Government & Politics
Follow Government & Politics in Oxford and just beyond, including council decisions, elections, public policy and political developments affecting local communities.
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Have your say on the biggest local government shake-up in Oxfordshire for 50 years
Oxfordshire residents are being urged to take part in a government consultation that could fundamentally reshape how local services are delivered for decades to come. From a single countywide authority to three distinct councils, Oxfordshire faces a defining choice over how it is governed.
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Empty homes tax in Oxford expected to raise nearly £1m this year
Oxford’s empty homes council tax premium is expected to raise nearly £1m this year, incentivising owners to bring properties back into use amid a housing shortage
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West Oxfordshire estate agent warns new ‘mansion tax’ could become an administrative nightmare
He warns that the proposed mansion tax will hit local people who aren’t multi-millionaires, but are often long-term owners whose home value has crept up over the decades
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Government backs Oxfordshire Youth Support with £634k funding boost
Oxfordshire County Council has received £634k from the government to strengthen youth support across the county. The funding will help develop a sustainable model for youth services, supporting vulnerable young people.
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Oxford City Council leader urges Government to decide on Oxford United stadium plans
Oxford City Council leader Susan Brown has urged the Government to fast-track a decision on Oxford United’s proposed new stadium, warning the club must leave the Kassam by 2028. Supporters and opponents remain divided as the final decision is delayed.
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Oxfordshire MPs urge swift approval of Oxford United’s new stadium plans
Two Oxfordshire MPs have urged the government to approve Oxford United’s new stadium plans without delay, warning that the club’s future is at risk. The 16,000-seater project has cleared local hurdles but now awaits a decision from the Secretary of State.
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City council survey respondents support smaller and more localised councils
Respondents to an Oxford City Council survey on local government reorganisation have expressed support for smaller, more localised councils. The online consultation attracted 1,580 responses from across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire.
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Oxford tourist tax proposal sparks debate among businesses
Oxford businesses are divided over a proposed tourist tax, with some warning it could add pressure on hotels already grappling with a congestion charge. The city council says the levy, introduced through an Abid, could raise £2.5m a year.
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Oxford City Council welcomes approval of Oxford United’s new stadium plans
Oxford City Council has welcomed the approval of Oxford United’s new 16,000-seat stadium at The Triangle, calling it a crucial step in securing the club’s future and delivering economic and social benefits for fans and the wider community.
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Oxford United stadium plans approved by Cherwell District Council
Oxford United’s plans for a new 16,000-capacity stadium at The Triangle have been approved by Cherwell District Council after a lengthy debate. The decision marks a major milestone in the club’s ambition to create a permanent new home.
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Oxford United stadium plans recommended for approval ahead of key planning meeting
Oxford United’s plans for a 16,000-seat stadium in Kidlington have been recommended for approval, with a key Cherwell District Council planning committee meeting set for 14 August before referral to the Secretary of State.
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Campaigners warn Oxford unitary council plan would swallow Green Belt
CPRE Oxfordshire has condemned plans for a new Oxford unitary council, warning expanded boundaries would fuel urban sprawl and damage the Green Belt. The city council says the proposal could deliver 40,000 new homes by 2040 to address housing need.
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FOI reveals pre-election discussions with DfT over congestion charge signage
A Freedom of Information request has revealed Oxfordshire County Council contacted the Department for Transport about congestion charge signage before the May elections.
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Greater Oxford Council plan enters consultation phase across county
Oxford City Council has launched a public consultation on proposals to replace Oxfordshire’s six local councils with three, including a new Greater Oxford Council. The plan aims to simplify local governance, improve service delivery, and make councils more responsive.
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Cherwell planning team in final stages of report on Oxford United stadium proposals
Oxford United Football Club has confirmed that the planning process for its proposed new stadium has reached a critical milestone, with Cherwell District Council’s planning department now in the final stages of completing its official report.
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Oxfordshire County Council addresses national SEND crisis in Parliament
Oxfordshire County Council has submitted written evidence to the Parliamentary Education Select Committee’s inquiry into the national SEND crisis. Despite soaring costs, outcomes for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) remain stagnant.