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.uk prior 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 SC296

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors T Ashby and J Doughty, Councillor J Treloar attended as a substitute for the latter. Councillor J Aitman also attended the meeting and substituted Councillor A Bailey.

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

There were no declarations of interest from Members.

To elect a Vice-Chair of the Committee for the 2026/27 Municipal Year.

In the absence of both the Chair of the Committee and the Mayor, the Deputy Mayor, Councillor S Simpson presided and called for nominations for the position of Vice-Chair of the Committee.

It was proposed and seconded that Councillor G Meadows be elected. There being no other nominations it was:  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC298

a)       To receive and consider the minutes of the Stronger Communities Committee held on 23 March 2026.

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

The minutes of the Stronger Communities committee meeting held on 23 March 2026 were received.

Resolved:

That, the minutes of the Stronger Communities committee meeting held on 23 March 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.

There was no public participation.

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

The Committee received and considered the report of the Deputy Town Clerk and considered whether any changes were needed to the current Terms of Reference.

No amendments were required therefore it was:

Recommended:

1.       That, no amendments be made to the Terms of Reference and;

2.       That, the Terms of  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC301

Councillor A Mubin joined the meeting at 6.07pm during the following item.

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 which were the responsibility of the committee.

Members were advised that the year-end accounting adjustments were currently being completed. It was noted that services had been delivered within budget and that  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC302

To receive and consider the report of the Deputy Town Clerk concerning the results of the 2026 annual residents satisfaction survey for this Committee.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Deputy Town Clerk concerning the results of the resident’s annual satisfaction survey which was held at the beginning of the year.

Members received the report setting out the results of the recent resident satisfaction survey for services within the remit of  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC303

Councillor R Crouch joined the meeting at 6.19pm during the following item as a non-Committee Member.

Cllr J Treloar declared a personal, non-prejudicial interest in the following item in relation to a Town Guide for Witney as a competitor was known to him.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Communications & Community Engagement Officer (C&CEO).

The Committee received and considered the report of the Communications & Community Engagement Officer (C&CEO).

Members welcomed the report, which provided an update on the delivery of the annual newsletter and outlined communications initiatives, including the proposed launch of a Town Council WhatsApp Channel and the potential introduction of an  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC304

To receive and consider the report of the Communications & Community Engagement Officer.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Communications & Community Engagement Officer (C&CEO).

The Committee received updates on the successful Brass on the Grass concert held in June, preparations for Witney Carnival, Love Parks Week activities, including a Volunteer Picnic, and the procurement of Town Council bunting.

Members  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC305

To receive the minutes of the meeting of the Witney Forum held on 24 March 2026.

The Committee received the notes of the Witney Forum meeting held on 24 March 2026.

Resolved:

That, the minutes of the Witney Forum meeting held on 24 March 2026 be noted.

To receive a letter of thanks from SpecialEffect.

The Committee received thanks from the Special Effect Charity for allowing them to communicate their work via the Council’s community window.

Resolved:

That, the thanks from the Special Effect Charity be noted.

Cllr R Crouch left the meeting briefly at 7.11pm during the following item.

To receive the report of the Communications & Engagement Administrative Assistant.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Administrative Assistant- Communities & Engagement.

The Committee received an update on Youth Council membership, recruitment and retention, together with a summary of current and forthcoming activities. Members were advised that a number of engagement initiatives were being explored, including a "Pizza and  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC308

To receive the minutes of the Youth Council meeting held on 14 May 2026.

The Committee received the minutes of the Youth Council meeting held on 14 May 2026.

Resolved:

That, the minutes of the Youth Council meeting held on 14 May 2026 be noted.

To receive and consider the report of the Facilites Administrative Assistant.

With the permission of the Chair this item was moved up the agenda.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Administrative Assistant - Facilities concerning the possibility of the Council procuring litter-picking cabinets.

Members welcomed the report, which followed a matter raised during budget setting regarding the provision  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC310

Cllr R Crouch left the meeting at 7.32pm

Cllr J Treloar left the meeting briefly at 7.34pm during the following item.

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

Cllr G Meadows declared a non-pecuniary interest in this item due to being a member of the Town Hall Charity which let a facility to one of the applicants.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Deputy Town Clerk concerning the applications for the 2026/27 youth services grant.  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC311