Minute’s silence and tributes

Council observed a minute’s silence in memory of former councillors Mike Gotch and Mark Whitaker.

Councillors Gant, Goddard, Hollingsworth, Henwood, Malik and Clarkson spoke to pay tribute to the former councillors.

Item 15a: Oxford United Stadium

Cllr Andrew Gant declared an interest on this item on the grounds that it coincides with his County Council’s responsibilities. He indicated he would leave the room during the consideration of this item.

Cllr Ed Turner stated that he was a Football Association match official and occasionally refereed matches for Oxford United Youth's and Women's teams. He indicated that he received monetary compensation for his services. He clarified that he had no specific relationships with Oxford United but made the declaration for reasons of transparency.

Cllr Nigel Chapman stated that he was season ticket holder for Oxford United for over 20 years. It was not a pecuniary interest. He indicated he made the declaration for reasons of transparency.

Item 15c: Making Oxford a Truly Walkable City and Item 15e: Bus travel for asylum seekers in Oxford

Cllr Andrew Gant declared an interest on these items on the grounds that they coincide with his County Council’s responsibilities. He indicated he would leave the room during the consideration of these items.

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Council held on the 18^th of March 2024 and of the annual meeting of Council held on the 16^th of May 2024.

Council is asked to approve the minutes as a correct record.

Council agreed to approve the minutes of the ordinary meeting of Council held on 18 March 2024 and the annual meeting of Council held on 16 May 2024 as true and correct records.

Announcements by:

1.     The Lord Mayor

2.     The Sheriff

3.     The Leader of the Council (who may with the permission of the Lord Mayor invite other councillors to make announcements)

4.     The Chief Executive, Chief Finance Officer, Monitoring Officer

The Deputy Lord Mayor announced that he participated in two recent foreign events: the Mosaic Indonesian Cultural Exhibition (ICE) on the 18th of May 2024, and the Carmina Burana Fundraising Dinner on the 13th of July 2024. He had also attended the Centenary Celebration of the Littlemore Village Hall and the Littlemore Play Day in June.

The Sheriff had invited two Year 10 pupils from Oxford Academy, Amiyah Cameron and Shavonne Allen, to join him in various events throughout the week, allowing them to observe the workings of local government. These events included this evening's Council meeting and a visit to the ODS Cowley Marsh Depot with other Councillors.

The Leader of the Council made the following announcements:

Expressed heartfelt sadness over the passing of former councillors Mike Gotch and Mark Whitaker, with whom she had previously served.

Sent her congratulations to Annaliese Dodds and Layla Moran on their resounding re-elections as Members of Parliament and expressed her commitment to continued collaboration in the interest of the people of Oxford.

The Council celebrated England's qualification for the Euro 2024 by flying the England flag until the close of the competition in support of the England national football team.

Had written to the Secretary of Transport and the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, requesting urgent action on the issue regarding Botley Road and the need for Network Rail and Thames Water to work closely together. The Leader also copied the letter to Oxfordshire County Council Leader, Cllr Liz Leffman. She hoped to seek urgent clarity on the introduction of traffic filters in Oxford, noting the significance this had to the people of Oxford.

Cllr Upton arrived at the meeting.

The City Rector addressed the Council, acknowledging its humility in commemorating former councillors. He reflected on Eric Liddell's principled decision during the 1924 Paris Olympics and concluded by drawing a parallel to Liddell's perseverance in pursuing secondary paths which had led to great achievements.

Public addresses and questions to the Leader or other Cabinet member received in accordance with Council Procedure Rules in the Constitution relating to matters for decision in Part 1 of this agenda.

Up to five minutes is available for each public address and up to three minutes for each question. Questions must be less than 200 words.

The request to speak accompanied by the full text of the address or question must be received by the Head of Law and Governance by 5.00 pm on Tuesday, 9 July 2024.

The briefing note will contain the text of addresses and questions submitted by the deadline, and written responses where available.

A total of 45 minutes is available for both public speaking items. Responses are included in this time.

There were no addresses or questions.

The Executive Director (Communities and People) and the Head of Financial Services have submitted a report to Cabinet on 10 July 2024 which seeks approval for a programme of improvements at the City Council’s leisure facilities.

