The Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council met on Tuesday 18 November 2025, approving key strategies for rail development and carbon offsetting, alongside changes to waste recycling centre policies. The meeting also saw the endorsement of the budget and business planning process for the next five years and a review of the capital programme.

OxRAIL 2040: Plan for Rail Strategy

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the approval of the OxRAIL 2040: Plan for Rail strategy. This county-wide rail strategy, developed with input from the rail industry, district councils, businesses, and other stakeholders, was approved for publication and adoption as a daughter document to the Local Transport and Connectivity Plan. The Cabinet agreed to delegate to the Director of Economy and Place, in consultation with Councillor Judy Roberts, Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, the authority to make final amendments to the plan. Amendments were made to the plan proposed by Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, specifically concerning the development of options for medium- to longer-term mass rapid transit for a particular corridor, and the exploration of a Carterton–Witney–Oxford Mass Rapid Transit system.

Carbon Management Plan Residual Carbon and Offsetting Policy

The Cabinet adopted a new policy outlining how the council will approach offsetting residual emissions to meet its commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030. The policy aims to ensure a high-integrity use of carbon credits that maximise local benefits. The Cabinet noted the need for purchasing carbon credits and the improved clarity of terminology, using 'carbon neutral' to refer to the council's 2030 target for its estate and operations. An action plan was also noted to support the acquisition of carbon credits and the growth of local carbon removal projects.

Proposed Changes to the Waste Acceptance Policy (WAP) for Oxfordshire’s Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs)

Following a six-week public consultation, the Cabinet approved proposed changes to the Waste Acceptance Policy for Oxfordshire’s household waste recycling centres. These changes include the introduction of new fees and charges commencing from January 2026, such as £5.50 per cubic metre for asbestos and £15 per car visit for out-of-county customers. The implementation of reduced opening hours and days of operation has been delayed until 2027.

Budget and Business Planning Report 2026/27 - 2030/31

The Cabinet noted the report and the starting point for the 2026/27 budget. A five-year period for the medium-term financial strategy to 2030/31 and a ten-year period for the capital programme to 2035/36 were approved. The report also highlighted the budget and business planning process timeline and next steps, including the potential impact of the Fair Funding Review 2.0 consultation on funding. The council's requirement to set a sustainable balanced budget for 2026/27 was also noted.

Capital Programme Approvals - November 2025

A budget increase of £2.518 million, from £10.8 million to £13.318 million, was approved for the A4130 Steventon Lights scheme. This increase will be funded from a combination of sources.

Response to Motion by Councillor Creed on Children's Centres

The Cabinet agreed to the council's response to a motion passed at Council on 9 September 2025 concerning Children's Centres.

Response to Motion by Councillor Hanna on Healthwatch Oxfordshire

The Cabinet noted the council's response to a motion passed at Council on 9 September 2025 regarding Healthwatch Oxfordshire.

Treasury Management Mid-Term Review 2025-26

A mid-term review of Treasury Management Activity in 2025/26 was provided, in accordance with the CIPFA code of practice. The Cabinet noted the council's treasury management activity for the first half of the financial year.

HR and Cultural Change - Quarterly Employee Data Report - Quarter 2 2025-26

The Cabinet received the quarterly staffing report, which provides details of key people numbers and an analysis of main changes since the previous report.

Business Management & Monitoring Report - Performance and Risk Quarter 2 2025/26

The Cabinet noted the report and annexes detailing performance and risk for the second quarter of 2025/26.

Review of Member Champions

The Cabinet proposed an update to the Council's Constitution regarding the Member Champion Role. This proposal will be put forward to the Audit and Governance Committee on 26 November 2025 and then to Council on 9 December 2025.

Other Business

The Cabinet also approved the minutes of the previous meeting held on 21 October 2025. Reports from Scrutiny Committees were received, and the Cabinet will respond in due course. The Forward Plan and Future Business were noted, as were responses to Scrutiny items for information only. Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Andrew Gant and Kate Gregory. There were no declarations of interest, questions from County Councillors, or appointments to report.