The annual competition, hosted by Oxfordshire County Council’s libraries service, is a chance to discover new writers, original stories and unique voices from around Oxfordshire.

Winners of each category will see their short story published as an eBook on the Oxfordshire Libraries OverDrive platform and Libby app.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Our short story competition is always popular and generates amazing levels of creativity and engagement.

“Past winning stories have gone on to become some of the year's most popular downloads, making this a fantastic opportunity to get your writing published, discovered and enjoyed by readers across the county.”

The competition is split into three age categories:

• Children: seven to 11 years old
• Young adult: 12 to 17 years old
• Adult: 18 and above.

Children’s stories can be up to 1,000 words. Stories by young adults and adults can be up to 3,000 words.

The competition is free to enter, and entries can be submitted until Sunday 15 November 2026.

Full competition terms and conditions as well as information about how to submit entries can be found on Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

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Oxfordshire County Council’s temporary congestion charge will be replaced by the traffic filter trial on 28 September as the council continues its work to tackle congestion, improve bus reliability and support sustainable travel across the city.

For most people who already hold a temporary congestion charge permit, there is no need to take any action as their permit will automatically transfer to the traffic filter scheme. However, Oxfordshire residents, businesses and organisations that do not currently hold a permit are being encouraged to check their eligibility and apply before the trial begins.

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: "If you don't currently have a permit and think you may be eligible, now is the time to check and apply. Taking action now will help ensure a smooth transition when the trial begins on 28 September."

Applications can be made online. Residents in the Oxford permit area are eligible for 100 free day passes per year, while residents in the Oxfordshire permit area are eligible for 25 free day passes per year.

The traffic filter trial was approved by Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet in November 2022 following a public consultation.

The temporary congestion charge was introduced in October 2025 as an interim measure while the Botley Road closure prevented the planned introduction of traffic filters. Monitoring data published monthly shows a number of encouraging trends.

Use of Oxford's park and ride network has increased significantly since the congestion charge was introduced. The most recent data for July 2026 shows that usage was up by 44 per cent at Redbridge, 33 per cent at Oxford Parkway and 31 per cent at Seacourt compared with the previous year.

Oxford Bus Company has reported around 41,000 additional passenger journeys per week across Oxfordshire compared with the same period last year, representing approximately 12 per cent growth. Around 17,450 of those journeys each week are linked to increased park and ride use.

The council's monitoring has recorded consistently lower traffic volumes on a number of key routes into Oxford, including Magdalen Bridge, Folly Bridge and Abingdon Road, which showed reductions of 8 per cent, 12 per cent and 5 per cent respectively in June 2026. At the same time, some outer and ring-road sections are experiencing increased traffic or longer journeys, such as the sections between Cutteslowe roundabout and Wolvercote roundabout, Headington and Marsh Lane, and the southern ring road around Kennington, Heyford Hill and Hinksey Hill.

More than 129,000 permits have been issued since the temporary congestion charge was introduced.

Councillor Epps added: "The experience of the temporary congestion charge has shown encouraging signs that people are changing how they travel and that traffic and journey times have improved on many routes into central Oxford. We have seen strong growth in park and ride use, significant increases in bus patronage and improvements in journey times on a number of key routes into the city.

"The traffic filter trial is the next step in helping us tackle congestion that has blighted the city for decades.

“A six-month public consultation will open on 28 September. Feedback from residents and businesses 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.”

About the traffic filter trial

• 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.
• 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.

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Residents are being encouraged to take up the offer of a free electric blanket check, part of Oxfordshire County Council’s programme to ensure everyone is safe, as well as warm, this winter.

As electric blanket tests are normally very popular, they must be booked in advance to be guaranteed.

Sessions will be held at locations across the county. The full address and a specific time slot will be provided at time of booking:

September 2026:

• Monday 21: Thame
• Tuesday 22: Rose Hill, Oxford
• Wednesday 23: Banbury
• Thursday 24: Chipping Norton
• Friday 25: Abingdon

October 2026

• Monday 5: Didcot
• Tuesday 6: Barton, Headington
• Wednesday 7: Bicester
• Thursday 8: Witney
• Friday 9: Wantage

Of the 920 electric blankets tested at last year’s events, 338 failed safety assessments - a failure rate of 36.7 per cent, which is an increase from the previous year.

Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: “This is something we have been offering for 26 years, free of charge, to our residents, and we encourage everyone to take advantage of it. If the condition of a blanket is allowed to deteriorate, there is a risk it could become faulty, posing a danger of injury or fire.

“Blankets and throws might fail a safety assessment for many reasons, and even quite new blankets can fail. This is why it’s important to have them regularly tested at one of our free annual events.

“We know electric blankets might not be top of your summer to-do list, but now is the perfect time to make sure yours is safe for winter.”

Appointments can be booked by visiting electric blanket testing, calling 01865 895999 (option three) or emailing duty.officer@oxfordshire.gov.uk.

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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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Academics, policymakers and community leaders in Oxfordshire came together on 15 July to celebrate the success and share insights and findings from the third Local Policy Lab Fellowship programme.

Supported and introduced by the Local Policy Lab’s Chief Scientific Advisors, the current cohort of 16 Fellows shared their project plans, research and outcomes at a showcase at the Blavatnik School of Government.

The Local Policy Lab, an alliance between Oxfordshire County Council, the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University. It gives students and researchers the chance to work with local communities and understand how policy affects people in Oxfordshire.

Professor Adam Briggs, Deputy Director of Public Health at Oxfordshire County Council and programme policy partner, said: “One of the most rewarding aspects of this programme is seeing students get out of the classroom to embrace the complexity of local government, including the changing landscape of local government reorganisation, and deliver projects that provide really practical ways forward for us to better understand and meet the needs of local communities.

“By exploring questions that matter to people’s everyday lives, from care and support to employment, skills and children’s early years, the fellows are helping us build stronger evidence for decisions that can make a real difference to people across Oxfordshire.”

Aileen Marshall-Brown, Head of Engagement for the Social Sciences Division, University of Oxford, said: “For the fellows, this is an opportunity to apply their research skills to real policy questions, learn more about how evidence is used in practice, and work across institutional and professional boundaries.”

This year’s research projects brought together knowledge from many areas, including psychology, public policy, education, computing and law, and looked at important local issues such as adult social care, children’s early years, green skills, employment and more:

• Measuring What Matters: Identifying Practical Approaches to Evaluating Community Capacity Grants for Grassroot Organisations, by Freya Cole Norton and Ishbel Anderson

• Beyond the Front Door: Equity and Experience in Adult Social Care in OCC, Belen Tomic Perez and Ruben Moss-Keys

• Beyond Counting Conversations: Developing a Meaningful Evaluation Framework for Making Every Contact Count (MECC) in Oxfordshire, by Neha Bhuvarahan and Nandini Bohra

• Mapping Green-Skills Provision Across Oxfordshire, by Khin Oo Thazin and Anna Luiza Barbosa

• Understanding the Impact of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) on Young People's Engagement in Education, Employment and Training, by Nafisa Salsabil Zaman and Valter Manuel Gomes Neto

• Making the Invisible Visible: The Assessment of Harmful Parental Conflict in Children's Services, by Cameron Tan and Charlotte Mason

• Towards Meaningful Outcomes for Families, Children & the System: Evaluating the Adult-Facing Practitioner Role in Domestic Abuse Interventions, by Raquel de Almeida Lima and Otilia Rose-Marie Meden

• Best Start in Life – Good Levels of Development in Oxfordshire, by Pippa Naegeli-Evans and Yasmin Arnould

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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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People with a range of learning and physical disabilities, and mental health needs use Bicester Community Support Service (BCSS) in Launton Road on a daily basis.

There’s now an opportunity to use an industrial kitchen already on site and the service would like to purchase equipment and customer facilities to make it a lunch hot spot.

The team is looking to buy tables and chairs, coffee making equipment, panini makers, and more, so they can make and serve lunches, snacks and drinks.

A JustGiving page has been created to raise funds for the equipment, licences, training and resources needed to set up the café. Once established, it is hoped the café will generate enough money to sustain itself and grow to give more people positive experiences.

Adults with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, mental health needs, and dementia regularly attend the Bicester centre and the café will help people live more independent, fulfilling lives. The café would provide experiences in additional to the meaningful activities and opportunities that improve health, build confidence, and reduce social isolation. This year the service has already taken a theatre trip to see Steps the Musical, day trips and have built a brand-new custom shed.

Councillor Rebekah Fletcher, Cabinet member for Adults, said: “This is a fantastic idea which will create a real-life work environment and experience for the people we support.

"It is through innovative ideas like this that we, and our fantastic communities, can help people build confidence, independence and social connection, a genuine sense of purpose and achievement.

“Not only will they still attend BCSS but the people we support will have a café to go to where they can genuinely participate in supporting their local community.”

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Oxfordshire has been recognised nationally for its work to build a healthier, fairer and more sustainable food system, after becoming one of only seven places in the UK to win the Sustainable Food Places Gold Award.

The award celebrates places that have embedded food in local policy and taken cross-sector action to tackle environmental, social and economic food challenges.

Oxfordshire County Council has worked closely with Good Food Oxfordshire, the partnership driving sustainable food change across the county, and other partners to support this work, which aims to make healthy, affordable and sustainable food easier for everyone to access.

Good Food Oxfordshire applied for the award earlier this year, following a silver award in 2023.

Jenny Ekelund, CEO of Good Food Oxfordshire, said: “Winning the Gold Award is an incredible validation of the years spent weaving together local businesses, councils, community groups and farmers across Oxfordshire. It shows what happens when a whole county commits to working as a team.

“This achievement showcases gold-worthy sustainability work being done in all corners of Oxfordshire, from grassroots community projects and local farms to academic research and local government policy. This award belongs to everyone who has grown, served, and advocated for better food in Oxfordshire.”

Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: “Good food is about much more than what is on our plates. It is about supporting local producers, reducing our impact on the environment, helping communities to thrive and making it easier for everyone to access healthy, affordable food, particularly those most vulnerable to food insecurity.

“We are proud to work closely with Good Food Oxfordshire and partners across the county. Together, we are showing what can be achieved when councils, communities, businesses, farmers and the voluntary sector work towards a shared goal.”

As part of the rigorous application process, Good Food Oxfordshire highlighted two areas of exceptional achievement that set Oxfordshire apart: community-centred research through the Oxfordshire Living Lab (FEAST) project and its collaborative, solutions-led approach with Oxfordshire County Council.

