The West Oxfordshire District Council met on Wednesday 16 September 2026, where members discussed and approved a new members' allowances scheme, initiated a community governance review, and adopted new national planning delegation functions. The council also passed motions on strengthening food security and resilience, and addressing empty Ministry of Defence homes in Long Hanborough.

Members' Allowances Scheme for 2027/28

The council agreed to request that the Independent Remuneration Panel reports in early 2027 with recommendations for a new Members' Allowances Scheme for 2027/28 and up to three subsequent years. This process is a statutory requirement as the current scheme expires on 1 April 2027. The Independent Remuneration Panel, comprised of five independent members, will consider the current scheme, benchmarking data, and any representations from councillors before making its recommendations.

Community Governance Review Proposal

A Community Governance Review (CGR) will be initiated, focusing initially on the civic boundaries of Carterton, Chipping Norton, and Witney. This review is in response to a council motion from January 2026 and a specific request from Witney Town Council, aiming to realign boundaries where development has occurred outside existing town council limits. The Constitution Working Group will oversee the review, with proposals to be invited from the relevant town and parish councils. The review's findings will be reported back to the council for public consultation, with final recommendations potentially being considered by a successor unitary authority, depending on the progress of local government reorganisation.

National Scheme of Delegation of Planning Functions

The council adopted new arrangements to comply with national changes to planning committees, which come into effect on 31 October 2026. A new 12-member Planning Committee will replace the existing Strategic Planning Committee and Development Management Sub-Committee. Authority to appoint members to this committee will be delegated to the Director of Governance and Regulatory Services, based on nominations from political groups. The Chair and Vice-Chair of the new Planning Committee will receive Special Responsibility Allowances equivalent to those of the Development Management Sub-Committee. All own-interest planning applications will be considered for referral to the committee, rather than being automatically delegated to officers. The Director of Governance and Regulatory Services, in consultation with key committee chairs and the Constitution Working Group, has been delegated authority to update the council's Constitution to reflect these changes.

Motion A: Strengthening Food Security and Resilience

The council passed a motion calling for a comprehensive National Food Security Strategy. This includes requesting stronger statutory duties on the government to safeguard food security, protect citizens from the cost-of-living crisis, and enhance national biosecurity. It also calls for greater investment in climate-resilient farming, domestic food production, and environmental recovery. The council also urged enhanced cyber resilience for the UK's food distribution and cold-chain networks. Furthermore, the executive will work with local farmers, businesses, and community organisations to identify opportunities for strengthening local food resilience and supporting sustainable food production across West Oxfordshire.

Motion B: Empty MOD Homes in Long Hanborough

The council resolved to request that the Leader writes to the Minister for Veterans and People and Calum Miller MP regarding the prolonged emptiness of Ministry of Defence (MOD) homes in Marlborough Crescent and Becketts Close, Long Hanborough. The letter will raise concerns about the length of time these homes have remained vacant, request an update on the MOD's plans and timescale for the site, and seek confirmation on whether the homes will be reoccupied, renovated, or demolished. The aim is to provide greater certainty for Long Hanborough residents and ensure the properties are not left to deteriorate indefinitely. An amendment was accepted to investigate the feasibility, practicality, and affordability of the council or housing associations potentially taking on these properties.