Notes

  • Note by

    The Oxford Magazine

    •

    Oxfordshire launches England’s first dual-fuel hydrogen highways maintenance vehicle

    Oxfordshire County Council's dual-fuel hydrogen highways maintenance vehicle

    Oxfordshire has become the first local authority in England to introduce a dual-fuel hydrogen and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) highways maintenance vehicle, marking a milestone in greener road maintenance.

    The 3.5-tonne truck, operated by Oxfordshire County Council’s highways contractor M Group, has been retrofitted by hydrogen specialists ULEMCo and is the first hydrogen-powered vehicle in M Group’s 10,000-strong UK fleet.

    Compared with diesel, the hydrogen and HVO combination is expected to cut tailpipe carbon emissions by around 30–40% while also reducing harmful nitrogen oxide emissions.

    A second hydrogen-powered HGV is due to join the Oxfordshire fleet in early 2027 as part of the trial, which will assess performance, operating costs and fuel efficiency.

    Read the full story

  • Note by

    The Oxford Magazine

    •

    County Council commissions study into future mass rapid transit network

    Oxfordshire County Council commissions study into future mass rapid transit network

    Oxfordshire County Council has commissioned consultants Jacobs to carry out a feasibility study into options for a mass rapid transit network linking Carterton, Witney, Eynsham and Oxford.

    The study will explore potential high-frequency public transport solutions that could be delivered by 2050 to improve connectivity, reduce congestion and support sustainable growth across west Oxfordshire.

    It will assess future housing and employment growth, projected travel demand and existing transport infrastructure, with proposed MRT options, like dedicated corridors, priority lanes and integrated ticketing, expected to form part of the wider Oxfordshire Metro vision.

    Read the full story

  • Note by

    The Oxford Magazine

    •

    Ribbon cut on first phase of 90-home affordable housing development in Littlemore

    Ribbon cut on first phase of 90-home affordable housing development in Littlemore

    The first residents are set to move into a new affordable housing development in Littlemore following the completion of the first phase of Keepers Place. A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday 24 June marked the handover of the first 29 homes at the Railway Lane development.

    Once complete, Keepers Place will deliver 90 affordable homes, including one and two-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom houses, and larger three, four and five-bedroom family homes. Of these, 47 will be available for social rent, with a further 43 offered through shared ownership, helping more people onto the housing ladder in one of the UK’s least affordable cities.

    Built on the site of a former oil depot, the development is transforming a long-derelict brownfield site into a sustainable new neighbourhood. The remaining phases of Keepers Place are due to be completed by early 2027.

    Read full story

  • Note by

    The Oxford Magazine

    •

    Planning permission granted for 31 affordable homes at Bertie Place in Oxford

    Planning permission granted for 31 affordable homes at Bertie Place in Oxford

    Planning permission has been granted for 31 affordable homes at Bertie Place in Oxford, supporting efforts to increase access to affordable housing in one of the UK’s least affordable cities.

    Approved by Oxford City Council’s Planning Committee, the scheme will be delivered by OX Place and will provide 22 homes for social rent and nine shared ownership properties.

    Alongside the new homes, the development will include a replacement children’s play area, a multi-use games area (MUGA), new public open space, and improved access to green space via a new accessible bridge over Redbridge Stream and a nature trail.

    Once complete, the scheme is expected to improve housing outcomes for more than 100 people, including over 70 residents accommodated directly within the new homes.

    Read the full story

  • Note by

    The Oxford Magazine

    •

    Groundbreaking takes place on 80-home affordable housing development at Mill Lane

    Groundbreaking takes place on 80 New Affordable Homes at Mill Lane development

    Construction has begun on 80 affordable homes in Old Marston, with a ceremonial groundbreaking held on land off Mill Lane.

    The scheme, delivered by OX Place, will provide 80 homes including one to four-bedroom properties. Of these, 32 will be for social rent and 48 for shared ownership.

    Designed to reflect the character of Old Marston, the development will include traditional materials, landscaped gardens and new green space with wildlife habitats and countryside views.

    New pedestrian and cycle links will connect the site to surrounding routes, while sustainability features include solar panels, air source heat pumps and a fabric-first approach to reduce energy use.

    The development is expected to take just over two years to complete, with first residents due in late 2028.

    Read the full story

  • Note by

    The Oxford Magazine

    •

    Oxford council to install new water safety signage at six waterways as wild swimming risks highlighted

    Oxford to install new water safety signage at six waterways as wild swimming risks highlighted

    New water safety signage is to be installed at six Council-owned locations along Oxford’s waterways as part of ongoing efforts to reduce drowning risks and improve public safety.

