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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.