This week in West Oxfordshire:

Council Grapples with Budget Cuts and Community Safety

West Oxfordshire District Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee met this week, facing difficult decisions about the future of vital community safety initiatives. A stark 40% reduction in the Community Safety Partnership's (WOCSP) budget, stemming from a lower-than-expected Home Office grant, has raised serious concerns among councillors about potential job losses and the impact on services, particularly those supporting victims of domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.

The WOCSP, a statutory body established under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, brings together local authorities, police, fire and rescue, health partners, and probation services to tackle crime and disorder. Its priorities for 2024-2027 include serious violence, drugs and alcohol, domestic abuse and violence against women and girls, rural acquisitive crime, anti-social behaviour, fraud, modern slavery, and counter-terrorism.

While the partnership has seen success in reducing rural acquisitive crime, the anticipated budget cut threatens to derail promising new projects, including a theatre-based Violence Against Women and Girls initiative. Councillors expressed deep concern, with one stating, If someone's going to cut by 40%, that's probably jobs, that's probably coordinators or their wider team and nothing can happen if no one's in post, so it sounds catastrophic potentially.

The committee also discussed the upcoming abolition of Police and Crime Commissioners, expected around 2028, and the uncertainty surrounding who will assume their responsibilities.

For more details on the Community Safety Partnership update, see the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Affordable Homes Take Centre Stage in Witney Development Debate

The future of the Woodford Way car park in Witney was a major talking point at the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting, with a decision made to proceed with Option 3 for its development. This option proposes delivering 55 affordable homes, balancing housing numbers with public parking provision and design quality.

The project aims to address the significant housing waiting list in the district, which currently stands at over 2,300 households, with a particular demand for one and two-bedroom homes. By developing on council-owned land, the aim is to deliver 100% affordable homes for social rent, bypassing the need to factor in developer profits.

However, the development has sparked considerable debate, particularly around parking. Councillors raised concerns about the methodology of parking surveys and the potential impact of reduced parking on local businesses and residents. The numbers of parking spaces need to be front and centre as well, because I think given the mood of the district, people are counting parking spaces, one councillor stated. The committee recommended obtaining more robust parking data, potentially through ANPR cameras, and exploring trials of altered parking restrictions.

Concerns were also voiced about the design, including the potential for social divisions if housing types are clustered, and the adequacy of communal spaces. The committee stressed the need for demonstrable community benefits beyond housing, including the potential for a community room.

The council is exploring options for the development, with a planning application anticipated in the summer.

For more information on the Woodford Way development, see the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Council Approves New Employment Policies Amidst LGR Uncertainty

The Performance and Appointments Committee met to approve eleven new employment policies for West Oxfordshire District Council. These policies have been developed to ensure compliance with current employment law and to provide clear guidelines for staff. The approved policies cover a range of areas, including agency workers, career breaks, carers' leave, and working abroad.

The committee sought reassurance that these policies would remain relevant in the context of potential local government reorganisation (LGR). Officers confirmed that the policies are designed to be up-to-date and will position the council well for any future changes, ensuring compliance with upcoming employment law amendments.

For details on the approved employment policies, see the Performance and Appointments Committee meeting.

Other Matters

The full Council meeting, scheduled for 25 March 2026, was set to discuss proposed changes to the council's constitution, including reforms to planning committees and member question procedures. Several motions on notice were also on the agenda, addressing topics from national planning policy and environmental concerns to local business support and the potential return of Thames Water to public ownership. Due to the meeting being pending council publication, specific decisions are not yet available.

For more information, see the Council meeting.

In the past week, the West Oxfordshire council held two meetings: the Lowlands Area Planning Sub-Committee on Monday, 10 June 2024, and the Executive on Wednesday, 12 June 2024. These meetings included significant decisions on planning applications and changes to customer service operations.

Lowlands Area Planning Sub-Committee

The Lowlands Area Planning Sub-Committee meeting began with the election of Councillor Mike as the Chairman and Councillor Andy Goodwin as the Vice-Chairman. The committee then moved on to discuss various planning applications.

Key Decisions

1. 9 Charterville Close, Minster Lovell:

   • Proposal: Installation of a drop curb and hard standing for off-street parking.
   • Decision: Approved.
   • Discussion: The application was approved despite concerns about the loss of green space and potential biodiversity impacts. The committee noted that similar developments had been approved in the past and that the proposed parking would alleviate local parking issues.

