The West Oxfordshire Council meeting held on Wednesday 22 July 2026 confirmed the holding of the meeting and that decisions were made. Key decisions included the approval of the draft submission Local Plan for public consultation, the allocation of capital funding for lift replacement at Marriott's Walk, and the adoption of a motion to protect precious habitats in West Oxfordshire.

Local Government Reorganisation and Council Operations

Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of the Council, addressed the confirmation of the government's decision on the future structure of local government in Oxfordshire. While acknowledging it was not the outcome the council supported, he stressed the council's commitment to delivering for residents, working constructively with neighbouring councils and government to shape the new authority, and supporting staff through the transition. He also announced that the Structural Change Order (SCO) letter had been received, confirming details about the new council's name, councillor numbers, and joint committee arrangements. Tragically, the meeting also noted the passing of Lawrence King, the lead shared flood risk manager, who had made a significant contribution to flood risk management.

Financial Performance and Reserves

The Council reviewed its Quarterly Finance Report for Quarter 4 of the 2025-26 financial year. The report indicated a better-than-budgeted outturn, resulting in a strong financial position at year-end. This improved position was driven by strong income performance in areas such as trade waste and development management, higher than expected Treasury investment returns, and cost efficiencies. The Council decided to strengthen its financial resilience by transferring resources into earmarked reserves. These reserves will support key priorities and manage future risks, including £1 million for local government reorganisation, £900,000 for the waste and environmental services programme, £500,000 for the Building Maintenance Fund, and £150,000 for reactive repair costs. Additionally, £440,000 was allocated to fund Council Tax and housing benefit hardship schemes, and £200,000 to advance plans for social rent homes on council-owned land at Woodford Way.

Planning and Development

A significant decision was made regarding the approval of the Regulation 19 draft submission Local Plan 2043 for public consultation. This plan will shape West Oxfordshire's growth until 2043, ensuring that new homes, employment, infrastructure, and environmental protection are planned together to create sustainable communities. The Council delegated authority to the Head of Planning, in consultation with the Executive Member for Planning and Infrastructure, to make any necessary minor textual, factual, and presentational amendments before publication.

Infrastructure and Community Assets

The Council approved the allocation of capital funding for the replacement of lifts at Marriott's Walk shopping centre in Witney. The lifts, installed in 2009, were approaching the end of their operational life. The decision was made to replace all lifts as part of a single contract, funded from existing building maintenance earmarked reserves.

Environmental Protection

A motion was passed to protect precious habitats in West Oxfordshire. The Council noted the UK's status as one of the most nature-depleted countries globally and the urgency of preserving remaining areas of high ecological value. The motion highlighted concerns that new planning legislation could encourage developers to damage the environment locally and compensate elsewhere. The Council resolved to ask the Leader of the Council to write to Tony Juniper, the head of Natural England, to inquire about the suspension of the SSSI designation process, when it will be reinstated, and to request a temporary approach to commenting on planning applications that takes into account local environmental evidence.

Transport and Parking

A motion concerning the ANPR assessment of Woodford Way and Witan Way car park usage in Witney was discussed. Councillor Liam Walker proposed commissioning a minimum five-week ANPR survey at both car parks to gather accurate data on occupancy levels, vehicle turnover, and parking duration. This was supported by the Witney and District Chamber of Commerce, who also called for an ANPR survey. The motion was passed, requesting the Executive Member for Environment to commission the survey.

Housing and Estates

A motion was passed to address the double taxation faced by residents on managed housing estates. The motion highlighted that residents on these estates often pay both council tax and mandatory, escalating estate management fees to private companies for the maintenance of public green spaces. The Council resolved to ask the Executive and Planning Department to review local planning frameworks to ensure all new housing estates are adopted by the local authority as a matter of default, provided they meet standard adoption criteria. A cross-party working group will be established to investigate the financial and legal mechanisms for the Council to adopt existing managed estates. Additionally, the Leader of the Council will write to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and local MPs, calling for a change in national policy to allow local authorities to offer Council Tax discounts or rebates to residents paying private estate management fees. The Executive will also investigate options for local discretionary Council Tax relief or hardship schemes.

Planning Functions and Governance

The Council noted a report on the National Scheme of Delegation of Planning Functions, which will come into effect on 31 October 2026. This will introduce changes to how planning committees function in England. The Council resolved to request that the Constitution Working Group further consider the implications of these new regulations and how they need to be reflected in any changes to the Council's Constitution.

Other Business

The Council also noted the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Annual Report 2025/26 and approved appointments to outside bodies for 2026-27.