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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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Have your say on modernising household waste recycling centres in Oxfordshire
Oxfordshire County Council is seeking public input on how to modernise and improve the efficiency of the county’s seven household waste recycling centres (HWRCs). Residents can complete a survey on Let’s Talk Oxfordshire until 11 August.
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Oxfordshire road maintenance programme completes phase one on schedule
The first phase of Oxfordshire County Council’s £7.4m surface dressing programme has successfully concluded, covering 938,336sqm of roads across 70 towns and villages. Despite minor weather-related delays, crews completed the works on schedule.
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Oxford’s Race for Life 2025: What to know about road closures and parking restrictions
Oxford city centre will play host to thousands of runners this month as the Race for Life returns on Sunday 29 June 2025 – bringing with it a series of road closures, parking suspensions, and traffic measures
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Oxfordshire’s new active travel and cycling champion seeks residents’ views
Councillor Emily Kerr has been appointed Oxfordshire County Council’s new active travel and cycling champion. Representing Oxford’s Bartlemas division, she’s calling on residents to share their views to help improve walking and cycling across both urban and rural areas.
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Thames towpath near Abingdon Road to be closed for essential riverbank repairs
A key section of Oxford’s Thames towpath, between Folly Bridge and Donnington Bridge off Abingdon Road, will be closed from late June to late September 2025 for urgent riverbank repair to prevent erosion and preserve the route.
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Oxfordshire County Council addresses national SEND crisis in Parliament
Oxfordshire County Council has submitted written evidence to the Parliamentary Education Select Committee’s inquiry into the national SEND crisis. Despite soaring costs, outcomes for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) remain stagnant.
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Climate Emergency UK ranks Oxfordshire best-performing council for second year
Oxfordshire County Council has been named the UK’s top-performing council for climate action by Climate Emergency UK’s 2025 scorecard. This marks the second consecutive year Oxfordshire has achieved this distinction. The score reflects strong efforts across waste, transport, built environment, and nature recovery.
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Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service issues warning on water safety
Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service has issued vital water safety advice due to rising concerns about people getting into difficulty in the county’s rivers, lakes, and canals, especially during hot weather. The public is warned of dangers such as cold water shock, strong currents, and hidden underwater hazards.
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Controversial Watlington Relief Road faces further delay amid planning issues
Plans for the £11.1m Watlington Relief Road have been delayed again as Oxfordshire County Council seeks an extraordinary planning meeting later in July. The proposed road aims to reduce traffic in Watlington, support housing development, and promote sustainable travel.