Oxfordshire County Council News
Browse news and stories about Oxfordshire County Council – the local authority for the county of Oxfordshire responsible for delivering services like social care, education and transport to the county’s 600,000+ residents.
-
Trading standards teams catch illegal tobacco trader in joint operation
Michael Addison, 65, from Cheltenham, was caught with counterfeit cigarettes and smuggled tobacco in Kidlington just six months after receiving a suspended prison sentence for similar offences. Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards service, working with SEROCU and Thames Valley Police, found Addison in possession of illegal tobacco and sales records.
-
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.
-
Oxfordshire road resurfacing work underway to improve highways
A county-wide road resurfacing programme is underway across Oxfordshire, led by Oxfordshire County Council and its contractor, M Group. Spanning 36 sites, the project aims to improve road conditions, safety, and driving comfort by mid-October.
-
Cropredy primary children to perform at the Fairport Convention
Children from Cropredy Church of England Primary School are set to perform at the Fairport Convention in Cropredy this summer, thanks to a bold and imaginative curriculum revamp led by their musically passionate headteacher, Will Reeves.
-
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.
-
12,000 Oxfordshire families benefit from free holiday activities and food programme
Over 12,000 Oxfordshire families have benefitted from the government-backed Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. Aimed at children aged 4–16 who receive free school meals, the initiative offers free holiday clubs combining sports, arts, science, and nutritious meals.
-
Oxfordshire EV charging scheme for residents without off-street parking
Oxfordshire County Council has launched a pilot scheme enabling residents without off-street parking to safely charge electric vehicles at home. The £700k government-funded project will initially support 500 households with the installation of EV charging cable channels across pavements.
-
Free pop-up play events return to Oxford for families with children under five
Families in Oxford have two more weeks to enjoy free pop-up play events designed for children aged five and under, organised by Oxfordshire County Council with support from local partners.
-
Oxfordshire Bus Enhanced Partnership secures £10m funding boost for 2025/26
Oxfordshire County Council and local bus operators have secured over £10m in funding for 2025–26 to enhance bus services across the county. The grant will support infrastructure upgrades, such as smart signals and real-time displays, and vehicle improvements.
-
Oxfordshire County Council completes GigaHubs project to boost rural broadband
Funded by the council and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the project delivers gigabit-capable broadband to 192 public service sites across the county, boosting digital connectivity for rural schools, libraries, GP practices, and community centres.
-
Oxford congestion charge faces Labour and business opposition
A proposed £5 daily congestion charge in Oxford has sparked fierce debate, with Labour, local businesses and residents warning of risks to livelihoods, while supporters argue it will cut congestion and speed up buses.
-
Businesses and residents divided over Oxford congestion charge plans
Oxford’s £5 daily congestion charge has sparked a heated debate, with over 11,000 signatures against the scheme. Supporters say it will cut traffic, while critics warn it risks small businesses.
-
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.
-
Solar panel and battery scheme by Oxfordshire County Council reaches milestone
A solar panel and battery storage trial led by Oxfordshire County Council, in partnership with SMS and Metis, has reached its 100th household installation. Funded by the government’s Net Zero Innovation Portfolio, the scheme allows residents to pay just £40 per month, avoiding large upfront costs.
-
Leaders of Oxford public travel groups express support for congestion charge plan
Oxford’s key travel groups, including bus companies, taxi associations, and active travel advocates, have jointly called on Oxfordshire County Council to implement a temporary congestion charge. Their letter highlights the need to free up road space, improve bus reliability, and support sustainable transport modes
-
Oxford travel groups back temporary congestion charge to reduce city traffic
Oxford’s major transport groups, including Oxford Bus Company, Stagecoach West, local taxi operators, and active travel advocates, will unite to sign a joint letter in support of a proposed temporary congestion charge, urging Oxfordshire County Council to adopt the measure, which aims to reduce traffic, improve bus reliability, and enhance road safety for all.