot sites have been chosen to have EV chargers installed later this year ahead of the scheme opening for formal applications.

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “This programme will provide a huge confidence boost to drivers looking to switch to EVs and build on our leadership in this field.

“One of our top aims is to get reliable, accessible public EV charging into rural and deprived areas. This will help ensure that nobody will be left behind in the transition to driving electric.”

Chris Pateman-Jones, CEO of Connected Kerb, said: “We are thrilled to have won the Oxfordshire contract and look forward to bringing our tried and tested EV charging solutions and innovative smart charging tariffs to the area.

“As one of the UK’s largest and most experienced CPOs, we look forward to meeting the growing EV charging needs of Oxfordshire’s residents, visitors and commuters and providing the highest standards in EV charging and customer service.”

Phil Shadbolt OBE, CEO of EZ-Charge, said: “It’s really exciting to be working with Oxfordshire councils again to install and operate EV charging hubs in district council car parks. Our experience from Park and Charge Oxfordshire has shown that providing high quality charging facilities in residential areas can give people without driveways the confidence to make the switch to EV.

“As a local company, we are particularly proud to be able to provide reliable and accessible EV charging to local residents where they really need it most.”

Funding comes from a combination of Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) and other grant funding from the government and significant private investment from the two CPOs.

Keir Mather, Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister, said: “We know charging availability is one of the biggest barriers to people going electric so it’s great to see over £3.6m of our investment rolling out 1,500 new public chargers in Oxfordshire, more than doubling the number available to drivers in the area.

“We’re also cutting upfront costs for families when they buy a new EV with our Electric Car Grant helping over 55,000 drivers save up to £3,750.”

The focus will be on standard 7kW chargers that residents without home chargers can charge their EVs with at discounted energy rates whilst parked overnight.

There will also be a smaller number of rapid 50kw+ chargers installed in strategic locations and the whole network will provide much needed top-up charging for residents, visitors, commuters and working drivers during the daytime.

West Oxfordshire District Council Cllr Andrew Prosser, Executive Member for Climate Action and Nature Recovery, said: “Expanding public charging in this way means more people can make the switch to electric with confidence. We at West Oxfordshire District Council are pleased to play our part in a countywide effort that gives residents real, practical choices where they haven’t previously had them.”

Councillor Mike Giles, South Oxfordshire District Council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Policy and Climate Action, said: “Putting chargers in micro hubs such as village halls is the way forward for rural areas. In South Oxfordshire Stanton St John village hall installed EV chargers, thanks to a council grant. Increasing the charging network across the county gives people confidence to make the switch to EVs wherever they live.”

Councillor Dr Robert Clegg, Vale of White Horse District Council Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, Climate Action and Nature Recovery, said: “Many people want to reduce their carbon footprint and local air pollution, but it isn’t always practical to switch completely to public transport in our rural area, and not everyone can charge off-street at home. These contracts will give rural would-be EV owners access to charging sites, just as we already have at some of our town-based council car parks.”

Councillor Rob Pattenden, Cherwell District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Property and Assets, said: “Cherwell District Council is enabling this project by supporting the installation of electric vehicle charging points across our parking infrastructure. This investment is essential in Cherwell, where many residents do not have access to on-street charging.

“In addition, the district has significant transient traffic, increasing the demand for conveniently located charging facilities. By expanding access to charging infrastructure, we are making it easier for people to transition to electric vehicles. This will help reduce pollution; improving local air quality, whilst lowering the region’s impact on climate change.”

Councillor Anna Railton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning and Zero Carbon Oxford at Oxford City Council, said: “This is a really positive step forward in expanding Oxford’s public EV charging network. Making charging more accessible, particularly for residents without off-street parking, is key to enabling more people to switch to electric vehicles. We’re pleased to be working alongside partners across Oxfordshire to deliver infrastructure that supports the transition to EVs. ”

Last year, as part of the same government backed EV infrastructure programme, Oxfordshire County Council announced it had awarded the contract to ODS for the delivery of EV cable channel charging installations for homes without off-street parking.

