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Cabinet - Tuesday, 20 October 2026 2.00 pm
October 20, 2026 at 2:00 pm Cabinet View on council websiteSummary
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The Cabinet of Oxfordshire County Council met on Tuesday 20 October 2026. The meeting included recommendations for several key transport and infrastructure projects, including the Henley HGV analysis report and the West Oxfordshire and Lowlands Movement and Place Plan. The Cabinet also considered climate impact responses and noted updates on capital programmes and business management.
Cabinet Response to Council Motion on Climate Impact
The Cabinet supported proposals for a pilot place-based resilience initiative to aid Oxfordshire's most vulnerable areas in adapting to climate change. This initiative will work with communities to reduce flood risks and mitigate the effects of extreme heat. The Cabinet also noted ongoing efforts in climate adaptation and the consideration of funding for the Heat Safe Homes programme and building-level heat resilience measures on the council's own estate.
Henley HGV Analysis Report
Cabinet recommended the approval of the Henley-on-Thames Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) Study and its associated action plan. This recommendation will enable further feasibility studies to explore mitigation measures aimed at reducing the number of HGVs travelling through Henley-on-Thames. The project will then move into an implementation phase to examine recommendations from these studies.
West Oxfordshire and Lowlands Movement and Place Plan
The Cabinet recommended the adoption of the West Oxfordshire and Lowlands Movement and Place Plan (MAP Plan). This plan, developed collaboratively with local members, stakeholders, and the community, sets out key objectives for the areas of Witney, Carterton, Burford, and surrounding villages. Cabinet also recommended the approval of updated outcomes for the plan, increasing them from nine to twelve to better reflect place-based elements and feedback received during consultations.
OxRAIL 2040: Plan for Rail Update and Delivery Plan
Progress on the OxRAIL 2040: Plan for Rail was noted. Cabinet approved the proposed project allocation of Enterprise Zone Retained Business Rates funding to support its delivery, including contributions to the Cowley Branch Line Programme. Approval was also given in principle for the commitment of funds to East West Rail mitigation schemes, subject to concluding suitable agreements. Authority was delegated to the Director of Economy and Place to amend the delivery programme and conclude agreements with government and industry partners.
A40 HIF2 Programme - Phase 1 (A&B&C) and Duke's Cut Maintenance Update
Cabinet recommended a pause on Phase 1B (Duke's Cut bus priority infrastructure), Phase 1C (shared pathway improvements), and the Duke's Cut Maintenance Works, pending further investigation into scope, costs, funding, and delivery. This decision allows Phase 1A of the A40 corridor improvements to proceed, with an approved project budget of £136.6m funded by the current programme allocation and corporate capital reserves. Authority was delegated to the Director of Environment and Highways to finalise necessary amendments and issue a Notice to Proceed for Phase 1A. The bus priority at Duke's Cut remains a Council policy objective.
Lane Rental Surplus Funds - Governance Approach
The Cabinet recommended noting the governance arrangements for the Lane Rental Surplus Board, which assesses funding applications and makes recommendations. Final approval and spend sign-off for surplus funds will remain with the Director for Environment and Highways, adhering to established delegated authority and finance procedures. The Board's recommendations will generally be ratified unless exceptional circumstances apply, with any departures clearly documented. Proposals exceeding delegated authority thresholds will be brought to Cabinet as Key Decisions.
Business Management and Monitoring Report - Performance and Risk Quarter 1 2026/27 and Finance Update at August 2026
Cabinet noted the report, which included performance measures, exceptions, complaints, FOI requests, finance updates, headline project progress, and the Homes for Ukraine scheme update. The report noted that approximately £6.6m in funding for pay inflation has been added to service area budgets. Cabinet also noted the forecast and accumulated deficit position for the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) High Needs Block for 2025/26 and approved the allocation of Homes for Ukraine funding.
Capital Programme Monitoring Report (August 2026)
Cabinet noted the capital monitoring position for 2026/27 and approved the updated Capital Programme. They also noted the current over-programming of the capital programme at £10.365m, with options to reduce this to be considered through the Budget & Business Planning process for 2027/28.
