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Summary
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Oxfordshire County Council's Cabinet met on 21 October 2025 and approved a new strategic plan for 2025-2028, a biodiversity action framework, and a plan for future bus regulation, among other items. The Cabinet also received updates on the council's financial performance and capital programme, and discussed a new operating model for the Fire and Rescue service.
Strategic Plan 2025-2028
The Cabinet approved the Strategic Plan 2025-2028, which will now be recommended to the full council for adoption in November 2025. The plan outlines the council's key priorities and objectives for the next three years.
Oxfordshire's Local Nature Recovery Strategy
The Cabinet approved the adoption of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) for Oxfordshire, fulfilling a statutory duty under the Environment Act 20211. The LNRS sets out recommended locations for nature recovery actions, aiming to create a resilient network of nature across Oxfordshire. The Cabinet also supported the council's commitment to deliver, monitor, and review the LNRS in partnership with local people and organisations.
Future Bus Regulation Options
The Cabinet approved the development of an Enhanced Partnership Plus (EP+) approach to bus regulation. The Director of Environment & Highways has been delegated the development of the EP+, including defining the desired and achievable outputs, informed by passenger and resident feedback. Formal adoption of the EP+ agreement has been delegated to Councillor Andrew Gant, Cabinet Member for Transport Management, through the Cabinet Member Delegated Decisions process. The Cabinet decided not to undertake any further work on bus franchising or municipal operation at this time.
Fire and Rescue Cover Model
The Cabinet approved proposals for a new operating model for the Fire and Rescue service, aimed at ensuring greater resilience for emergency response resources and a more effective response to emergencies. The Fire and Rescue Cover Model will now be taken forward to public consultation. The Chief Fire Officer and Director for Community Safety Services (CSS) has been delegated authority to undertake a 12-week employee, stakeholder and public consultation on the proposals and to report back to Cabinet thereafter.
Update to the Street Lighting and Illuminated Assets Policy
The Cabinet approved the updated Street Lighting and Illuminated Assets Policy and supporting Electrical Procedure, as well as the adoption of the proposed Part-Night Lighting Implementation Framework, following stakeholder engagement and public consultation feedback.
Get Oxfordshire Working Plan
The Cabinet approved the Get Oxfordshire Working Plan, a local plan for the centrally funded Get Oxfordshire Working project. The plan will now go through the approval processes of other partner organisations, including the Jobcentre Plus and NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board. The Director of Economy & Place has been delegated authority, in consultation with Councillor Ben Higgins, Cabinet Member for Future Economy and Innovation, to make any amendments arising from the Cabinet discussion and to account for feedback from partner organisations, and sign off the final plan. They also have the authority to refresh and/or make revisions to the Plan as appropriate during its lifetime.
Enterprise Zone Business Rates
The Cabinet noted the intention to develop an Enterprise Zone Investment Plan and endorsed the proposed Enterprise Zone investment priorities. They conditionally approved an allocation of up to £10m from the retained funding for Enterprise Zone 1 (Science Vale) to enable the delivery of priorities arising from the forthcoming OxRail strategy, and conditionally approved an allocation of up to £4m from Enterprise Zone 2 (Didcot Growth Accelerator) for infrastructure that directly enhances access to the Enterprise Zone itself.
The Cabinet also conditionally approved an allocation of £0.700m in 2025/26 for additional economic strategy and delivery capacity and capability at Oxfordshire County Council and Enterprise Oxfordshire from the Enterprise Zone 1 retained business rate funding, and conditionally approved an on-going allocation of up to £1.254m each year for additional economic capacity and capability at Oxfordshire County Council and Enterprise Oxfordshire from 2026/27 – 2027/28, from the Enterprise Zone 1 retained business rate funding.
The Cabinet approved switching the use of remaining funding of £15.7m from supporting on-going borrowing costs to a direct contribution to finance the capital investment allocated towards the City Deals & Pinch Point Programme.
Councillor Dan Levy, Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Transformation, declared an interest in this item as a director of Enterprise Oxfordshire and left the meeting during its consideration.
S106 Project – Accelerated Delivery and Corporate Funding
The Cabinet noted the approach to accelerated s1062 developer agreement scheme delivery and approved the programme of £27.5m investment. The Director for Economy and Place, in consultation with Councillor Judy Roberts, Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, has been delegated the approval of procurement, sign off and any detailed changes needed to be made to the programme of schemes.
Business Management & Monitoring Report – Revenue Update and Monitoring Report (August 2025)
The Cabinet noted the Business Management & Monitoring Report – Revenue Update and Monitoring Report (August 2025) and annexes. They noted that c£6.6m funding for pay inflation added to service area budgets is included in the virements relating to funding changes. The Cabinet approved the debt write offs as detailed in paragraph 28 of the report, and approved the change to the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) High Needs Block 2025/26 updated budgeted deficit.