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Oxfordshire County Council is marking Carers Week 2026 (8–14 June) by recognising the vital contribution unpaid carers make and highlighting the support available to them across the county.

Carers Week is a national awareness campaign led by Carers UK. This year’s theme, Building Carer Friendly Communities, highlights the importance of communities, workplaces and services working together so carers are identified early, listened to and supported.

There are an estimated 50,000 unpaid carers in Oxfordshire, caring for family members, friends or neighbours who are older, disabled or living with illness. While caring can be rewarding, it can also have a significant impact on their health, finances and employment.

Councillor Rebekah Fletcher, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Unpaid carers play a vital role in our communities, often providing support quietly and without recognition.

“Carers Week is an opportunity to thank carers for everything they do, raise awareness of the pressures they can face, and make sure they know where to turn for support.

“We are committed to working with partners to build more carer‑friendly communities across Oxfordshire, where carers are identified early, listened to, and supported to look after their own wellbeing alongside their caring roles.”

As part of Carers Week, the council will share information throughout the week to encourage people to seek support and to underline its commitment to being a carer‑friendly organisation and employer.

The council works closely with Carers Oxfordshire, which is commissioned to provide information, advice and support for unpaid carers across the county. This includes help to understand caring roles, access carers’ assessments, take breaks from caring and look after wellbeing.

Paul Ringer, Chief Executive of Age UK Oxfordshire, said: “Caring can be deeply rewarding but it can also be exhausting and isolating, especially when people feel they have to cope alone.

“Carers Week is an important opportunity to shine a light on the vital contribution those providing unpaid care make, and to work together alongside partners such as Oxfordshire County Council, to build more carer‑friendly communities where they feel seen, heard and properly supported.

“Through our work at Carers Oxfordshire, we see every day the difference that timely, local support can make.”

This work is underpinned by Oxfordshire’s all-age unpaid carers strategy, which was co‑produced with carers and voluntary and community sector partners. The strategy sets out practical commitments to:

• Identify carers earlier, including those who may not see themselves as carers.
• Ensure carers can easily find advice and support.
• Support carers’ health and wellbeing, including access to breaks and personal budgets where eligible.
• Help carers balance caring with work, education and everyday life.

As an employer, Oxfordshire County Council recognises that many colleagues balance work alongside caring responsibilities. The council supports working carers through flexible working arrangements and its internal carers’ network, which provides a supportive space for staff to connect and find out about help available inside and outside the organisation.

As part of the week’s activities, the council will host an all day Carers Week event at County Hall on Tuesday 9 June, open to colleagues who are carers and the people they care for, as well as allies and colleagues who want to find out more. Children and adults are welcome.

The event will provide a welcoming and inclusive space with information stands from Carers Oxfordshire, interactive sessions on developing new tools to support carers, informal networking and the opportunity to hear from Karen Fuller, chair of the carers’ network, and council colleagues working in areas such as wellbeing.

Carers and their families are encouraged to visit Carers Oxfordshire to find more out about local support. Information is also available through Live Well Oxfordshire.

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Newly published provisional government statistics suggest that Oxfordshire is seeing significant improvements in road safety, with serious and fatal collisions falling sharply while the wider Thames Valley area has seen increases.

The Department for Transport published its provisional personal injury collision and casualty statistics for Great Britain on 28 May 2026. While the figures remain provisional and may be revised as additional data is confirmed, the early trends are encouraging for Oxfordshire.

Analysis of the data indicates that people killed or seriously injured (KSI) on Oxfordshire’s roads fell by around 18 per cent compared with the previous year. Across the Thames Valley area as a whole, KSIs appear to have increased by approximately 20 per cent over the same period.

The KSI measure is generally regarded as the most robust indicator within the provisional dataset because serious and fatal collisions are more consistently reported and recorded than lower-level incidents.

In February 2022, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet approved funding to support the roll-out of 20mph schemes in communities across the county at no cost to town and parish councils. Since then, more than 275 communities in urban and rural areas have requested and implemented 20mph measures.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “While these figures are still provisional, the early signs are extremely encouraging. Oxfordshire appears to be bucking the wider Thames Valley trend, with serious and fatal casualties falling significantly at a time when neighbouring areas are seeing increases.