    Oxford City Council commissioned the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) to review key sites, identifying Tumbling Bay, Longbridges, Hinksey Lake, Fiddler’s Island, Wolvercote Mill Stream and Sunnymead Park for new signage and public rescue equipment.

    Each sign will highlight site-specific risks such as deep water, submerged objects and strong currents, and will include What3Words locations to help emergency services respond quickly. Installation is expected by the end of June.

    The Council warns that wild swimming in Oxford’s rivers, lakes and canals is dangerous due to cold water shock and strong currents, and is not encouraged.

    A summer awareness campaign is also planned, while residents are being encouraged to use local swimming pools and splash parks instead.

    Read the full story

  • Note by

    The Oxford Magazine

    •

    Sheriff of Oxford to inspect Port Meadow livestock as historic civic tradition continues

    Port Meadow, Oxford

    The newly appointed Sheriff of Oxford, Councillor Linda Smith, will carry out the annual inspection of Port Meadow and its livestock on Friday 19 June from 6.00pm, continuing a long-standing civic tradition.

    As Sheriff, Councillor Smith holds responsibility for the conservation of Port Meadow, one of Oxford’s most historic and significant natural assets. The meadow, mentioned in the Domesday Book and owned by Oxford City Council, has been used for grazing livestock for centuries.

    The Freemen of Oxford and Wolvercote Commoners retain the historic right to graze livestock on the meadow. The Freemen’s collective grazing rights, recorded in 1086, have been exercised continuously ever since. Representatives from both groups will accompany the Sheriff during the inspection.

    During the visit, the party will walk across the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) to assess the condition of the meadow and check the welfare of grazing livestock.

    Following the inspection, participants will continue the tradition with an Aunt Sally match at The Plough in Wolvercote, where the Sheriff’s party will face the Freemen of Oxford team.

  • Note by

    The Oxford Magazine

    •

    Oxfordshire County Council faces £16m savings requirement in 2027/28 rising to £22m by 2028/29

    County councillors warn that reviews could lead to spiralling executive pay.

    Oxfordshire County Council needs to make savings of at least £16m in 2027/28, rising to £22m in 2028/29, in addition to delivering all existing savings, to address reductions in government funding announced earlier this year.

    A balanced budget for 2026/27 was agreed in February 2026, with warnings that future years will become more challenging due to changes in government funding formulas, which will see some councils receive increased allocations while others receive less.

    Further savings may be required if inflation in the wider economy or increased demand for council services drives costs above the assumptions built into the current budget.

  • Note by

    The Oxford Magazine

    •

    New data reveals shift in business performance following Oxford temporary congestion charge

    New data reveals shift in business performance following Oxford temporary congestion charge

    A survey of businesses across Oxford, alongside newly published consumer spending data from Experian, reveals how trading conditions and business performance have changed since the introduction of the temporary congestion charge. Here’s a summary.

    • 79 per cent of businesses who gave a view on their performance compared to a year ago said they are doing the same or better
    • 70 per cent of businesses surveyed say the congestion charge has had no effect, or a positive effect on their business, 30 per cent report a negative effect
    • Suburban businesses, particularly those with a shopfront, were significantly less positive than city centre businesses
    • Spend data shows year-on-year declines in consumer spending across the city, in line with national trends
    • Spending in Oxford city centre has declined by about the same amount as comparable city centres, while spending in Oxford’s suburban centres has declined more than in comparable suburban centres 

    Read the full story on County Council website

  • Note by

    The Oxford Magazine

    •

    Woodstock Open Air Pool to reopen for extended 2026 summer season

    Woodstock Open Air Pool is preparing to welcome swimmers back for an extended 14-week summer season from 23 May to 30 August 2026.

    The season will begin with cool water swimming sessions before moving to a heated summer holiday programme from 20 July, with activities including lane swimming, family fun swims, Aqua Aerobics, women-only sessions and pool parties.

    Visitors can also enjoy garden games, the toddler splash pool and on-site food and drink throughout the summer.

    Read full story

  • Note by

    The Oxford Magazine

    •

    Cherwell District Council appoints new leadership team following elections

    Cherwell District Council has confirmed its new leadership structure following the most recent local elections, which saw 18 seats decided. Councillor Lesley McLean has been appointed Leader of the Council, becoming the first woman in more than three decades to hold the position, with Councillor Chris Brant serving as Deputy Leader.

    The council will be led by a Liberal Democrat and Green administration, with a full executive portfolio team now confirmed covering areas including finance, planning, housing, leisure and community services. The first full council meeting also included the handover of the chairmanship from Councillor Dorothy Walker to Councillor Nigel Simpson, alongside charitable donations raised during the previous civic year.

