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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Local firm Migrate UK moves to Harwell to support growing science and technology skills shortage
Migrate UK has moved to Harwell Science and Innovation Campus to support the UK’s growing skills shortage in science, technology and life sciences. The relocation strengthens its ability to deliver immigration and talent recruitment services within a dynamic innovation hub.
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Oxfordshire residents urged to rescue recyclables for Recycle Week 2025
Oxfordshire residents are being urged to ‘rescue’ overlooked items such as aerosols, toothpaste tubes and shampoo bottles from rubbish bins during Recycle Week 2025, helping the county build on its record recycling success and tackle the climate emergency.
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Persimmon Homes donates 10,000 bricks to support ACE Training construction apprentices
Persimmon Homes Wessex has donated 10,000 bricks to ACE Training Centre in Kidlington, helping apprentices gain hands-on experience. The donation, marked by MP Calum Miller and Cllr Sean Gaul, supports the next generation of Oxfordshire’s construction professionals.
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Oxford hospitals raise concerns over congestion charge impact
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has warned that the city’s congestion charge could place extra pressure on staff and patients. The trust has urged for support measures, while the county council insists hospitals will remain accessible without paying the fee.
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Oxford MP calls newly approved congestion charge as “extremely unfair”
Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds has criticised the county council’s congestion charge, warning it is “extremely unfair”. The scheme has split opinion between businesses, residents, and travel groups, with legal challenges threatened as the council pushes ahead.
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County council approves congestion charge for Oxford motorists
Oxfordshire County Council has approved a £5 daily congestion charge for six Oxford roads, starting by November 2025. Supporters say it will cut congestion and boost buses, while critics warn of negative impacts on families, businesses and schools.
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Grants awarded to improve community transport in Oxfordshire
Four Oxfordshire organisations will share £64,572 to improve community transport. The grants, from Oxfordshire County Council, will support routes, running costs, and volunteer drivers, helping ensure vital services for people without access to cars.
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Oxford action group threatens legal challenge to congestion charge
A new action group, Open Roads for Oxford, has warned it will launch legal action if the county council approves a £5 daily congestion charge. Campaigners say the scheme threatens local businesses, with strong public opposition already recorded.
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City council survey respondents support smaller and more localised councils
Respondents to an Oxford City Council survey on local government reorganisation have expressed support for smaller, more localised councils. The online consultation attracted 1,580 responses from across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire.
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Experience Oxfordshire reports resilient visitor economy despite fewer visitors
Experience Oxfordshire’s latest report reveals that although overall visits to the county fell by 11% in 2024, the visitor economy remains resilient with spend growing by 4% to £2.4b, sustaining 41,000 jobs.
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Oxfordshire County council seeks feedback on OxRail 2040 plan
Oxfordshire residents, businesses and visitors are being asked to help shape the county’s rail future through OxRail 2040: Plan for Rail. The draft strategy outlines ambitious proposals including upgraded lines, five new stations, electrification, and the creation of an Oxfordshire Metro. Feedback is open until 01 October via the council’s Let’s Talk Oxfordshire platform.
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Residents invited to share views on Oxfordshire school streets proposals
Oxfordshire residents can now have their say on plans to expand the county’s school streets programme. Proposals cover new and extended schemes in Banbury, Carterton, Didcot and Oxford, with the consultation open until 13 October.
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Oxford University confirms plans for housing on North Oxford Golf Club site
Oxford University and two colleges plan to redevelop the North Oxford Golf Club site with around 1,180 homes. The 118-year-old course will close later this year, leaving many members devastated.
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New Oxfordshire Museum exhibition celebrates six decades of artistic collaboration
The Oxfordshire Museum is set to open a free exhibition on 06 September, showcasing the works of artists David Lockett and Peter Ross. The display celebrates their six-decade creative partnership and runs until 21 September.
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Congestion charge faces stronger opposition outside Oxford city
Opposition to Oxfordshire’s proposed congestion charge is much stronger in rural areas than in the city, according to new consultation data. While 74% of all respondents said the £5 scheme would negatively affect them, figures show resistance peaks in areas like Carterton, Witney and Kidlington.
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Councillors call for rural bus funding from congestion charge income at scrutiny meeting
Oxfordshire councillors have urged that income from a proposed congestion charge be used to support rural and deprived communities. At a scrutiny meeting, members raised fairness concerns, recommending funds go to bus subsidies and rural transport improvements.