“That strongly suggests the approach we have taken in Oxfordshire is working. We have made a conscious decision as a county to take speed seriously because lower speeds save lives, reduce the severity of injuries, and make our communities safer and healthier places to live.

“Our ambition is for Oxfordshire to become known as the county that takes road safety seriously. Whether someone is walking to school, cycling to work, catching a bus, or driving through one of our towns and villages, everyone deserves to get home safely.

“The growth in support for 20mph schemes across the county shows that communities understand the benefits. These measures are not about stopping people getting around; they are about creating streets that feel safer, calmer and more welcoming for everyone.”

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “The reduction in people killed or seriously injured on Oxfordshire’s roads is hugely important. Behind every statistic is a real person, a family and a community affected by road collisions.

“Although these figures are provisional, they provide further evidence that our safety measures, including 20mph schemes and wider traffic calming initiatives, are having a positive effect.

“We know there is still much more to do, but this should give communities confidence that the decisions we have taken are the right ones.”

The Botley office, located on West Way near Seacourt Tower, is viewed as an ideal spot given it offers practical, well-equipped workspaces as well offering good transport links including proximity to Seacourt Park and Ride.

The move is part of the council’s broader programme to make best use of its buildings, support more flexible ways of working, and make sure teams have access to suitable, modern office space across Oxfordshire. County Hall will close in late 2026 and Speedwell House will open in Spring 2028.

Contracts were exchanged in late 2025 for the sale of County Hall to global investor and UK real estate owner and operator L&G, on behalf of its Managed Property Fund. They have commissioned developers Reef Origin who already have strong experience of working in Oxford.

Cllr Dan Levy, Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Transformation, said: “We are looking forward in coming times to seeing Speedwell House taking shape as a new net zero office in 2028 as well as watching County Hall change and then thrive in its new guise as a hotel. The sale of County Hall is providing the funding for the renewal of Speedwell House. The plan works financially as well as operationally.

“The move to Speedwell House will help regenerate and boost that area just to the south of the city centre and the hotel at County Hall is part of continued work to improve the western arrival into the city, with the council having recently acquired the lease at the Oxford Castle complex and the transformation that is underway around the railway station.

“Our existing offices throughout the county will provide bases for our teams and these will now be supplemented by the excellent and ideally located Midland House. These are solid plans from which our officers can continue to provide excellent services to the people of Oxfordshire,”

The future investments agreed include an amended offer for park and ride bus travel in Oxford, with the introduction of a £3 combined ticket, covering 16 hours’ parking and return bus travel for up to five people, from mid-August until the end of March 2027, and additional benefits for other groups; including for NHS and school staff working in Oxford.

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “The temporary congestion charge is giving residents and visitors to the city faster journeys, cleaner air, reduced traffic and safer streets.

“We now have an opportunity, with the funding from the scheme, to support some measures with lasting impact that will improve convenience and road safety for the most vulnerable road users. The measures we have agreed to fund today go some way towards tackling some of the persistent traffic problems we’ve seen, and also help to spread the benefits of the scheme as widely as possible, ensuring workers in our schools and hospitals, too, see the benefits.”

Free park and ride bus travel was first introduced on 29 October to support the temporary congestion charge, which has been implemented as an interim measure while Botley Road remains closed, preventing the start of the traffic filter trial.

Other initiatives that will be funded by the temporary scheme include:

• Free weekday park and ride parking and free or discounted weekday bus travel for NHS and school staff working in Oxford – subject to further discussion with NHS trusts, schools and Oxford City Council.
• Hospital express park and ride services.
• Free bus travel for six months per participant in the council’s Connect to Work programme for 2026 - 27.
• Active travel infrastructure work to address 'missing links' in the active travel network, including pedestrian crossings, side road entry treatments, and secure cycle parking.
• Investigating a limited trial of subsidised bus season tickets for certain communities.

Up to two adults and three children with a valid park and ride parking ticket are currently able to claim free travel to and from park and ride sites in the city. The tickets must be obtained from the bus driver at a park and ride site, and are valid on any Stagecoach, Oxford Bus Company or Thames Travel bus that stops at a park and ride site in Oxford, not just named park and ride services. 

