Agenda

To consider apologies and reasons for absence.

Committee members who are unable to attend the meeting should notify the Committee Clerk derek.mackenzie@witney-tc.gov.uk prior to the meeting, stating the reason for absence.

Standing Order 30(d)(v) permits the appointment of substitute Councillors to a Committee whose role is to replace ordinary Councillors at a meeting of a Committee if ordinary Councillors of the Committee have confirmed to the Proper Officer before the meeting that they are unable to attend.

Members are reminded to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests in any of the items under consideration at this meeting in accordance with the Town Council’s code of conduct.

To approve and adopt the minutes of the Annual Council Meeting held on 7 May 2025 in accordance with Standing Order 18 including questions on the minutes as to the progress of any item.

The meeting will adjourn for this item.

Members of the public may speak for a maximum of five minutes each during the period of public participation, in line with Standing Order 42.  Matters raised shall relate to the following items on the agenda.

To receive an update from the Witney Police Team and consider the request for the Town Council to support the consultation on the application for a Public Spaces Protection Order on the A40 (verbal report from Inspector Ball/Town Clerk at the meeting)

To receive a short verbal update from Oxfordshire County Councillors representing Witney Wards and West Oxfordshire District Councillors.

To receive a short verbal update from councillors who sit on external bodies where they serve as the Town Council’s nominated representative.

To receive and NOTE the RESOLUTIONS in the minutes of the meetings held between 22 April and 23 June 2025, and agree the RECOMMENDATIONS contained therein.

To receive and consider the report of the Deputy Town Clerk.

To receive and consider the report of the Deputy Town Clerk.

To receive and consider the report of the Deputy Town Clerk.

In line with The Accounts & Audit (England) Regulations 2015 - To receive and consider the Annual Governance & Accountability Return for 2024/25 – and formally agree and adopt.

To receive and consider the joint report of the Project Officer and Responsible Finance Officer.

To consider membership of this Working Party, recommended by the Climate & Biodiversity Committee under minute no: CB296 of the meeting held on 20 May 2025.

The WP is formed to help expediate the creation of a Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan and direct Council resources to achieve the Council’s carbon neutrality aims. Membership need not be more than five Councillors.

To receive the report of the Mayor & Mayor’s Secretary.

To receive the report of the Compliance & Environmental Officer.

To receive an update showing the latest vandalism to Council property and reported Anti-Social Behaviour.

To receive and consider the report of the Deputy Town Clerk.

To receive information regarding the options proposed by Local Authorities regarding the future of Local Government in Oxfordshire and consider whether the town council should submit any queries, or support during the current consultation periods. Members may like to consider delegating this matter to a small group of Councillors.

Option 1

Two new unitary councils with the working titles of Oxford and Shires Council and Ridgeway Council. This proposal is being developed by West Oxon & Cherwell District Councils.

·        Oxford and Shires Council would comprise all of the existing district areas of Cherwell, Oxford City and West Oxfordshire.

·        Ridgeway Council would be made up of the whole of West Berkshire Council’s area and all of the existing district areas of South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse.

https://news.westoxon.gov.uk/news/your-views-will-help-shape-proposals-for-a-new-local-council-for-our-area

Option 2

A single unitary council covering the current county council boundary. This proposal is being developed by Oxfordshire County Council.

https://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/local-government-reorganisation/

Option 3

Three unitary councils. One covering Oxford City but with expanded boundaries from the current city council. A second including the current districts on Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire along with West Berkshire. A third including the current districts of West Oxfordshire and Cherwell. This proposal is being developed by Oxford City Council.

https://www.oxford.gov.uk/news/article/1696/greater-oxford-one-council-local-decisions-a-better-place-to-live

To receive notice of and consider a response to a consultation by Oxfordshire County Council on a part night-time lighting framework.

To receive such communications as the Leader of the Council may wish to bring before the Council and to consider the recommendation of the Leader on how such communications should be dealt with.

To receive any correspondence received (if applicable).

To receive notice of the results and conclusion of the Government’s consultation on remote and hybrid meetings. See link below for details:

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/enabling-remote-attendance-and-proxy-voting-at-local-authority-meetings/outcome/remote-attendance-and-proxy-voting-in-local-authorities-consultation-results-and-government-response#conclusion-and-next-steps

To receive the results and analysis of an online survey conducted in and around Witney by the Witney Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with Witney Town Council earlier this year.

This item will be considered fully at the scheduled meeting of the Stronger Communities Committee on 14 July but Members may raise any points for consideration at this juncture.

To receive the April & March newsletters from the Thames Valley Police, Police & Crime Commissioner:

April 2025

May 2025

To receive additional correspondence from the Police & Crime Commissioner with a request for completion of the Neighbouring Policing Engagement Survey.

Questions to the Leader of the Council concerning the business of the Council in accordance with Standing Order 15.

To receive details of documents sealed by the Council.