The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 03 June 2026 to discuss a range of important council matters. Key discussions included a proposed new community crowdfunding approach through Crowdfunder UK and a review of the council's financial and service performance for the 2025-26 financial year.

Supporting Community Services - Crowdfunder UK Approach

The committee reviewed the proposed application and assessment processes for a new grants scheme to be hosted by Crowdfunder UK. This new approach replaces the previous Space Hive platform and aims to provide a more cost-effective and accessible way for community projects to secure funding. Councillor Sandra Coleman, Executive Member for Stronger, Healthy Communities, introduced the report, highlighting that Crowdfunder UK will cost the council £15,600 per annum for three years, a significant saving compared to the previous £110,000 over three years with Space Hive. A key advantage noted is that Crowdfunder UK has no platform fees for not-for-profit groups, although Stripe transaction fees of 2.4% plus 20p per pledge will apply.

Projects will be able to apply for a pledge of up to 50% of their total project cost, or a maximum of £12,000, whichever is lower. Revenue and capital projects will be eligible, with a focus on improving wellbeing, protecting the environment, and strengthening community resilience, aligning with the council's corporate priorities. Councillor Genny Early, Deputy Leader of the Green Group, raised concerns about the delegation of decision-making to the Director of Place, suggesting that ward member input or scrutiny would be beneficial, a point acknowledged by Councillor Coleman who noted that executive members would be involved and that ward members' contributions are valued. Councillor Alex Wilson questioned the mechanism for smaller or deprived communities to mobilise the required number of backers, and Councillor Stuart McCarroll raised concerns about transparency regarding transaction fees. The committee recommended that the report be noted and that applicable recommendations be made for the Executive to consider.

Quarterly Financial Performance Report Q4

Councillor Alaric Smith, Executive Member for Finance, presented the council's financial performance for the 2025-26 financial year, reporting a strong outturn with a surplus of £203,155. This positive result was attributed to strong income performance in areas such as trade waste and development management, higher-than-expected treasury investment returns generating an additional £800,000, and cost efficiencies. The council has strengthened its financial position by transferring resources into earmarked reserves to support key priorities and manage future risks, including local government reorganisation and investment in council assets.

However, Councillor Smith also highlighted significant financial challenges ahead, with a projected funding gap of over £3 million in the next three years, rising to over £10 million over five years, driven by reductions in retained business rates and changes to income streams like the leisure contract. Councillor Michele Mead, Leader of the Conservative Group, questioned the income from green waste licences, expressing concern that the focus might be shifting from encouraging recycling to generating income. Councillor Smith assured the committee that the focus remains on recycling and that the licence fee has not increased for 2026-27. Councillor Liam Mackenzie inquired about the £200,000 earmarked reserve for the Woodford Way social housing scheme, and Councillor Smith explained that earmarked reserves are set aside for specific future costs, and if not needed, the funds are released back. The committee noted the report and made applicable recommendations for the Executive to consider.

Quarterly Service Performance Report Q4

Councillor Smith also introduced the Quarterly Service Performance Report for Q4 of 2025-26. Overall council performance was reported as strong across many key services, with high customer satisfaction, excellent planning determination times, and continued growth in leisure participation. Council Tax collection met its target, and affordable housing delivery exceeded expectations, with 352 homes delivered against a target of 274. However, some services experienced pressure, including processing times for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support, and land charges performance was impacted by staffing shortages. Recycling rates were below target, with a project underway to increase rates through improved communications and potentially separating glass.

Councillor Watson raised concerns about the low percentage of fixed penalty notices issued per fly-tip, which was 1.15%. Councillor Smith acknowledged this and stated that preventative work is ongoing, and that improved reporting accuracy and the introduction of an Alloy system for waste vehicles will provide better data. Councillor Mead recommended including video content in recycling communications and asked for disability facility grants reporting to be reinstated. Councillor McCarroll raised concerns about data capture for leisure visits and suggested comparing leisure growth against population change. Councillor Crouch asked about the process for staffing the reception desk, which is being reviewed. The committee noted the report and made applicable recommendations for the Executive to consider.

Procurement and Contract Management Strategy

Councillor Alaric Smith presented the updated draft Procurement and Contract Management Strategy. The strategy has been revised in response to an external audit recommendation and the introduction of the Procurement Act 2023, aiming to ensure value for money, support council priorities, and mitigate risk. Key aspects include a focus on strengthening governance, improving commercial capability, and enhancing supplier relationships. The strategy also addresses Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), outlining how contracts will be managed to ensure continuity of service. Councillor Smith highlighted that below-threshold contracts can be reserved for local companies within Oxfordshire, a significant benefit from the new legislation. Councillor Mead asked about the geographical scope of local suppliers, and Councillor Smith clarified that while Oxfordshire is the primary focus, it doesn't exclude neighbouring areas. The committee noted the report and made applicable recommendations for the Executive to consider.

Annual Update on Investment Property Portfolio

Jasmine McWilliams, Head of Assets, presented the annual update on the council's investment property portfolio for 2025-26. The total value of the investment portfolio is £42.44 million, a reduction from the previous year due to the sale of Knights Court. The council's property assets now represent 67% of its total long-term assets, slightly exceeding the target ratio of 65% property to 35% financial assets. The report detailed the rental income from leases by expiry dates, highlighting a focus on managing leases expiring within the next one to two years. Councillor Riley and Councillor Marsh both commended the officers for their professionalism and skill in managing the portfolio, particularly in a volatile market. The committee noted the report.

Committee Work Programme and Executive Work Programme

The committee reviewed and commented on its work programme, including the establishment of new working groups. Councillor Alex Wilson proposed working groups on licensing and Section 106 funding, which was supported by Councillor Genny Early, who also suggested including a review of deeds of variance for Section 106 money and exploring how SIL (Section 106 Infrastructure Levy) is spent and accessed by communities. Councillor Crouch suggested that the committee should receive more detailed reports back from working groups to enable them to make recommendations. The committee also discussed the timing of future meetings, with a view to avoiding excessively long agendas. Councillor Kessa Marsh made a specific request for the Woodford Way update to focus on maximising the number of social housing units on the site, a point acknowledged by Councillor Beaney, who noted that arbitrary targets could be counterproductive. The committee agreed to add the proposed working groups to the agenda for future meetings and to consider submitting questions in advance for upcoming reports on leisure contracts and finance.

The Executive Work Programme was also reviewed, with the committee given the opportunity to comment on items for pre-decision scrutiny. No specific items were raised for pre-decision scrutiny at this meeting.

The meeting concluded with thanks to the officers for their reports.