The Cabinet Minutes are available at item 10c.

Councillor Chewe Munkonge, Cabinet Member for A Healthy Oxford and Councillor Ed Turner, Deputy Leader (Statutory) - Finance and Asset Management, will present the report and present the Cabinet’s recommendations.

Recommendation: Cabinet recommends that Cabinet resolves to:

1.    Grant project approval for the Leisure Investment Programme at Appendix 1;

2.    Recommend to Council the approval of an additional capital budget of £1.04 million, above the £2million already agreed in the capital programme necessary to deliver the Leisure Investment Programme;

3.    Delegate authority to the Executive Director (Communities and People) in consultation with the Cabinet Member for A Healthy Oxford; the Deputy Leader (Statutory) - Finance and Asset Management; the Head of Finance/Section 151 Officer and the Head of Law and Governance to agree the terms of the legal agreement with Serco Leisure (“More Leisure) to govern payment of the monies for the Leisure Investment Programme; and

4.    Delegate authority to the Executive Director (Communities and People) in consultation with the Cabinet Member for A Healthy Oxford; the Deputy Leader (Statutory) - Finance and Asset Management and the Head of Financial Services/Section 151 Officer to determine any additional opportunities to reinvest the funds if any monies remain following delivery of the Leisure Investment Programme, whilst ensuring no detrimental impact to the Council’s return on investment.

Council considered a report from the Head of Corporate Property which sought approval to enter into a contract for Rebuild Cost Assessments of the Council’s property assets to assist with placing the property insurance policy.

Cllr Ed Turner, Deputy Leader (Statutory) and Cabinet Member for Finance and Asset Management introduced the report and moved the recommendations.

On being seconded by Cllr Linda Smith, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, the recommendations were put the vote and agreed.

Council resolved to:

1. Recommend to Council the provision of a revenue budget in the General Fund for the sum of £128,000 per annum for the next 3 years and in the HRA for the sum of £55,000 per annum;
2. Give project approval to tender a contract to undertake the rebuild cost assessments across all assets in both the General Fund and the HRA;
3. Delegate authority to the Head of Corporate Property to finalise the tender documents; and
4. Delegate authority to the Head of Corporate Property, in consultation with the Head of Law and Governance; the Head of Financial Services; and the Deputy Leader (Statutory) - Finance and Asset Management to agree the cost and final terms of, and enter into and make any necessary.

The Head of Corporate Property has submitted a report to Cabinet on 12 June 2024 which seeks approval to enter into a contract for Rebuild Cost Assessments of the Council’s property assets to assist with placing the property insurance policy.

The Cabinet Minutes are available at item 10b.

Councillor Ed Turner, Deputy Leader – Finance and Asset Management and Councillor Linda Smith, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities will present the report and present Cabinet’s recommendations.

Recommendations: The Cabinet recommends that Council resolves to:

1.    Recommend to Council the provision of a revenue budget in the General Fund for the sum of £128,000 per annum for the next 3 years and in the HRA for the sum of £55,000 per annum;

2.    Give project approval to tender a contract to undertake the rebuild cost assessments across all assets in both the General Fund and the HRA;

3.    Delegate authority to the Head of Corporate Property to finalise the tender documents; and

4.    Delegate authority to the Head of Corporate Property, in consultation with the Head of Law and Governance; the Head of Financial Services; and the Deputy Leader (Statutory) - Finance and Asset Management to agree the cost and final terms of, and enter into and make any necessary amendments to, a contract with the preferred supplier.

Council considered a report from the Head of Corporate Property which sought approval to enter into a contract for Rebuild Cost Assessments of the Council’s property assets to assist with placing the property insurance policy.

Cllr Ed Turner, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Asset Management introduced the report and moved the recommendations.

On being seconded by Cllr Linda Smith, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, the recommendations were put the vote and agreed.

Council resolved to:

1. Recommend to Council the provision of a revenue budget in the General Fund for the sum of £128,000 per annum for the next 3 years and in the HRA for the sum of £55,000 per annum;
2. Give project approval to tender a contract to undertake the rebuild cost assessments across all assets in both the General Fund and the HRA;
3. Delegate authority to the Head of Corporate Property to finalise the tender documents; and
4. Delegate authority to the Head of Corporate Property, in consultation with the Head of Law and Governance; the Head of Financial Services; and the Deputy Leader (Statutory) - Finance and Asset Management to agree the cost and final terms of, and enter into and make any necessary.

