The Oxfordshire County Council meeting on Tuesday 8 September 2026 saw councillors approve the Treasury Management Annual Performance Report for 2025/26 and a review of political balance on committees. Several motions were also passed, including one supporting the relocation of the Brodey Cancer Centre, another addressing infrastructure capacity for new developments, and a third concerning wildfire prevention measures.

Treasury Management Annual Performance Report 2025/26

Councillors approved the Treasury Management Annual Performance Report for the financial year 2025/26. The report detailed the council's borrowing and investment activities, noting that outstanding debt totalled £265 million with an average interest rate of 4.41% on long-term debt. The council achieved a net overachievement of £8.243 million in investment income compared to its budget, largely due to higher-than-forecast cash balances and interest rates. The report also highlighted that the council operated within its treasury limits and Prudential Indicators throughout the year.

Committees and Review of Political Balance

The council reviewed the political balance of its committees following a by-election in the Chesterton and Launton division. It was noted that the political balance of the council had not changed since the last review on 30 June 2026. Councillor Dr James Hartley was elected to the Chesterton and Launton division and joined the Liberal Democrat Group. The council agreed to the recommendations regarding committee appointments based on the revised political balance.

Motion from Councillor Paul-Austin Sargent: Brodey Cancer Centre Relocation

A motion proposed by Councillor Paul-Austin Sargent, Cabinet Member for Transport, expressing support for the re-housing of the Brodey Cancer Centre into a refurbished building on the Horton General Hospital site in Banbury was approved. The motion also requested that the Leader of the Council write to Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust to urge expeditious steps for the relocation and to request a clear timetable for the project.

Motion from Councillor Emma Markham: Infrastructure Capacity and Housing Targets

Councillor Emma Markham's motion concerning the mismatch between large-scale developments and infrastructure capacity was approved and referred to Cabinet. The motion highlighted concerns that roads, water, sewerage, and electricity capacity often fail to keep pace with new developments, and that developers sometimes build infrastructure that is never formally adopted by the relevant authorities. It called for housing targets to be matched to genuine infrastructure capacity and for Cabinet to review Section 38 agreements¹ to ensure appropriate development standards and timely adoption of infrastructure.

Motion from Councillor Bethia Thomas: Wildfire Prevention

A motion proposed by Councillor Bethia Thomas, focusing on wildfire prevention in light of the county being declared in drought, was approved and referred to Cabinet. The motion recognised the increased risk of wildfires due to climate change and called for measures to minimise this risk. These include making wildfire prevention a priority for the Climate Adaptation Team, working with communities to reduce outbreaks, reviewing the management of council land, and working with Trading Standards and Licensing Authorities on the responsible sale of fireworks and Chinese lanterns. The motion also requested that the Leader write to the appropriate Minister to seek resources for the fire service to combat wildfires at scale.

Motion from Councillor Liz Brighouse: Social Care Reform

Councillor Liz Brighouse's motion regarding the urgent need for social care reform was approved and referred to Cabinet. The motion noted the unsustainable nature of the current social care system and welcomed the Prime Minister's commitment to addressing the issue. It called for the promotion of the Big Conversation on Care across Oxfordshire, full support and participation in this initiative, and constructive cross-party working to achieve lasting reform. The Leader was also asked to report on the outcomes of local engagement and the Commission's findings.

Notification of Amendments to the Constitution

Council noted amendments made to the Constitution by the Director of Law & Governance and Monitoring Officer. These amendments were made for clarification, to reflect legislation, and to give effect to decisions made by Council and the Leader of the Council. The changes included provisions for committees to fill vacant seats if political groups fail to nominate within three weeks, the appointment of Deputy Cabinet Members, clarification on public exclusion from meetings, and procedures for urgent private meetings.