    Councillor Lesley McLean confirmed that members of the council executive will be as follows: 

    • Councillor Lesley McLean – Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration & Growth 
    • Councillor Chris Brant – Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Planning & Enforcement 
    • Councillor David Hingley – Portfolio Holder for Finance 
    • Councillor Nicola Borkmann – Portfolio Holder for Customer & Community Services 
    • Councillor Rob Pattenden – Portfolio Holder for Property & Assets  
    • Councillor Frank Ideh – Portfolio Holder for Law & Governance  
    • Councillor Ian Middleton – Portfolio Holder for Housing & Greener Communities  
    • Councillor Lisa Smith – Portfolio Holder for Leisure 
    • Councillor Alisa Russell – Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services

    Read full story

  • Note by

    The Oxford Magazine

    •

    County Council agrees temporary congestion charge investment plan

    A multi-million-pound temporary congestion charge investment plan has been approved by Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet.

    The measures include extending free park and ride bus travel until mid-August, followed by the introduction of a new £3 combined ticket from mid-August to the end of March 2027.

    The ticket will cover up to 16 hours of parking and return bus travel for up to five people, with additional support planned for groups including NHS and school staff working in Oxford.

    Read full story

  • Note by

    The Oxford Magazine

    •

    West Oxfordshire District Council confirms Executive team at Annual General Meeting

    West Oxfordshire District Council has confirmed its Executive Members at its Annual General Meeting, with Councillor Andy Graham continuing as Leader. The Executive team is responsible for key decision-making, including delivery of the Council Plan, budget setting, and strategic service priorities across the district.

    The new Executive structure includes portfolio leads covering areas such as finance, planning and infrastructure, housing and community safety, climate action and nature recovery, environment, and arts, culture and sport. The council also outlined ongoing priorities including housing delivery, infrastructure planning, environmental protection, leisure investment and preparations for future local government reorganisation.

    The other Executive Members are: 

    • Councillor Duncan Enright – Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Economic Development –
    • Councillor Alaric Smith – Executive Member for Finance
    • Councillor Liz Leffman – Executive Member for Planning and Infrastructure
    • Councillor Geoff Saul – Executive Member for Housing and Community Safety
    • Councillor Andrew Prosser – Executive Member for Climate Action and Nature Recovery
    • Councillor Alistair Wray – Executive Member for Environment
    • Councillor Sandra Coleman – Executive Member for Stronger, Healthy Communities
    • Councillor Tim Sumner – Executive Member for Arts, Culture and Sports

    Read full story

  • Note by

    The Oxford Magazine

    •

    Tim Bearder becomes leader of Oxfordshire County Council

    Tim Bearder
    Tim Bearder

    Councillor Tim Bearder has been elected as the new Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, becoming only the fourth person to hold the role since 2001.

    Representing Wheatley at County Hall, the former BBC journalist has served as Cabinet Member for Adults and Cabinet Member for Highway Management since 2021.

    Speaking after his election, Councillor Bearder said fairness, ambition and a belief that Oxfordshire can lead the way on key issues will guide his leadership.

    Read full story

  • Note by

    Olivia Churchill

    •

    Leader of Oxford City Council has announced her Cabinet for 2026/27

    Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council
    Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council

    Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council, has announced her Cabinet for 2026/27.

    The Cabinet Members are:

    • Councillor Susan Brown, Leader, and Cabinet Member for Partnership Working, Inclusive Economic Growth and Culture
    • Councillor Ed Turner, Deputy Leader (Statutory), and Cabinet Member for Finance and Asset Management
    • Councillor Anna Railton, Deputy Leader, and Cabinet Member for Planning and Zero Carbon Oxford
    • Councillor Linda Smith, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities
    • Councillor Lubna Arshad, Cabinet Member for a Safer Oxford
    • Councillor Nigel Chapman, Cabinet Member for Citizen Focused Services and Council Companies
    • Councillor Mark Lygo, Cabinet Member for a Healthy, Fairer Oxford
    • Councillor Mike Rowley, Cabinet Member for Regulation of the Private Rented Sector and Preventing Homelessness

    Read more

  • Note by

    The Oxford Magazine

    •

    Over £300k in grants funding available to South Oxfordshire residents

    The latest round of community grants funding will open soon to help improve the lives of South Oxfordshire residents. Over £300,000 is available for projects like playgrounds, community cafes and energy efficiency improvements to community buildings. 

    On Tuesday 26 May the South Oxfordshire District Council Capital Grant Scheme will open to community groups and voluntary organisations in the district with a total budget of £320,000 to be awarded. 

    This funding is available for capital projects that take place in the district or within a three-mile radius of the district boundary. Applicants can request grants of a minimum of £5,000 and a maximum of £75,000 but no more than 50 per cent of the total project cost. 

    Read full story

Latest notes