The West Oxfordshire Council meeting on Wednesday 22 July 2026 addressed a wide range of issues, including the council's strong financial performance for the 2025-26 financial year, with a surplus of £203,000, and the approval of the draft submission of the West Oxfordshire Local Plan 2043 for public consultation. Key decisions also included the allocation of capital funding for lift replacement at Marriott's Walk and the appointment of councillors to outside bodies for the 2026-27 civic year.

Financial Performance Review

The council reported a positive financial out-turn for the 2025-26 financial year, exceeding its budget with a surplus of £203,000. This improved position was attributed to strong income performance in areas such as trade waste and development management, higher-than-expected Treasury investment returns (£800,000), and cost efficiencies, including lower one-off costs linked to the Publica review and refunds from partners. The council has strengthened its financial resilience by transferring resources into earmarked reserves, allocating £1 million for local government reorganisation, £900,000 for the waste and environmental services programme, £500,000 to the Building Maintenance Fund, and £150,000 for reactive repairs. Additionally, £440,000 has been allocated to council tax and housing benefit hardship schemes, and £200,000 to advance plans for social rent homes on council-owned land at Woodford Way. Despite this positive performance, the council acknowledged significant financial challenges ahead, with a projected funding gap of over £3 million in the next three years, rising to more than £10 million over five years, driven by reductions in retained business rates and changes to income streams like the leisure contract.

Appointments to Outside Bodies

Council resolved to note the appointments to outside bodies for the 2026-27 civic year. These appointments follow an annual process and are detailed in Annex A of the reports pack.

Marriott's Walk Lift Replacement

Approval was granted to allocate funding from the building maintenance earmarked reserves for the replacement of the lifts at Marriott's Walk in Witney. The lifts, installed in 2009, are approaching the end of their operational life. The council acquired the head lease for Marriott's Walk in January 2023 with the aim of regenerating the centre after years of neglect. The centre is now almost fully let, and the lift replacement is seen as a further step in its regeneration. The cost of the replacement, including a 10% contingency, is detailed in an exempt annex.

West Oxfordshire Local Plan 2043 Approval

The council approved the pre-submission draft of the West Oxfordshire Local Plan 2043 for formal publication and a statutory consultation period of at least six weeks. This plan will shape the district's growth until 2043, addressing housing, employment, infrastructure, and environmental protection to create sustainable communities. Authority was delegated to the Head of Planning, in consultation with the Executive Member for Planning and Infrastructure, to make minor textual, factual, and presentational amendments before publication. Concerns were raised regarding the readiness of the Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) for consultation, with a request for an extraordinary executive meeting to review it. The consultation will focus on the legal compliance and soundness of the plan, rather than reopening all aspects.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee Annual Report

The council noted the Overview and Scrutiny Committee's Annual Report for 2025/26, which highlighted the committee's work in providing constructive challenge to the Executive. The report indicated that 45 out of 75 recommendations made by the committee were fully or partially accepted, demonstrating an influence on executive decision-making. The committee also discussed improvements to its processes, including earlier officer involvement, clearer scoping of task and finish groups, and stronger tracking of outcomes.

National Scheme of Delegation of Planning Functions

The council noted the report on forthcoming changes to planning committee functions in England, effective from 31 October 2026, as introduced by The Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Planning Authority Functions) (England) Regulations 2026. The Constitution Working Group was requested to further consider the implications of these new regulations and how they need to be reflected in any changes to the council's constitution.

Motion A: Protecting Precious Habitats in West Oxfordshire

The council passed a motion urging the leader to write to Tony Juniper, the head of Natural England, to inquire why the SSSI designation process has been suspended, when it will be reinstated, and to request a temporary approach to commenting on planning applications that considers local environmental evidence to protect sites that would otherwise be designated as SSSIs. The motion also called for Natural England to use this approach until the backlog in SSSI designation is cleared. The council also resolved to send a copy of the letter to Dame Angela Eagle MP, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Motion B: ANPR Assessment of Woodford Way and Witan Way Car Park Usage

A motion was passed requesting the Executive Member for the Environment to commission a minimum five-week ANPR survey at both Woodford Way and Waitrose car parks off Woodford Way. This data will be used to inform any future planning decisions regarding the redevelopment of Woodford Way car park, ensuring decisions are based on robust evidence rather than assumptions. The collected data, along with existing data from Marriott's Walk car park, will be published for scrutiny by councillors, residents, and businesses.