Further details about agreed initiatives will be made available on the council’s website.

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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

Quiet lanes are designated roads where motor traffic is restricted to make it safer for people to walk, wheel, cycle, wheel and horse ride. By removing through traffic, quiet lanes can reduce vehicle numbers and speeds, lower the risk and severity of collisions, and make minor roads feel calmer and safer. Access is maintained for residents, farmers, businesses and emergency services.

Picture: Leader of Oxfordshire County Council Tim Bearder on Shepherd's Pit Lane

Several quiet lanes already exist in Oxfordshire, and the new approach in Oxfordshire is an enhancement to existing Department for Transport policy, going beyond traditional signage-based lanes to achieve the safest outcomes.

New lanes will only be introduced where there is strong local support, including from parish and county councillors, for the measure and a suitable alternative route for motor traffic.

Councillor Rebekah Fletcher, Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “Quiet lanes are about making sure local roads work for the communities that live there, not as cut-throughs for traffic they were never designed to carry. 

“This new approach will help us to prioritise walking, wheeling, cycling and horse riding, and give us a clear and consistent way to provide quiet lanes where there is strong local support. We will use evidence to make sure schemes are safe, effective and sensitive to their surroundings. By piloting schemes first, we can get them right before any permanent decisions are made.

“I look forward to working with parish and town councils and local councillors on this locally led and innovative programme.”

Oxfordshire’s new quiet lanes will prioritise physical measures supported by reduced speed limits, typically to 20mph.

All new schemes in the pilot will include:

• physical measures to prohibit through traffic, such as gates and bollards
• quiet lane signage
• speed limit changes

Overall journey times for drivers are usually only slightly affected because suitable alternative routes must be available.

The council will now work with parish and town councils and local councillors to identify and pilot new sites.

Each scheme will be subject to statutory consultation, which will allow measures to be tested in practice, evidence to be collected and designs refined before any permanent decisions are made.

More information

• The term “quiet lane” is often used to describe a road where signage alone indicates suitability for walking, wheeling and cycling. However, evidence shows that sign only approaches do not reliably reduce traffic volumes or speeds. For more information visit TRL's website.
• Quiet lanes also connect bridleways with public rights of way, benefitting horse riders.
• All newly proposed quiet lanes schemes will be assessed using a standard countywide framework considering safety, traffic levels, availability of alternative routes, environmental benefits and community support.
• Pilot schemes will be delivered using experimental traffic regulation orders (ETROs) and will be subject to statutory consultation.
• The quiet lanes programme is funded through a county council capital allocation.
• The council will invite parish and town councils and local county councillors to express an interest in the scheme and identify any suitable local routes.

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The Cottesmore footbridge, used by pedestrians and cyclists to cross the A4142 Eastern Bypass, near the Heyford Hill roundabout, has been closed for safety reasons.

The footbridge, which connects Cottesmore Road to Thomson Terrace and links to the Sainsbury’s supermarket, was closed after Oxfordshire County Council inspectors identified safety concerns with the structure.

A diversion route for pedestrians will be in place via the Rose Hill subway on a street-lit route, without any steps. An alternative shorter route to Sainsbury’s via the pedestrian crossing adjacent Heyford Hill roundabout is available but involves steps or a steep ramp and is not all lit at night.

Councillor Rebekah Fletcher, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “We appreciate how popular this footbridge is, and how important it is for the communities of Rose Hill and Littlemore.

“However, our top priority is always the safety of the public, and we will not compromise on that. The decision to close the bridge has not been taken lightly, but it was the only option in the circumstances.”

Engineers from the council and its principal highways contractor M Group will now consider options to determine the best plan of action for the footbridge for the long term.

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He has summed up the feeling of a continued sense of loss following the deaths of Firefighters Jennie Logan and Martyn Sadler, and a well-known member of the public, Dave Chester. He thanks everyone for the outpourings of kindness and support shown over the last 12 months.

Please watch the chief fire officer’s video. The words he delivers are re-produced below.

