Notes

  • Note by

    Olivia Churchill

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    New planning reform paper sets out proposed geographies for spatial development strategies

    The Government has published a working paper as part of its wider programme of planning reform, seeking views on proposed geographies for Spatial Development Strategies (SDS).

    The suggested areas, including one for the region, aim to align with existing or forthcoming mayoral devolution arrangements from April 2026, where appropriate.

    In other areas, SDS geographies should reflect the “sensible geography” criteria set out in the December 2024 English Devolution White Paper. Annexes provide further detail, alongside proposals for new Foundation Strategic Authorities.

    Council leaders from across the Thames Valley including councils in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Swindon, have welcomed the proposal.

  • Note by

    The Oxford Magazine

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    Share your views on city centre busking and street entertainment

    Oxford City Council is inviting public feedback on busking and street entertainment in the city centre to inform a review of the Buskers Code of Practice. 

    As part of the Oxford City Centre Action Plan, the review aims to strike the right balance between supporting street entertainment and addressing the needs of local businesses, residents and public safety. 

    The updated guidance will help set clear expectations, maintain high standards and create a welcoming and well-managed city centre. 

    The Council supports busking and street entertainment as a way of adding life, creativity and vibrancy to the city centre, but acknowledges it must be done in a way that works for everyone.

    Have your say by visiting the Council’s consultation portal.

  • Note by

    Olivia Churchill

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    Flood warnings and river levels in Oxfordshire

    A small number of flood warnings are in place in Oxfordshire with a much higher number of flood alerts covering much of the county

    This is due to persistent and often heavy rainfall during the second half of January and February so far. Many other parts of England are also affected.

    Read the full story

  • Note by

    Olivia Churchill

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    Vale of White Horse District Council to freeze car parking fees for 2026/27

    Vale of White Horse District Council to freeze car parking fees for 2026/27

    Vale of White Horse District Council Cabinet met on Friday, 30 January and agreed to freeze car parking fees for the 2026/27 year.

    In a further move to keep parking prices low, the Cabinet also agreed to move towards ticketless parking this year, with a public consultation on the move launching in the spring.

    Not only would this save paper and be more environmentally friendly, but it would also save thousands of pounds for the council, which can then be used to ensure parking remains affordable.

    The new machines would also be more reliable, require less maintenance and allow for better enforcement.

  • Note by

    Olivia Churchill

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    Oxfordshire County Council has sets its 2026/27 budget amid funding pressures

    Oxfordshire County Council has set its 2026/27 budget, balancing a £5.4m shortfall while investing in adult social care (£14m), children’s services (£19m), highways, libraries, and drainage improvements.

    Council leader Liz Leffman criticised the government for “failing to recognise” the financial pressures facing rural councils, noting planned cuts of £27.2m by 2028/29.

    Council tax is set to rise by 4.99% to offset funding reductions. Investments include £3.2m for drains and gullies, £550,000 for library refurbishments, and enhanced highways maintenance.

    Read the full story

  • Note by

    Olivia Churchill

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    Oxfordshire children’s creative writing competition returns

    Young writers aged 7–11 in Oxfordshire are invited to enter the Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum’s annual Children’s Creative Writing Competition.

    Inspired by any object in the museum’s collections, entries must be under 500 words. Winners are chosen across two age categories, with one overall winner receiving £50 and a commemorative trophy.

    The competition nurtures creativity, confidence, and storytelling skills. Entry forms are available from the museum or online, with submissions due by 9.00am on Friday 12 June 2026.

  • Note by

    Olivia Churchill

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    District Councils submit response on proposed Thames Water reservoir

    Both Vale of White Horse District Council and South Oxfordshire District Council have submitted their consultation responses on Thames Water’s proposed South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO), following a public consultation that ran from October 2025 to 13 January 2026.

    The feedback will inform Thames Water’s Development Consent Order (DCO) application to the government, expected in autumn 2026.

    The proposed reservoir near Abingdon, now around 6.7 km² — almost the size of Gatwick Airport — has drawn criticism from local communities. Both councils have highlighted concerns over environmental impact, carbon emissions, construction disruption, costs, flood risk, and emergency discharges.

    Both councils have published full details of their consultation responses and correspondence regarding SESRO on their dedicated webpages.

    Read more:

    Vale of White Horse District Council website

    South Oxfordshire District Council website

  • Note by

    Olivia Churchill

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    County Council warns of major budget challenges after government funding cuts

    Oxfordshire County Council has warned of significant financial pressures ahead as it prepares to set its 2026/27 budget, following changes to how government funding is distributed.

    A £5.4m funding gap has been identified for next year, with options under discussion including the use of reserves, revised inflation assumptions and additional savings of up to £1.5m.

    While the council says it can balance the 2026/27 budget without immediate service cuts, it faces a far steeper challenge in future years, with at least £14m of further savings needed in 2027/28 and funding reductions of more than £24m by 2028/29. Councillors will set the budget on 10 February.