Chloe Smee, Sustainable Food Places Partnership Lead and one of the Gold Award assessors, added: “Good Food Oxfordshire has shown what a mature, trusted food partnership can achieve. The care invested in building participative, cross-sector governance has been immense. That often invisible work of holding relationships together pays off when it matters most, ensuring Oxfordshire has an active, resilient network ready to respond whenever opportunities or challenges arise.”

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Disability Related Expenditure, which is an additional payment to the Government's Minimum Income Guarantee, has been returned to 25 per cent, and changes have been made to the telecare and council-arranged transport policies.

Adult social care is not free at the point of delivery and is means-tested. The changes will enable the service to continue to support people who have Care Act 2014-eligible support needs.

The policies are within the context of a projected funding gap of £5.4 million in 2026/27 and a forecast reduction in government funding of £27.2 million by 2028/29.

Councillor Rebekah Fletcher, Cabinet Member for Adults, said: “I would like to thank everyone who took the time to contribute to this process. Thank you to those who responded to the consultation, shared their experiences and concerns, and to members of the Scrutiny Committee for their thoughtful challenge and recommendations.

“You were listened to, and your feedback has directly informed the decision-making process and the safeguards that have been built into these proposals.

“What remains unchanged is our commitment to assessing people based on their individual circumstances and protecting those who need support.

“The Oxfordshire Way means fairness and sustainability. We are protecting people through robust safeguards and individual reviews, while ensuring adult social care remains sustainable for the future. That's the Oxfordshire Way supporting those who need us most while being responsible stewards of public money.

“No proposal of this nature is without impact, and we recognise that some people will feel these changes are difficult or unfair. Where that is the case, it is important that individual circumstances are properly considered and that the safeguards available are actively used.

“This is why the council has retained individual financial assessments, the Minimum Income Guarantee, Disability Related Expenditure reassessment routes, waiver arrangements, review mechanisms and targeted monitoring to ensure people receive support appropriate to their circumstances.”

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Businesses and consumers across Oxfordshire are being warned about the risks of buying and selling counterfeit toys after the county council’s trading standards team seized a number of fake items during a recent inspection.

The team found fruit shaped squishy stress relievers and squeeze balls that were missing vital labelling information. Products marketed as NeeDoh Nice Cubes were also seized as counterfeit copies of the popular toy.

The seized toys were not labelled with the details of a UK manufacturer or importer.

Davina Walkin, Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards Operations Manager, said: “Toys that are untraceable, with no UK manufacturer or importer details, mean there is no one to take legal responsibility for the product.

“These items often bypass mandatory safety testing and have been found to contain dangerous substances such as phthalates and benzene. If a toy cannot be traced back to a responsible UK business, it should not be on sale.

“We are reminding retailers that they must carry out proper checks on the products they stock and make sure toys have the correct markings, warnings and manufacturer or importer details.”

All toys sold in the UK should be labelled with:

• UKCA or CE safety markings
• Details of a UK manufacturer or importer, including name and address information
• Clear warnings and instructions

Councillor Kate Gregory, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: “It can be really easy as a parent to be drawn into buying a bargain toy for our children, especially as we try to keep up with the latest trends. But sometimes these can be too good to be true. Fake toys can lack important safety features and information that are required by law and, in some cases, could be harmful.

“We would urge parents and carers to check toys carefully before buying, particularly from unfamiliar sellers or online marketplaces, and to report anything they are worried about so our trading standards team can investigate.”

Anyone who has concerns about toys they have purchased or seen on sale can contact trading standards by calling the Citizens Advice national consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.

Details of how to spot a fake NeeDoh can be found online.

Information on product safety alerts and recalls for toys and other consumer goods can be found on the Office for Product Safety and Standards’ website.

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An Oxford man has been fined more than £2,000 after pleading guilty to several tobacco offences following an investigation by Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards team.

Sami Shridi, 47, of Marshall Road, Oxford, pleaded guilty at Reading Magistrates' Court on Friday 24 July to offences under tobacco legislation relating to waterpipe products, commonly known as shisha.

The court imposed fines totalling £506, a victim surcharge of £202 and prosecution costs of £1,625, making a total of £2,333 payable by Mr Shridi.

It also ordered the forfeiture of all seized tobacco products.

The prosecution followed an inspection of Thirst Bar, Park End Street, Oxford, where Mr Shridi operated a shisha business in the garden area.

During a visit in March 2025, officers seized more than eight kilograms of illegal shisha tobacco, which failed to comply with legal packaging requirements and was non-duty paid.

Officers found containers of tobacco products that did not carry the required health warnings and referred to smells or flavourings, which is prohibited by law.

Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: "Tobacco products are heavily regulated for good reason. Health warnings, prohibitions on flavours and restrictions on advertising all exist to protect public health and reduce the harm caused by smoking.

“These rules are there to protect people, and this case shows why it is important that businesses take their responsibilities seriously.”

The investigation also identified social media posts from the bar promoting tobacco products, which has been prohibited in the UK for many years as part of measures to reduce smoking and protect public health.

Trading standards had previously provided written and face-to-face advice to Mr Shridi on tobacco legislation and compliance following earlier seizures in 2019 and 2020.

Davina Walkin, Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards Operations Manager, added: “Businesses that choose to ignore these requirements gain an unfair advantage over those who comply with the law. We were particularly concerned that detailed advice had already been provided on the same issues, yet non-compliant products continued to be supplied and promoted. We will continue to investigate and take action where businesses fail to meet their legal responsibilities."

Trading standards is responsible for enforcing a range of tobacco legislation, including laws relating to advertising, packaging and health warnings.

Anyone with information about the sale of illicit or non-compliant tobacco and nicotine products can report it anonymously by calling 0300 999 6 999 or visiting www.stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk.

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Partners from across Oxfordshire came together at an event last Friday, 10 July, to share learning, celebrate community led action and strengthen efforts to tackle health inequalities across the county.

The event, held at Unipart House in Oxford, also marked the launch of Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Public Health Annual Report 2026. The report reflects on progress since the inaugural report back in 2020, and highlights the importance of partnership working, community insight and local action in improving health outcomes.

Bringing together colleagues from local government, health organisations, and the voluntary and community sector, the event focused on how services and communities can work together to reduce inequalities and improve people’s health and wellbeing.

Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: “This annual report shows both the progress we have made over the past five years and the importance of continuing to work together to tackle health inequalities in Oxfordshire.

“While there is more to do, it is encouraging to see the difference strong partnership working can make in supporting healthier lives and stronger communities.

“The launch event was a valuable opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved so far, share learning, and renew our collective focus on the work ahead.”

Speakers reflected on the progress made over the past five years, as well as the challenges that remain, while also exploring Oxfordshire’s Marmot Place journey so far, practical examples of community led work, and the growing role of Community Health Development Officers in helping local people shape solutions that meet the needs of their communities.

The event also looked at how district councils, voluntary and community organisations, and local partners are contributing to place-based approaches that build on community strengths and gave participants the opportunity to share ideas on how to build on this work in future.

Ansaf Azhar, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “I was pleased to welcome colleagues and partners from district and city councils, healthcare settings, and voluntary and community organisations to the launch event in Oxford.

“My annual report is an important opportunity to look back on five years of work to reduce health inequalities in Oxfordshire and to be honest about where challenges remain.

“Five years on from my first annual report, ‘Some are more equal than others’, it shows that change is possible, but it does not happen quickly or by chance. It takes sustained action, strong local partnerships, and a clear focus on the communities most affected by poorer health outcomes.

“The learning shared during the event will help inform the next phase of this work across the county, as partners continue working together to improve health and wellbeing for all residents.”

Back in 2019, the Index of Multiple Deprivation data identified ten communities in Oxfordshire with small areas among the 20 per cent most deprived nationally. The most recent data, published in October 2025, shows this has fallen to eight.

Find out more on the Director of Public Health Annual Report website.

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The new councils will be:

• 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.

Three proposals were presented to government in November 2025 by Oxfordshire and West Berkshire councils – a single county unitary, two unitary councils and three unitary councils.

These councils have been working together since the start of the year to plan and prepare for the future of council services, regardless of which option the government chose. This work has also been focused on ensuring services continue without disruption for residents.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “I am deeply disappointed in the government’s decision to split Oxfordshire up into three unitary councils – it does not deliver on its vision to simplify and improve local government services.

“The three-council model does not meet the government’s criteria for scale, efficiency and financial resilience. It offers the lowest cost savings of all the proposals.

“We will also need three directors of adult social care, three for children’s social care for example, which increases costs and risks disruption to these high-performing critical services.

“We all have a responsibility to our residents to achieve the best outcomes we can for them, maintaining continuous service delivery as we transition and in the creation of any new councils.

“To do this, we will work together with our colleagues, partners and communities to keep championing Oxfordshire, collaborate effectively to do all we can to build the best possible future for our people and places.

“We will find a way forward to provide the stable foundation our communities and economy need to thrive.”

Each of the proposals submitted included fully costed options for the government to consider.

The government ran a statutory consultation in February 2026 on the options with local stakeholders, residents and businesses invited to have their say. The results of the consultation have been published today on the government’s website.

Over the next two years, the existing councils will continue working together to prepare for the new arrangements, keeping people informed as plans develop ahead of April 2028.

The full details of the three-unitary proposal can be found on 3councils.org

More information

The letter for government confirming the decision is available to read in full on the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government's website.

Key timeline

• Proposals submitted: 27 November 2025
• Public consultation: 5 February 2026 - 26 March 2026
• Government’s minded-to decision: 16 July 2026
  • The minded to decision is the government’s preferred, provisional decision before it’s put into law through a structural changes order (SCO).
• Structural changes order (SCO): Expected autumn 2026
  • An SCO is legislation that will officially end the existing two-tier county and district councils in Oxfordshire. We expect the legislation to be laid and agreed at this point but it won’t come fully into effect until vesting day.
• Elections for the new unitaries: May 2027.
  • After the elections shadow authorities will be created to plan the new councils, but they will not deliver services. They will focus on preparing for the future councils.
• Transition period: Expected late 2026 - March 2028.
• Vesting day: New council begins 1 April 2028.
  • The official go-live date when the new council takes over and legal powers, responsibilities and ownership transfers from the previous councils to the new one.

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People are being encouraged to help drive out organised crime by reporting vehicles used as mobile storage for illegal tobacco to Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards team.

This comes after recent multi agency operations uncovered two such vehicles, with illegal tobacco seized from both.

Parked vehicles, also known as ‘stash cars’, are increasingly being used by criminals to store counterfeit cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco. They are typically left near local shops, allowing sellers to replenish stock in small amounts and avoid detection during trading standards inspections.

Councillor Kate Gregory, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities said: “The sale of illegal tobacco disadvantages legitimate local businesses, undermines efforts to reduce smoking and funds wider organised crime gangs.

