Government & Politics
Follow Government & Politics in Oxford and just beyond, including council decisions, elections, public policy and political developments affecting local communities.
-
Lib Dems defend congestion charge plans after criticism over election silence
The Liberal Democrats are under fire for failing to mention plans for a £5 congestion charge during their successful Oxfordshire County Council election campaign.
-
Local government in Oxfordshire: Weighing the three unitary council proposals
With the central government encouraging streamlined structures as part of its wider devolution agenda, the key question now is not whether Oxfordshire should change, but how. Explore the three main proposals for reforming local government in Oxfordshire currently under serious discussion.
-
County Council continues to endorse One Council as best option for future
Oxfordshire County Council has reiterated its view that a single county unitary council should be the way forward for local government in the county when change happens in a few years’ time.
-
Two new unitary councils proposed in Local government reform
Five councils across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire have joined forces to propose two new unitary authorities—Oxford and Shires Council and Ridgeway Council—as part of national plans to reform local government.
-
Plans unveiled for Greater Oxford Council as local government faces major reform
Oxford City Council has unveiled proposals for a new Greater Oxford Council as part of a major local government shake-up, aiming to bring planning, transport and housing decisions closer to the communities they affect.
-
Young people praise Oxfordshire Youth Support in new peer review
Young people have praised Oxfordshire County Council’s targeted youth support service in a peer review led by the National Youth Agency. The service, launched in 2021, supports youth facing difficulties to prevent escalation to authorities.
-
West Oxfordshire resubmits Net Zero policy for Salt Cross development
West Oxfordshire District Council has resubmitted a revised Net Zero policy for the Salt Cross Area Action Plan (AAP) to the Planning Inspectorate. Initially rejected, the policy was allowed to be reconsidered following a successful High Court challenge by Rights Community Action.
-
Lib Dems condemn Labour’s housing policy change in Cherwell amid planning delays
Cherwell’s Liberal Democrats have criticised the Labour government for reinstating the requirement to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, despite over 8,000 homes already approved but awaiting construction.
-
Strategic authority debate: Super region plans spark debate in Thames Valley
Plans for a Thames Valley strategic authority covering Reading, Swindon, and Oxford have sparked both excitement and concern. The proposed body would oversee major housing, transport, and infrastructure projects, including a third Thames bridge and a rail link to Heathrow.
-
Strategic authority debate: Could Reading, Swindon, and Oxfordshire unite?
Reading and Swindon could collaborate on major infrastructure projects under proposed local government reorganisation. The Labour government’s English Devolution White Paper suggests forming Strategic Authorities with at least 1.5 million people, potentially merging Berkshire with Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
-
Oxfordshire councillor doesn’t want devolution partnership with Swindon
South Oxfordshire District Council leader David Rouane has opposed partnering with Swindon, arguing it aligns more with the West Country than the South East and lacks historical and economic connections to Oxfordshire.
-
Oxfordshire leader responds to calls for clarity on mayoral authority geography
Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council has responded to calls to confirm the council’s geographical preference for a mayoral strategic authority.
-
Vale of White Horse leader urges county leader to clarify position on Strategic Authority
The leader of the Vale of White Horse District Council has asked the leader of Oxfordshire County Council to explain her council’s position on a preferred geography for a Mayoral Strategic Authority.
-
South Oxfordshire leader advocates for strategic authority with Berkshire and Buckinghamshire
Councillor David Rouane, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, has argued that Oxfordshire should form a new Strategic Authority with Berkshire and Buckinghamshire rather than Swindon.
-
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.