The Head of Corporate Strategy has submitted a report to Cabinet on 10 July 2024 which provides feedback from the public and stakeholder consultation on the Council Strategy 2024 to 2028 and seeks approval for the draft strategy

The Cabinet Minutes are available in item 10c.

Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of the Council, will present the report and present Cabinet’s recommendations.

Recommendations: Cabinet recommends that Council resolves to:

1.    Note the public and stakeholder consultation on the draft Council Strategy 2024 to 2028;

2.    Agree the revisions made to the draft Council Strategy 2024 to 2028 in response to the consultation;

3.    Delegate authority to the Head of Corporate Strategy in consultation with the Council Leader to make further minor amendments before adoption by Council; and

4.    Recommend to Council to:

a.    Adopt the Council Strategy 2024 to 2028 as attached as Appendix 1 to the report; and

b.    Delegate authority to the Head of Corporate Strategy in consultation with the Council Leader to make any further amendments to the Council Strategy 2024 to 2028 before implementation and publication, provided that such amendments do not materially affect the substance of the Council Strategy 2024 to 2028

Council considered a report from the Head of Corporate Strategy which provided feedback from the public and stakeholder consultation on the Council Strategy 2024 to 2028 and sought approval for the draft strategy.

Cllr Susan Brown, Leader and Cabinet Member for Partnership Working, introduced the report, proposed the recommendations and answered questions.

Cllr Diggins left the meeting.

On being seconded by Cllr Chewe Munkonge, Cabinet Member for A Healthy Oxford, the recommendations were put the vote and agreed.

Council resolved to:

1. Adopt the Council Strategy 2024 to 2028 as attached as Appendix 1 to the report; and

2.     Delegate authority to the Head of Corporate Strategy in consultation with the Council Leader to make any further amendments to the Council Strategy 2024 to 2028 before implementation and publication, provided that such amendments do not materially affect the substance of the Council Strategy 2024 to 2028.

The Head of Corporate Property has submitted a report which seeks an approval to progress the submission of the proposed byelaws for parks and open spaces to the Secretary of State for approval following public consultation.

Councillor Chewe Munkonge will present the report and its recommendations.

Recommendations: This report recommends that Council resolves to:

1.    Approve the proposed byelaws for parks and open spaces following public consultation.

2.    Recommend submission of the application to the Secretary of State for approval of the proposed byelaws

3.    Notes that upon the Secretary of State granting leave for the Council to make the proposed byelaws there will be a further period of consultation of not less than 28 days.

4.    Notes that a further report will be presented to Members to allow them to make a final decision to make the proposed byelaws.

A Scrutiny Report has been included in the pack for this agenda point, alongside the Updates of Byelaws for Parks and Open Spaces Report.

Council considered a report from the Head of Corporate Property which sought approval to progress the submission of the proposed byelaws for parks and open spaces to the Secretary of State for approval following public consultation.

Cllr Chewe Munkonge, Cabinet Member for A Healthy Oxford, introduced the report and proposed the recommendations.

On being seconded by Cllr Susan Brown, Leader and Cabinet Member for Partnership Working, the recommendations were put the vote and agreed.

Council resolved to:

1. Approve the proposed byelaws for parks and open spaces following public consultation;
2. Recommend submission of the application to the Secretary of State for approval of the proposed byelaws;
3. Note that upon the Secretary of State granting leave for the Council to make the proposed byelaws there will be a further period of consultation of not less than 28 days; and
4. Note that a further report will be presented to Members to allow them to make a final decision to make the proposed byelaws.

This item has a time limit of 15 minutes.

Councillors may ask the Cabinet Members questions about matters in these minutes:

None.

Minute 6 – Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) - Submission of Draft Charging Schedule for Examination

In response to a question from Cllr Chris Smowton, Cllr Louise Upton, Cabinet Member for Planning, explained that because land valuation was now attached to business premises, this made it viable to develop new businesses and contribute significantly to the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).  Viability assessments indicated that business use could manage the higher CIL contribution.