Forward Plan and Future Business
Cabinet noted the items currently identified for forthcoming meetings.
Transfer of responsibility from Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Inclusion Support Services (SENDISS) to host schools.
Cabinet recommended the proposal to align funding for SENDISS Communication and Interaction Resource Bases, a transition funding model, and the proposed funding model for Deaf and Hearing Support Resource Bases and the Physical Disabilities Resource Base, all anticipated to come into effect in April 2027. They also reviewed the potential to transfer responsibility of Resource Bases currently managed by the Local Authority to the schools where they are located.
Speedwell House Early Works Funding Draw Down and Instruction of Early Works through a Letter of Intent
Cabinet recommended the draw down and use of existing approved funding for the Speedwell House project during the design and procurement stage to enable an early works package to be instructed before Full Business Case approval. Authority was delegated to the Director of Property and Assets to instruct this early works package via a letter of intent.
Questions from County Councillors
Councillor James Fry asked about proposals for a separate cycle lane between Eynsham and Oxford, past Swinford Toll Bridge and Farmoor. Councillor Gareth Epps, Cabinet Member for Transport, outlined several progressing schemes that will support this, including actions within the West Oxfordshire and Lowlands Movement and Place Plan and upgrades along the A40 Wolvercote to Eynsham Scheme. Councillor Fry also enquired about a potential rail spur between Ardley Railway Station and the incinerator. Councillor Epps explained that the Oxfordshire Strategic Rail Freight Interchange is being brought forward by a private developer and that dialogue will continue as OCC's plans for Ardley Station develop. He also noted that any consideration of a private rail spur would be a matter for the developers and Viridor.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Henley HGV analysis report
For DeterminationThe Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council decided to approve the Henley-on-Thames Heavy Goods Vehicle Study and its associated action plan on 20 October 2026. The decision enables feasibility work to commence with the intention of delivering mitigation measures for Heavy Goods Vehicles within Henley-on-Thames. Recommendations approved include moving the project into implementation to examine feasibility work and moving forward to a resolution.
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Speedwell House Early Works Funding Draw Down and Instruction of Early Works through a Letter of Intent
For DeterminationThe Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council decided on 20/10/2026 to approve the draw down and use of funding for the Speedwell House project and authorise the Director of Property and Assets to instruct an early works package by letter of intent. This decision approves the recommendations from the report.
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A40 HIF2 Programme - Phase 1 (A&B&C) and Duke's Cut Maintenance Update
For DeterminationThe Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council decided on 20/10/2026 to approve recommendations regarding the A40 HIF2 Programme. This included pausing Phase 1B, Phase 1C, and Duke's Cut Maintenance works, approving a project budget of £136.6m for Phase 1A funded from existing allocations and corporate capital reserves, and delegating authority to the Director of Environment and Highways for necessary amendments and to issue a Notice to Proceed for Phase 1A.
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Petitions and Public Address
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council decided on 20/10/2026 to approve recommendations regarding petitions and public address. This included addressing a petition for Coxwell Road resurfacing and considering the Henley HGV analysis report and the West Oxfordshire and Lowlands Movement and Place Plan.
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Forward Plan and Future Business
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council noted the Forward Plan and Future Business on 20/10/2026. The Cabinet also approved recommendations for the establishment of the Thames Valley Strategic Planning Board, Treasury Management Mid Term Review 2026/27, Climate Action Framework Annual Report, Oxfordshire Street Design Code, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service Cover Model, response to motion by Cllr Brighouse on the Big Conversation on Social Care, Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership Annual report 2025/26, A423 Kennington Improvement Programme - Project Update, and Oxfordshire Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2025-26. The Cabinet Member for Children and Young People approved a contract extension for Homes2Inspire Children's Residential Block Contract. The Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Transformation approved the roll out of Amazon Business for low value, high volume and ad-hoc spend. The Cabinet Member for Transport approved agreements for the Ambrosden to Bicester Active Travel Scheme, proposed electric vehicle bays in Deddington, procurement for the East Oxford Active Neighbourhoods, proposed zebra crossings in Witney and Aston, a proposed toucan crossing on A417 Reading Road, Harwell, proposed toucan crossing, shared use paths and bus stops on Water Eaton Lane, Gosford, and speed limits and traffic calming in Standlake and Brighthampton.