“Unregulated counterfeit products also pose a heightened health risk, as they bypass strict safety standards on fire safety and are often sold cheaply to children by criminals who do not care about age restrictions.”

Signs that a vehicle may be a ‘stash car’ include:

• Frequent and brief visits by individuals retrieving small bags or packages from the vehicle
• Vehicles parked for long periods near local convenience stores or vape shops that are regularly approached by staff
• Transactions taking place directly from the window or boot of a parked vehicle
• Vehicles that appear abandoned on private land, untaxed or without a valid MOT

Davina Walkin, Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards Operations Manager, added: “If you see suspicious activity around vehicles near local shops, please tell us what you know. You can tell us anonymously. Your report can directly help keep our community safe and stub out the sale of these illegal products.”

Members of the public are urged not to confront suspected sellers, but to report any suspicious vehicle activity, including the make, model, registration number and location.

Anyone with information about the illegal sale of tobacco and nicotine products should call 0300 999 6 999 to report it anonymously or visit www.stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk.

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Children and young people are at the heart of ongoing efforts to create a fairer future for all in the county, as Oxfordshire County Council commits to acting on the findings of a recent report by the Institute of Health Equity, as part of becoming a Marmot Place.

The report, Starting stronger, fairer futures in Oxfordshire, sets out clear evidence that while people in Oxfordshire generally live longer and healthier lives than the national average, outcomes are not experienced equally, with significant differences between communities.

It brings together data alongside insight from local partners and communities and recognises the strong foundation of work already under way across Oxfordshire, while also noting that further action is needed to ensure that support reaches those who need it most and is delivered at the right scale.

Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: “Oxfordshire is a county with many strengths, but this report outlines that not everyone has the same opportunities to live a healthy life.

“We welcome these findings. Tackling the inequalities highlighted in this report is a priority for this administration, and the evidence will help guide our next steps as we work with partners to reduce inequalities.

“Our aim is to ensure that everyone, regardless of where they live or their circumstances, has the chance to thrive.”

Matin Reeves, Chief Executive of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “This report is an important milestone in our shared ambition to tackle health inequalities across Oxfordshire. It shows clearly that while overall outcomes are strong, there are unacceptable differences between and within communities that we must address.

“We are committed to working with partners across health, education, the voluntary and community sector, and local businesses to build on existing efforts and turn the report’s recommendations into clear and deliverable actions.

“This includes a particular focus on ensuring every child has the best start in life, strengthening early intervention, and addressing the wider factors that influence health and wellbeing.

“By working together, we can build a fairer Oxfordshire where every child and family has the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.”

Professor Sir Michael Marmot, Director of the UCL Institute of Health Equity, said: “Oxfordshire has shown real leadership by becoming a Marmot Place. The IHE is now working with nearly 70 places across the country, including the whole of Scotland and Wales. We are building up a wealth of evidence on how to implement the eight principles for greater health equity. The task now for Oxfordshire is to build on the strong work already under way and create the conditions that allow all local residents to flourish, equitably.”

Work is already under way to develop detailed action plans that will translate the report’s recommendations into practical steps. These will focus on improving outcomes for children, young people and families, and supporting healthier communities across the county.

Back in 2019, Index of Multiple Deprivation data identified ten communities in Oxfordshire with small areas in the 20 per cent most deprived nationally. In October 2025, the most recent data showed that this had reduced to eight.

More information

Oxfordshire is working with University College London’s Institute of Health Equity to understand the factors causing different health outcomes for our population. Health is impacted by many factors in life, such as having good quality homes, a stable income and good education, as well as lifestyle choices such as what we eat and how much exercise we take.  

Marmot places are local areas that adopt evidence-based principles and methodology developed by Sir Michael Marmot and his team, to tackle the causes of health inequalities.

Read the report in full by visiting the Institute of Health Equity's website.

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Following a hearing at the High Court on 9 July, the Court has granted a final injunction in favour of Oxfordshire County Council to prevent unauthorised conduct including abuse and intimidation aimed at staff, contractors and members of the council relating to unauthorised placement of flags on highway structures by named individuals and those affiliated with the group known as Raise the Colours.

For further information, please see here: Unauthorised flags - High Court injunction granted on 23 June 2026 | Oxfordshire County Council.

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People who have overcome additional challenges to enter the workplace have been celebrated at a special ceremony. 

Twenty-two young people received recognition for their hard work and determination in securing internships with local businesses. The placements are completed alongside college study, and each person aged 16 to 24 is supported by a dedicated support worker. 

The supported internship and government-funded Connect to Work programmes provide tailored support to residents with learning and physical disabilities, as well as long-term health conditions. 

The event was hosted by Oxfordshire County Council’s Oxfordshire Employment service at County Hall. It highlighted the achievements of individuals who have gained valuable skills, confidence and real-world work experience, with some progressing into paid employment thanks to personalised, one-to-one support. 

The programmes help build confidence and resilience, enabling participants to take meaningful steps towards independence and a future in employment. 

The recipient of the Connect to Work Achievement in Employment Award demonstrated from the outset that, with the right adjustments, all he needed was the opportunity to show what he could do. He did exactly that and is now thriving in a customer service role. 

The Supported Intern of the Year was commended for their dedication and positive attitude, earning excellent customer feedback, including strong reviews on TripAdvisor. 

Proud family and friends attended the ceremony to watch the young people receive their certificates from Councillor Ted Fenton, Chair of Oxfordshire County Council; Councillor Rebekah Fletcher, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care; and Karen Fuller, Director of Adult Social Care. 

Councillor Rebekah Fletcher said: “This was a great event and incredibly uplifting to see these young people taking their first steps into work.

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to find fulfilling, meaningful employment, and this event celebrates the determination and achievements of those who are making that journey.”

Will Gardner, Team Manager for Oxfordshire Employment, said: “It’s fantastic to see the progress individuals have made through our supported internships and Connect to Work programmes. 

“This event recognises not just outcomes, but personal journeys; the confidence gained, the skills developed, and the ambition shown by everyone involved. We’re proud to support people as they take their next steps into employment.” 

Dr Martin Reeves, Chief Executive of Oxfordshire County Council, told attendees that employment opportunities should be accessible to everyone, and that inclusive employment remains an untapped resource benefiting both businesses and residents.

Two companies offering inclusive placements were also recognised at the event.

The Pub Club provides paid employment opportunities leading to permanent careers in hospitality. It supports young people in West Oxfordshire aged over 18, helping develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to succeed. 

GXO Logistics in Banbury was recognised for its strong track record in inclusive employment across North Oxfordshire. The company consistently goes above and beyond to create accessible opportunities and was awarded an inclusive leader award for exemplary practice as employers and colleagues. GXO also supports the programmes as ambassadors for Supported Internships and Connect to Work. 

Matthew Plastow, GXO senior operations manager, said: “Participating in the supported internship scheme has been a positive experience for The Entertainer. 

“Our interns have adapted well to the company and are friendly and hard working. 

“The company has strong links with the local communities in which it operates, and this scheme helps local young people facing barriers to employment gain access to the workplace.”

Picture shows Councillor Rebekah Fletcher awarding Matthew Plastow of GXO, Banbury, one of their two awards.

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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 .

From rugby and museum trips to cookery lessons and camping, free activities are available for children across the county through Oxfordshire County Council’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme this summer.

Open to all children aged four to sixteen in receipt of free school meals, the programme offers up to sixteen sessions of enriching activities over the summer holidays.

Each session lasts at least four hours and includes at least 60 minutes of physical activity, practical advice on eating well, and a healthy meal.

Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: “This programme provides free activities and meals for more than 18,000 children and young people in Oxfordshire who are eligible for free school meals and is something we have introduced in response to the closure of the national Holiday Free School Meal voucher scheme. It helps support children’s health and wellbeing while reducing holiday hunger and social isolation and is just another example of how we are working to tackle health inequalities across the county.

“By taking part in activities such as these, children can build confidence, try new things and stay engaged during the holidays, while they can also give families extra support and access to opportunities they might not otherwise have. Sign up now!”

Activities include sport, arts and crafts, museum visits, science, outdoor adventures, nature-based learning and cookery sessions.

Sessions are being delivered by local organisations in communities across Oxfordshire, with a wide range of options available to suit different ages and interests.

Families can find and book activities by visiting the HAF platform, where eligibility will be checked automatically against existing records. The website includes full details of the activities available in different areas of the county.

Anyone with questions about the programme can email HAF@oxfordshire.gov.uk.

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Children in Oxfordshire are being invited to turn up the volume on reading this summer by taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge 2026: Read to the Beat!

Free to join at Oxfordshire County Council’s libraries, this year’s challenge celebrates the joy of reading over the summer holidays with a music-inspired theme.

From 4 July to 5 September, children taking part can collect stickers along the way. Those who complete the challenge will receive a medal, a certificate and entry into a prize draw. Children under four can also join in with a mini challenge, with their own collector’s folder and stickers.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “We hope this year’s theme inspires children across Oxfordshire to discover the joy of reading in a fun and creative way, with music helping bring the challenge to life.

“National statistics show that just one in three children regularly enjoy reading, so initiatives like the Summer Reading Challenge are more important than ever.

“The summer holidays are an exciting time for children, but they can also mean less time spent reading outside school. This challenge is a great way to bring families into the library, help children discover new books and keep reading over the break.”

The Summer Reading Challenge has been running nationally since 1999. In 2026, The Reading Agency has partnered with Universal Music Group UK to bring the theme, Read to the Beat! to life.

To find out more about the Summer Reading Challenge visit www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/summer-reading-challenge .

Oxfordshire County Council’s libraries host activities throughout the county for people of all ages. Find out what’s on by going to www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/libraries.

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New plans to improve public hire e-scooter and e-bike operations have been approved today by Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for transport.

Councillor Gareth Epps approved plans for a contract that jointly covers hire e-scooters and e-bikes by a single operator when the council’s current contract for e-scooters expires on 30 September 2026.

Once in place, the contract is specifically intended to offer more travel choice to more people by:

• Expanding hire e-scooter and e-bike operations in Oxford, subject to local and DfT approval, to surrounding areas including Botley, Kennington, Kidlington and Horspath, and potentially out to Abingdon and Wheatley.
• Introducing hire e-bike trials across the Science Vale area, and separately, Bicester. 

The plans also include a wider network of dedicated parking locations for public hire e-bikes and e-scooters, including an increase in on-road parking bays.

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “I am very excited about the opportunities and benefits the e-scooter and e-bike scheme will bring. It can give our market towns a more level footing with some of the transport benefits enjoyed by the city, while also building in stronger controls to monitor and enforce responsible use of e-bikes and e-scooters on our streets – including safer riding and parking.”