Capital Programme Update and Monitoring Report
The Cabinet noted the capital monitoring position for 2025/26 and approved the updated Capital Programme. They approved the inclusion of the Section 106 Accelerated Delivery Programme, into the capital programme, with a budget of £27.575m to be funded by S106 developer contributions and from £4m corporate resources agreed in February 2025. The Cabinet noted the inclusion of several projects to deliver high-quality specialist supported housing with a total value of £2.8m, to be funded from the £5.9m allocation agreed by Council in February 2025, and noted the following grant funding updates and allocations into the capital programme: £2.050m Consolidated Active Travel Funding (CATF) from Active Travel England (ATE).
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership (OSCP) Annual Report
The Cabinet noted the annual report of the Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership senior safeguarding partners and considered the key messages.
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2024-25
The Cabinet noted the findings of the Oxfordshire Safeguarding Adults Board (OSAB) Annual Report 2024-25.
Report on urgent decision by Chief Executive re supply of community equipment
The Cabinet noted the report on the urgent decision taken on the award of a contract for the supply of community equipment due to the failure of the previous provider.
Report on urgent decision by Chief Executive re Telecare Monitoring and Response Service
The Cabinet noted the report on the urgent decision taken on the award of a contract for the Telecare Monitoring and Response Service due to the failure of the previous provider.
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The Environment Act 2021 is an Act of Parliament in the United Kingdom that aims to protect and improve the natural environment. It includes measures to address air and water quality, biodiversity, and waste reduction. ↩
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Section 106 agreements (S106 agreements), are legal agreements between local authorities and developers; these are linked to planning permissions and can require developers to make contributions to local infrastructure or affordable housing. ↩
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Questions from County Councillors
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council approved recommendations on 21/10/2025. The Cabinet agreed to approve the development of an Enhanced Partnership Plus model for bus franchising and to proceed with redeveloping Speedwell House with its current footprint rather than expanding it. The Cabinet also approved the sale of County Hall and consolidation at Speedwell House.
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Fire and Rescue Cover Model
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council approved recommendations on 21/10/2025. The decision was to support the Fire and Rescue Cover Model being taken forward to public consultation. Authority was delegated to the Chief Fire Officer and Director for Community Safety Services to undertake a 12-week consultation and report back to Cabinet.
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Reports from Scrutiny Committees
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council decided to approve recommendations from Scrutiny Committees on 21/10/2025. The Cabinet will respond to the Education and Young People Overview & Scrutiny Committee and the Place Overview & Scrutiny Committee in due course. Relevant officers will provide written updates on progress against committed actions for 12 months.
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Appointments
Recommendations Approved...to note that there were no appointments to report at the meeting.
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Get Oxfordshire Working Plan
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council approved the Get Oxfordshire Working Plan on 21/10/2025. The plan outlines actions to improve employment outcomes and reduce economic inactivity. The Cabinet delegated authority to the Director of Economy & Place to make amendments and sign off the final plan.
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Report on urgent decision by Chief Executive re Telecare Monitoring and Response Service
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council noted the report on 21 October 2025. The report detailed an urgent decision by the Chief Executive to approve the direct award of a three-year contract for the Telecare Monitoring and Response Service to Livity Life Limited. This decision was made due to the failure of the previous provider.
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Report on urgent decision by Chief Executive re supply of community equipment
Recommendations Approved...to note the report regarding the Chief Executive's urgent decision to award a contract to Millbrook Healthcare Limited for the supply of community equipment following the failure of the previous provider, Nottingham Rehabilitation Services Healthcare Ltd, to ensure continuity of service for vulnerable residents.
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Delegated Powers Report for July to September 2025
Recommendations Approved...that no executive decisions were taken under delegated powers during the period of July to September 2025.
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Forward Plan and Future Business
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council decided to note the items identified for forthcoming meetings on 21/10/2025. The Cabinet considered a list of items for immediately forthcoming meetings and changes and additions set out in addenda.
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S106 Project – Accelerated Delivery and Corporate Funding
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council decided to approve a programme of £27.5m investment for infrastructure projects on 21/10/2025. The Cabinet also delegated approval of procurement, sign-off, and detailed changes to the programme to the Director for Economy and Place in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action.
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Future Bus Regulation Options
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council approved recommendations on 21/10/2025. The council approved the development of an Enhanced Partnership Plus (EP+) approach for bus regulation. They delegated the development of the EP+ to the Director of Environment & Highways and decided not to pursue bus franchising or municipal operation at this time.
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Petitions and Public Address
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council decided on 21/10/2025 to approve recommendations. Councillor James Fry was involved in decisions regarding street lighting policy, bus regulation, biodiversity, the strategic plan, S106 projects, and the capital programme.
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Capital Programme Update and Monitoring Report
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council approved recommendations on 21/10/2025 regarding the capital programme. The updated capital programme was approved, incorporating the Section 106 Accelerated Delivery Programme with a budget of £27.575m and noting the inclusion of specialist supported housing projects valued at £2.8m. The Cabinet also noted updated grant funding allocations, including £2.050m from Active Travel England.
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Oxfordshire's Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS)
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council approved and adopted the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) on 21/10/2025. The strategy sets out targeted locations for nature recovery actions and aims to create a shared vision for nature recovery across Oxfordshire. The decision included approval for the launch of the final map tool and strategy documents online.
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Declarations of Interest
Recommendations Approved...to approve the recommendations after Councillor Levy declared a conflict of interest regarding Item 17 and recused himself from the discussion and vote.
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Strategic Plan 2025-2028
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council approved recommendations on 21/10/2025 regarding the Strategic Plan 2025-2028. The decision was to submit the plan to Council for adoption and to recommend its approval. The plan includes nine headline projects with specific goals, such as creating two dedicated highways response teams by November 2025.
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Apologies for Absence
Recommendations Approved...to note that no apologies for absence were received at the meeting.
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Update to the Street Lighting and Illuminated Assets Policy with respect to Part Night Lighting
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council approved recommendations on 21/10/2025. The decision approved the updated Streetlighting and Illuminated Assets Policy and the adoption of the proposed Part-Night Lighting Implementation Framework. This framework includes a targeted exemption list, public and stakeholder consultations for each scheme, and crime and road safety data analysis.
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Oxfordshire Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2024-25
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council approved the recommendations of the Oxfordshire Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2024-25 on 21 October 2025. The report detailed the board's activities and progress in protecting adults from abuse and neglect. The decision included updating safeguarding policies, launching a new Safeguarding Adults Consideration Framework, and improving response times to safeguarding concerns.
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Business Management & Monitoring Report – Revenue Update and Monitoring Report (August 2025).
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council on 21/10/2025 approved recommendations from the Business Management & Monitoring Report. This included noting the report and annexes, noting £6.6m funding for pay inflation added to service area budgets, approving corporate debt write-offs totalling £21,339, and approving a change to the Dedicated Schools Grant High Needs Block 2025/26 updated budgeted deficit.
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Oxfordshire County Council's Biodiversity Action Framework and Action Plan
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Oxfordshire County Council approved the Biodiversity Action Framework and Action Plan on 21/10/2025. The decision adopted guiding principles, policies, and objectives for tackling the ecological emergency and enhancing biodiversity, alongside 43 specific actions for 2025-26. These actions will be implemented across council services.
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Enterprise Zone Business Rates – Forecast and Update on Planned Use
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council decided to approve recommendations on 21/10/2025. They approved noting the intention to develop an Enterprise Zone Investment Plan, endorsing proposed investment priorities, and conditionally approving allocations of up to £10m for the OxRail strategy, up to £4m for infrastructure enhancing Enterprise Zone access, and £0.700m in 2025/26 for economic strategy and delivery capacity. They also approved an ongoing allocation of up to £1.254m annually from 2026/27 to 2027/28 for additional economic capacity and capability, and approved switching £15.7m of remaining funding to directly finance capital investment for the City Deals & Pinch Point Programme.
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Minutes
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council approved the minutes of meetings held on 10 and 16 September 2025. The Cabinet also approved the implementation of six temporary congestion charging points in Oxford for a maximum of two years, with operational readiness by 10 November 2025. They authorised the Director of Environment and Highways to make necessary changes and implement the charging order, and approved the development and implementation of infrastructure and supporting systems at an estimated cost of £190,000.
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For information only: Cabinet response to Scrutiny items (TO FOLLOW)
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council decided on 21/10/2025 to approve recommendations regarding the draft Strategic Plan and the Oxford Temporary Congestion Charge. The Cabinet accepted, rejected, or partially accepted various recommendations, with specific actions including ongoing work on the green agenda, developing a website and app for energy saving, and clarifying strategic planning for housing and green spaces. They also accepted recommendations to provide quantitative data on net zero ambitions, commit to improving renewable energy infrastructure, and engage members in the Citizens portal development. For the congestion charge, the Cabinet accepted recommendations regarding park and ride capacity and bus service monitoring, partially accepted others concerning data publication, income allocation, and education on bus services, and rejected a recommendation for congestion charge exemptions for parents awaiting EHCP assessments. Specific officer actions include developing a website and app for energy saving, implementing free park and ride buses for three months, and investigating the use of congestion charge income for supporting services in deprived and rural areas.
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Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership (OSCP) Annual Report
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council approved the recommendations of the Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership Annual Report on 21/10/2025. The report details findings on the effectiveness of local arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in Oxfordshire. The decision noted key messages for system leaders regarding tackling neglect and minimising risks to children outside the home.
Attendees
Topics
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