The County Council of Oxfordshire Council met on Tuesday 12 May 2026 to discuss the appointment of its Chair and Vice-Chair for the upcoming year, review the annual report of the Audit and Governance Committee, and consider the political balance of its various committees. The meeting also included discussions on the Scheme of Delegation to Officers and the Calendar of Meetings for 2026/27.

Election of Chair and Vice-Chair

The meeting was scheduled to begin with the election of a Chair and Vice-Chair for the 2026/27 Council year.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The minutes from the meeting held on 24 March 2026 were presented for approval.

Official Communications

This item was scheduled to cover any official communications.

Cabinet Membership and Delegation of Cabinet Functions

A report from the Leader of the Council was expected to be presented, with the Council recommended to note the names, portfolios, and electoral divisions of the Cabinet members appointed for the coming year.

Audit and Governance Committee Annual Report 2025/26

The Council was scheduled to consider the Annual Report of the Audit and Governance Committee for 2025/26. This report, prepared by the Deputy Chief Executive & S151 Officer and the Director of Law & Governance & Monitoring Officer, outlines how the committee discharged its responsibilities in line with recommended practice from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA). The Council was recommended to note the contents of this report.

Committees and Review of Political Balance

A report from the Director of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer was scheduled to address the review of the political balance on the Council's committees, a requirement under the Local Government & Housing Act 1989. The Council was recommended to either decommission the Horton Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Horton HOSC) and appoint committees and members as listed in Schedule 1 of Annex 1 and Annex 2, or to appoint committees and members as listed in Schedule 2 of Annex 1 and Annex 2, which would include the Horton HOSC. The report also noted the need to reflect the current formation of political groups in the review of political balance.

Scheme of Delegation to Officers

The Director of Law & Governance and Monitoring Officer presented a report regarding the Scheme of Delegation to Officers. As this scheme is typically considered by Annual Council, the report informed members of a revised timeline. The Council was recommended to note that the Scheme of Delegation to Officers was under consideration by the Constitution Working Group and that their report would be presented to the Council meeting on 30 June 2026.

Calendar of Meetings 2026/27

The Director of Law & Governance and Monitoring Officer provided a report on the Calendar of Meetings for 2026/27. The Council was recommended to approve the rescheduling of the Education and Young People Overview of Scrutiny Committee meeting from 30 June 2026 to Friday 26 June 2026, with a 10:30 am start, and to note the full Calendar of Meetings as presented in Annex 1.

Declarations of Interest

Members were reminded of their duty to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests and other registrable and non-registrable interests as outlined in the guidance notes.