The new contract follows the Department for Transport’s recent announcement to extend the national hire e-scooter trials to May 2028. It will build on learning from current hire e-scooter and e-bike operations in Oxford. Priority requirements for the scheme operator include safety, high operating standards and improvements in parking.

The operator will be required to provide comprehensive data so the council can understand the impact of e-scooters and e-bikes on our Local Transport and Connectivity Plan, inform longer term decision-making around hire e-bike schemes in the county towns, and effectively monitor the operator’s performance including management of rider behaviour and parking.

More detail will be confirmed after the contract has been awarded.

Notes to editors

• The contract supports the vision and priorities set out in Oxfordshire County Council’s Local Transport and Connectivity Plan.

• Oxford has been a part of the national e-scooter trial since 2001. Public hire e-scooters are permitted to travel on the main highway and cycleways (but not on the pavement) depending on any other restrictions that may apply. Privately bought e-scooters are not legally permitted in public spaces (including on footpaths and public bridleways). Public-hire e-scooters are designed to meet strict specifications set out by UK government.

• Both public hire and private e-bikes are required to comply with speed limits set out in micromobility guidelines.

• Public hire e-bikes and e-scooters must be used responsibly in accordance with guidelines – see more on e-bikes and e-scooters.

• Cabinet Member for Decision report (Item 6, page 3, pages 39-70).

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Visitors can look forward to a summer of stories, creativity and live entertainment as the Oxfordshire Museum unveils its 2026 programme.

The summer holidays will bring a wide range of events and activities for all ages, including two ticketed performances in the Oxfordshire County Council-run museum gardens.

The programme begins on Saturday 11 July, when 440 Theatre returns to the museum gardens in Woodstock with an outdoor performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Live music follows on Friday 14 August, when Moonrakers perform Magic, Myth and Mystery in British Folk Music.

Tickets for both events are available to purchase through the museum’s website.

The events form part of a wider programme inspired by the museum’s summer exhibition, Timeless Tales, which opens on Saturday 18 July and explores Oxfordshire’s myths, superstitions and traditions.

The museum will also launch on Bloomberg Connects on 18 July, giving visitors free access to digital content and tours designed to enhance their visit.

The accessible app includes exclusive curator interviews and self-guided tours to help visitors explore the collections in more depth.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “The Oxfordshire Museum has put together a brilliant summer programme with something for everyone to enjoy.

“From theatre and live music to crafts, storytelling and hands-on activities, it offers families a great way to spend time together, get creative and explore Oxfordshire’s stories and heritage. It is important to us that many of the activities are free, so as many people as possible can take part.

“The launch of Bloomberg Connects this summer will also give visitors another way to discover more about the museum and its collections.”

Children and families can also enjoy free holiday activities at the Oxfordshire Museum, the Bishop’s Palace in Witney and Swalcliffe Barn.

At the Oxfordshire Museum, activities will run from 28 July to 27 August on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. A special storytelling event, Dragons and Ditches – Cuckoos and Witches, will take place on 1 August thanks to support from the Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum.

There will also be workshops for adults, including creative writing and summer posy making, while the museum café will be open throughout the season serving freshly prepared lunches and homemade bakes.

Find out more about summer events and activities at the Oxfordshire Museum by visiting its website.

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Single mum of three, Katie Gamble, cut her energy bills with help from Oxfordshire County Council and Welcome the Warmth. She is now encouraging others to check if they qualify.

The scheme is part of the government’s Warm Homes: Local Grant programme, funded by the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero. It offers free energy-saving upgrades to eligible households to help reduce bills and improve energy efficiency. Measures include insulation, solar panels and heat pumps.

As Katie, who is 43, explains, “I have three teenagers and a very busy household, so our energy use is high. When the cost of living increased, our bills really shot up, which was so difficult.

“I found out about the scheme through my job at the council and realised I was eligible. The process was simple. I applied online and heard back from the team quickly.”

Through the scheme, Katie had solar panels and a battery installed at her home, which she says she would not otherwise have been able to afford.

“It was really straightforward. They carried out a survey of my home to check its energy rating, then talked me through the options and the benefits of solar panels.

“They did an amazing job. I still can’t believe it was completely free. There is no way I would have been able to afford it otherwise. I would encourage anyone to check if they are eligible because it could make a real difference.”

Councillor Laura Gordon, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, said: “It is great to see how the Warm Homes: Local Grant has helped Katie and her family make their home more energy efficient and cheaper to run.

“Katie is one of over 100 households that have already benefited from the scheme, and there are a number of ways it can help. With energy costs still a concern for many households, this scheme can help people cut costs and make their homes warmer and more efficient before the colder months return.

Find out more about the scheme and check eligibility by visiting Welcome the Warmth’s website or by calling 0800 038 6775.  

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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.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Pupils in Oxfordshire are arriving at school better prepared to learn, thanks to a county council funded healthy snacks project that is improving wellbeing, behaviour and attendance.

Funded through the council’s wider cost of living programme, the initiative supported four secondary schools in 2025/26 - The Oxford Academy, North Oxfordshire Academy, Cheney School and Henry Box School - with £25,000 to ensure children from low income households are not going hungry during the school day.

The scheme provides targeted early support for pupils while helping schools identify those arriving without having eaten. This enables sensitive safeguarding conversations and more tailored support for families.

The project forms part of the council’s wider package of support for residents facing ongoing financial pressures, with more than 219,000 interventions delivered across Oxfordshire in 2025/26 to help households with essentials such as food and energy.

Schools are already reporting clear improvements in behaviour and engagement. At Cheney School, Deputy Head Louise Elias said: “Self-referrals to the behaviour team for food related issues at the start of Period 1 have dropped to zero. Students are arriving at their first lessons settled and ready to learn.”

Clare Forder, Deputy Head at The Oxford Academy, added: “The community served by the school really needs support with access to food, particularly fruit and vegetables, as there is such a strong correlation between deprivation and poor school outcomes.”

Feedback from pupils at Henry Box School has shown the scheme is helping young people feel safe and supported, while North Oxfordshire Academy has reported a “transformative impact” on student wellbeing, safeguarding, attendance and engagement.

Cllr Kate Gregory, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: “During uncertain times and amid continuing cost of living crisis, too many families are facing impossible choices. In Oxfordshire, around 10 per cent of children are living in poverty, and we know that hunger can have a real impact on a child’s experience at school.

“This project shows that something as simple as a healthy snack during the school day can make a meaningful difference. While it is concerning that something so small can have such a profound effect on a child’s education and wellbeing, it also underlines why practical, compassionate support like this matters so much for children and families across our communities.”

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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

More than £30,000 has been raised for three local charities thanks to the generosity of council staff, county councillors and residents over the past year.

The fundraising took place during Councillor Mark Lygo’s year as Chair of Oxfordshire County Council, before he hands over to his successor, at the council’s annual meeting on 12 May.

The Chair of the county council traditionally raises funds for chosen charities during their year in office. A total of £10,300 was raised through events including four charity quiz events, a cake sale and the annual Chair’s charity gala dinner.

One of the highlights of the year was the annual Chair’s charity gala dinner, held to support the Chair’s chosen charities.

This year’s dinner took place in the historic HMS Diamond Room at County Hall.

Thirty special guests attended, including the Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, who represents His Majesty The King, and local government representatives from across the county.

The money raised will support Councillor Lygo’s chosen charities: OXSRAD, which provides inclusive fitness and social activities, the Riding for the Disabled Association, and Oxford United in the Community.

Chair of Oxfordshire County Council, Councillor Mark Lygo, said: “It has been a real privilege to serve as Chair over the past year and to see such generosity from council staff, councillors, community organisations and residents.

“Together, we have raised a fantastic amount for three very deserving charities. Thank you to everyone who supported these efforts and helped make a real difference to local people and communities across Oxfordshire.”

A further £20,200 was raised through events the Chair took part in, including a spinathon, charity football match, bingo nights and quiz nights.

EM Normandie Business School also donated £500 to the Chair’s chosen charities.

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Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet has been asked to approve the new programme next week, which will make use of funding from the government’s Crisis and Resilience Fund from April. It replaces the previous Household Support Fund and will provide around £5.12 million each year to support residents who are struggling.

Unlike earlier schemes, this funding is confirmed for three years, allowing a move away from blanket, one‑off payments and towards more targeted support that links immediate help with longer‑term measures to strengthen financial resilience.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “We know that cost of living pressures never disappeared for a lot of people, and rising fuel costs, higher food prices and increasing household bills all continue to place strain on residents, and the impact is often felt most sharply by those already on low or fixed incomes. Sadly, we expect that many more households may feel the pinch again with the ongoing fuel crisis.

“This new programme is designed to make sure that support is available exactly where it’s needed, when it’s needed. By moving away from short‑term, one‑off funding and instead securing a three‑year commitment, we can give residents and local services greater stability and certainty.

“That stability means we can do more than simply respond to immediate crises: we can work with people to improve their financial resilience, help them avoid future hardship, and ensure they’re receiving all the help they’re entitled to.

“Our priority is to protect the most vulnerable in our communities and to make sure no one is left without somewhere to turn. This programme is a key part of that effort.”

Help for people in financial crisis will continue all year round through the Residents Support Scheme. This service provides supermarket vouchers, top‑ups for pre‑payment energy meters and essential home items such as fridges or beds, based on individual needs.

Alongside crisis support, the programme will continue to fund services that prevent future hardship. This includes free debt and benefits advice, supporting around 6,000 people each year, along with help to ensure people are claiming all the benefits they are eligible for, and practical support with budgeting, housing costs and financial wellbeing.

Support for families and children remains a priority. Funding for the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme will continue, providing meals and activities for eligible children during school holidays.

The programme will also continue to support community‑based help such as community larders, food co‑ops, community fridges and the provision of hygiene essentials including toiletries and cleaning products.

Additional targeted support will be available for people with extra needs, including disabled residents, older people, carers (including young carers), people fleeing domestic abuse, migrants with specific dietary or medical needs, and people leaving hospital who need financial help to return home safely.

Find out more about help available for rising living costs by visiting the council’s website.

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Children and young people visiting Oxfordshire Museum will be able to enjoy high-quality learning experiences backed by robust safety standards, after the museum was awarded the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge. 

The museum, in Woodstock, is run by Oxfordshire County Council and has achieved national recognition for the quality of its educational visits.

The LOtC Quality Badge is the only scheme that recognises both the quality of learning and the effectiveness of risk management. It is awarded by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council said: “We want every child and young person to have inspiring, safe opportunities to learn beyond the classroom.

