Agenda item

To receive communications from the Chair and/or the Leader of the Council.

Councillor Eddie Reeves

At the Chair’s discretion, on behalf of Council, Councillor Kieron Mallon congratulated Councillor Reeves and his wife on the recent birth of their daughter.

Former Councillor Gordon Ross

On behalf of Council, the Chair paid tribute to former Councillor Gordon Ross who had passed away last month. Former Councillor Ross was a Labour Group member, who had represented the Banbury Ruscote ward from 2012 to 2014. Former Councillor Ross also represented the Banbury Ruscote ward on Banbury Town Council and served as Town Mayor in 2016/17.

Prior to becoming a Councillor, former Councillor Ross had worked for Banbury Borough Council and Bicester Urban District Council. He joined Cherwell District Council in 1968, remaining until he retired as Assistant Chief Environmental Health Officer in 1992. 

Councillor Cherry and Councillor Mallon paid tribute to former Councillor Ross.

On behalf of Council, the Chairman extended condolences to former

Councillor Ross’ family.

Former Councillor Anthony Kempton

On behalf of Council, the Chair paid tribute to former Councillor Tony Kempton who had recently passed away. Former Councillor Kempton was a member of the Conservative Group who represented the Bicester East ward during the 2002-2003 municipal year. He served on North and South Area Planning Committees and Environment Select Committee.

Councillor Wood and Councillor Cotter paid tribute to former Councillor Kempton.

On behalf of Council, the Chairman extended condolences to former Councillor Kempton’s family.

Council observed a minutes’ silence.

Members’ Allowances Survey

The Chair referred to the annual survey on Members’ allowances. A paper copy had been given to all Members and a link to complete the survey online would be emailed.

All Members were encouraged to complete the survey as the feedback was valued by the Independent Remuneration Panel when considering its recommendations on Members’ Allowances. The Panel’s recommendations for the 2026/27 Scheme would be submitted to the Budget Council in February 2026.

Chair’s Engagements

A copy of the events attended by the Chair or the Vice-Chair was published with the agenda.

The Chair highlighted the CEO Sleepout she had participated in with Councillors McLean and Brant on 9 October in Oxford. The event’s aim was to raise awareness of the homelessness crisis across Oxfordshire, as well as funds for local homeless charities and projects. The page for donations was still currently open for anyone wishing to donate and she would share the link.

The Chair advised that her Charity lunch would take place on Sunday 30 November at Exeter Hall, Kidlington. Further details would be circulated in sure course.  

Meeting Etiquette

The Chair reminded Members that all requests to address the meeting should be through the Chair. Members should remain in their seat during items and, if needed, she would adjourn the meeting to allow for a comfort break at a suitable point.

Special Council

The Chair reminded Members that that a single item Special Council is being held on Monday 10 November. The next scheduled Council meeting was on Monday 15 December.

Members’ Pigeon Holes

Members were reminded to check their pigeon hole and take any post.