Decision details

Resolved

(1)          That the following motion be agreed:

“Council notes that:

1.    The decision by Oxfordshire County Council's Liberal Democrat administration to withdraw support for the proposed Thames Valley Foundation Strategic Authority has effectively halted the current devolution process for Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Swindon.

2.    Government ministers had described a Thames Valley devolution deal as a significant opportunity to secure additional powers, investment and strategic influence over transport, infrastructure, housing and economic growth.

3.    The withdrawal raises serious questions regarding the impact on residents, businesses and communities across Cherwell, including the potential loss of future investment opportunities, reduced influence over regional decision-making and reputational damage to Oxfordshire as a strategic partner.

4.    The Government has made clear its intention that all areas should ultimately be covered by devolved strategic authorities, creating a risk that future arrangements could be imposed with less local influence if consensus cannot be achieved locally.

AND

asks the Leader of the Council to provide a member briefing setting out:

(a)  the financial and officer costs incurred by Cherwell District Council in pursuing the devolution process to date;

(b)  the implications of the withdrawal for Cherwell residents and businesses;

(c)  the process by which the withdrawal decision was reached;

(d)  the risks of future Government intervention or imposed arrangements; and

(e)  the options available to restore progress towards a locally agreed devolution settlement.”

(2)          That the following motion be agreed:

“This Council notes with concern that:

1.    Cherwell District Council has recently been designated by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government for its performance in determining planning applications.

2.    This is the first time that Cherwell District Council has been subject to designation.

3.    Designation means that certain planning applications may be submitted directly to the Secretary of State, reducing the Council's role in determining development within the district.

4.    The represents a significant reputational setback for the Council and may undermine public confidence in the integrity, effectiveness and timeliness of the local planning system.

5.    The loss of planning application fee income and associated revenues may have financial implications for the Council at a time of continuing budgetary pressures.

6.    This designation raises concerns regarding the effectiveness of the Council's planning performance management and the adequacy of measures taken to address known issues.

This Council therefore resolves to:

(a)  Reaffirm its commitment to a planning service that is efficient, transparent, accountable and capable of maintaining the confidence of residents, applicants and local communities and committed to continuous improvement.

(b)  Request that Full Council asks Overview and Scrutiny to include this matter on its work programme and to examine the factors leading to designation, the financial and operational implications, lessons to improve planning performance and the actions being taken to secure removal of the designation.”

FOR INFORMATION:

Having been proposed, seconded and responded to by the Leader, the following motions referred to Executive without debate: “Pavement Blocking”; “Councillor Transparency with Public over AI”; and, “Community Wardens”.

The following motion was withdrawn by the proposer prior to Council: “Two Hours Free Parking at Claremont Car Park, Bicester”.