To follow with the briefing paper.

None.

Questions on notice from councillors received in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11.11(b).

Questions on notice may be asked of the Lord Mayor, a Member of the Cabinet or a Chair of a Committee. One supplementary question may be asked at the meeting.

The full text of questions must have been received by the Head of Law and Governance by no later than 1.00pm on Wednesday 3 July 2024.

These, and written responses where available, will be published in the briefing note.

33 written questions were asked of the Cabinet Members and the Leader. The questions and written responses were published before the meeting.

These along with summaries of the 14 supplementary questions and responses asked and given at the meeting are set out in the minutes pack.

The meeting broke for 15min during this item and reconvened at 7pm. Council agreed to consider item 12 before returning to the remainder of this item, and then proceeded with the agenda as listed.

Cllrs Azad, Malik and Rehman left the meeting and did not return.

This item will be taken at or shortly after 7.00pm

Public addresses and questions to the Leader or other Cabinet member received in accordance with Council Procedure Rules in the Constitution and not relating to matters for decision in Part 1 of this agenda.

Up to five minutes is available for each public address and up to three minutes for each question. Questions must be less than 200 words.

The request to speak accompanied by the full text of the address or question must be received by the Head of Law and Governance by 5.00 pm on Tuesday 9 July 2024.

The briefing note will contain the text of addresses and questions submitted by the deadline, and written responses where available.

A total of 45 minutes is available for both public speaking items. Responses

Council heard five addresses and one question from members of the public. Cabinet Members read or summarised their written responses.

The addresses, question and responses are set out in full in the minutes pack.

1.     Address from Sushila Dhall, Chair, Oxford Pedestrians Association – Make Oxford a Truly Walkable City Motion

2.     Question from Chaka Artwell – Cabinet Decision for the Request for Exceptional Circumstances Relief from the Community Infrastructure Levy

3.     Address from Paul Peros, OxVox Chairman, Oxford United Supporters Trust – Oxford United Stadium Motion

4.     Address from Chaka Artwell – Glyphosate

5.     Address from Ashley Smith, Windrush Against Sewage Pollution –Support for Motion of No Confidence in Thames Water and development of an Oxford City River Action Plan

6.     Address from Dan Glazebrook, Friends of Grandpont Nature Park – Oxpens River Bridge Scheme

The Deputy Lord Mayor thanked the speakers for their contributions.

Cllrs Regisford, Kerr and Diggins re-joined the meeting.

As set out in the Constitution at procedure rule 11.16, Members who are Council representatives on external bodies or Chairs of Council Committees who consider that a significant decision or event has taken place, may give notice to the Head of Law and Governance by 1.00 pm Wednesday 10 July 2024 that they will present a written or oral report on the event or the significant decision and how it may influence future events. Written reports will be circulated with the briefing note.

The Head of Corporate Strategy has submitted a report to Council on 15 July 2024 which notes the annual update on the Oxford Strategic Partnership.

Councillor Brown, Leader and Cabinet Member for Partnership Working, will present the report.

Recommendation: That the Committee resolves to:

1.    Note the annual update report on the work of the Oxford Strategic Partnership. 

The full report on this matter will follow the publication of the agenda in the briefing note.

Council considered a report from the Head of Corporate Strategy which noted the annual update on the Oxford Strategic Partnership.

Cllr Susan Brown, Leader and Cabinet Member for Partnership Working, introduced the report.

In response to a question from Cllr Roz Smith, Cllr Brown reaffirmed the Council's dedication to being a Fairtrade City. She stated that whilst promises to rent out premises in the Covered Market could not be made, any proposal from organisations selling fair trade products would be considered favourably.

Council resolved to:

1. Note the annual update report on the work of the Oxford Strategic Partnership.

The Head of Corporate Strategy has submitted a report to Council on 15 July 2024 which notes the annual update on the Oxfordshire Health and Wellbeing / Health Improvement Board.

Councillor Brown, Leader and Cabinet Member for Partnership Working, will present the report.

Recommendation: That the Committee resolves to:

1. Note the annual update report on the work of the Oxfordshire Health and Wellbeing / Health Improvement Board

The full report on this matter will follow the publication of the agenda in the briefing note.

