The Cabinet of Oxfordshire County Council met on Tuesday 14 July 2026 to discuss a range of significant issues. They approved plans for the development of Best Start Family Hubs and the Thames Valley Spatial Development Strategy. The Cabinet endorsed the Oxfordshire Infrastructure Strategy Stage 2 Prioritisation Report. Key financial decisions were also made, including the approval of potential funding for the Cowley Branch Line and the creation of an earmarked reserve to manage fluctuations in commercial income.

Best Start Family Hubs

Cabinet approved the strategic direction for the development and implementation of Best Start Family Hubs across Oxfordshire. These hubs are intended to be central to the council's Best Start in Life Plan, providing integrated support to families from pregnancy up to the age of 19 (or 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities). The plan aims to improve school readiness and reduce inequalities, setting more ambitious local targets than national ones. Five localities, aligned with district and city council boundaries, will each have a primary Best Start Family Hub, supported by a network of additional sites delivered by partners. A grant-based funding programme will be developed to support the voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector in delivering core services. The initiative will also align with existing Youth Offer programmes to create a more integrated support system for young people. Councillor Sean Gaul, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, presented the report, highlighting the importance of early intervention and the need for adequate resourcing to achieve the plan's ambitions. The decision will become effective on 20 July 2026, unless called in for review.

Thames Valley Spatial Development Strategy (SDS)

Oxfordshire County Council agreed to participate in and help lead a joint Thames Valley partnership to progress the pre-inception phase of work for a statutory Spatial Development Strategy (SDS). This partnership will include councils across Oxfordshire and Berkshire, and initially Swindon Borough Council, pending government confirmation of the final SDS geography. Bracknell Forest Council will act as the accountable body for funds and will host any dedicated staff for the programme. The Cabinet also agreed to delegate authority for detailed agreements and working arrangements to the Director of Economy and Place. This initiative aims to create a high-level spatial framework for growth, investment, and infrastructure across the Thames Valley region. Councillor Laura Gordon, Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, presented the report. The decision will become effective on 20 July 2026, unless called in for review.

Oxfordshire Infrastructure Strategy (OxIS)

Cabinet endorsed the Oxfordshire Infrastructure Strategy (OxIS) Stage 2 Prioritisation Report. This strategy, the third iteration since 2016, identifies the strategic infrastructure necessary to support future development in Oxfordshire up to 2050. It provides an evidence base for planning sustainable development and acts as a tool for engagement with stakeholders. The strategy highlights a significant funding gap of over £7.6 billion for the estimated £9 billion capital investment required. Key challenges identified include constraints on the electricity network, the need for water management resilience, and substantial requirements for social and health infrastructure. The report, presented by Councillor Laura Gordon, Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, was endorsed, with the decision becoming effective on 20 July 2026, unless called in for review.

Cowley Branch Line Funding

Cabinet approved potential funding of up to £14.5 million for the delivery of the Cowley Branch Line, to be met through retained business rates from the two Oxfordshire Enterprise Zones. This forward funding is expected to be repaid by future Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contributions, although the amounts and timing are uncertain. Councillor Laura Gordon, Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, presented the report, noting that any future shortfall in funding or additional borrowing costs would require a further decision. The decision will become effective on 20 July 2026, unless called in for review.

Local Government Reorganisation Support

Cabinet approved the commencement of a procurement exercise to appoint a Strategic Partner to support the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire. This partner will assist with both the statutory transition to new unitary arrangements and wider transformation objectives. The estimated contract value is £3.0 million, with the contract expected to run from September 2026 until March 2029 or 12 months after vesting day. Costs will be shared on an 80/20 basis, with Oxfordshire County Council funding the majority. Authority to award and enter into the contract was delegated to the Chief Executive, Councillor Judith Edwards, Cabinet Member for Local Government Reorganisation and Human Resources, presented the report. The decision will become effective on 20 July 2026, unless called in for review.