“Being awarded the LOtC Quality Badge is a fantastic achievement for the team and shows that we offer young people high-quality learning experiences, and we look forward to welcoming even more schools, children and young people to the museum in Woodstock.”

The application was funded by the Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum, a volunteer led charity dedicated to supporting and enhancing the museum.

Edward Dowler, Chair of Trustees, Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum, said: “A very important objective of The Friends is to enhance children’s learning when they visit the museum. We are delighted that our financial support enabled the museum to achieve this award.”

The LOtC Quality Badge is endorsed by the Department for Education. It is held by many of the UK’s leading providers of educational visits and helps schools choose venues with high standards of learning and risk management.

Find out more about the LOtC Quality Badge by visiting its dedicated website.

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Carried out on 29 and 31 March, the team visited seven shops across Cowley and Headington, accompanied by specialist tobacco detection dogs.

Also seized were 123 units of nicotine pouches and 51 single use vapes, with the total street value of the haul was approximately £7,500.

Investigations are ongoing, with premises facing potential criminal prosecution, additional sanctions, including civil financial penalties, and licensing reviews. 

Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Community Safety: “There is no such thing as a safe cigarette, but it is still very concerning that counterfeit versions are so widely available, sold at pocket money prices by criminals who don’t care who they sell to. Thank you again to our brilliant team for their work.

“We know it can be hard to stop smoking, but help is available to anyone living in Oxfordshire. People are three times more likely to successfully stop by using a service like Smokefree Oxfordshire. It’s free to everyone living in the County”.

The raids formed part of Operation CeCe, a national initiative to tackle the sale and supply of illegal tobacco products, funded by HMRC through a partnership with National Trading Standards. 

Individuals suspected of having no legal right to work in the UK were also identified and trading standards is liaising with Immigration Enforcement.

Davina Walkin, Oxfordshire County Council's, Trading Standards Operations Manager added: “The public can help us to create a healthier and safer Oxfordshire by being vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity, anonymously if preferred, using our hotline. The illegal tobacco criminality is relentless at the moment - but so are we.”

Anyone with information about the illegal sale of tobacco should contact 0300 999 6 999 or report it anonymously online at www.stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk.  

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They have each been announced as the three winning entries in the Oxfordshire County Council Library Service’s 2026 Short Story Competition.

The annual contest invites people of all ages to share their creativity, with this year’s entries showcasing exceptional storytelling talent from across the county.

The winning stories are now available to read on the Oxfordshire Libraries OverDrive page and through the Libby app.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Our short story competition is always popular, and generates such amazing levels of creativity and engagement. We very much appreciate all the efforts that our local authors go to, and choosing a winner is always a very tough task. Thank you and well done to all our talented writers.”

Meet the winners

Adult category winner: Kita Mitchell - What We Cover Up

Kita Mitchell’s absorbing story follows lifelong friends Tanya and Sandra, whose familiar bickering hides a deep loyalty - one that quickly becomes essential when they discover a body in Sandra’s garage.

Kita said: “I was delighted to hear that ‘What We Cover Up’ had won the competition. I’ve not written anything for adults before, so it meant a lot, and it’s especially nice that the recognition comes from libraries, which are such important places for so many people. I hope everyone enjoys reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.”

Young adult winner: Pepper Thomasina - The Willow by the Lake

This poetic tale centres on a naiad and a dryad whose love flourishes in their natural world - until the arrival of humans threatens everything they know.

17 year old Pepper said: “I was in total shock and I still am to be honest!. Nothing will ever compare to the feeling of being told that you're good at what you love. Stories have always been such a comfort to me, and it makes me so indescribably happy that my story has brought joy to others."

Children’s winner: Ella Uglow – I Only Wanted Ice Cream

A simple shopping trip takes an enchanting and unexpected turn in this imaginative wintery adventure.

Ella, 11, said: “I felt very excited to find out I'd won the competition - it was quite surreal! It feels nice that my story will be shared with other children in Oxfordshire. Thank you!”

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The Warm Homes Local Grant, a scheme run by Oxfordshire County Council in partnership with Welcome the Warmth, is designed to help eligible households improve the energy efficiency of their homes, reducing heating costs and improving comfort, particularly for those on lower incomes and living in less energy efficient properties.

Improvements include insulation, low carbon heating, and solar panels, depending on eligibility and property type.

The scheme is fully funded by the government, meaning residents who qualify do not have to pay for the measures covered by the grant.

Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, said: “Everyone deserves a warm, comfortable home that’s affordable to heat. The Warm Homes Local Grant is helping Oxfordshire residents lower their energy bills, improve their health and comfort, and cut carbon emissions at the same time.

“By fully funding measures such as insulation, low carbon heating and solar panels, this scheme is supporting households through the cost of living pressures while also helping us take practical action on climate change.”

The county council’s trading standards team is also taking the opportunity to remind residents to stay aware, as some individuals may attempt to take advantage of the situation through unsolicited doorstep visits or pressure-based sales approaches.

Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing and Safety, said: “The Warm Homes Local Grant can make a real difference to people’s lives – helping households stay warm, reduce energy bills and cut carbon emissions, all at no cost to eligible residents.

“But it’s vital that people feel safe and confident. We want to be absolutely clear: the council will never cold call you about this scheme, or any other for that matter. If someone turns up at your door or contacts you out of the blue claiming to be linked to a council grant, please don’t feel under any pressure to engage. We can confirm whether a company is genuinely connected to the scheme, and keep a close oversight of all approved and associated businesses, and can provide independent reassurance whenever needed.”

All installers working on the scheme are subject to a rigorous vetting and onboarding process, including checks on qualifications, accreditations, insurance, health and safety standards and customer satisfaction. Installers are not permitted to use the scheme to upsell additional work, and strong quality assurance checks are in place.

There are three steps residents are urged to take to protect themselves when dealing with cold callers:

• Never agree to home improvement work on the doorstep
• Never hand over personal or financial details to cold callers
• Take time to check and verify information independently – the council’s retrofit team can assist with this 

Residents who think they may be eligible are encouraged to find out more and apply directly through official channels. Find out more about the scheme by visiting the council’s website or by contacting the retrofit team on retrofit@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Concerns about cold callers, misleading claims or suspected fraud should be reported to Oxfordshire County Council Trading Standard

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That’s the verdict of, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Public Health, Ansaf Azhar, in his new annual report, looking at progress made countywide since his first report, back in 2019, which focused on tackling health inequalities.

Back in 2019, Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) data identified 10 communities in Oxfordshire with small areas in the 20 per cent most deprived nationally. In October 2025, the most recent data showed that this has reduced to eight.

“Five years on from my first annual report, ‘Some are more equal than others,’ this year’s report is a moment to pause, reflect and, most importantly, to be clear about what comes next,” said Ansaf Azhar, Director of Public Health for Oxfordshire County Council.

“The latest data shows encouraging signs in areas where sustained, targeted effort has been focused, particularly in wards  that have faced the greatest disadvantage. That matters, because it tells us that long term, locally grounded work is beginning to influence the wider conditions that shape people’s health.

“It’s vital to be clear and honest about what the data does and does not tell us. This is about correlation, not simple cause and effect. No single programme or organisation can claim credit for these shifts. But what we can say with confidence is that where partners have worked together, listened to communities, and invested consistently over time, we are starting to see movement in the right direction.

“At the same time, the picture across the county is mixed. Some areas outside our original ten priority communities have worsened slightly, albeit from a much higher starting point of affluence. That reinforces a crucial point: inequality is not static, and progress in one place does not mean the job is done elsewhere. This is exactly why nuanced interpretation of the data matters, and why a countywide, Marmot informed approach is so important.

“One of the most powerful lessons of the last five years has been the value of understanding places properly. Our community insight profiles brought together data, lived experience and local asset mapping, giving us a far richer picture than statistics alone ever could. They showed us why approaches need to look different in places even when communities are facing similar challenges.

“None of this has been achieved by public health working in isolation. The progress described in this report belongs to a wide partnership across the county. Reducing inequalities is collective work, and it only succeeds when responsibility, learning and commitment are shared.

“My biggest concern now is timing. This is not the moment to take our foot off the gas. The gains we are seeing are fragile, and without sustained investment we risk losing momentum, eroding trust, and undoing years of careful relationship building in communities that need stability most.

“Oxfordshire’s commitment to being a Marmot County gives us a real opportunity to build on what we have learnt and scale this approach beyond the original ten communities, reaching people across the whole county, including, crucially, rural areas. But Marmot is not a badge; it’s a commitment to long‑term, preventative action on the root causes of inequality. That means sticking with what works, protecting investment, and continuing to put communities at the heart of decision making.

“My call to action is simple: use this evidence, back partnership working, and help us keep going at the very moment when progress is starting to show.”

This year’s annual report is also different in how it’s shared. By moving to a more accessible, interactive online format, more people – residents, partners and practitioners alike – can explore the evidence, understand the story behind the data, and see how local action connects to countywide ambition.

The director of public health annual report will be formally launched at a countywide learning and celebration event in May, bringing partners together to reflect on progress, share learning and look ahead to the next phase of work to reduce health inequalities across Oxfordshire.

Find out more by visiting the dedicated Director of Public Health Annual Report website. 

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Smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness and early death and is a major driver of health inequalities.

The new Oxfordshire Tobacco Control Strategy (2026 - 2030) brings together partners across health, local government, and the voluntary sector with a shared ambition to continue work to make Oxfordshire a smokefree county - defined as smoking prevalence below five per cent.

Launched to coincide with No Smoking Day, which was marked on 11 March, the strategy focuses on five key areas: working in partnership, preventing uptake, supporting smokers to quit, creating smokefree environments, and regulation and enforcement. Together, these aim to protect children and young people, support people who want to stop smoking, and ensure everyone can live healthier lives free from the harms of tobacco.

Councillor Kate Gregory, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Our new Tobacco Control Strategy sets out a clear, ambitious plan to help people in Oxfordshire stop smoking and to prevent the next generation from ever starting.

“Tobacco use continues to drive unfair health inequalities across our communities, and tackling it is central to our commitment to improving public health. By working with our partners and supporting residents to quit, we can move closer to a smokefree Oxfordshire.”

The strategy builds on previous progress in reducing smoking rates locally, while recognising that continued action is needed to support those most affected by smoking‑related harm, including people living in more deprived communities and those with long‑term health conditions.

There is a wealth of free local support available to help smokers take the first step towards quitting, including expert advice and stop smoking aids, through the county council’s local stop smoking service, SmokeFree Oxfordshire.

Find out what support is available to quit for good by visiting SmokeFree Oxfordshire’s website, freephone 0800 772 3673 or texting QUITOXON to 66777.