Council considered a report from the Head of Corporate Strategy which noted the annual update on the Oxfordshire Health and Wellbeing / Health Improvement Board.

Cllr Chewe Munkonge, Cabinet Member for A Healthy Oxford, introduced the report.

Council resolved to:

1. Note the annual update report of the work the City Council does to support the Oxfordshire Health & Wellbeing Board and the Health Improvement Board.

The Chair of the Scrutiny Committee 2023/2024 has submitted a report to Council on the 15^th of July 2024. This report provides Council with a summary of Scrutiny activity during the 2023/2024 municipal year.

Councillor Katherine Miles, Chair of the Scrutiny Committee, will present the report.

Recommendation: That Council resolves to note the update report.

Councillor Katherine Miles, Chair of the Scrutiny Committee, introduced the report updating the Council on the Committee's activities during the 2023/24 municipal year, and thanked Cllr Lucy Pegg for her contributions as Chair during that period. She advised that 142 recommendations had been submitted to Cabinet, of which 100 were agreed, 12 agreed in part, 17 not agreed, and 12 provided with commentary only. She conveyed the Committee's disappointment in some of the Cabinet responses that were not always aligned with the overall thrust of their recommendations. Finally, she gave thanks to the Councillors of the Committee and Panels, Cabinet Members, and Officers who had supported the Committee over the year.

In response to reflections on Cabinet's engagement with Scrutiny recommendations, Cllr Ed Turner, Deputy Leader (Statutory) and Cabinet Member for Finance and Asset Management emphasised Cabinet's effort to respond positively despite short time frames. He acknowledged that whilst some recommendations could not be fully implemented due to differences in views, the aim was to communicate openly and constructively. Cllr Brown, Leader and Cabinet Member for Partnership Working also expressed surprise at any disappointment, stating that the Cabinet aimed to adopt scrutiny recommendations as far as possible and provided explanations where there were disagreements. She highlighted the generally positive collaboration between Cabinet and Scrutiny, noting that their rate of adoption compared favourably with other councils.

Council resolved to note the report.

The Chair of the Scrutiny Committee has submitted a report which updates Council on the activities of scrutiny and the implementation of recommendations since the last meeting of Council.

Council is invited to comment on and note the report.

Councillor Katherine Miles, Chair of the Scrutiny Committee, introduced the report updating the Council on the activities of the Committee from 01 March 2024 to 30 June 2024. She highlighted work undertaken by the Committee, including the re-establishment of three standing panels, and the expanded remit of the Finance and Performance Panel, which replaced the previous Companies Scrutiny Panel. She welcomed the new Committee members and expressed her anticipation of working constructively with Cabinet Members, Councillors, and Officers.

Council resolved to note the update report.

This item has a time limit of 60 minutes.

Motions received by the Head of Law and Governance in accordance with the rules in Section 11 of the Constitution by the deadline of 1.00pm on Wednesday 3 July 2024are listed below.

Cross party motions are taken first. Motions will then be taken in turn from the Labour Group, Liberal Democrat Group, Green Group, Independent Oxford Alliance, Oxford Community Independent Group, Oxford Independent Group, Real Independent Group in that order.

Substantive amendments to these motions must be sent by councillors to the Head of Law and Governance by no later than 10.00am on Friday, 12 July 2024so that they may be circulated with the briefing note.

Minor technical or limited wording amendments may be submitted during the meeting but must be written down and circulated.

Council is asked to consider the following motions:

a)    Oxford United Stadium (Proposed by Cllr Mark Clarkson, seconded by Cllr Ed Turner)

b)    Motion of No Confidence in Thames Water and development of an Oxford city river action plan (proposed by Cllr Jo Sandelson, seconded by Cllr Katherine Miles)

c)    Making Oxford a Truly Walkable City (proposed by Cllr Max Morris, seconded by Cllr Emily Kerr)

d)    Scrap the Two-Child Benefit Cap (proposed by Cllr Theodore Jupp, seconded by Cllr Chris Smowton)

e)    Bus travel for asylum seekers in Oxford (proposed by Cllr Alex Powell, seconded by Cllr Dianne Regisford)

Council had before it five motions on notice submitted in accordance with Council procedure rules and reached decisions as set out below.

