A survey of businesses across Oxford, alongside newly published consumer spending data from Experian, reveals how trading conditions and business performance have changed since the introduction of the temporary congestion charge. Here’s a summary.

• 79 per cent of businesses who gave a view on their performance compared to a year ago said they are doing the same or better
• 70 per cent of businesses surveyed say the congestion charge has had no effect, or a positive effect on their business, 30 per cent report a negative effect
• Suburban businesses, particularly those with a shopfront, were significantly less positive than city centre businesses
• Spend data shows year-on-year declines in consumer spending across the city, in line with national trends
• Spending in Oxford city centre has declined by about the same amount as comparable city centres, while spending in Oxford’s suburban centres has declined more than in comparable suburban centres 

Read the full story on County Council website