The Delegated Decisions by Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy meeting is scheduled to consider a grant award for environmental action and an update to guidance on surface water drainage for major developments.

Community Action Group Project Oxfordshire Limited (CAGPOL) Grant Award

A proposal to enter into a one-year grant funding arrangement with the Community Action Group Project Oxfordshire Limited (CAGPOL) is scheduled for consideration. CAGPOL is a network of over 117 grassroots community groups working on environmental issues such as waste, energy, transport, biodiversity, and food. The report indicates that these groups hold over 8,000 events annually, with more than 120,000 attendees, and have secured significant funding for the county.

Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) has supported this network since 2001. The proposed grant aims to continue this support, with a focus on expanding work in communities not currently engaged in climate action or those disproportionately affected by climate change. Specific areas of focus for CAGPOL under this grant include developing circular economy initiatives, supporting community wealth building, connecting communities with nature, and reducing household food waste. The grant also incorporates a community garden project, funded by the Public Health team, to address health inequalities and provide skills development. The report highlights that this initiative aligns with OCC's strategic priorities under the 'Greener, Fairer, Healthier' agenda, including climate emergency mitigation and adaptation, tackling inequalities, and promoting health and wellbeing. The total grant amount is £306,200, funded from Waste Management and Public Health budgets.

Update to Local Standards Guidance for Surface Water Drainage on Major Development

The meeting is also scheduled to consider updates to Oxfordshire County Council's local standards and guidance for surface water drainage on major developments. As the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA), the council acts as a statutory consultee for such proposals. The current local standards, last updated in 2021, need to be revised to align with the updated National Standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in 2025.

The proposed updates aim to ensure the local guidance remains current, does not conflict with national standards, and provides clearer, more concise information for developers. This is expected to lead to a more efficient consultation process for officers. The report outlines that the LLFA has a statutory consultee role under Article 18 and Schedule 4 of The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015/595. The updated guidance will reference the new national standards and detail any necessary local adaptations. No additional financial implications are anticipated, with delivery expected to be managed within existing resources. The updates are intended to support the council's aspirations for a 'Greener Oxfordshire' and contribute to the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy by promoting nature-based drainage solutions and sustainable flood risk management.