Motions agreed as set out below:

a)    Oxford United Stadium (proposed by Cllr Mark Clarkson, seconded by Cllr Ed Turner)

b)    Motion of No Confidence in Thames Water and development of an Oxford city river action plan (proposed by Cllr Jo Sandelson, seconded by Cllr Katherine Miles) [amendment proposed by Cllr Simon Ottino, seconded by Cllr Jarvis]

Motions not taken as the time allocated for debate had finished:

c)     Making Oxford a Truly Walkable City (proposed by Cllr Max Morris, seconded by Cllr Emily Kerr)

d)    Scrap the Two-Child Benefit Cap (proposed by Cllr Theodore Jupp, seconded by Cllr Chris Smowton)

e)    Bus travel for asylum seekers in Oxford (proposed by Cllr Alex Powell, seconded by Cllr Dianne Regisford)

This Council expresses its support for Oxford United's proposals for a new stadium at Stratfield Brake.

Cllr Gant left the meeting, having declared an interest on this item, and returned to the meeting at the start of the next item.

Cllr Mary Clarkson, seconded by Cllr Simon Ottino, proposed the motion as set out in the briefing notes and clarified the motion referred to parcel of land known as ‘The Triangle’, where the stadium is proposed to be built.

Council agreed to take a recorded vote.

The following councillors voted in favour: Altaf-Khan, Arshad, Brown, Chapman, Clarkson, Coyne, Diggins, Djafari-Marbini, Fouweather, Henwood, Hollingsworth, Jupp, Miles, Munkonge, Ottino, Pressel, Qayyum, Railton, Linda Smith, Roz Smith, Smowton, Stares, Turner, Upton, and Waite.

No councillor voted against.

The following councillors abstained: Harley, Jarvis, Kerr, Morris, Muddiman, Powell, Rawle, Regisford, and Sandelson.

With 25 members voting in favour, the motion was agreed:

This Council expresses its support for Oxford United's proposals for a new stadium at Stratfield Brake.

This council has no confidence in the water company Thames Water, which provides services to households in Oxford. For too long now water company bosses have been able to get away with paying themselves millions of pounds in bonuses while dumping millions of tonnes of raw sewage into the River Thames and under-investing in infrastructure. Despite increasing public scrutiny and despair, dividends continue to be paid out to investors that form part of the company’s complex corporate structure. At the same time, the company has been reneging on its commitments to invest in infrastructure investments.^[1]

The consequences are many. Wildlife is disappearing and rivers are unfit to swim in. For example, Oxford has a long tradition of wild swimming in the River Thames at Port Meadow. The city celebrated when Wolvercote Mill Stream received designated bathing water status in 2022.^[2] But the level of pollution caused by sewage means the Bathing site is currently classified as Poor and bathing is not advised.^[3]

Thames Water is on the brink of collapse and has a mountain of debt estimated at £18bn which it may pass on to taxpayers if the company were to be nationalised.^[4] Furthermore, the current regulator Ofwat has demonstrated it is too weak to stand up to Thames Water.^[5]

The Sewage Scandal must end to protect the River Thames. In response, this Council believes that water companies, including Thames Water, should be put into Special Administration and transformed into public benefit companies^[6]; and Ofwat should be replaced with a tough new regulator with new powers to prevent sewage dumps.

At a local level in response to the river water emergency, the City Council can demonstrate its commitment to support the restoration of river health, by signing up to the Local Charter for Rivers.^[7] This sets out steps that councils can take to use their powers to restore our rivers to health at a local level.^[8]

To this end the Council resolves:

That it has no confidence in Thames Water.

That the Council requests the Leader:

?      writes to the Secretary of State of His Majesty’s Government with responsibility for water companies to call to: replace Ofwat with a tough new regulator with new powers to prevent sewage dumps; and place Thames Water into Special Administration to ensure the company’s debt does not fall on the Government.

?      commissions a cabinet report with an analysis of current actions and gaps in line with the Local River Charter, and recommendations for developing an Oxford City River Action Plan.^[9]

Cllr Jo Sandelson, seconded by Cllr Katherine Miles, proposed the motion as set out in the briefing notes.

