The Cabinet of Oxfordshire County Council met on Tuesday 14 July 2026, approving a £14.5 million funding package for the Cowley Branch Line and endorsing the Oxfordshire Infrastructure Strategy. The meeting also saw the approval of the strategic direction for Best Start Family Hubs and the commencement of procurement for a strategic partner to support Local Government Reorganisation.

Best Start Family Hubs

The Cabinet approved the strategic direction for the development and implementation of Best Start Family Hubs across Oxfordshire. These hubs are intended to be accessible spaces offering integrated support to families from pregnancy up to the age of 19 (or 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities). The core offer will include parenting programmes, home learning support, assistance for children with additional needs, and a healthy baby programme. The plan involves establishing five primary hubs aligned with district council boundaries, supported by a network of additional sites delivered by partners, including voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations. A £0.5 million annual grant programme over three years will be developed to support the VCFSE sector's involvement. The initiative aligns with the council's Best Start in Life Plan, which aims to improve school readiness and reduce inequalities, setting more ambitious local targets than national ones. The Cabinet also delegated authority to the Director of Children's Services for the delivery of the proposal, including the expenditure of the Department for Education (DfE) Grant.

Oxfordshire Infrastructure Strategy (OXiS)

The Cabinet endorsed the Oxfordshire Infrastructure Strategy (OXiS) Stage 2 Prioritisation Report, which identifies the strategic infrastructure needed to support future development across Oxfordshire up to 2050. This strategy builds on previous iterations and aims to provide a robust evidence base for planning sustainable development. It highlights significant infrastructure challenges, including a projected £7.6 billion funding gap for transport, energy, digital connectivity, water, green infrastructure, and social and healthcare facilities. The report identifies over 550 infrastructure projects, with 115 progressing to a Multi-Criteria Assessment for prioritisation. The OXiS will inform Local Plans and guide investment priorities for local authorities, government bodies, and infrastructure providers.

Cowley Branch Line Funding

The Cabinet approved potential funding of up to £14.5 million to meet local costs for the delivery of the Cowley Branch Line. This funding will be drawn from retained business rates from the two Oxfordshire Enterprise Zones. The intention is for this forward funding to be repaid through future Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contributions, although the amounts and timing are uncertain. Any future shortfall in funding or additional borrowing costs would require a further decision. The Cowley Branch Line is considered a strategically significant infrastructure scheme supporting housing delivery, economic growth, connectivity, and net-zero objectives, forming a core element of the OxRail 2040 plan.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

The Cabinet approved the commencement of a procurement exercise to appoint a Strategic Partner to support the delivery of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire. This partner will assist with both the statutory transition to new unitary arrangements and wider transformation objectives. The estimated contract value is £3.0 million, with the contract expected to run from September 2026 until March 2029 or 12 months after vesting day. The costs will be shared according to an 80/20 Memorandum of Understanding, with Oxfordshire County Council funding 80% and partner councils collectively funding 20%. Authority was delegated to the Chief Executive to award and enter into the contract, provided it remains within the agreed parameters.

Citizens' Assembly Update

The Cabinet noted the progress made in delivering recommendations from the 2025 Oxfordshire Travel and Transport Citizens' Assembly. The council has continued to engage with assembly members, involving them in transport policy development and scheme design. Updates on progress against the assembly's 20 recommendations were provided, highlighting work on Park & Ride enhancements, bus service reform, and communications campaigns for sustainable travel. Further engagement with assembly members on specific projects, such as the temporary Oxford congestion charge and the OxRAIL 2040 plan, was also noted.

Other Key Decisions

The Cabinet also approved the commencement of procurement for a strategic partner to support Local Government Reorganisation, noted the council's treasury management activity and outcomes for 2025/26, and reviewed the revenue forecast and business planning process for 2027/28. They also approved updates to the capital programme, including the inclusion of Didcot Valley Park SEND school and revised funding for the School Condition Allocation and SEN High Needs Capital Allocation. The governance arrangements for Oxford Castle Apartments Limited were also agreed, and the acquisition of a solar farm was approved, with details kept exempt from public disclosure for commercial reasons. The council also formally adopted its Protocol for Flag Flying, incorporating recommendations from the Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee.