Here is a summary of the agenda for the County Council meeting on 9 September 2025. Councillors were expected to discuss the treasury management annual performance, review outside bodies, and consider motions on family hubs, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), Oxfordshire military bases, and Healthwatch Oxfordshire. They were also scheduled to consider the payment of special responsibility allowances to opposition groups and parental leave for councillors.

Motions

Several motions were put forward by councillors for discussion:

Family Hubs

Councillor Dr Izzy Creed, Shadow Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, proposed a motion regarding the government's new Best Start Family Hubs programme and the national target of 75% of five-year-olds having a good level of development by 2028. The motion noted the preceding Sure Start programme and its positive impacts, as well as the cuts to local government funding that led to the closure of many council-run children's centres. Councillor Dr Creed requested that the cabinet consider supporting existing community-operated children's centres in Oxfordshire, developing a strategy to increase the range of services offered by these centres, and exploring whether they can help extend the reach of the county's re-established youth service.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Councillor James Plumb, Shadow Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, put forward a motion addressing the increasing pressures on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services across Oxfordshire. The motion highlighted the removal of the dedicated Cabinet Member for SEND Improvement and argued for the reinstatement of this post to enhance decision-making, oversight, and transparency. Councillor Plumb requested that the Leader of the Council reinstate the Cabinet Member for SEND Improvement, ensure this role has clear responsibility for SEND policy, and provide a written response outlining the steps being taken to strengthen leadership and accountability within SEND services.

Oxfordshire Military Bases

Councillor Ian Middleton, Leader of the Green Group, proposed a motion concerning the use of Oxfordshire air bases and training facilities by international forces, specifically the Israeli military. The motion referenced media reports suggesting that these bases have been used to support Israeli Air Force actions in Gaza and that Israeli military personnel may have received training at the Defence Academy in Shrivenham¹. Councillor Middleton requested that the Leader of the Council write to the Police and Crime Commissioner requesting information on any increased costs and resource requirements for protecting facilities in Oxfordshire that are being accessed by the Israeli military.

Healthwatch Oxfordshire

Councillor Jane Hanna OBE proposed a motion regarding the abolition of Healthwatch Oxfordshire and local Councils of Governors of Oxfordshire hospitals within a new Health and Social Care Act. The motion noted that these bodies would be integrated into existing local departments, with queries diverted to the NHS App. Councillor Hanna called on the Leader and Cabinet to consider how the council, working with NHS partners, can safeguard and develop the Healthwatch function and engage with local stakeholders to ensure the local delivery of national reforms at neighbourhood level best meet patient and community need.

Review of Outside Bodies

The council was scheduled to review its procedures and guidance around appointments to outside bodies². The report summarised the procedures and proposed amendments to the way in which representatives are currently appointed to Category B (Non-strategic) and Category C (Local) Outside Bodies.

The council was recommended to:

• Agree that appointments to Category B non-strategic Outside Bodies be made by the Audit and Governance Committee.
• Agree that appointments to Category C Outside Bodies be delegated to the Monitoring Officer.
• Approve the Constitutional Amendments in Annex 1 to reflect these changes.
• Approve the definition of a Strategic Outside Bodies in paragraph 14 of this report.
• Note the Guidance for Members who are appointed to Outside Bodies adopted by the Audit & Governance Committee on 16 July 2025 (attached at Annex 2).
• Endorse the list of 'Strategic' Category A Outside Bodies in Annex 3.
• Confirm the appointments to Category B Outside Bodies in Annex 4.
• Note the list of Category C Outside Bodies in Annex 5.

Members' Allowances - Opposition Groups and Parental Leave

The council was scheduled to consider the interim report of the Independent Remuneration Panel regarding special responsibility allowances (SRAs) for the leaders and shadow cabinet members of the two equally sized opposition groups, and the application of allowances for councillors taking parental leave.

The council was recommended to consider the following options:

• Adopt the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel on the Special Responsibility Allowances for the recognised Opposition Group(s) as set out in Annex A to this report; OR
• Agree alternative values for any of the allowances, as the Council may determine; OR
• If the Council does not wish to accept the Panel's recommendations at this time, in whole or in part, or to substitute alternative amounts, to agree a status quo Scheme of Allowances for 2025/26 for any unchanged aspect;
• Agree the Independent Remuneration Panel's recommendation that basic and any Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs) should continue to be paid to any councillor taking parental leave in accordance with the Parental Leave Policy approved by Council on 8 July 2025.

Treasury Management Annual Performance Report 2024/25

The council was scheduled to note the Treasury Management Annual Performance Report 2024/25. The report set out the Treasury Management position at 31 March 2025, measuring performance against the budget agreed by the council in February 2024.

Other Matters

The agenda also included:

• Approval of the minutes of the meeting held on 8 July 2025.
• Apologies for absence.
• Declarations of interest.
• Official communications.
• Appointments to scrutiny and other committees.
• Petitions and public address.
• Questions with notice from members of the public and of the council.
• A report from the Leader of the Council summarising the decisions from the cabinet meeting on 15 July 2025.