The Oxfordshire Tobacco Control Strategy 2026 to 2030 is available to read in full on the county council’s website.

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As the fourth anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine is marked worldwide, Oxfordshire County Council continues to show its support for Ukrainian people.

To recognise the anniversary, the council is flying the Ukrainian flag outside County Hall as a symbol of solidarity and its ongoing commitment to supporting people displaced by the conflict.

The council works with partners to ensure Ukrainians in the county can access coordinated support, dedicated resources and local services to help them stay safe, connected and well.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Four years on from the invasion, our thoughts remain with the Ukrainian people.

“Since the start of the war, around 3,000 Ukrainians have arrived in the county. They have been welcomed by residents who have opened their homes and helped them settle into communities.

“Flying the Ukrainian flag alongside the British flag at County Hall is a visible sign of our solidarity, and of our continued work with partners to support Ukrainian guests to settle, study, work and feel safe.”

Oxfordshire County Council is a recognised Council of Sanctuary, promoting a culture of welcome, compassion and inclusion for people seeking safety. Working in partnership, the council helps create communities where new arrivals are supported to rebuild their lives, take part in community life and feel valued across the county.

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Young writers across Oxfordshire are being encouraged to unleash their imaginations as the Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum launch their second annual Children’s Creative Writing Competition.

The competition, open to all children aged seven to 11 living in Oxfordshire and run in partnership with the Oxfordshire County Council-run Oxfordshire museum, offers young storytellers the chance to see their ideas come to life.

Budding writers are invited to submit a piece of creative writing of no more than 500 words inspired by any object within the museum’s collections.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council said: “This wonderful competition encourages children to explore their creativity while connecting with the fascinating history preserved in our museum collections. It’s inspiring to see young people engage so enthusiastically with storytelling, and I’m excited that we can support opportunities like this that nurture imagination, confidence and a lifelong love of writing.”

Entries will be judged by an expert panel, with winners selected across two age categories and one outstanding piece chosen as the overall competition winner. The top young writer will receive a £50 cash prize and have their name engraved on a special trophy commemorating their achievement.

Last year’s competition was won by Linus Barnes from Cutteslowe Primary School, who impressed judges with a story inspired by an object in the Anglo Saxon Gallery.

Reflecting on his experience, Linus said: “I decided to take part in the competition because I thought it would be fun and challenging writing a story based around an object in the museum, and because I wanted to win the prize money. I really enjoyed the awards event, and I was amazed when I won first prize. I was really proud of myself!

“This has made me want to write other stories and enter more competitions. I love creative writing because you can invent characters, worlds and adventures and play with interesting words and ideas. If you want to become a better writer or be an author when you grow up, these competitions help you to improve.”

Entry forms can be collected from the museum, or requested through the contact form on the museum’s website. Submissions for must be received by 9am on Friday 12 June 2026.

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People in Oxfordshire are being urged to have their say as part of a statutory government consultation on the future of local government in the county.

The consultation launched today (Thursday 5 February) and will run until 23:59 Thursday 26 March.

There are three proposals being consulted on for Oxfordshire. Oxfordshire County Council is backing its One Oxfordshire proposal, which is for a single countywide unitary council – Oxfordshire Council. There are two other proposals – one proposing two unitary councils and the other three councils. Both of these include West Berkshire.

One Oxfordshire will create stronger, simpler services that are closer to communities, connected and cost effective.

It will bring all services together under one roof, protect high‑performing social care, simplify and improve services through better coordination and save £63 million every year. One Oxfordshire will give residents one front door to access services, stronger local decision‑making, and a unified voice that can drive investment, innovation and sustainable growth.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “The government’s call for local government reform is both timely and necessary. One Oxfordshire offers a once in a generation opportunity to build a stronger, fairer and more ambitious future for the county.

“It is the only proposal that fully meets government criteria with the scale, efficiency and resilience to save the most money and withstand future financial shocks; the stability to protect and improve critical services; and the simplicity residents want.

“It will bring together all council services across Oxfordshire to create a new single authority, Oxfordshire Council, with the strength and voice to activate exciting and enduring change.

“We will reduce duplication, protect our critical services and have the scale to focus and invest in prevention and early help, tackling inequalities and homelessness.

“By bringing together all the levers of local government into a single, resilient authority, we can unlock the full potential of our people and places, drive innovation and deliver the high quality services our communities deserve.

“We urge people to have their say and take this opportunity to support our positive vision for the future.”

One Oxfordshire will strengthen local democracy through robust neighbourhood governance with a stronger partnership with town and parish councils and a set of new area committees. Local voices will be heard, with clear accountability and a single set of councillors operating at the heart of their areas.

A single unitary council for Oxfordshire will not separate Oxfordshire’s residents, businesses and institutions from the county they are in or move boundaries from the places and communities they recognise.

Oxfordshire County Council already delivers services on a countywide footprint to over 750,000 residents, providing 85 per cent of local government services by expenditure in Oxfordshire. These include adult and children’s social care, some education services, public health, fire and rescue, libraries and museums, roads and transport, trading standards, waste disposal and recycling.

One single council for Oxfordshire will avoid splitting critical services up and means less disruption, including those delivered in partnership, such as health. It will also avoid the costly and risky separation of high-performing services, particularly in adult and children’s social care rated “good” by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission. We will protect and improve these critical services.

One Oxfordshire will streamline and coordinate strategic planning and housing across the whole of the county, delivering more homes in the right places and overcoming the failures of fragmented governance.

A single countywide unitary council simplifies services for residents, businesses and investors and makes them stronger with clear accountability – one set of councillors, one chief executive, one set of services, one senior management team, one set of buildings and one front door to access services. Money saved from creating simpler services can be reinvested into strengthening them.

One Oxfordshire offers the quickest, most cost effective and safest route to a safe, legal and confident new council, one that is ready to transform from day one.

What are the three options

1. A single unitary council for Oxfordshire – Oxfordshire Council. This is our preferred option.
2. Two unitary councils – Oxford and Shires Council and Ridgeway Council.
3. Three unitary councils – Greater Oxford Council, Northern Oxfordshire Council and Ridgeway Council. 

How to have your say

Visit oneoxfordshire.org.uk to find information on all three proposals and how to have your say.

Visitors are invited to explore the dazzling spectrum of nature as a new photography exhibition opens at The Oxfordshire Museum, offering an inspiring and eye‑opening journey into how and why animals use colour to survive, communicate and thrive.

Brought to the Oxfordshire County Council-run museum by touring exhibition specialists Blue Tokay, Wild Colour highlights stunning photography that captures nature at its most vivid and diverse.

It is now on display until 15 March at the Woodstock museum. Entry is free.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “This exhibition is a fantastic opportunity for residents and visitors alike to experience the extraordinary ways in which animals use colour to survive and communicate. Wild Colour celebrates both the wonder of the natural world and the creativity of the specialists who have brought these images to life.”

The striking exhibition uses photographic imagery to explore the essential role that colour plays in the natural world. From the bold blue feathers of the hyacinth macaw to the shimmering iridescence of a jewel beetle, the collection unpacks the science, beauty and purpose behind some of the most remarkable colouration in the animal kingdom.

Covering themes such as the influence of red, yellow and green pigmentation on animal behaviour and communication, the exhibition also delves into how patterns and shifting hues benefit species in their environments.

The exhibition has been made possible thanks to the support of the Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum.

Find out what events, exhibitions and more are on at the museum by visiting its website.

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Artists are invited to get creative and share what ‘celebration’ means to them as part of the Oxfordshire Museum’s 2026 Open Art Competition, marking a milestone year for the Oxfordshire County Council run attraction.

Now entering its fourth year, the competition has already delivered three memorable exhibitions that have highlighted the breadth and quality of Oxfordshire’s artistic talent. In 2026, artists are encouraged to reflect on what celebration means to them - whether that’s a treasured personal milestone or a moment of communal joy.

The competition opens to entries on 1 February, with shortlisted works going on display at a special exhibition at the museum between 19 September and 11 October.

Councillor Cllr Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “For some, celebrations are deeply personal – a birthday, passing an exam, a family reunion. For others, they’re shared: communities coming together to mark moments of joy.

“Our chosen theme, celebration, is inspired by a special milestone for us too, as The Oxfordshire Museum turns 60 this October. We can’t wait to see the many ways people choose to express their own celebrations.”

All forms of media are welcome, including painting, textiles, mixed media, photography and digital. To be eligible the artwork must have been created after the artist’s eleventh birthday, and the artist must be an Oxfordshire resident.

Winners will be selected by a panel of special guest judges and announced at a special preview event ahead of the public opening of the exhibition.

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The gap between some of the most deprived and least deprived communities in Oxfordshire appears to be narrowing, according to recent Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) data.

In 2019, the IMD showed that there were 10 communities in Oxfordshire that had small areas identified as being in the 20 per cent most deprived nationally. In October 2025, the new release of the IMD data showed that this has reduced to eight

Since the publication of the 2019/20 Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Public Health Annual Report (DPHAR), which focused on inequalities and deprivation across ten communities in the county, there has been a marked focus on collaborative efforts to reduce inequalities in those areas.

In a joined up approach, the county council, city and district councils, the NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire Integrated Care Board, and voluntary and community sector organisations have been working together to tackle inequalities and improve health outcomes.

Ansaf Azhar, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Public Health and Communities, said: “There has been a clear commitment from local partners, community leaders, and the public to create a healthier, fairer future for all.

“My next director of public health annual report will reflect on five years of positive and sustained work in our community insight profile areas. The milestone of the release of new IMD data offers an opportunity to renew our shared commitment to tackling health inequalities, while celebrating achievements sharing learning from recent collaborations.”

Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: “While it is great to see progress made in tackling inequalities here in Oxfordshire, there remains a gap between the most and least deprived, more so particularly in some areas, so there is still plenty of work to do. Our continued work as a Marmot Place will also help to build on the progress already made to support the creation of  policies, strategies and services to minimise health inequalities. Together, we are building a healthier, more equal county: one where every resident has the opportunity to thrive.”

Councillor Chewe Munkonge, Cabinet Member for a Healthy, Fairer Oxford, Oxford City Council, said: "It is pleasing to see that progress is being made in tackling health inequalities, one of the city council's key priorities. We are proud of the work we have done to support people to live well, particularly by focusing on community health. This includes working with local partners, including the NHS and Active Oxfordshire, such as our physical activity programmes, YouMove, Move Together and GO-Active, as well as health promotion events and local initiatives across the city."

