The Performance & Corporate Services Overview & Scrutiny Committee of Oxfordshire Council is scheduled to meet on Friday 18 September 2026. The meeting's agenda includes discussions on devolution, the integration of social value principles, and the council's use of artificial intelligence. Additionally, the committee will receive an update on corporate IT security.

Devolution Update

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources, along with Lorna Baxter, Deputy Chief Executive (S.151 Officer), and Rose Sutton, Interim Programme Manager (Devolution), are scheduled to present an update on devolution. The report highlights a shift in national policy towards mayoral strategic authorities, with an ambition for all of England to be covered by such an authority by the end of 2028. While leaders across Oxfordshire and the Thames Valley remain supportive of devolution in principle, consensus has not yet been reached on the government's current offer. Concerns remain regarding the proposed geography, powers, funding, and alignment with strategic service boundaries. The report also notes the interdependencies between devolution, Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), and the future organisation of strategic services across the Thames Valley. The committee is asked to note these points and support continued officer engagement with government departments and Thames Valley partners to develop a robust proposition for future devolution arrangements.

Integrating Social Value

Councillor Dan Levy, Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Transformation, Lorna Baxter, Deputy Chief Executive (s.151 officer), and Max Button, Commercial Excellence Lead, are expected to present a report on the council's integration of Social Value principles. The report aims to articulate the landscape of socially valuable activity undertaken by the council beyond its statutory obligations. It will provide an overview of various initiatives, their contribution to the council's strategic priorities, and address key risks to their ongoing delivery. The report notes that the council has developed relationships with partners such as Oxford University Development, MGroup, and local business groups to shape initiatives and maximise impact. The upcoming Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) is identified as a factor creating complexities, with a timeframe until vesting day on 1 April 2028. The council intends to champion initiatives with a positive impact county-wide and play a leading role in shaping social value approaches for new authorities.

AI Usage and Benefits

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources, Kit Collingwood, Interim Director of Technology and Customer Experience, and Alastair Read, Head of IT Services, are scheduled to present a report on the council's usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its benefits. Oxfordshire County Council began its AI work with a pilot of Microsoft 365 Copilot in 2024, which led to the purchase of 4,500 licences for a wider rollout. The council also utilises specialist AI tools such as Beam (formerly Magic Notes) for social care staff and Zoom AI for customer contact. The report indicates that while AI has been widely adopted by staff, demonstrating clear service benefits, time savings, and financial savings is the next focus. The council is working to measure outcomes, service improvements, and savings where possible, with future efforts concentrating on roles and services where AI can make the biggest difference.

Corporate IT Security

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources, Alastair Read, Head of IT Services, and Asher Sims have been invited to present a report on the council's corporate IT security. This item is designated as exempt, meaning the public will be excluded from this part of the meeting due to the likely disclosure of exempt information.

Committee Forward Work Plan

The committee is recommended to agree its work programme for forthcoming meetings. This includes reviewing changes from previous iterations and considering the Cabinet Forward Plan. The forward plan outlines topics for future meetings, such as budget scrutiny, the Marmot Integration principles, and a focus on Children, Education and Families services.

Responses to Scrutiny Recommendations

The committee is asked to note the Cabinet's response to the Performance and Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee's report on the Community Asset Transfer (CAT) Policy. The Cabinet's responses indicate partial acceptance of several recommendations, including amendments to the CAT policy to make explicit reference to the sale of land and providing fuller explanations regarding the transfer of dilapidated buildings. The recommendation to increase resourcing for the Community Asset Transfer and Community Leasing Working Group, and to broaden its membership, has been accepted.

The meeting will also include the approval of the minutes from the previous meeting held on 12 June 2026, and an opportunity for petitions and public address.