Oxfordshire County Council was scheduled to hold its annual meeting on 20 May 2025, to elect a chair and vice-chair, review committee appointments and political balance, and to consider various reports and constitutional matters. The meeting was also scheduled to cover the scheme of delegation to officers and general dispensations under the Localism Act 2011¹.

Here's a breakdown of the key items on the agenda:

Scheme of Delegation to Officers

The council was expected to discuss and approve amendments to its constitution regarding the scheme of delegation to officers. This scheme outlines the powers and responsibilities delegated to council officers, ensuring efficient operation and decision-making.

The report pack included proposed changes to:

• Part 7.1, concerning the roles of council officers.
• Part 7.2, detailing the scheme of delegation to officers.

The report pack stated that these updates reflect current officer titles, roles, and terminology, replacing terms like ‘directorate’ with ‘service’ or ‘area of responsibility’.

General Dispensations

Councillors were asked to consider a report recommending the approval of general dispensations under Section 33 of the Localism Act 2011 for all elected and co-opted voting members. These dispensations, if approved, would remain in force for four years.

The report pack stated that dispensations may be sought on the following grounds:

a) That so many Members of the decision-making body have a disclosable pecuniary interest in a matter that the business of the meeting would be impeded

b) Without a dispensation the representation of different political groups on the body would be so upset as to alter the outcome of any vote

c) The dispensation is in the interests of persons living in the area

d) No Member of the Cabinet would be able to participate on the matter without a dispensation

e) It is otherwise appropriate to grant a dispensation.

The proposed general dispensations included the ability to speak and vote on matters such as:

• Determining allowances for members.
• Housing Benefit/ Universal Credit.
• Any Ceremonial Honours given to Members and former Members.
• Setting the Council Tax precept.

The report also recommended delegating the power to grant individual dispensations to the Monitoring Officer.

Annual Report of the Audit & Governance Committee

The council was scheduled to note the Annual Report of the Audit & Governance Committee for 2024/25. The report summarises the committee's work, including its oversight of internal and external audits, financial and governance reports. Councillor Ted Fenton, Chair of the Audit & Governance Committee, noted in the report that the committee provides:

an independent and high-level resource which supports good governance and strong public financial management.

The report also highlighted key activities undertaken by the Audit Working Group, such as reviewing internal audits of procurement cards, health funded payments, and adults payments to providers.

Returning Officer's Report

The council was asked to note the Returning Officer's report on the elections held on 1 May 2025. The report annex lists the councillors elected for each division and their respective political parties.

Appointments

The meeting agenda included the election of the Leader of the Council. Councillors were also expected to note the names, addresses, and electoral divisions of the people appointed to the Cabinet by the Leader of the Council, as well as the Office of the Leader of the Opposition.

Committees and Review of Political Balance

Following the election, the council was expected to review the political balance on its committees, as required by the Local Government & Housing Act 1989.