Protocol for Flag Flying

Cabinet reviewed and approved Oxfordshire County Council's Protocol for Flag Flying. The protocol establishes a clear framework for displaying flags on Council buildings and land, ensuring compliance with legislation and national guidance while respecting the significance of various dates and events. Recommendations from the Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee, including provisions for flying flags at half-mast to commemorate councillors' deaths and the removal of reference to flying a white flag, have been incorporated. Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources, presented the report. The decision will become effective on 20 July 2026, unless called in for review.

Business Management and Monitoring Report

Cabinet noted the Business Management and Monitoring Report, which included updates on finance, risk, and performance for Quarter 1 of 2026/27. Key decisions included noting increases to funding following the final settlement, approving a £4 million contribution to general balances, and approving the creation of an earmarked reserve to manage fluctuations in commercial income. New Highways fees and charges, effective from 1 August 2026, were also approved. Councillor Dan Levy, Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Transformation, presented the report. The decisions will become effective on 20 July 2026, unless called in for review.

Budget and Business Planning Report

Cabinet noted the report providing background and context for the 2027/28 budget process. They approved a five-year period for the medium-term financial strategy to 2031/32 and a ten-year period for the capital programme to 2036/37. Cabinet also noted the high-level timetable for the budget process and the requirement to set a sustainable balanced budget for 2027/28. Councillor Dan Levy, Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Transformation, presented the report. The decisions will become effective on 20 July 2026, unless called in for review.

Capital Programme Monitoring Report

Cabinet noted the capital monitoring position for 2026/27 and approved the updated Capital Programme. Key approvals included the release of £4 million from corporate resources for drainage infrastructure improvements and the inclusion of Didcot Valley Park SEND school in the capital programme with a development budget of £1.4 million. Updates to grant funding allocations for the School Condition Allocation and SEN High Needs Capital Allocation were also agreed. Cabinet noted the current over-programming of the capital programme at £10.365 million. Councillor Dan Levy, Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Transformation, presented the report. The decisions will become effective on 20 July 2026, unless called in for review.

Governance Arrangements for Oxford Castle Apartments Limited (OCAL)

Cabinet noted that the acquisition of the Oxford Castle Quarter site had completed and that the related acquisition of Oxford Castle Apartments Limited (OCAL) for a nominal consideration of £1 would be concluded in August 2026, subject to final due diligence. They agreed that the Council would exercise its shareholder function through the Shareholder Committee. Authority was delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive (S151 Officer) to approve the Articles of Association and appoint initial Company Directors, with these decisions to be ratified by the Shareholder Committee. Councillor Dan Levy, Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Transformation, presented the report. The decisions will become effective on 20 July 2026, unless called in for review.

Acquisition of Solar Farm in Oxfordshire

Cabinet agreed to the acquisition of a solar farm in Oxfordshire on terms set out in an exempt annex. Authority was delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer, in consultation with relevant Cabinet Members and Directors, to negotiate final terms, conclude negotiations, and complete all necessary legal documentation, subject to due diligence. The outcome of the due diligence and contract terms will be shared with the Performance and Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet before contract terms are confirmed. Councillor Dan Levy, Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Transformation, presented the exempt report. The decisions will become effective on 20 July 2026, unless called in for review.

Questions from County Councillors

Councillor James Fry raised questions regarding the proposed acquisition of a solar farm and the Council's rationale for purchasing the Castle Quarter site. Councillor Dan Levy, Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Transformation, responded to these questions, clarifying that the solar farm in question does not currently exist and will be built as a new generation project, and that the Castle Quarter was acquired for regeneration and place-shaping purposes, not solely for increased rental income.

Reports from Scrutiny Committees

Cabinet received reports from the Education and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Best Start in Life Family Hubs, and from the Performance and Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Commercial Strategy and Shaping Oxfordshire's Future Economy. They also received a report from the Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the Protocol for Flag Flying. Cabinet will respond to these reports in due course.

Forward Plan and Future Business

Cabinet noted the items currently identified for forthcoming meetings.

For Information Only: Cabinet Responses to Scrutiny Items

Cabinet noted the responses to scrutiny items concerning Minerals and Waste Planning, Protocol for Flag Flying, Road Safety, and Unauthorised Waste Disposal Site near Kidlington.