The Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council met to discuss various significant issues, including the cost-of-living programme for 2024/25, the new Customer Experience Strategy, the Oxfordshire Councils Charter, and financial monitoring updates. Key decisions were made on the allocation of funds and the endorsement of strategic documents.

Cost of Living Programme for 2024/25

The Cabinet reviewed a report outlining the approach to support residents most affected by cost-of-living pressures for the financial year 2024/25. The report detailed the allocation of £3,361,256 from the fifth round of the Household Support Fund announced by the government in March 2024. Councillor Dr Nathan Ley, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Inequalities and Community Safety, presented the proposed allocation of funds across various services.

Members highlighted the need for continued funding for free school meals during school holidays and expressed concerns about the late notification of funding from the central government. They emphasized the importance of financial interventions to support residents and ensure appropriate targeting. The Council was commended for its efforts but was urged to address the underlying problem of inequality as part of its strategic objectives.

The Cabinet resolved to:

• Note the cost-of-living support measures delivered during 2023/24.
• Agree to the support package for 2024/25.
• Delegate authority to the Programme Director (Partnerships & Delivery) to amend the programme during the year in response to changing needs.

Customer Experience Strategy

The Cabinet considered a report on the proposed Customer Experience Strategy, aimed at improving customer interactions and embedding a customer-first approach within the council. Councillor Neil Fawcett, Cabinet Member for Community and Corporate Services, presented the strategy, which was shaped by feedback from customers and internal colleagues.

The strategy emphasized the importance of council values and behaviours and aimed to ensure consistent high standards in customer service across all council employees. The ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on council services was also discussed.

The Cabinet resolved to:

• Approve the new Customer Experience Strategy.
• Endorse that the annual update of the strategy and the action plan be overseen by the Performance and Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Oxfordshire Councils Charter

The Cabinet reviewed a report on the proposed Oxfordshire Councils Charter, developed in partnership with the Oxfordshire Association of Local Councils (OALC), district and city councils, town and parish councils, and parish meetings. The Charter aims to strengthen partnership working and enhance local democracy.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of the Council, presented the report and highlighted the need for improved communication channels between residents and councils, as identified during the engagement exercise.

The Cabinet resolved to:

• Endorse the Oxfordshire Councils Charter.
• Agree to be a signatory to the Charter.

Financial Monitoring Report

The Cabinet examined a report providing updates on funding and budget changes for 2024/25 since February 2024. Councillor Dan Miller, Cabinet Member for Finance, presented the report, which included updates on funding notifications and risks that need to be managed.

The Cabinet resolved to:

• Agree the virements in Annex 1a and note the virements in Annex 1b.
• Note the anticipated reduction in business rates funding and the proposed use of additional business rates income to replace this.

Workforce Report and Staffing Data - Quarter 4 2023/24

The Cabinet reviewed a report on the workforce profile for quarter 4 of 2023/24, including headcount, agency spend, sickness, turnover, and other management information. The report also provided an update on the Council’s Our People & Culture strategy.

Councillor Neil Fawcett presented the report, and members noted the excellent results achieved by the Council’s apprentices.

The Cabinet resolved to note the report.

Forward Plan and Future Business

The Cabinet considered a list of items for forthcoming meetings and noted the changes and additions set out in the schedule of addenda.

The Cabinet resolved to note the items identified for future meetings.

For more details, you can refer to the Minutes 14052024 Cabinet and other related documents.