    Read full story

  • Note by

    Olivia Churchill

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    Oxford Magistrates’ Court closes for six months

    Oxford Magistrates’ Court has been temporary closed until July is for vital improvement works, including a roof replacement.

    The works are part of a £148.5 million nationwide Ministry of Justice maintenance programme to improve the condition of court buildings.

    HM Courts Service said cases would be moved to magistrates’ courts in Reading High Wycombe and Milton Keynes for the period.

    The BBC understands the three courts taking up Oxford’s caseload will not need to be open for additional hours during the six-month closure.

  • Note by

    Olivia Churchill

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    Banbury bus routes updated with easier access to rail station

    From 04 January 2026, three key bus services — B3, 488 and 489 — now stop directly at Banbury Railway Station forecourt, thanks to Oxfordshire County Council’s access improvement project.

    The changes improve connections between Banbury town centre, Cherwell Heights, Bodicote, Longford Park and Chipping Norton, making journeys safer, more reliable, and more convenient.

    Residents can check updated routes and timetables via Stagecoach Bus. New infrastructure, including a roundabout, Tramway Road section, footpath, and upgraded station car park, has also been completed, with the final drop-off facility planned for spring 2026.

    Read full story

  • Note by

    Olivia Churchill

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    Cherwell delays Second Homes Council Tax Premium until 2027

    Cherwell District Council has confirmed that its Second Homes Council Tax Premium will now come into effect from April 2027.

    The council had previously been preparing to introduce the premium in 2026. However, a revised timetable will see the measure delayed by a year, allowing additional time to ensure all necessary arrangements are in place for its effective and consistent implementation.

  • Note by

    Olivia Churchill

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    Thames Valley councils push for mayoral strategic authority (MSA)

    Thirteen councils across the Thames Valley have submitted an expression of interest to government to create a mayoral strategic authority (MSA).

    The proposed MSA, led by a directly elected mayor, would bring councils together to plan transport, infrastructure, and housing – including social housing – more effectively. Councils say it could boost jobs, support local businesses, and deliver faster, more inclusive growth.

    The letter was signed by Councillor Mary Temperton (Bracknell Forest Council) and Councillor Liz Leffman (Oxfordshire County Council). Both leaders emphasised the opportunity to coordinate resources, take charge of major projects, and improve services for residents.

    Discussions with government and councils will continue as detailed proposals are developed.

    Councils involved: Bracknell Forest, Cherwell, Oxford City, Oxfordshire, Reading, Windsor & Maidenhead, Slough, South Oxfordshire, Swindon, Vale of White Horse, West Berkshire, West Oxfordshire, Wokingham.

    Read more

  • Note by

    Olivia Churchill

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    Marriotts Walk Christmas Market celebrates record visitor numbers

    Marriotts Walk Christmas Market celebrates record visitor numbers

    Marriotts Walk Shopping Centre in Witney is celebrating the incredible success of its 2025 Christmas Market, held from Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 November. Timed alongside the town’s Christmas lights switch-on, the event saw more than 32,000 visitors, marking a 50% year-on-year increase.

    This year’s market included stilt walkers, the Witney Town Band, and even Santa’s wheelchair-accessible sleigh — offering a truly magical experience, despite the wet weather. Local traders reported up to 25% revenue boosts, proving the event’s commercial value.

    Read full story

  • Note by

    The Oxford Magazine

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    The Oxford Magazine is now on Substack!

    We’re now on Substack

    You can now find The Oxford Magazine on Substack — a new home for our regular newsletters, weekend guides, and editorial reflections, delivered directly to your inbox.

    👉 https://theoxfordmagazine.substack.com/

    Read more

    The website remains where our longer reads and curated features live, but Substack gives us a more direct way to share what’s happening in and around Oxford, as it happens.

    If you’d like our guides and stories to land in your inbox, you can subscribe here. 👇

    As always, thank you for reading — and for being part of the Oxford conversation.

  • Note by

    The Oxford Magazine

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    Improvement work completed at Tumbling Bay

    Improvement and safety work at Tumbling Bay in West Oxford has been completed, and the site has now reopened for public access. 

    Tumbling Bay, which is a former public bathing area, was closed in 2024 due to concerns over the condition of the old retaining wall and safety to users of the site.

    Working with ODS, the Oxford CIty Council carried out improvement works including removing the dilapidated wall, reinforcing the riverbank with sheet piling, and regrading the area with topsoil and new vegetation. These improvements aim to protect the area from further erosion and improve safety for visitors enjoying this green space.

    Read more

  • Note by

    Olivia Churchill

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    Clearance work to begin at Kidlington waste dump

    Planning has begun to clear the illegal waste dump in Kidlington, following new information about the potential risk of fire at the site. The Environment Agency will fund the clearance through operational efficiencies, without impacting other services, making this an exceptional intervention.

    Preparatory works for clearance will begin imminently, with further details on the timeframe to be shared shortly. The Environment Agency and local partners are also committed to holding those responsible to account.

    Read more

Latest notes