Motion C: Ending the Double Taxation of Managed Housing Estates

An amendment was passed to refer this motion to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for further investigation. The motion itself highlighted concerns about residents on new housing estates facing both council tax and mandatory estate management fees for the maintenance of public green spaces, creating an unfair system. The council believes public green spaces should be managed by local authorities and that charging residents full council tax while they also pay private management fees is unjust. The motion aimed to explore options for local authorities to adopt these estates, lobby for council tax relief, and investigate discretionary relief schemes.

Apologies for Absence

Apologies were received from councillors Sandra Kosia, Steve Kosia, Jenny Early, Phil Godfrey, Andrew Lyon, James Robertshaw, Jane Doughty, and Toby Morris.

Declarations of Interest

Councillor Michele Mead declared an interest as she lives on a new housing estate and pays management fees. Councillor Sir Mikael also declared an interest in advance. Motion C, relating to management fees at privately managed estates, was noted as not being a substantive decision, but members were reminded to declare any interests that arose during the meeting.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 20 May 2026 were approved, with a clarification sought by Councillor Michele Mead regarding the recording of votes against the appointment of the vice-chair, which was subsequently corrected.

Receipt of Announcements

The Chair announced that the theme for the civic year would be young people, with a focus on supporting those facing extra challenges and helping them build confidence and skills. Two charities were selected: Against the Grain, supporting young people with special educational needs and SEMH needs, and APCAM, assisting parents of children affected by mental health issues. An invitation to the Ensham Nature Recovery Network event was also shared. Members were reminded to complete training surveys and review their register of interests.

The Leader of the Council made three announcements:

1. Confirmation of the government's decision on the future structure of local government in Oxfordshire. While not the council's preferred outcome, the council respects the decision and will focus on ensuring West Oxfordshire's interests are protected during the transition. Priorities include continuing to deliver services, working constructively with government to shape the new authority, and supporting staff. An LGR briefing was scheduled for the following day.
2. Receipt of the Structural Change Order (SCO) letter, confirming the Secretary of State's decision on the names of the new council, the number of councillors (33 for West Oxfordshire District Council), and joint committee arrangements. Councils have until 17 August to provide clarity on awarding arrangements and future parish council elections.
3. A sad announcement regarding the passing of Lawrence King, the lead shared flood risk manager, following a short illness. Lawrence King was recognised for his significant contributions to flood risk management and his professionalism, expertise, and dedication were highly valued.

Participation of the Public

A statement was read from Adrian Bullock, Chair of the Witney and District Chamber of Commerce, calling for anonymised ANPR cameras in Witney's main car parks to gather reliable data on usage. This data is considered essential for planning parking provision, marketing, and determining the appropriate mix of short, medium, and long-stay spaces. The Chamber of Commerce fully supported the motion for ANPR assessment of Woodford Way and Whitton Way car park usage.

Questions by Members

Councillor Michele Mead asked Councillor Liz Leffman, Executive Member for Planning, about the expenditure on external consultants for the local plan. Councillor Mead also asked Councillor Alistair Wray, Executive Member for Environment, about waiting times for garden waste bin replacements, noting that many residents were waiting longer than the stated 30 working days. Councillor Simon Watson asked Councillor Wray about fly-tipping incidents and enforcement, requesting data on incidents, FPNs issued, and any correlation with the household waste recycling centre booking system. Councillor Thomas Ashby asked Councillor Wray about the review of Parent & Child Bays in Witney car parks. Written responses to these questions were distributed and taken as read, with supplementary questions allowed.

Approval of Regulation 19 Draft Submission Local Plan

The council approved the pre-submission draft West Oxfordshire Local Plan 2043 for formal publication for a statutory consultation period of at least six weeks. Authority was delegated to the Head of Planning, in consultation with the Executive Member for Planning and Infrastructure, to make minor amendments before publication. Councillor Michele Mead raised concerns about the Infrastructure Delivery Plan not being ready for the consultation, and Councillor Pearson sought clarification on the scope of the consultation, which was stated to focus on legal compliance and soundness. Councillor Liam Walker also expressed reservations about proceeding without the IDP being scrutinised. Councillor Lefman and Councillor Graham addressed these concerns, assuring members that the IDP would be published with the consultation documents and that the consultation itself was the opportunity to raise issues regarding infrastructure. The motion was passed with 25 votes for, 3 against, and 11 abstentions.