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Minutes
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council approved the minutes of the meeting held on 15 September 2026. This decision was made on 20 October 2026.
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For information only: Cabinet responses to Scrutiny items
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council noted recommendations on 20/10/2026. They accepted a recommendation to strengthen business monitoring and publish footfall and spend data, and partially accepted recommendations to develop mitigations for increased congestion and prepare contingency measures. The Cabinet also accepted a recommendation to ensure sufficient resources for the Best Start in Life Plan and Best Start Family Hubs.
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Apologies for Absence
Recommendations ApprovedOxfordshire Cabinet approved recommendations on 20/10/2026. Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Neil Fawcett.
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Appointments
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council on 20 October 2026 approved recommendations. There were no appointments to report to this meeting.
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Questions from County Councillors
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council approved recommendations on 20/10/2026. The decision involved answering questions from county councillors regarding cycling routes and rail developments. Officer actions include liaising with partners to deliver safe cycle connections, exploring opportunities for walking and cycling facilities at Swinford Toll Bridge, and progressing the Eynsham to Botley walking, wheeling, and cycling route.
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Reports from Scrutiny Committees
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council decided on 20/10/2026 to receive a report from the Place Overview & Scrutiny Committee regarding Movement and Place Plans. The Cabinet will respond in due course and relevant officers will provide updates on progress for 12 months.
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Declarations of Interest
Recommendations ApprovedCabinet decided to approve recommendations on 20/10/2026. Councillor Liz Leffman declared an interest in Item 10 as a member of West Oxfordshire District Council.
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Capital Programme Monitoring Report (October 2026)
For DeterminationThe Cabinet decided to note the capital monitoring position for 2026/27 and approve the updated Capital Programme. They also noted the current over-programming of the capital programme is £10.365m.
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West Oxfordshire and Lowlands Movement and Place Plan
For DeterminationThe Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council decided to approve the adoption of the West Oxfordshire and Lowlands Movement and Place Plan and updated Movement and Place Plan outcomes on 20 October 2026. The plan includes updated outcomes to increase from 9 to 12, which will be reflected in all future Movement and Place Plans.
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Cabinet response to Council Motion on Climate Impact
For DeterminationThe Oxfordshire Cabinet decided on 20/10/2026 to approve recommendations regarding the council's climate impact response. The Cabinet supported a pilot place-based resilience initiative and noted consideration of funding proposals for the Heat Safe Homes programme and building-level heat resilience measures.
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Lane Rental Surplus Funds - Governance Approach
For DeterminationThe Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council decided to approve recommendations regarding the governance of surplus Lane Rental funds on 20 October 2026. The decision included noting that the Director for Environment and Highways retains final approval for spend, and that the Lane Rental Surplus Board will assess funding applications and make recommendations. Proposals exceeding delegated authority thresholds will be brought to Cabinet.
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Business Management and Monitoring Report - Performance and Risk Quarter 1 2026/27 and Finance Update at August 2026
For DeterminationThe Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council decided to approve recommendations on 20/10/2026. They noted the business management report and annexes, including performance and finance updates. The Cabinet also approved the allocation of Homes for Ukraine funding.
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OxRAIL 2040: Plan for Rail Update and Delivery Plan
For DeterminationThe Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council decided on 20/10/2026 to note progress on the OxRAIL 2040: Plan for Rail, approve proposed funding allocations from Enterprise Zone Retained Business Rates, and approve in-principle the commitment of funds to East West Rail mitigation schemes. Authority was delegated to the Director of Economy and Place to amend the delivery programme and conclude agreements with partners.
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Transfer of responsibility from Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Inclusion Support Services (SENDISS) to host schools.
For DeterminationThe Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council decided to approve the transfer of responsibility for Resource Bases from SENDISS to host schools on 20 October 2026. The decision approved proposals to align funding models for Communication and Interaction, Deaf and Hearing Support, and Physical Disabilities Resource Bases, with a transition funding model anticipated to come into effect in April 2027. The Cabinet also reviewed the potential to transfer responsibility of these bases to the schools where they are located.
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