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 fire and rescue crews launch wildfire prevention advice
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging residents to take extra care during dry weather after attending a series of major wildfires in recent years, with safety advice issued to help prevent potentially devastating blazes.
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Businesses claim Oxford traffic measures are damaging trade amid calls for transparency
Oxford business owners have accused Oxfordshire County Council of causing “harm” through traffic restrictions, claiming they were not consulted. New data shows falling footfall and reduced spend, intensifying debate ahead of planned traffic filters.
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Thames Valley leaders furious after plans to create powerful regional Strategic Authority collapse
Thames Valley leaders are furious after plans for a regional Strategic Authority collapsed, blaming Oxfordshire’s Liberal Democrat leadership for withdrawing support and derailing a once-in-a-generation devolution deal across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Swindon.
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Frieze Farm development raises fresh questions over North Oxford fire station plans
A proposed fire station allocation within the £900m Frieze Farm “innovation district” near Peartree Roundabout has reignited concerns over paused plans to close Rewley Road and Kidlington fire stations, prompting warnings that emergency cover in north Oxford could still be reduced.
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Oxfordshire villages see 60mph speed limits cut to 20mph amid safety fears over rising traffic
Four rural roads in Oxfordshire, including routes through Fordwells and Asthall Leigh, will see speed limits reduced from 60mph to 20mph following safety concerns raised by residents about rising traffic volumes and the risk posed to pedestrians and cyclists.
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County Council approves £306k funding for 127-strong CAG Oxfordshire network
Oxfordshire County Council has approved £306,200 in funding for Community Action Groups Oxfordshire, enabling its network of 127 local groups to continue delivering environmental, social and community projects across the county for another year.
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Oxfordshire launches major trial of pothole repair techniques on Banbury road
A major highways trial has begun on Wildmere Road in Banbury, where Oxfordshire County Council and contractor M Group are testing 15 different pothole repair techniques. The two-year study aims to identify the most durable, cost-effective and climate-resilient techniques, as the county continues to grapple with a surge in road defects following a severe winter.
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County Council sets out new SEND reform plan to improve early support for children and young people
Oxfordshire County Council has outlined a new three-year plan to improve support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), focusing on earlier intervention, stronger mainstream inclusion, and closer collaboration with families and health partners.
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Oxfordshire County Council chief executive awarded OBE in King’s Birthday Honours
Dr Martin Reeves, Chief Executive of Oxfordshire County Council, has been awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to local government. The honour recognises more than 25 years of leadership across major UK councils, including Coventry City Council and Oxfordshire County Council.
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Oxfordshire councils prepare for July decision on local government reorganisation
Councils across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire are working jointly to prepare for a government decision expected in July that will determine whether the area moves to one, two or three unitary authorities under local government reorganisation plans.
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Oxfordshire to roll out 1,500 new public EV chargers in major countywide expansion
Oxfordshire is set for its largest expansion of public electric vehicle charging infrastructure, with more than 1,500 new charging sockets planned by 2028 to support residents without access to off-street parking.
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New quiet lanes programme to create safer walking and cycling routes across Oxfordshire
Oxfordshire County Council has approved a pilot programme introducing new “quiet lanes” across the county to create safer, calmer routes for walking, wheeling, cycling and horse riding.
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County Council agrees deal to bring Castle Quarter lease back into public ownership
Oxfordshire County Council has agreed to purchase the long-term lease of Oxford’s Castle Quarter. The move is expected to support future regeneration in a key city centre location between the station, Westgate and Oxford’s historic core.
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Oxfordshire residents invited to shape benefits from future low-carbon energy projects
Oxfordshire councils are inviting residents and organisations to help shape a new policy on community benefits and shared ownership from future low-carbon energy projects, with a public consultation open until June 14, 2026 through the Let’s Talk Oxfordshire website.
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Leadership change at Oxfordshire County Council as Liz Leffman steps down
Councillor Liz Leffman is to step down as leader of Oxfordshire County Council and the Liberal Democrat group, with Councillor Tim Bearder elected as the new group leader.
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Evenlode Landscape Recovery secures £3m to protect Cotswold infrastructure from flooding
Evenlode Landscape Recovery has secured more than £3 million from infrastructure partners to fund nature-based flood prevention and habitat restoration across Oxfordshire and the wider Cotswolds.