Allocation of Capital Funding for Lift Replacement at Marriott's Walk

Approval was granted to allocate funding from the building maintenance earmarked reserves for the replacement of the lifts at Marriott's Walk, Witney. The lifts, installed in 2009, are approaching the end of their economic life. The council acquired the head lease in January 2023 to regenerate the centre, which is now almost fully let. The lift replacement is considered essential for further regeneration. The cost, detailed in an exempt annex, will be covered by earmarked reserves. The motion was passed with 40 votes for, none against, and no abstentions.

National Scheme of Delegation of Planning Functions

The council noted the report on forthcoming changes to planning committee functions in England, effective from 31 October 2026. The Constitution Working Group was requested to further consider the implications of these new regulations and how they need to be reflected in any changes to the council's constitution. Councillor Michele Mead questioned whether the Constitution Working Group was the appropriate body, suggesting the Strategic Planning and Development Committee might be better placed. Agreement was reached that both bodies would consider the implications. The motion was passed with 39 votes for and one abstention.

Motion A: Protecting Precious Habitats in West Oxfordshire

The council passed a motion asking the Leader to write to Tony Juniper, 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 to protect sites that would otherwise be designated as SSSIs. The motion also requested Natural England to use this approach until the backlog in SSSI designation is cleared. A copy of the letter will be sent to Dame Angela Eagle MP, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The motion was passed with 40 votes for, none against, and no abstentions.

Motion B: ANPR Assessment of Woodford Way and Witan Way Car Park Usage

A motion was passed requesting the Executive Member for the Environment to commission a minimum five-week ANPR survey at both Woodford Way and Witan Way car parks in Witney. This is to gather accurate data on occupancy levels, vehicle turnover, and parking duration to inform any future planning decisions regarding the redevelopment of Woodford Way car park. The data, along with existing data from Marriott's Walk car park, will be published for scrutiny. Councillor Liam Walker, the proposer, argued that current data was insufficient and that weekends were crucial for understanding demand. Councillor Jack Treloar, the seconder, echoed these sentiments. Councillor Geoff Saul, Executive Member for Housing and Community Safety, argued that five weeks would not provide sufficient information and that existing data from Marriott's Walk would be more useful. Councillor Watson supported the motion, stating that car parks are vital economic infrastructure. Councillor Mead raised concerns about parking for taller vehicles and the impact of market stalls on Waitrose car park. Councillor Jackson supported the motion, focusing on the need for homes. Councillor Coles supported the reasoning but questioned the timing. Councillor Inouye and Councillor Marsh also spoke, with Councillor Marsh highlighting that the site was in a previous Conservative local plan. Councillor Levy was unable to support the motion due to concerns about the timing and potential skewing of data. Councillor Walker summed up, addressing points raised by other councillors and reiterating the need for evidence-based decision-making.

Motion C: Ending the Double Taxation of Managed Housing Estates

An amendment was passed to refer this motion to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for further investigation. The original motion highlighted concerns about residents on new housing estates facing double taxation through council tax and mandatory estate management fees for maintaining public green spaces. It called for local authorities to adopt public green spaces as a default policy, investigate the adoption of existing managed estates, lobby for council tax relief, and investigate interim discretionary relief schemes. Councillor Graham moved the amendment, supported by Councillor McKenzie, who noted that a task and finish group at Overview and Scrutiny was already looking into related issues. The amendment was passed with 38 votes for, none against, and no abstentions.

Exclusion of Public and Press

The council noted that if it wished to exclude the press and public during consideration of any exempt items, a resolution would be passed in accordance with section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972.

Exempt Annex A for item 9: Allocation of Capital Funding for Lift Replacement at Marriott's Walk

This item was dealt with in public as no member wished to refer directly to the content of the exempt annex.

The meeting concluded with the Chair thanking everyone for their participation and wishing them a good summer.