Andy Mitchell (Local Democracy Reporter)
Latest news and stories
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Questions over £4.3m gap in Castle Quay’s revenue sparks a tribal row
Questions over the performance of Banbury’s council-owned shopping centre turned tribal this week with claims that a political group is “denigrating” the town.
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District councillors in Cherwell to get a 2.75 per cent pay rise
Councillors in Cherwell District Council are set to benefit from a 2.75 per cent rise to their annual allowances, as recommended by an independent panel.
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Plans for 385 new homes on the outskirts of Witney kick up a stink
Planning officers recommended refusal of plans for 385 new homes between Ducklington and Witney due to the proximity of a sewage treatment works and an abattoir.
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Cherwell District Council budget set despite lack of support from opposition parties
Cherwell District Council’s budget for the new financial year has been set despite a lack of support and criticism from opposition parties.
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County councillors warn that reviews could lead to spiralling executive pay
Councillors in charge at Oxfordshire County Council have been urged to proceed with caution when conducting reviews of executive pay.
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Oxfordshire councillors adamant that spare seats scheme has not been axed
Councillors at Oxfordshire County Council have said that the council’s spare seats scheme has not changed and that work to improve provision is ongoing.
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Oxfordshire councillor rails against “callous” amendment as 2023/24 budget is set
The councillor in charge of finances at Oxfordshire County Council has launched a staunch defence of its spending plans.
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Oxfordshire Conservatives propose trimming council tax rise in alternative budget
The Conservative opposition wants to limit the rise in the county’s portion of council tax to 3.99 per cent, two per cent of which is ring-fenced for adult social care.
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Debate continues over future of Wantage Community Hospital
The future of Wantage Community Hospital remains at the heart of a fierce debate with campaigners concerned over provision for south west Oxfordshire.
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Councillor’s mic-drop over housing standards in Cherwell dismissed as “unwarranted flounce”
A councillor championing housing standards in Cherwell was accused of an “unwarranted flounce” having walked out immediately after criticising a new policy.
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Reduced housing targets in Cherwell will protect from “speculative” developers
A new way of calculating housing targets across Cherwell district is set to give councillors more scope to refuse planning applications
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Rents and council tax in Cherwell District are set to go up by the maximum permitted
Cherwell District Council is putting up housing rents and its share of council tax by the maximum allowed amid plans to handle future financial pressures.
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County Council health panel concerned voice will not be heard at COVID inquiry
Concern has been expressed that the work of Oxfordshire’s Joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee will not be considered by the UK COVID-19 Inquiry.
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Co-production guide for major highways projects under consideration
Oxfordshire County Council is considering whether to formalise how it engages with stakeholders and the public on major highways projects.
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Kidlington roundabout revamp welcomed, but speed reduction should have happened sooner
The Kidlington roundabout revamp will see lower speed limits introduced, alongside other improvements, to a major route into Oxford – but a campaigner argues they should have been introduced sooner.
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Council leader “extremely disappointed” with Jeremy Clarkson in parking row
Parking restrictions near Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm have been approved, with the leader of Oxfordshire County Council declaring herself “extremely disappointed” with the TV star.