Councillor Rachel Crouch, West Oxfordshire District Council’s Executive Member for Stronger, Healthy Communities, said: “Our hope is that this new data, and the spotlight it brings, will enable even stronger collaboration and greater investment to bring fairer opportunities to communities facing the biggest barriers to health and wellbeing. While inequalities still exist, the findings are encouraging and underline the importance of sustained action to support the people and places that need it most.”

Councillor Rob Pattenden, Cherwell District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Healthy Communities, said: “These profiles have allowed us to connect with local communities to get a clearer understanding of how we can better serve our residents, improve access to support, and make more informed decisions that make a meaningful difference.

“Through public health funding we have built stronger, more sustainable community services, with Insight Profiles providing the evidence needed to deliver projects like the Play Zones in Ruscote and Grimsbury. We’ve invested over £100,000 in projects to help to narrow inequalities, and we’ll continue working closely with partners and communities to keep this momentum going.”

The Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD), compiled by Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, is the official measure of relative deprivation across England and includes indicators such as income, employment, health, education, crime, housing and living environment. All these factors can contribute to the wider determinants and building blocks of health.

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The new site will allow for a larger, more accessible, and modern library in a central location that better meets the needs of the community and the growing local population.

Following works to the site, the new library is expected to welcome the public in its new home at Castle Quay, by the end of 2027.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Libraries are more than just a place to borrow books. They are community spaces that play a vital role in helping people in everyday life from getting information and support to a place to socialise.

“The relocation will transform our library provision in Banbury with massively improved facilities, including better digital resources, flexible study areas, and dedicated spaces for community events. The new library, which will be more energy efficient and environmentally friendly, will also be designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring that all residents can benefit from its services.”

Councillor David Hingley, Leader of Cherwell District Council, said: “As a big supporter of libraries and their vital role in our communities, I’m delighted to be welcoming Banbury library into Castle Quay. This will provide a larger, more modern space that places the library in the heart of Banbury, which will be a significant cultural investment in our town centre and for our residents to be able to enjoy all the benefits a contemporary library provides.

“Through previous engagement residents have shown support for improving and regenerating Banbury town centre, and the library relocation forms an exciting part of our upcoming plans.

“In its new, central location, the library will add to the cultural vibrancy of the town as a hub for education, leisure and social connection. This move reflects our commitment to Castle Quay as a multi-use, community destination and to ensuring Banbury thrives as a place where people want to live, work and visit.”

The news forms part of an ongoing project to update Oxfordshire’s libraries, with a number of other local communities already benefitting from upgrades to modernise and improve accessibility.

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Smokers in and around Banbury who would like to quit can learn more about how to do this and make themselves feel calmer, brighter and healthier, as the South East Smokefree Alliance (SESA) comes to Banbury Market on 15 January.

Stop smoking support advisors, Oxfordshire County Council officers and members of SESA will be out and about on 15 January between 10am and 3pm to spark conversations about wellbeing, and the link between quitting smoking and feeling better.

It forms part of a wider regional campaign that seeks to dispel myths around smoking being a way to relief stress.

Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: “Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make for your health and happiness. We want everyone in Oxfordshire to know that free support is available and taking that first step could lead to a brighter, healthier future for you and your loved ones. If you want to take the next step, do take advantage and speak to a member of the team!”

Dr Sarah Milne, Lead of the South East Smokefree Alliance, said: “So many people believe smoking helps them cope with stress, but the truth is the opposite. Nicotine tricks your brain into thinking you need it to feel calm, when in fact it’s stealing your happiness and resilience.

“We recognise that people have other stresses and challenges in their lives though the evidence is clear that if you are receiving support for a mental health problem or major challenge, quitting smoking can help you through this.”

The market stall will also feature activities and conversation starters to get people thinking and smiling.

The activities are part of a mass media campaign funded by 18 councils in the south east of England that explains in simple terms how quitting allows the brain to produce dopamine naturally again, helping people feel calmer, brighter and less stressed within weeks.

Stop Smoking, Feel Happier forms part of SESA’s wider mission to make the south east a smokefree region by 2030. Over 846,000 adults in the south east smoke, costing thousands of lives every year and deepening health inequalities, particularly among people with mental health challenges and those in manual or routine jobs.

Thousands of people in Oxfordshire successfully quit with the free support of their local stop smoking service each year and the service will be on hand in Banbury to share how they can help.

The council’s free stop smoking service, Smokefree Oxon also provides a range of support services to help residents quit, including aids, coaching and more. Find out more by visiting Smokefree Oxon’s website, by calling 0800 772 3673, or text QUITOXON to 66777.

More information

The South East Smokefree Alliance (SESA) represents 18 local authorities: Bracknell Forest, Brighton and Hove, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Medway, Oxfordshire, Portsmouth, Reading, Slough, Southampton, Surrey, West Berkshire, West Sussex, Windsor and Maidenhead, and Wokingham.

There are at least 846,787 adults who smoke across the south east – 10.6 per cent of the population. Thousands of people have stopped smoking in Oxfordshire over the past few years.Smoking prevalence rates in Oxfordshire have fallen in 2024 to an all time low of 7.5 per cent of the population. This still means thousands can still access the free support to quit. 

Smoking causes around 9,500 deaths each year in the south east region and is responsible for over 55,000 hospital admissions annually.

Smokers are 2.5 times more likely to need social care and on average need it 10 years earlier than non smokers.

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An early medieval treasure hoard is now in the hands of Oxfordshire County Council’s museum service to go on display following a successful fundraising campaign by residents in Stoke Row.

Dating back to the mid seventh to eight centuries, the hoard contains 21 complete and fragmentary silver pennies known as sceattas. It was discovered by a metal detector user back in 2018.

Upon its discovery Curator of Archaeology at the Oxfordshire Museum service, Angie Bolton, approached the local parish council with the idea of a community fundraiser.

Parish Councillor, Roger Clayson, who was heavily involved in the efforts, explained: “The museum service had expressed an interest to acquire the hoard through the Treasure Act and needed to raise hoard at £1,300, which is what it had been valued at.

“When the parish council was contacted about the find, and the funding shortfall, our clerk Gary Wilson got straight on it, publishing the news on our website and Facebook page to encourage people to get involved and donate. In tandem with that, I got my address book to work, contacting major village businesses.”

The campaign also benefited from the support of the Nettlebed Estate and a number of popular local businesses who, along with councillors and residents, embraced the challenge.

Roger, who has lived in Stoke Row for more than 30 years, continued: “Six businesses replied to our emails, including one very popular one, who is always getting great social media reconnection. The Nettlebed Estate committed to the majority funding, with our parishioners also responding to the Facebook posts.

“Stoke Row always responds to a call to action, when it’s for the benefit of our village, raising money for disadvantaged residents, restoring village assets, or in this case keeping a medieval coin find in Oxfordshire.”

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “These treasures are particularly special as they’re the very first hoard of sceattas in the museum’s collection. The size of the hoard, and the date, make it one of national and regional importance too.

“We’d like to thank the individual donors, businesses and Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum who supported this fundraising campaign to bring this magnificent hoard into public ownership for all to enjoy.

“Without their support we may not have been successful in our fundraising endeavours. The help and support of Stoke Row Parish Councillors is also very much valued and appreciated.”

 The collection will go on display later in 2026 following conservation works.

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People can expect to receive a ‘warm welcome’ at Oxfordshire County Council’s libraries this winter, with the network offering a warm space and a hot drink for those who need it.

For the fourth year running, Oxfordshire libraries are partnering with the Warm Welcome Campaign, which supports a network of over 4,000 warm spaces across the UK.

The campaign seeks to open up more community spaces for free for those who may be feeling isolated, or whom need a warm place to stay during the colder months.

Oxfordshire’s libraries are also delivering a range of other support for residents including free cultural activities, advice sessions and signposting on helpful topics.

Simon Lay, Libraries Branch Network Operations Manager at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “We will be particularly focused on providing warmth, company and support to those affected by poverty and social isolation over the winter months.

“We’re continuing to see a rise in the number of people taking up the offer of a warm space and a hot drink. In Abingdon Library, for example, we are delighted to welcome back our regular visitors and welcome new faces.

“It’s a pleasure to see so many people enjoying the space we provide, reading newspapers, doing a jigsaw and connecting with others. Take up of the warm space offer has increased by 50 per cent, and the team are grateful that we are able to provide this hospitality.”

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Warm spaces such as our libraries provide a lifeline for many in our communities during the winter months. By offering a welcoming environment, a hot drink, and opportunities for connection, we’re not only helping people stay warm, but we’re also helping to tackle social isolation and support those facing hardship.

“This initiative is a clear reflection of our strategic priorities: we are committed to reducing inequalities, improving health and wellbeing, and building resilient, inclusive communities where everyone can thrive. Our libraries are at the heart of this effort, ensuring that every resident has access to the support and warmth they need this winter.”

As well as libraries, many other community buildings across the county also provide a warm space for those who need them. Find out more by visiting Warm Welcome’s website.

Find out about other ways to keep warm during the winter months, including financial help and more, by visiting the council’s dedicated webpage.

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Oxfordshire County Council has topped the south-east local authority active travel ratings. The council has been announced as an active travel level three in the government’s 2025 ratings. It is one of nine local authorities across England, and two in the south-east to increase its rating this year. The grading by Active Travel England indicates strong local leadership and support, with a substantial active travel network for walking, wheeling and cycling in place.

As part of this grading, Oxfordshire will benefit from an increase in funding to spend on projects to improve pedestrian/mobility-aided and cycling infrastructure and opportunities. The total funding awarded over a four-year period from 2026 will now be more than £20 million.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “This is absolutely brilliant news. It marks clear recognition of our efforts to deliver on an effective long-term network that connects people’s opportunities within the county not only for easier walking, wheeling and cycling, but also for better bus and rail travel.

“A crucial part of securing this rating is that local people are choosing active travel options that work for them. I am exceptionally proud of our county and steps we’ve taken to incorporate more activity into everyday life.

“The funding awarded is a significant investment into making Oxfordshire greener, fairer and healthier – enabling us to improve people’s travel choices and create a healthier, more accessible and attractive county. Opening the door to new businesses and jobs, economic success and increased opportunities.”

The government active travel capability ratings are graded from zero to four, helping councils to better visualise and work towards delivering excellent sustainable transport networks across the country. A key requirement is that they provide safe, high-quality walking, wheeling and cycling support. Together, this helps the UK to achieve its objectives for 50 per cent of all local journeys in towns and cities to be walked, wheeled or cycled by 2030.

In the announcement letter received by the county council from the government, Active Travel England assessors were impressed with the quality of the submission and recognised work by the council to improve provision in Oxfordshire. Like many local authorities in the country, the county council was previously graded at a level two – showing visible local leadership and support, with emerging network delivery.

