Esme Kenney, Local Democracy Reporter
Latest news and stories
-
The Oxfordshire streets where drivers got the most parking tickets in 2024
The Oxfordshire streets where drivers got the most parking tickets in 2024 have been revealed, with Mansfield Road in Oxford topping the list. with Mansfield Road in Oxford topping the list. A total of 5,321 parking tickets were issued there – an average of 14 per day.
-
Network Rail escapes legal action despite Botley Road delays
Legal action against Network Rail over the prolonged closure of Botley Road in Oxford has been dismissed. The road, which has been closed since April 2023 for station upgrades, will not reopen until August 2026.
-
Expanded 20mph speed limits approved for Didcot and Oxfordshire villages
Additional 20mph speed limits will be rolled out in Didcot to cover the part of the town south of the railway line as well as the villages of East Challow, Beckley, Eye & Dunsden and Shenington with Alkerton.
-
New parking restrictions approved near Didcot Parkway Station amid resident concerns
More parking restrictions will be introduced near Didcot Parkway Station following concerns about “a plague of commuters and shoppers” parking on nearby roads at the expense of residents.
-
Council leaders split on local government devolution fast-track at expense of elections
The government’s plans to reorganise local government have led to speculation that local elections due to be held this year could be cancelled.
-
Oxfordshire MPs defend having local council roles despite low attendance rates at meetings
Two more Oxfordshire MPs have defended having roles on local councils following strong calls for those with low attendance rates at meetings to step down.
-
Oxfordshire farmers rally against Family Farm Tax with tractor protest in Oxford
Protesting against the government Family Farm Tax, the farmers gathered outside the Examinations School on Oxford High Street, where Environment Secretary Steve Reed was speaking.
-
Campaigners criticise Homes England over funding for controversial Oxpens River Bridge
A campaign group has slammed Homes England for not revealing how it came to a decision to fund a contentious bridge aimed at providing a new route to connect more people to Oxford city centre.
-
Council leaders to consider response to local government devolution plans
Leaders of Oxfordshire County Council and the county’s district councils are to meet to consider a response to local government devolution plans.
-
Debate heats up over future of Oxfordshire districts in local government restructuring
The government announced plans for a major restructuring of local government in last month’s devolution white paper, including plans to abolish district councils and introduce larger unitary authorities in areas that do not have them already.
-
MPs holding local council roles criticised for poor council meeting attendance
Four of Oxfordshire’s six MPs are also local county or district council councillors
-
Oxfordshire farmers to protest ‘family farms tax’ in Oxford city centre
The protest against the ‘family farms tax’ will take place outside the annual Oxford Farming Conference at the Examination Schools on High Street between 8.30am and 10.00am on Thursday, 09 January.
-
Oxfordshire care leaders call timescale for social care reforms plan a ‘ticking time bomb’
While the government is rolling out immediate measures to support people in need of care, they have been criticised for not acting with enough urgency on plans to reform the social care system.
-
Hundreds of Oxfordshire homes to get solar panels in energy-saving trial
Homeowners who participate in the scheme will have their solar panels fitted for free and would pay a small monthly fee for maintaining them, instead of paying thousands of pounds upfront.
-
Councillor criticises lack of transparency in Oxford United’s stadium deal
A councillor has criticised Oxford United and the county council as he claims they are “keeping residents in the dark” over how much money is available to help fund grassroots sports pitches.
-
Mixed reactions from Oxfordshire councillors on proposed local government reforms
Local leaders are divided over the government’s proposal to abolish district councils and establish large mayoral combined authorities. While some see benefits in efficiency and accountability, others warn it could and harm rural representation.