To update CEB on the progress of the Oxford Growth Strategy and to make adequate financial provision in respect of it.  It is recommended that the CEB note the contents of this report, in particular the potential need to identify additional resources and agrees to transfer £310,000 from reserves to support the work streams detailed in this report.

The Oxford Growth Strategy is a coordinated set of workstreams encompassing the preparation of a high level case for sustainable urban extensions to Oxford as the most sustainable way of addressing Oxford’s unmet housing needs, as well as joint working with the other Oxfordshire local authorities, and involvement in their local plans’ preparation and examination, to seek to ensure that Oxford’s unmet housing needs are fully addressed in a sustainable manner on a cross-boundary basis.

The Head of Planning and Regulatory Services submitted a report (previously circulated, now appended) which detailed the progress of the Oxford Growth Strategy and identified future financial pressures which may arise as a consequence of it.

Cllr Hollingsworth, Executive Board Member for Planning, Transport and Regulatory Services presented the report and tabled the City Executive Board responses to the Scrutiny Committee recommendations (appended). In summary he said that the aim of the Growth Strategy was to promote and deliver sustainable urban extensions to Oxford, by way of a Green Belt review in order to meet the huge housing need within the City.  Fundamental to this was the success of the City Council’s joint working with the other Oxfordshire authorities and stakeholders.

In discussion the Board noted the importance of ensuring that the Growth Strategy addressed both social/affordable and private housing need and also the requirements of the local workforce.  The Board also commented on the challenges facing the Council in delivering the Growth Strategy.

The Board thanked officers for the clear and comprehensive report.

The City Executive Board resolved to:

1.    Note the contents of this report, in particular the potential need to identify additional resources of £310,000.