Cllr Simon Ottino proposed a combined amendment to the motion and was seconded by Cllr Chris Jarvis. Council debated the amended motion. Following debate and on being put to the vote, the proposed amendment was agreed.

On being put to the vote, the amendment motion was agreed:

This council has no confidence in the water company Thames Water, which provides services to households in Oxford. For too long now water company bosses have been able to get away with paying themselves millions of pounds in bonuses while dumping millions of tonnes of raw sewage into the River Thames and under-investing in infrastructure. Despite increasing public scrutiny and despair, dividends continue to be paid out to investors that form part of the company’s complex corporate structure. At the same time, the company has been reneging on its commitments to invest in infrastructure investments.^[1]

The consequences are many. Wildlife is disappearing and rivers are unfit to swim in. For example, Oxford has a long tradition of wild swimming in the River Thames at Port Meadow. The city celebrated when Wolvercote Mill Stream received designated bathing water status in 2022.^[2] But the level of pollution caused by sewage means the Bathing site is currently classified as Poor and bathing is not advised.^[3]

The current regulator Ofwat has demonstrated it is too weak to stand up to Thames Water.^[4]

The Sewage Scandal must end to protect the River Thames. In response, this Council believes that water companies, including Thames Water, should be put into Special Administration and brought back into public ownership; and Ofwat should be replaced with a tough new regulator with new powers to prevent sewage dumps.

At a local level in response to the river water emergency, the City Council can demonstrate its commitment to support the restoration of river health, by signing up to the Local Charter for Rivers.^[5] This sets out steps that councils can take to use their powers to restore our rivers to health at a local level.^[6]

To this end the Council resolves:

That it has no confidence in Thames Water.

That the Council requests the Leader:

?      writes to the Secretary of State of His Majesty’s Government with responsibility for water companies to call to: replace Ofwat with a tough new regulator with new powers to prevent sewage dumps; and place Thames Water into Special Administration to ensure the company’s debt does not fall on the Government.

Council notes

1. Oxford was recently named as the UK’s most walkable city, due to the small distances between key tourist attractions.^[1]
2. The 2021 Census showed that 22% of Oxford residents walk to work, making walking the modal choice for more commuting residents than cycling at 17% or bus at 15%.^[2]
3. Studies show walking significantly improves both physical and mental health outcomes, and promotes longer and higher quality lives.^[3]
4. Research suggests lower income households - over-represented by ‘female heads of house, children, young and older people, black and minority ethnic (BME) and disabled people’ - rely on walking more often due to not owning a car.^[4]
5. There are inexpensive walking-related initiatives across Oxfordshire which have been successful, such as Oxford’s health walks and Bicester Blue Lines.^[5]
6. Whilst some things which improve the pedestrian experience are County responsibilities there are others which the City Council has sole or joint responsibility for, such as new benches, water fountains, public toilets, and wayfinding.
7. The City Council could require residential dropped kerbs to be “Dutch style” entry kerbs, which keeps pavements flat and easier for wheelchair users.
8. Mapping work in London has provided councils with excellent dynamic local maps, allowing residents and visitors to walk more easily. ^[6]
9. Pavement Parking is frequently named as one of the key issues facing pedestrians and wheelchair users. Government commissioned a report into this in 2020, and despite written questions and a debate, the results have not been published. ^[7]
10. Lambeth has pioneered an innovative “Kerbside Strategy” which prioritises walking, street trees, benches, and local businesses and will reallocate 25% of kerbside space to people.^[8]  

Council believes

1. Despite Oxford being a relatively small city with strong walking potential, the experience of walking or wheeling around the city needs urgent improvement. 
2. We could build on Oxford’s small size and strong reputation for walking to have a cohesive strategy to improve the pedestrian experience for everyone - and this would be relatively inexpensive to do with enormous health and wellness benefits.

Council resolves:

1. To request the Cabinet Member for Healthy Oxford:
   1. discuss with officers the designing of a plan for improving walking in Oxford, based on local knowledge and existing research.
   2. Works with the Cabinet Member for Zero Carbon and the Cabinet Member for Culture and officers to create a walkable map of Oxford for tourists and locals alike. 
   3. Writes to the new Transport Minister on behalf of Oxford City Council, urging rapid release of the 2020 pavement parking consultation
   4. Proposes the idea of a “Kerbside Strategy for Oxford” to the County Council.
2. To request the Cabinet Member for Finance and Asset Management reviews opportunities to invest in public infrastructure to improve the city’s walkability, such as benches, water fountains, public toilets, signage, lighting, and trees.

