Government & Politics
Browse news and stories about local government and politics in Oxfordshire, including the administration of Oxfordshire county and the city and district councils by the representatives elected by those who live there.
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Thames Valley leaders furious after plans to create powerful regional Strategic Authority collapse
Thames Valley leaders are furious after plans for a regional Strategic Authority collapsed, blaming Oxfordshire’s Liberal Democrat leadership for withdrawing support and derailing a once-in-a-generation devolution deal across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Swindon.
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Thames Valley mayoral authority plans unravel as Oxfordshire’s Lib Dem leadership withdraws support
Oxfordshire’s withdrawal of support has collapsed plans for a Thames Valley mayoral authority, putting the devolution project across Berkshire and Swindon in doubt and casting uncertainty over future governance and investment plans.
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Planning powers taken from Cherwell Council as government places council in special measures
Cherwell District Council has been placed under special planning measures by the Government after more than 11% of its major planning decisions were overturned on appeal, allowing developers to submit major schemes directly to the Planning Inspectorate.
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Oxfordshire County Council chief executive awarded OBE in King’s Birthday Honours
Dr Martin Reeves, Chief Executive of Oxfordshire County Council, has been awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to local government. The honour recognises more than 25 years of leadership across major UK councils, including Coventry City Council and Oxfordshire County Council.
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Oxfordshire councils prepare for July decision on local government reorganisation
Councils across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire are working jointly to prepare for a government decision expected in July that will determine whether the area moves to one, two or three unitary authorities under local government reorganisation plans.
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County Council agrees deal to bring Castle Quarter lease back into public ownership
Oxfordshire County Council has agreed to purchase the long-term lease of Oxford’s Castle Quarter. The move is expected to support future regeneration in a key city centre location between the station, Westgate and Oxford’s historic core.
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Leadership change at Oxfordshire County Council as Liz Leffman steps down
Councillor Liz Leffman is to step down as leader of Oxfordshire County Council and the Liberal Democrat group, with Councillor Tim Bearder elected as the new group leader.
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Voters across Oxfordshire urged to take part in local elections this Thursday
Voters across Oxford City, Cherwell and West Oxfordshire are reminded that local elections take place this Thursday (07 May), with polling stations open from 7.00am to 10.00pm. Photo ID is required to cast a ballot.
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Oxfordshire County Council urges residents to support One Oxfordshire proposal
Oxfordshire County Council says One Oxfordshire offers the strongest option for local government reform, promising financial savings, streamlined services and clearer accountability ahead of a key consultation deadline.
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Oxfordshire farmers warned to act before inheritance tax changes take effect
Oxfordshire farmers are being warned to act quickly before new inheritance tax rules take effect in April 2026, with experts cautioning that the changes could force some rural families to sell farmland to cover future tax liabilities.
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Oxfordshire local government shake-up risks being a “great distraction,” thinktank warns
A thinktank has warned that Oxfordshire’s proposed local government restructure risks becoming a “great distraction” if not done properly – shifting focus from pressing issues like affordable housing, transport, and public services, leaving local residents unsure of who is responsible for key decisions.
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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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Ongoing coverage of the local government devolution proposals
Ongoing coverage of the government’s proposed local government devolution plans and their potential impact on Oxfordshire.
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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.