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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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County council to set out response to national proposals for future of local government
Following the publication of the Government’s devolution white paper on 16 December on the future of local government in England, the cabinet will be asked to agree a response.
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Local government devolution proposals: What is it and what will it mean for Oxfordshire?
As the government moves forward with devolution plans, Oxfordshire residents and local leaders must understand what’s at stake and how these changes might reshape the way services are delivered and decisions are made.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Cherwell Council set for headquarters move to Castle Quay shopping centre
Cherwell District Council plans to move its new headquarters into the former BHS and Gap units within Banbury’s Castle Quay Shopping Centre, which it owns. This move aims to support a “thriving and vibrant town centre.”
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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.
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Oxford City Council Leader responds to Government’s devolution white paper
Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council, has welcomed the Government’s proposal to introduce mayoral combined authorities at the regional level across England.
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Government unveils plans for local mayors for every region of England
The government has unveiled its English Devolution White Paper, introducing new powers for mayors aimed at driving growth, accelerating housebuilding, and improving transport.
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Oxford County Hall is up for sale as Oxfordshire Council plans move to Speedwell House
The building, completed in 1973, is officially being marketed for sale following decisions taken by the county council’s cabinet in January 2024 to move its headquarters to Speedwell House in 2027.