Agenda and draft minutes

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.ukprior to the meeting, stating the reason for absence.

Standing Order 8(e)(v) permits the appointment of substitute Councillors to a Committee whose role is to replace ordinary  ...  view the full agenda text for item H430

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors D Enright and J Robertshaw, Councillors J Aitman and T Ashby attended as substitutes respectively.

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.

There were no declarations of interest from Members.

a) To receive and consider the minutes of the Halls, Cemeteries and Allotments Committee held on 8 June 2026.

b) Matters arising from the minutes not covered elsewhere on the agenda (Questions on the progress on any item).

That, the minutes of the Halls, Cemeteries & Allotments Committee meeting held on 8 June 2026 were received.

Resolved:

That, the minutes of the Halls, Cemeteries & Allotments Committee meeting held on 8 June 2026 be approved as a correct record of the meeting and be signed by the Chair.

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 25.  Matters raised shall relate to the following items on the agenda.

The Committee adjourned for this item.

The committee received representations from a local resident and advocate for the “Boys need Bins Campaign” which was included in Agenda Item 6.

Further representation was made by two members of the Witney Allotment Association Committee concerning Agenda Item 10.

The Committee reconvened.

To receive and consider the report of the Venue & Events Officer.

With the permission of the Chair, this item was moved up the agenda so the member of public could hear the discussion and outcome.

During the earlier public participation item, the Committee had heard detail regarding the need for the provision of sanitary disposal facilities in men's toilets and wider  ...  view the full minutes text for item H434

To receive correspondence from the Lakeside Co-Chair of Witney Allotment Association, together with a draft motion and Instrument of Dissolution, concerning the possible dissolution of the Association and the establishment of two successor associations: one managing Lakeside and the other managing Hailey Road, Newland and Windrush Place.

Representatives of Witney  ...  view the full agenda text for item H435

With the permission of the Chair, this item was moved up the agenda so the members of public could hear the discussion and outcome.

The Committee had heard earlier in the meeting from the representatives of the Witney Allotment Association (WAA) Committee who had outlined their proposal and process for  ...  view the full minutes text for item H435

The two members of the Witney Allotment Association left the meeting at 6:41pm

To receive and consider the report of the R.F.O concerning the financial position of items under the remit of this Committee.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) detailing income and expenditure for budgets within the remit of the Committee.

In considering 2027/28 capital budget priorities, Members requested the continued allocation of £50,000 towards property asset carbon reduction projects.

Members also identified potential kitchen and  ...  view the full minutes text for item H436

To receive and consider the report of the Venue & Events Officer

The Venue and Events Officer presented report and highlighted the continued success of events, in particular the summer Tunes on the Square programme. Members noted it had seen a growing attendance throughout the season with positive feedback from attendees and local businesses, and increased bar revenue. It was further noted  ...  view the full minutes text for item H437

To receive and consider the report of the Venue & Events Officer.

The Committee received and considered the report which focused on the business plan review and opportunities for future development. The Venue & Events Officer also provided a verbal update.

Members heard further details of the Tunes on the Square programme which considered extending the programme into May to maximise attendance and  ...  view the full minutes text for item H438

To receive and consider updated regulations for the Council’s cemeteries and burials service and recommend to the Policy, Governance & Finance Committee on their adoption.

The Committee received and considered the revised Cemetery Regulations prior to their submission to the Policy, Governance and Finance Committee.

Members welcomed the clearer drafting and simplification of the document and discussed the provisions relating to Islamic burials and the Council's efforts to accommodate faith requirements wherever reasonably practicable.

Members  ...  view the full minutes text for item H439