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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A first look at Oxford City Council’s proposed budget for 2023/24
The council has balanced the budget despite facing unprecedented financial pressures as a result of rising inflation and interest rates, the economic downturn and the legacy impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on some key income streams.
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1,400 households in Vale of White Horse to be lifted out of paying council tax from April
District councillors at the Vale unanimously agreed to remove the restrictions requiring low-income households to contribute towards their annual council tax bill.
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Oxfordshire County Council names new Chief Executive
Dr Martin Reeves has been named as new Chief Executive of Oxfordshire County Council, to take over from the Interim Chief Executive, Stephen Chandler.
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County Council to quell rising children’s services costs by “revising thresholds
In its latest financial report to cabinet, the council predicts it will overspend by £8.7m on children’s services in this financial year, much of which is due to children placed into social care.
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New Chief Constable says domestic abuse stance fuelled by personal tragedy
Jason Hogg, who currently serves as Deputy Chief Constable, is set to step up to the top job when incumbent John Campbell retires at the end of March 2023.
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Independent candidate questions political balance of Thames Valley Police & Crime Panel
The political balance of a group of councillors tasked with holding to account Thames Valley’s Police & Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber has again been called into question.
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Council leader to consider annual report on which councillors attend meetings
The suggestion was put forward following a question over how many councillors had failed to attend any meeting of full council since May this year.
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Apology after thousands of callers gave up waiting for council to pick up the phone
The councillor who oversees Oxfordshire County Council’s customer call handling has apologised after thousands of people gave up while waiting in September.
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West Oxfordshire planning officers stand up to grilling over housing land supply
The authority was deemed unable to prove it has a five-year housing land supply by the Planning Inspectorate.
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Government proposed changes to planning laws criticised by Reading MP Matt Rodda
Although the proposals have not been finalised yet, Mr Rodda has argued they would lead to an increase in ‘ugly and cramped developments’ both in the town and on its outskirts.
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West Oxon’s Chief Exec describes outcome of Oxfordshire Plan 2050 as ‘very disappointing’
He expressed his opinion while delivering an update to the West Oxfordshire council’s cabinet, the ruling body of councillors, this week.
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Spiralling cost of placements for children in care blamed on past mistakes
The authority finds itself having to fund a £6.7m shortfall to cover the cost of just 13 extra placements for children with complex needs.
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Roundtable seeks to shape countywide response to cost of living crisis
Support for the most vulnerable and keeping communities strong and resilient was the core focus for Oxfordshire leaders as they met for a cost of living roundtable event.
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Cherwell Council to dip into savings to plug £458k shortfall in revenue from car parks
The council confirmed it would dip into savings to plug a £458k gap between what it budgeted to make from car parking charges and current projections.
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Cherwell deputy leader wants more done to highlight cost of living crisis help available
This comes on the back of an estimate that around 4,000 Oxfordshire pensioners are missing out on much-needed financial support.
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Council seeks views on latest stage of Oxford Local Plan 2040
The planning document will be used to inform all future planning applications by setting out how and where new homes, jobs and community facilities will be delivered to make Oxford a better place to live, work and visit.