To request the Cabinet Member for Planning reviews mandating Dutch entry kerbs for residential drop kerb conversions planning conditions and considers this through the Equality Act 2010.

This motion was not taken as the time allocated for debate had finished.

Council notes that:

The two-child limit, introduced by the Conservative Government in 2017, restricts support in Universal Credit and tax credits to two children in a family.

The Child Poverty Action Group identified 4.2 million children living in poverty in the UK in 2021–22, with the prevalence of poverty much higher among Black and minority ethnic groups.[1]

Research by the End Child Poverty Coalition shows that scrapping the two-child limit would lift 250,000 children out of poverty, and that the economic and societal effects of child poverty, including spending on public services, cost the UK £39 billion every year.[2]

A new report by the Commons Education Select Committee warns that cost-of-living pressures on families are driving missed education.[3]

In a country already struggling with fewer and fewer young people supporting an ageing population, it is not in any case in our interests to attempt to prevent or delay people from raising children through financial pressure.

Despite initially pledging to repeal the policy in 2020,[4] Sir Keir Starmer backtracked and pledged to keep the Tory policy,[5] before eventually adopting a noncommittal stance on the issue.[6]

Council resolves to request the Leader of the Council:

·       Write to both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition expressing this council’s strong support for a repeal of the two-child benefit cap.

·       Write to Oxford’s MPs requesting that they in turn pressure both Government and Opposition to abolish the cap.

·        

This motion was not taken as the time allocated for debate had finished.

Council Notes:

1.     There are an increasing number of asylum seekers being accommodated within the city, particularly in a hotel near to the Kassam Stadium.^[1]

2.     Those asylum claimants who are in receipt of statutory support according to section 95 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 receive average weekly financial support equating to just £8.86 per week for those in accommodation.^[2]

3.     Oxford City Council has signed up to the values of the City of Sanctuary scheme undertaking a commitment to ensure that Oxford is a safe and supportive environment for sanctuary seekers.^[3]

4.     Oxfordshire County Council has also signalled its intention to become a County of Sanctuary, showcasing its own commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for people seeking sanctuary.^[4]

5.     Numerous charities and organisations have drawn attention to the harms that hotel accommodation poses for asylum seekers: such as isolation from communities and resources.^[5] This makes it even more important that support is accessible. 

6.     That the financial costs of travel within Oxford City make it more difficult for asylum seekers to access and engage with available sources of support.

7.     That asylum seekers have recently made representations regarding the need for free bus passes to Oxfordshire County Council.^[6] 

Council Believes:

1.     That Local Authorities, at both District and County Council level, have a moral and ethical duty, to the extent to which the law allows, to advocate for and protect all residents residing within their territorial area regardless of immigration status.

2.     That access to support services should be open to all asylum seekers and should not be prohibited by transport costs.

3.     As a City of Sanctuary, Oxford City Council has a responsibility to act in a manner that promotes the safety, security and well-being of sanctuary seekers.

4.     As an aspiring County of Sanctuary, Oxfordshire County Council has a responsibility to act in a manner that promotes the safety, security and well-being of sanctuary seekers.

Council Resolves:

1.     To request that the Leader of Oxford City Council write to the Leader of Oxfordshire County Council asking for them to facilitate the use of all buses within the Oxford City area without cost for those seeking asylum.

2.     To request that the Leader of Oxford City Council issue a public statement supporting the provision of free bus travel to all asylum seekers residing within the City limits.

3.     To publicly record the Council’s support for the provision of free bus travel to all asylum seekers within Oxford City for all asylum seekers residing within Oxford City.

4. To request that the Leader of Oxford City Council write to the Secretary of State for the Home Department and the Secretary of State for Transport for the United Kingdom requesting the provision of free bus passes be provided for all asylum seekers resident in England, noting that transport for other parts of the UK is a devolved matter.

This motion was not taken as the time allocated for debate had finished.