A brief report from me this month.
Fire Service Consultation
The Chief Fire Officer met with Parish Councillors last week. He explained the logic behind the reforms he has proposed and listened to the concerns of Councillors. There will be a public meeting in Eynsham in early January.
The consultation is open until 20 January and the County Council really does want the input of residents, parish councillors, fire fighters and anyone else with a reasoned view.
As I said in the media, any decision needs to be based on evidence, and the consultation is part of the evidence-gathering process.
Buses and Traffic
The data relating to the first month of the Oxford Congestion charge is in. A month is too short to take a full view, but the initial data shows congestion is down in most key places, with bus usage up. Inbound bus journey times are down 12% and footfall in the city centre is up 22% compared with this time last year.
There are, however, some spots where things aren’t as they should be. During evenings, congestion on Woodstock Road has got worse and officers are trying to work out why this is and come up with an improvement plan.
LCWIP
A reminder that the Eynsham Local Walking and Cycling Infrastructure Plan should be going for consideration at the Cabinet Member’s decision meeting on 22 January. The final version will be published beforehand – residents are able to speak at the meeting, if desired.
Sanctuary
Oxfordshire County Council (and West Oxfordshire District Council too) are proud to be Councils of Sanctuary. We, and the community at large, have been welcoming to asylum seekers and people with leave-to-remain. That includes children at our schools who have been housed in the Witney Hotel, and recent arrivals from Hong Kong and Ukraine.
Last week, the County Council passed a motion that condemned misinformation and hatred; unfortunately, this was not backed by everyone. I had the opportunity to thank this country for taking in my refugee forbears.
Budget
National government’s fair funding review was published a week ago. Nonetheless, it is still unclear what the full effect will be on Oxfordshire.
We know we will lose substantial amounts over the next three years as money is transferred to other places and that, effectively, we are required both to increase council tax and lose that money to a central pot.
We expect a three-year settlement just before Christmas and officers will have to work hard over the ‘break’ to ensure that I can present a balanced budget on 10 February.
Kidlington waste mountain
After a lot of lobbying from Calum Miller MP, Councillors and key officers – and after the Fire Service warned that an ignition might close the A34 – the Environment Agency agreed to clear the waste mountain in Kidlington. It’s a good result, but it shows how counterproductive starving the Environment Agency of money has been, given that they knew six months ago that the criminal dumping was happening.
And, finally, can I wish residents and Councillors a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! My next report will be in 2026.