The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 14 October 2026, discussing the Infrastructure Funding Statement for 2025/26, the performance of the Witney and Chipping Norton charter markets, and the Council's fleet decarbonisation strategy. Key decisions included noting the Infrastructure Funding Statement, recommending the exploration of evening markets, and approving the Fleet Decarbonisation and Vehicle Procurement Strategy, which includes the use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as a transitional fuel. The committee also discussed the proposed development of social rented homes at Woodford Way, Witney, and the establishment of task and finish groups.

Infrastructure Funding Statement (IFS) 2025/26

The committee received the Infrastructure Funding Statement (IFS) for 2025/26, which detailed the Council's use of developer contributions. Councillor Liz Leffman, Executive Member for Planning and Infrastructure, highlighted that nearly £3.4 million in Section 106 contributions were secured, leading to the delivery of 272 affordable homes and a 72% increase in infrastructure spending to £1.89 million. The overall balance of Section 106 funds held by the Council decreased by 7%. The statement also noted the introduction of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) charging regime, though no receipts were collected during this period.

Members raised questions about the distinction between secured and collected funds, with officers explaining that secured funds are agreed in Section 106 agreements but not yet paid, while collected funds are those actually received. Concerns were also raised about the inflexibility of Section 106 funding for parish councils, with officers explaining that contributions must be spent on agreed infrastructure to mitigate development impacts. The Council is developing training for parish and town councils to help them identify suitable projects. The committee noted the report.

12-Month Performance Report: Witney and Chipping Norton Charter Markets

The committee reviewed the 12-month performance of the Witney and Chipping Norton charter markets under the management of Cotswold Markets Ltd. Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of the Council, presented the report, highlighting significant improvements in market occupancy, trader satisfaction, and customer feedback. Occupancy rates consistently exceeded the 75% target, with Witney Market achieving 90-99% and Chipping Norton Market reaching full occupancy in May 2026. Trader feedback indicated improved organisation and communication, while customer satisfaction exceeded 95%. The markets are projected to contribute approximately £35,000 to the General Fund.

Members discussed the possibility of introducing occasional evening markets, similar to those in Cirencester, which officers agreed to explore. Concerns were raised about the impact of ongoing High Street works in Witney on the market, with officers confirming temporary closures had occurred in consultation with traders. The recommendation to extend the contract for a further two years was discussed, with officers explaining the phased approach was linked to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) uncertainty. The committee noted the report and recommended that the Council explore holding occasional evening markets in both Witney and Chipping Norton.

Fleet Decarbonisation and the Transition to Zero Emission Vehicles

The committee considered the Council's strategy for fleet decarbonisation, which included approving the 2026/27 Fleet Replacement Programme with a £3.5 million budget, the Fleet Decarbonisation and Vehicle Procurement Strategy, and the adoption of certified Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as a transitional fuel. Executive Members Alistair Wray and Andrew Prosser explained that the Council's fleet had exceeded its replacement cycle, leading to increased breakdowns and reliance on hired vehicles.

The Fleet Decarbonisation and Vehicle Procurement Strategy adopts a ZEV First principle, assessing zero-emission options for all replacements. However, current heavy vehicle technology and depot infrastructure are not yet mature enough for immediate large-scale electrification. The recommended approach is to replace ageing vehicles using HVO as a transitional fuel while preparing for future electrification. Members discussed the financial implications, the sustainability of HVO, and the potential impact of LGR. The committee noted the report.

Woodford Way Development

The committee discussed the proposal for the development of up to 60 social-rented homes at Woodford Way, Witney. Councillor Geoff Saul, Executive Member for Housing and Community Safety, highlighted the district's housing crisis and the significant need for social rented homes. The proposed approach involves the Council progressing the scheme to the planning application stage, with a Registered Provider, SOHA Housing, then taking responsibility for funding, construction, and management.

Significant debate occurred regarding the impact on town centre parking, with members expressing concerns about the loss of spaces and the need for adequate provision for shoppers, workers, and hospital staff. Officers presented data on current parking occupancy but acknowledged that a detailed parking study would be required as part of the planning process. Members also raised questions about governance, the selection of SOHA Housing as the preferred partner, and the use of Section 106 funding for feasibility studies. The committee agreed to recommend to the Executive that the Council provide evidence of its assessment of potential impacts on future parking capacity in Witney, or commit to assessing this once the proposed design is known, and that any future parking assessment should be informed by a trial closure of Woodford Way Car Park.

Updates from Task and Finish Groups

The committee received updates on the establishment of new Task and Finish Groups. The Private Management Companies Task and Finish Group's Terms of Reference were agreed, focusing on investigating the financial and legal mechanisms for the Council to adopt existing managed estates. The Mental Health Task and Finish Group was also established with nominated members.

Committee Work Programme

The committee reviewed proposed changes to its work programme to align with the Executive reporting timetable. This included moving the Quarterly Performance Report to January and scheduling an additional meeting in February to discuss Nature Recovery and Community Safety Partnership items, while cancelling the April meeting due to the pre-election period. A concern was raised about scrutinising the Quarterly Performance Report after it had been presented to the Executive, but officers clarified that the Executive only noted the report, allowing the committee to still make recommendations.

Executive Work Programme

No comments were made on the Executive Work Programme.

The meeting concluded at 8.26 pm.