2. North Leigh Football Club:

   • Proposal: Extension of the use of a temporary car park for a further 12 months.
   • Decision: Approved.
   • Discussion: The extension was granted to accommodate ongoing construction at the Estelle Manor site. Concerns were raised about the accuracy of the car park layout and the need for a comprehensive travel plan. The committee agreed to conduct a site visit to ensure compliance with the approved layout.

3. Elmfield, New York Road, Whitney:

   • Proposal: Installation of replacement rooftop solar panels.
   • Decision: Approved.
   • Discussion: The application was straightforward and involved replacing existing solar panels with new, more efficient ones. The committee noted that the proposal met all relevant planning criteria.

Executive Meeting

The Executive meeting focused on several key issues, including changes to customer telephone access timings and the upgrading of public space CCTV provision.

Changes to Customer Telephone Access Timings

• Proposal: To make permanent the trial reduction in customer telephone access hours.
• Decision: Approved.
• Discussion: The trial showed a significant reduction in call volumes and an increase in the use of digital channels. Customer satisfaction remained high, and the changes resulted in cost savings. The Executive agreed to adopt the reduced telephone access hours on a permanent basis, subject to approval by Cotswold District Council.

Upgrading of Public Space CCTV Provision

• Proposal: Major review and upgrade of the CCTV system, including joining the Thames Valley Police CCTV partnership.
• Decision: Approved.
• Discussion: The upgrade will include high-definition digital cameras and the extension of coverage to Chipping Norton. The partnership with Thames Valley Police will improve monitoring and maintenance, and a fairer funding formula will be implemented. The Executive also addressed a potential funding shortfall by prioritizing value engineering and seeking contributions from Thames Valley Police and town councils.

Implications

The decisions made this week reflect the council's commitment to improving public services and infrastructure while balancing community needs and environmental considerations.

• Planning Decisions: The approval of planning applications for parking and solar panels demonstrates the council's focus on practical solutions to local issues. The extension of the temporary car park at North Leigh Football Club highlights the importance of accommodating ongoing development while ensuring compliance with planning conditions.
• Customer Service: The permanent reduction in telephone access hours indicates a shift towards digital service delivery, which has been well-received by residents. This change is expected to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• CCTV Upgrades: The comprehensive upgrade of the CCTV system and the partnership with Thames Valley Police will enhance public safety and operational efficiency. The new funding formula ensures a fair distribution of costs among stakeholders.

These meetings underscore the council's proactive approach to governance, emphasizing strategic planning, community engagement, and continuous improvement. The willingness to address concerns and adapt to changing circumstances reflects a commitment to transparency and accountability, themes that have been consistent in our discussions.

In the past week, the West Oxfordshire council held a Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on Wednesday, 05 June 2024. This meeting was particularly significant as it marked the beginning of the civic year and included discussions on important topics such as the upgrades to the CCTV system and service performance reports.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting began with the election of new leadership. Councillor Andrew Beane was elected as the Chair, and Councillor Aitman was appointed as the Vice Chair. The committee also noted apologies for absence and temporary appointments, ensuring that all positions were adequately filled for the upcoming year.

CCTV System Upgrades

One of the most impactful discussions was the approval of upgrades to the CCTV system. The council owns and operates a public open space CCTV system consisting of 63 cameras, monitored at Whitney police station by Thames Valley Police staff. The system was found to be obsolete and in need of significant maintenance. The proposed upgrades include:

• Relocation and Addition of Cameras: In Whitney, two cameras will be removed, six relocated, and three new locations added. Coverage will also be extended to Chipping Norton with five new cameras.
• High-Definition Digital Cameras: The upgrade will include high-definition digital cameras to improve the quality of surveillance.
• Partnership with Thames Valley Police: The council will join Thames Valley Police's CCTV partnership, transferring all CCTV assets to them. This will involve a CCTV command suite in Abingdon for Oxfordshire, with Thames Valley Police assuming full operational responsibility for the system and its maintenance.

The financial implications are significant, with an estimated annual revenue saving of around £60,000. The funding formula will see 50% of ongoing costs met by Thames Valley Police and 50% by local authorities, calculated based on the percentage of total cameras and the community safety partnership funding formula.

Councillor Simpson raised concerns about the control and potential relocation of cameras by Thames Valley Police. The response clarified that a partnership board would oversee such decisions, ensuring that any changes would be agreed upon collectively.

Service Performance Reports

The committee also reviewed service performance reports, highlighting both achievements and areas needing improvement:

• Positive Performance: Nearly all service areas exceeded their targets, including visits to leisure centres, processing times for council tax support and housing benefits, and the number of missed bins per 100,000 collections.
• Areas for Improvement: The percentage of household waste recycled and the response time for Freedom of Information (FOI) requests were below target. The council is committed to further improving these areas, with ongoing efforts to analyze data and identify problem areas.

Implications

The upgrades to the CCTV system are expected to enhance public safety and operational efficiency, while the partnership with Thames Valley Police will ensure better resource management and cost savings. The focus on service performance highlights the council's commitment to continuous improvement and responsiveness to community needs.

The election of new leadership and the emphasis on community-oriented initiatives, such as the CCTV upgrades, indicate a proactive approach to governance. This aligns with the council's ongoing efforts to balance administrative efficiency with community well-being, a recurring theme in our discussions.

The willingness to address concerns, such as those raised about the control of CCTV cameras, and the focus on improving service performance demonstrate the council's dedication to transparency and accountability. This week's meeting underscores the importance of strategic planning and collaboration in achieving the council's goals.

In the past week, the West Oxfordshire council held four meetings on Wednesday, 22 May 2024. These meetings were the Licensing Committee, the Audit and Governance Committee, the Council, and the Development Control Committee. This week’s focus was on the election of new leadership and the appointment of committee members.

Licensing Committee

The Licensing Committee meeting was primarily administrative. Dan Levy called for proposals for a chair, and Mark Walker was elected. Councillor Jackson was elected as vice chair. Absences were noted, including Andrew Lyons. The committee appointed five members to the miscellaneous licensing subcommittee: David Jackson, David Melvin, Ed James, Andrew Lyon, and Sandra Simpson. This meeting was straightforward, focusing on internal appointments and ensuring the subcommittees were properly staffed.

Audit and Governance Committee

The Audit and Governance Committee also focused on appointments. Councillor Smith was appointed as the chair. The standard subcommittee members for 2024-25 were confirmed: Councillor David Jackson, Councillor Poskitt, Councillor Edward James, Councillor Jo Aitman, and Councillor Sandra Simpson. These appointments ensure that the committee is prepared for the upcoming year, maintaining continuity and stability in governance.

Council Meeting

The Council meeting was the most impactful of the week. Councillor Elizabeth Poskitt was unanimously elected as the new Chair, and Councillor Andrew Coles was elected as Vice Chair. This leadership change is significant, as Councillor Poskitt has extensive experience and has served on many committees.

Apologies for absence were received from several councillors, including Joy Eitman and Alaric Smith. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved with one amendment. New members were introduced, and departing members were acknowledged, including Jeff Haynes, who served for over 24 years.

Councillor Poskitt announced her upcoming trip to Canada and her chosen charities: Woodstock Exhibition Foundation, Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum, and Save the Children Fund. Councillor Andrew Coles was thanked for his service as Chair, having raised £3,000 for charity during his term.

The report of the Leader highlighted the growth of the West Oxfordshire Alliance and confirmed executive members, including Councillor Rizvana Paul for Stronger Healthy Communities and Councillor Alaric Smith for Finance. The Future Oxfordshire Partnership appointments were confirmed, and a review of the role of member champions was announced.

The Returning Officer's report on elections was noted, with special thanks to the electoral services team. The council committees were established with some changes, including reducing the size of the Audit and Governance Committee to 11 members. Councillor Lydia Articheska was added to the Local Plan Working Group.

The council adopted the constitution and agreed on the scheme of officer delegations for non-executive functions. The recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel for councillor allowances were agreed upon, including a special responsibility allowance for the Vice Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Councillor Ashton was appointed as a temporary member of Fulbrook Parish Council to enable it to be quorate and co-opt new members.

A proposal to trial a 6 PM start time for the September meeting was discussed, but the decision was deferred to the July meeting to allow for a survey of members' preferred start times.

Development Control Committee

The Development Control Committee meeting focused on appointing new leadership roles. Councillor Julian Cooper was elected as Chair, and Councillor Michael Brooker as Vice Chair. Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Alaric Smith, David Cooper, and Charlie Maynard. The council discussed the appointments to the Lowlands and Uplands subcommittees and agreed to the current arrangement.

Implications

The election of new leadership across various committees and the council itself signifies a period of transition and potential new directions in policy and governance. Councillor Poskitt’s experience and her focus on community-oriented initiatives could influence the council’s priorities. The appointments to subcommittees ensure that the council is well-prepared to handle its responsibilities efficiently.

The deferral of the decision on meeting times to allow for a survey indicates a willingness to consider the preferences of council members, which could lead to more effective and inclusive governance. This week’s meetings continue the theme of balancing administrative efficiency with responsiveness to community needs, a topic we've discussed before.