The Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council is scheduled to consider a range of financial and strategic planning matters, including the budget for the upcoming years and a new plan for adults with learning disabilities. Other topics on the agenda include transport plans for the Science Vale area and monitoring reports for local transport initiatives.

Budget and Business Planning 2027/28 – 2030/31

A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to the council's financial strategy, with a report outlining recommendations for the Revenue Budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy for 2026/27 to 2030/31. The Cabinet is being asked to approve a review of charges for services in 2026/27, and for the Registration Service in 2027/28 and 2028/29. The report also includes recommendations for the approval of the Financial Strategy for 2026/27 and the Earmarked Reserves and General Balances Policy Statement for the same year. This includes proposals for the creation of a new Lane Rental reserve and the renaming of the Demographic Risk Reserve to the High Needs DSG Deficit Risk Reserve.

The Cabinet will also consider the use of retained business rates from the EZ1 Science Vale Growth Accelerator and EZ2 Didcot Growth Accelerator. Furthermore, recommendations are to be made to the Council regarding the approval of a Medium Term Financial Strategy for 2026/27 to 2030/31, and agreement on council tax and precept calculations for 2026/27, including a precept of £567,372,274 and a council tax for band D equivalent properties of £2,006.78.

In relation to the Capital and Investment Strategy and Capital Programme, the Cabinet is recommended to approve the Capital and Investment Strategy for 2026/27 to 2036/37, including the Minimum Revenue Provision Methodology Statement and Prudential Indicators. The Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy for 2026/27 are also up for approval. The report details proposed new capital schemes for inclusion in the Capital Programme and pipeline projects. Notably, the Cabinet is recommended to approve a budget reduction of £7.1m originally allocated for a new mortuary, and a £2.0m reduction for the East Oxford Active Neighbourhoods programme. The return of the full budget allocation of £4.5m previously assigned to support the Council's exit from Joint Use Agreements is also proposed.

Oxfordshire Learning Disability Plan 2025 - 2035

The Cabinet is set to consider the co-designed Oxfordshire Learning Disability Plan 2025 – 2035 for adults. The report highlights the co-produced Dynamic Work Plans and progress made to date. The Cabinet is recommended to acknowledge the development of this plan.

My Life My Choice Councillor Deal

This agenda item concerns a report developed with My Life My Choice (MLMC) Campaign Champions. The Cabinet is recommended to acknowledge and endorse the report and confirm the county council's commitment to work with MLMC Community Champions on three pledges. These pledges fall within the county council's remit and the scope of the Oxfordshire Learning Disability Plan 2025-2035. The commitment may be subject to review depending on the outcomes of Local Government Reorganisation.

Movement and Place Plans - Science Vale

The Cabinet will consider the adoption and publication of the Introduction Chapter for all Movement & Place Plans, which provides overarching context. Additionally, the Science Vale Movement and Place Plan, along with its supporting documents such as a summary and delivery plan, is proposed for adoption and publication.

LTCP Monitoring Report 2024-2025

A report on the Local Transport and Connectivity Plan (LTCP) for 2024-2025 is scheduled for review. The Cabinet is recommended to approve the formal publication of this monitoring report and to note the progress made in delivering the LTCP to date.

Revenue Update and Monitoring Report (November 2025)

This report provides an update on the council's revenue and monitoring position. The Cabinet is recommended to note the report and its annexes. It is also noted that £1.2m funding for investments related to Rail and Flood planning will be transferred to the Budget Priorities reserve. Anticipated supplementary estimate requests to be funded from General Balances are also highlighted, including those for Bicester Motion and the Woodeaton School deficit balance write-off. The Cabinet is recommended to approve the write-off of 16 Adult Social Care contribution debts totalling £0.477m. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) High Needs Block forecast and accumulated deficit position will also be noted. Furthermore, the creation of a new Budget Reserve and the addition of £5.5m forecast additional interest on balances in 2025/26 are proposed for approval. An update on Local Government Re-organisation and Devolution will also be provided.

Capital Programme Approvals - January 2026

The Cabinet is recommended to approve the inclusion of £5.0m funding into the capital programme for Duke's Cut Wolvercote Bridge Works.

Forward Plan and Future Business

This item involves updating the Forward Plan and discussing proposals for future business. The Cabinet is recommended to note the items currently identified for forthcoming meetings.

For Information Only: Cabinet Response to Scrutiny Item

A report detailing the Cabinet's response to scrutiny recommendations concerning the Business Management and Monitoring Report (Children, Education and Families Focus) is listed for information.

The agenda also includes items for the approval of minutes from previous meetings, questions from County Councillors, and petitions and public address. Reports from Scrutiny Committees on Budget and Business Planning, Fix my street, Business Management and Monitoring Report (Public Health Focus), The Virtual School, Attainment, and Fostering are also scheduled to be received.