The Oxfordshire County Council meeting on Tuesday 10 February 2026 saw the approval of the council's budget and business plan for 2026/27 to 2030/31, which included a council tax increase of 4.99% for Band D properties. Councillors also approved the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27, outlining the council's approach to employee remuneration.

Budget and Business Planning 2026/27 - 2030/31

The council approved its budget and business plan for the upcoming five years, setting a council tax precept of £567,372,273.74. This translates to a Band D council tax of £2,006.78 for 2026/27, representing a 4.99% increase. The budget includes a general precept increase of 2.99% and an Adult Social Care Precept of 2.00%. The Medium Term Financial Strategy anticipates further council tax increases of 4.99% annually until 2028/29.

The budget addresses significant financial pressures, including an underlying reduction in government funding of £27.2 million over the next three years, alongside inflationary pressures on staff pay (budgeted at 3.2% for 2026/27) and increased demand for services such as SEND support. The council plans to add £8 million to its High Needs DSG Deficit Risk Reserve in 2026/27 to manage the growing deficit in this area, which is forecast to reach £163.2 million by March 31st, 2026.

Investments are planned for areas such as the Families First Partnership Programme (£3.1 million) and the recruitment and retention of apprentices in Children's Services (£0.7 million). A full gully clearing programme will receive £1.2 million, and £2 million annually for the next two years is allocated for highway drainage repairs. The capital programme includes £1.7 million for Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs) and £1.6 million for freight movement and congestion easing pilots. Library refurbishments are also supported, with £0.550 million for Didcot Library and £0.220 million for other upgrades.

Pay Policy Statement 2026/27

The council approved and adopted its Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27. This statement, in line with the Localism Act 2011, outlines the council's approach to employee remuneration. Key points include:

• The lowest paid employees (Green Book terms and conditions) are paid £12.65 per hour, which is above the National Living Wage (£12.21 per hour from April 2025) and the UK Real Living Wage (£12.60 per hour for 2025/2026).
• The pay multiple between the lowest paid and the highest paid employee (Chief Executive) is 1:10.09.
• The pay multiple between the median salary and the highest paid employee is 1:6.61.
• The council uses job evaluation schemes (Korn Ferry Hay for senior roles and Green Book for others) to ensure objective grading and a transparent pay structure.
• The statement details the council's participation in national pay bargaining and outlines various pay supplements, benefits schemes, and arrangements for senior management.

Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy 2026/27

The council approved its Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy for 2026/27. Key aspects include:

• A forecast average cash balance of £345 million for 2026/27, with £257 million managed internally and £88 million in strategic pooled funds.
• An anticipated reduction in the Bank of England Base Rate to 3.25% by the end of the financial year.
• A borrowing strategy that prioritises internal borrowing to manage the Capital Financing Requirement (CFR), with a limit of £450 million for internal borrowing in 2026/27.
• The strategy aims to strike a balance between securing low interest costs and achieving cost certainty, while maintaining flexibility.
• Specified and non-specified investment instruments are detailed, with minimum credit criteria and maturity limits outlined to mitigate risk.
• The council will continue to monitor its treasury management performance against other authorities through its membership of the CIPFA Treasury Management benchmarking club.

Other Key Decisions and Discussions:

• Official Communications: The council noted its revalidation of the Gold Award in the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme. Tributes were paid to former councillors David Nicholson and Ian Hudspeth.
• Appointments: Amendments to the Scheme of Delegation for the Cabinet were noted.
• Petitions and Public Address: Several petitions were presented, including calls for a weight limit on Hinksey Hill, speed restrictions on Broughton Road in Banbury, and to save Roundham Crossing in Kidlington. A petition requesting the removal of the 9 am travel limit for concessionary pass holders was also presented.
• Questions with Notice: Ten questions were asked by members of the public, and sixty-seven by council members.
• Report of the Cabinet: Discussions included devolution proposals, with concerns raised about geographical arrangements and engagement with local councils. Updates on HR and Cultural Change, the Oxfordshire Learning Disability Plan, and infrastructure funding were also noted.
• Officer Code of Conduct: The council approved amendments to the Officers' Code of Conduct.
• Motion from Councillor Tom Greenaway: A motion calling for the re-establishment of pavement weed clearance and scheduled maintenance, including alternatives to glyphosate, was carried.
• Motion from Councillor Glynis Phillips: A motion proposing the adoption of an Oxfordshire Living Wage for all staff and contractors was lost.
• Motion from Councillor Lee Evans: A motion requesting the reconsideration of rules for household waste and recycling centres and the revocation of new burdens on residents was lost.

The meeting also included the approval of the Capital Programme for 2026/27 to 2035/36, which includes significant investments in school places, highway maintenance, active travel, and community facilities. The Treasury Management Strategy and Annual Investment Strategy for 2026/27 were also approved.