Chief Fire Officer Rob MacDougall

As we approach one year since the heartbreaking event on 15th May 2025 at Bicester Motion, I wanted to take a moment to pay tribute to Jennie Logan, Martyn Sadler and Dave Chester.

That evening, we lost two of our friends and colleagues, Firefighters Jennie and Martyn - alongside Dave, a well‑known and valued member of the Bicester community. Their loss is something that stays with all of us.

We know how deeply cared for, loved and respected Jennie, Martyn and Dave were to everyone who knew them. 

I want to thank you, our communities, for the outpouring of kindness and support that has been shown in their honour.

The compassion shown by so many people over the last year is something we will never forget. Thank you.

In planning how the first anniversary is honoured, we’ve been speaking with the families and our firefighters at Bicester.

We ask on behalf of them and us that you respect the private arrangements in place to pay tribute to Jennie, Martyn and Dave are respected.

We know that so many people across the nation will want to show their support. I encourage you to take a moment on the 15th to quietly reflect on the tragedy that unfolded a year ago and caused the devastating loss of Jennie, Martyn and Dave. It will forever be a reminder of what we ask of our firefighters and our emergency service colleagues.

I am still so grateful to all of the emergency services who attended Bicester Motion twelve months ago; the professionalism shown by every single blue light responder was exemplary and is something we will not forget. Thank you.

Firefighters at stations across the country have been invited, through their services, to quietly mark the first-year anniversary with a minute silence, within their own fire stations, at the time of call which was 18:39 this Friday.

Alongside the loved ones for Jennie, Martyn and Dave we will also be holding a private remembrance service.

From all of us at Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service, thank you for your continued care, respect and understanding. 

We know that the families and our colleagues at Bicester Fire Station feel your support and kindness and this has been a great comfort as we continue to come to terms with our loss. 

 

Thank you.

The future of Oxford’s Castle Quarter looks bright after Oxfordshire County Council reached an agreement to purchase the lease at the site.

This follows expert independent advice that the deal represents a sound long-term investment for taxpayers, while creating the conditions to accelerate regeneration in a strategically important part of Oxford city centre.

It also supports a coherent approach to the western arrival into the city, sitting alongside the re‑imagining of County Hall as a hotel and the wider transformation underway around the railway station.

In 2005 the Council decided to sell a long-term lease for Castle Quarter to enable major investment in and redevelopment of a site that had previously operated as a prison for many decades.

That investment successfully transformed the site and brought new activity into the city centre. Since then, the mix of uses at Castle Quarter has continued to evolve.

While some elements, including the Malmaison Hotel, continue to perform strongly, others offer clear scope for renewal and further investment, particularly given the site’s location between the railway station, Westgate and Oxford’s historic core.

As existing freeholder of Castle Quarter, Oxfordshire County Council seized the opportunity to purchase the lease when it became available. Following careful consideration and having taken advice from legal, financial and property experts, it was determined that the deal represented an exceptional opportunity.

The prospect of delivering strong financial returns for taxpayers in future years, alongside the potential to drive regeneration within the area, made the decision compelling.

Cllr Dan Levy, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “This is an exciting moment for Oxford city centre, but it is not a decision the council has taken lightly. We have carried out thorough due diligence and sought expert advice to make sure the risks to the taxpayers and the county council are low while the prospects for real benefits are high.

“When the opportunity arose to purchase the lease, we looked closely at the financial, legal and commercial implications. The clear conclusion was that returning the lease to the county council as the existing freeholder was the right decision, with good prospects for both the city centre and public funds.

“Combined with the transformation currently underway in and around the railway station, this creates an opportunity to refresh and boost the Castle Quarter and support positive change to the western approach to the city centre.

“The site is very close to Westgate, the city centre attractions, the railway station and the new hotel that will replace County Hall. The ingredients for success are clear to see and there is excitement about the change that can now begin to be delivered.

“We are operating in a challenging financial environment and so it’s really important the council makes prudent, well‑evidenced decisions. This decision allows the county council and a successor council or councils after local government reorganisation to influence very positive change in the city centre while delivering a strong financial return to support the delivery of frontline services.”