Achieving this recognition supports the county council’s  strategic plan 2025 - 28. In particular it will contribute towards the county’s targets to create better spaces for residents and visitors in town centres and work with transport partners towards a countywide integrated rail and bus offer.

Ends

Notes

• Local authorities are given a rating between 0-4 (with 4 being the highest level). A breakdown of each rating can be found below:
  • Level 0 – Local leadership and organisational capability for active travel is not obvious, no significant plans are in place, and the authority has delivered only lower complexity schemes.
  • Level 1 – Some local leadership and organisational capability with basic plans and isolated schemes that do not yet form a plan for a coherent network.
  • Level 2 – Strong local leadership and organisational capability, with clear plans that form the basis of an emerging network with a few elements already in place.
  • Level 3 – Very strong local leadership and organisational capability, comprehensive plans, and a significant network in place with a growing number of people choosing to walk, wheel and cycle.
  • Level 4 – Established culture of active travel with successive increases in walking, wheeling and cycling, underpinned by a dense integrated network in place and highly supportive policies to give more people the choice to walk, wheel or cycle.
• Measures in Oxfordshire’s strategic plan 2025 - 28 set out how the county council will achieve a greener, fairer and healthier county. This is complemented by the central Oxfordshire travel plan and the council’s local transport and connectivity plan.

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Oxfordshire’s Local Policy Lab has appointed its first Chief Scientific Advisors (CSAs) to provide research leadership as part of its work in reducing health inequalities in the county.

An alliance between the University of Oxford, Oxford Brookes University and Oxfordshire County Council, the Local Policy Lab promotes partnerships between academia, community and government to inform policy and improve quality of life for Oxfordshire residents.

Professor James Robson, Dr Joanna Crocker and Professor Jonathan Reid will each be responsible for leading an ambitious three-year research plan in each of the county’s three priorities as a Marmot place:  delivering a skilled workforce and fair employment, ensuring a healthy standard of living for all, and enabling children and young people to thrive.

The advisors will work in close collaboration with local policy makers, practitioners and communities over the next three years to affect direct impact on the ground.

Dr Martin Reeves, Chief Executive at Oxfordshire County Council said: “We are hugely excited to welcome Joanna, James and Jonathan as our first Chief Scientific Advisors. 

“The advisers will only further strengthen the Local Policy Lab partnership and better help us to meet the needs of, and maximise opportunities for, people and communities across the county.”

The Local Policy Lab was founded in 2024 to bring together Oxford’s universities and councils to tackle Oxfordshire’s biggest challenges and support the county’s Marmot priorities.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “The appointment of our first Chief Scientific Advisors marks a significant step forward for Oxfordshire.

“By collaborating with universities and local communities, we are continuing to demonstrate our dedication to reducing health inequalities and creating a greener, fairer, and healthier Oxfordshire for all.”

The news coincides with the launch of the county council’s research strategy, at an event earlier in November. The strategy, running until 2030, will drive the council’s use of high quality, people focused research to inform policy for a greener, fairer, and healthier Oxfordshire.

It will strengthen collaboration with community groups, universities, and partners, helping to embed research skills and evidence-based decision making across council services, and create the right environment for impactful research.

About the Chief Scientific Advisors

Professor James Robson

James Robson is Associate Professor of Tertiary Education Systems at the University of Oxford’s Department of Education, where he also serves as Director of Research and as Director of the Centre on Skills, Knowledge and Organisational Performance (SKOPE). His research explores the political economy of tertiary education: how education systems can better connect with employment, respond to skills demand, support innovation ecosystems, and advance social justice.

Dr Joanna Crocker

Joanna Crocker is a Senior Researcher in the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences at the University of Oxford. She specialises in patient, public and community involvement in health research, with a particular interest in how such involvement can reduce health inequalities.

Associate Professor Jonathan Reid

Dr Jonathan Reid is an Associate Professor of Education in the School of Education, Humanities and Languages at Oxford Brookes University. His research focuses on inclusion and exclusion in education, with particular interest in children and young people with diverse needs, adversity, trauma, and wellbeing.

About the Local Policy Lab

Oxfordshire’s councils, the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University can access a wealth of cutting edge, impact driven research to inform solutions to public policy challenges facing the county.

The Local Policy Lab aims to:

• Connect University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes researchers with county and district council policymakers, local volunteer and charity organisations, and with communities to support evidence-based public policy in key areas. The initial focus is on the socio-economic underpinnings of health inequalities.
• Create opportunities for graduate students, supervised by academics and county officers, to work on existing datasets, collect new qualitative data and undertake impact evaluations.
• Support stronger long-term relationships between Oxfordshire’s councils and universities.

Find out more by visiting the Local Policy Lab’s website.  

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Leaders from across the Thames Valley are progressing plans to pursue a mayoral strategic authority (MSA) for the region, a new combined authority made up of a number of council areas, which would be led by a directly elected mayor.

Through an expression of interest letter to government, leaders will set out a shared ambition to secure new powers and funding. This would enable local councils to plan and deliver more integrated and effective transport, infrastructure, the right type of housing – with an emphasis on social housing – creating the conditions for faster, more inclusive growth across the region. The MSA will make decisions locally and closer to the communities and businesses affected, with local councils continuing to deliver critical and wider public services for the benefit of all residents.

Councils will debate the expression of interest in their meetings during November and December. If agreed, this will be submitted to government at the end of the year.

If agreed by government, devolution has the potential to unlock up to £18.7 billion for the Thames Valley economy by 2040, generating £7 billion in additional annual tax revenue*, and create new opportunities for residents and businesses.

It will also support coordinated investment of housing, roads and public transport, expand skills and training, and ensure research and innovation translate into jobs and growth across every part of the region.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “We have a once in a generation chance to seize the opportunities that public sector reform and devolution offers. A Thames Valley MSA will harness the collective strengths of the region to unlock unparalleled prospects for inclusive and sustainable growth together with coherent regional planning for housing, transport and economic development. It provides a unique opportunity to shape our urban and rural places ensuring lasting benefits for current and future generations.’’

Councillor David Hingley, Leader of Cherwell District Council, said: “Cherwell fully supports the rationale for a Thames Valley mayoral strategic authority. Devolution done right offers a real opportunity to secure faster investment, provide a strong voice for our area, and drive joined-up decision-making. By working together across the Thames Valley, we can achieve greater impact and long-term benefits for residents and businesses throughout Cherwell, Oxfordshire and the wider region.”

Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council, said: “The Thames Valley already leads in research and innovation. With the right leadership, powers and funding, we can unlock even more of that potential – creating jobs not only in science and tech, but across logistics, education, hospitality and beyond. London and Manchester have secured major infrastructure improvements through mayoral strategic authorities, particularly in transport. Oxford deserves those same opportunities.”

Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “As an ambitious council we are fully supportive of devolution and the opportunities it will provide for West Oxfordshire and the wider region. It will provide us with a great platform to work as partners on key issues such as delivering the homes our communities need, tackling the climate emergency, boosting our economy and improving infrastructure. We would encourage government to consider our proposal quickly and support us in delivering a new mayoral strategic authority in line with the LGR timeline.”

Councillor David Rouane, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “The Thames Valley makes good sense for a strategic authority. It is a thriving economic region and it’s important to combine communities that identify closely and have complementing strengths and opportunities. Oxfordshire and Berkshire have a long and overlapping history that would provide a robust foundation for what comes next.”

Councillor Bethia Thomas, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said: "In Oxfordshire, we've been positive and proactive in ensuring local government reorganisation happens quickly and in a way that benefits our communities - it would help realise those benefits if the strategic authority was delivered on the same timeline to help give clarity and confidence to our communities, local businesses and potential investors." 

The Thames Valley MSA will be designed to speed up delivery, attract investment and strengthen one of the UK’s most productive and innovative regional economies. The ambition is for a strategic growth partner for neighbouring authorities where joint working will be beneficial, for example related to the Oxford - Cambridge corridor.

Discussions on a Thames Valley MSA have included local authorities in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Swindon – no decisions have been made.

Following council decisions on the submission of the expression of interest, and subject to ongoing discussions with government, detailed proposals will then be developed in the coming months for consideration by local councils and partners.

For further information visit reading.gov.uk/devolution.

*Figures taken from the expression of interest document (This estimate is based off the ratio of GDP to national taxation (UK taxation as 37 per cent of GDP) established by Institute for Fiscal Studies research).

People in Oxfordshire and beyond have helped Oxfordshire County Council’s museum service successfully acquire an exceptional Iron Age hoard.

A successful fundraising campaign was run by the Friends of Oxfordshire Museum and raised £11,725 to enable the purchase of the collection.

The pieces include a horse brooch believed to be over 2,000 years old and is currently undergoing conservation.

Discovered five years ago in Rotherfield Peppard, near Henley, the hoard will eventually go on display at the council-run museum, which is free to visit. The display will feature 3D-printed objects, allowing visitors to experience what it is like to hold one of these rare artefacts.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “This hoard, buried nearly 2,000 years ago, really belongs to the people of Oxfordshire, so it’s fantastic to see the public rally around this campaign. Their support shows how important Oxfordshire’s heritage is to our residents and beyond the county.

“We look forward to seeing this very special hoard on display at the museum once it has been conserved. By acquiring the collection, it is safeguarded for the public forever.”

The treasures were found in a pottery urn, sealed by a quern stone. The contents included a stunning copper alloy and enamelled Iron Age horse brooch, an enamelled patera handle, a silver Roman coin, and a lead weight.

Such a hoard is classified as treasure under the Treasure Act for England and Wales. As the county’s repository for archaeological finds, the county council’s museum service was given the first opportunity to acquire it for Oxfordshire.

Chairman of the Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum, Edward Dowler, said: “The Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum are pleased to have hosted the museum’s first crowdfunder campaign. We are very grateful to the 244 people who donated. In exceeding the fundraising target, the museum team will be able to deliver enhanced conservation and create an engaging display. We are all looking forward to seeing the end result.”

The campaign was also supported by academics Dr Rena McGuire, Dr Sophia Adams, Professor Gary Locke, and Dr Wendy Morrison who shared their expertise to help explain the hoard’s importance.

Donors who gave £20 and over will be invited to a special private viewing of the treasure. Those who gave over £200 will be named in our archive as supporters.

The Oxfordshire Museum cares for, safeguards, and makes accessible the heritage of the county. Its collections can be accessed through displays, a loans programme, and a digital catalogue, and can be used for research.

The Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum is a registered charity that supports the museum through fundraising and financial support for special events, acquisitions, and educational programmes.

Residents can find out more about the museum, upcoming events and exhibitions by visiting its website. Learn more about the Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum and the benefits of becoming a Friend by visiting the Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum’s website.

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