The West Oxfordshire District Council meeting on 25 March 2026 saw significant debate and decisions on the future of its planning committees, the impact of new waste disposal centre restrictions, and the urgent issue of Thames Water's performance. Councillors voted to merge planning sub-committees, implement changes to member question rules, and expressed strong concerns regarding the new booking system for household waste and recycling centres. A motion calling for Thames Water to be brought into public ownership was also passed.

Reorganisation of Planning Committees and Member Questions

The Council approved significant changes to its planning committee structure, merging the Lowlands and Uplands area planning sub-committees into a single, district-wide 12-member Development Management Sub-Committee. This decision, driven by recommendations from the Planning Advisory Service (PAS) and the Constitution Working Group, aims to improve consistency and efficiency in decision-making. The Development Control Committee will be renamed the Strategic Planning Committee. Alongside these changes, rules for member questions at full council meetings were amended to include a 250-word limit for submitted questions, a one-minute limit for supplementary questions, and a rotation of question order by political group. These changes were approved by a majority of 22 votes to 17, with four abstentions.

Concerns Over Household Waste and Recycling Centre Restrictions

A motion expressing concern over the new restrictions at Oxfordshire's Household Waste and Recycling Centres, including a mandatory booking system and proof of address requirements, was passed. Proposed by Councillor Roger Faulkner and seconded by Councillor Sarah Veasey, the motion highlighted the bureaucratic barriers for residents and the potential for increased fly-tipping and diversion of waste to district council services. An amendment, proposed by Councillor Steve Cozier and seconded by Councillor Andy Graham, was accepted, calling for Oxfordshire County Council to undertake a six-month evidence-based review of the system, covering access, the booking system, recycling, worker safety, fly-tipping, staff resilience, and district collections. The amended motion was carried with 29 votes in favour and 14 against.

Thames Water's Performance and Call for Public Ownership

In a strongly worded debate, the Council passed a motion calling for Thames Water to be brought into special administration and subsequently into public ownership. Proposed by Councillor Genny Early and seconded by Councillor Lidia Arciszewska, the motion highlighted the extensive sewage discharges into local rivers, including the River Windrush and Evenlode catchment, and the recent severe water supply interruption. Councillors shared personal accounts of sewage flooding and the impact on residents' health and well-being. The motion resolves to request the Leader of the Council to write to the Prime Minister, urging public ownership and calling for no dividends or management bonuses until clean water standards are met. It also requests the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to regularly invite Thames Water to report on sewage discharges and progress towards prevention. The motion was passed unanimously.

Motion on Business Rate Local Discounts and Engagement

Councillor Ruth Smith's motion concerning discretionary business rate local discounts and engagement was passed with 38 votes in favour and two abstentions. The motion addresses concerns from local businesses about increased business rates following the introduction of a new system in 2026. It calls for the Executive and CEO to consider adopting a Local Discounts and Incentives policy to support the prosperity of West Oxfordshire's high streets and local jobs. Additionally, it seeks assurances that small businesses eligible for the Supporting Small Business Relief scheme will receive clear information on how their rates will vary during the transition period.

Motion on Protecting Precious Habitats

Councillor Lidia Arciszewska's motion, seconded by Councillor Rosie Pearson, calling for the protection of precious habitats in West Oxfordshire, was also passed. The motion notes the UK's status as a nature-depleted country and expresses concern that the new Planning and Infrastructure Bill could lead to developers damaging local environments by contributing to a Nature Restoration Fund elsewhere. It calls for Natural England to explain why the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) designation process has been suspended and to adopt a temporary approach to commenting on planning applications using local environmental evidence until the backlog is cleared.

Motion on Witney High Street and Local Infrastructure

Councillor Michael Brooker's motion, seconded by Councillor Ruth Smith, advocating for policy into action regarding local infrastructure, was passed. The motion urges Oxfordshire County Council to prioritise immediate work on Witney High Street, including the installation of ANPR enforcement for traffic restrictions, and to commence footpath resurfacing in East and West Witney. It also calls for the immediate use of government pothole uplift funding for longer-lasting resurfacing projects on West Oxfordshire roads.

The meeting concluded with the Council deciding not to extend its sitting time, with three votes in favour of continuing and 21 against.