The Oxfordshire County Council Cabinet met on Tuesday 21 April 2026 to discuss a range of important issues. Key topics included a significant update on the Improving our Fire and Rescue Service consultation, with recommendations for continued engagement with employees on proposals for shift changes and the removal of a fire engine from Rewley Road Fire Station. The Cabinet was also scheduled to consider an investment plan for surplus income generated by the Oxford Congestion Charge, a progress update on devolution discussions for a Thames Valley Strategic Authority, and the proposed structure of a new three-year Cost of Living Programme funded by the Crisis and Resilience Fund. Additionally, the meeting agenda included the adoption of new Community Asset Transfer and Community Leasing policies, updates to Parking Standards for New Developments, and the refresh of the Our People and Culture Strategy. Reports on community cohesion and delegated powers were also scheduled for discussion.

Improving our Fire and Rescue Service

The Cabinet was presented with an interim update on the Improving our Fire and Rescue Service public consultation. The report detailed feedback received, highlighting strong public interest and concern regarding proposals for station closures and the removal of fire engines. Recommendations included continuing engagement with employees on the main proposal to implement 12-hour day shifts for full-time firefighters at five on-call fire stations. Support was also recommended for continuing engagement regarding the proposal to remove the on-call fire engine from Rewley Road Fire Station. The Cabinet was asked to agree to revisit the proposal for a new fire station in north Oxford once further details are known. Additionally, recommendations were made to withdraw the proposal to remove the second fire engine at Thame Fire Station and to withdraw any station closures from the proposals to allow for further exploration of firefighter recruitment. The financial implications of these recommendations were noted, and the Cabinet was asked to consider the need for further investment for the Fire and Rescue Service as part of budget planning for 2027/28.

Oxford Congestion Charge Investment Plan

The Cabinet was asked to approve Part 1 and Part 2 of the Oxford Congestion Charge investment plan, which details the proposed uses of surplus income generated by the temporary congestion charge. Officer recommendations outlined allocations for the continuation of the free Park and Ride return bus offer, free weekday parking and bus travel for NHS and school staff, hospital express Park and Ride services, active travel infrastructure, and free bus travel for Connect to Work programme participants. A reserve was also included for flexibility. The report noted that the total forecast unallocated surplus was £3.19 million, with recommended allocations totalling £4.180 million, indicating a potential shortfall to be covered by surpluses from the zero-emission zone pilot and the upcoming traffic filter trial.

Devolution Update - Thames Valley Strategic Authority

This report provided an update on devolution discussions across the Thames Valley since December 2025. It noted that national policy now suggests that areas outside the Devolution Priority Programme should pursue a Foundation Strategic Authority (FSA) as an initial stage towards a Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA). In response, Thames Valley partners submitted a supplementary expression of interest for an FSA on 20 March 2026, while maintaining their ambition for an eventual MSA. The Cabinet was asked to note progress, the evolving national policy context, and agree proposed next steps for continued engagement with partner authorities and the Government.

Cost of Living Programme 2026-29

The Cabinet was presented with proposals for a new three-year Cost of Living support programme, funded by the government's Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF). The report highlighted the significant reduction in funding compared to previous years and outlined a proposed programme structure focusing on crisis support, resilience services, community coordination, and housing payments. Key changes include the ending of blanket support for Free School Meal (FSM) eligible households in school holidays, with a shift towards more targeted support through the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme and Family Hubs. The Cabinet was asked to agree the proposed structure and delegate authority for allocating funding from the CRF.

Community Cohesion Action Plan

This report detailed progress made by the Council in developing a community cohesion action plan, following a motion approved at Council in December 2025. The report highlighted the establishment of a cross-party Member Advisory Group on community cohesion, chaired by Councillor Kate Gregory, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities. It also outlined upcoming engagement opportunities for councillors and a pilot programme for Listening Exchanges led by researchers from the University of Oxford. The report noted that existing and emerging policy programmes, such as community wealth building and the Marmot Place programme, already contribute to strengthening community cohesion.

Community Asset Transfer and Community Leasing Policies

The Cabinet was asked to approve updated policies on Community Asset Transfer (CAT) and Community Leasing. The CAT Policy, replacing the 2019 version, clarifies the approach to transferring ownership of council assets to community organisations at below market value to achieve public benefit. The new Community Leasing Policy establishes a framework for leasing council assets to community organisations at below-best value for social, economic, or environmental benefits. Both policies outline eligibility criteria, assessment criteria, and the application process, aiming to empower local communities and ensure assets are used for social good while safeguarding council interests.

Updates to 'Parking Standards for New Developments'

This report proposed updates to the 'Parking Standards for New Developments' document to align with the Oxfordshire Local Transport and Connectivity Plan (LTCP) and the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Key changes include strengthening criteria for 'Car Free' developments and introducing 'Car Light' development criteria, which involves significantly reduced parking provision coupled with investment in sustainable travel infrastructure. The residential cycle parking standards were also revised to align with national guidance (LTN 1/20). The adoption of these updated standards was recommended to ensure new developments prioritise sustainable travel from the outset.

Refresh of the Our People and Culture Strategy 2026–2028

The Cabinet was presented with a refreshed Our People and Culture Strategy for 2026–2028. The strategy outlines the Council's approach to supporting and developing colleagues during a period of significant organisational change, including Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), devolution, and financial pressures. It retains four priority areas: Lead, Thrive, Grow, and Attract, with refined objectives to ensure a fair, inclusive, and forward-thinking workplace. The full strategy document was provided as an accessible PDF.

Delegated Powers Report for January to March 2026

This report was scheduled to provide a quarterly update on executive decisions taken under delegated powers. However, the report stated that there had been no use of delegated powers during the period January to March 2026.

Forward Plan and Future Business

The Cabinet was asked to note the items currently identified for forthcoming meetings, as outlined in the Forward Plan. This included updates on the Economic Development Strategy, Capital Programme Approvals, a Quiet Lanes Policy, and the Best Start in Life Plan for the May 2026 meeting.

For Information Only: Cabinet Responses to Scrutiny Items

This section provided information on Cabinet's responses to scrutiny items, including updates on the Local Area SEND Partnership, Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) Guidance, Fostering, Business Management and Monitoring Report (with a focus on Public Health), Parking Permits, and Social Value.

The meeting also included a section for councillors to declare any interests.