The Head of People has submitted a report for Council to approve the Annual Pay Policy Statement.

Recommendation: Council resolves to:

1.    Approve the Annual Pay Policy Statement 2026/27 as set out in Appendix 1 to this report 

2.    Agree the proposed pay agreement for April 2026 and April 2027 reached with Unison and Unite as set out in paragraph 3. 

Council resolved to:

1.       Approve the Annual Pay Policy Statement 2026/27 as set out in Appendix 1 to this report 

2.       Agree the proposed pay agreement for April 2026 and April 2027 reached with Unison and Unite as set out in paragraph 3. 

The Head of People has submitted a report for Council to approve the Annual Pay Policy Statement. 

Councillor Chapman introduced the report noting that it is a legislative requirement to seek Council’s approval and summarised that the report sets out the agreed two-year local pay agreement with Unison and Unite which takes effect from 1 April 2026. Council understood that this includes a cost of living pay aware of 3.5% or £1500, whichever is higher, and a further 3% from 1 April 2027. Councillor Chapman thanked all those involved in the negotiations and encouraged Council to celebrate the report. Further features of the pay deal were also summarised in detail.  

Councillor Taylor, noting that Oxfordshire County Council does not pay the Oxford living wage, asked what can be done to reassure officers of their future salaries given the incoming changes resulting from Local Government Reorganisation. Councillor Chapman outlined that the future local government structure is currently unknown but suggested that traditionally, salary deals are taken across to new authorities for a period to ensure some stability for staff. This pay deal would therefore likely apply to existing Oxford City Council and Oxford Direct Services staff in the immediate period following Local Government Reorganisation.  

Councillor Chapman moved the report. Upon being seconded by Councillor Arshad, the recommendations were put to a vote and agreed. 

Council resolved to:

1.       Approve the Annual Pay Policy Statement 2026/27 as set out in Appendix 1 to this report 

2.       Agree the proposed pay agreement for April 2026 and April 2027 reached with Unison and Unite as set out in paragraph 3.