REPORT TO PARISH COUNCILS

FROM YOUR COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLOR FOR OTMOOR

Cllr Tim Hallchurch

JULY 2015

June has been another busy month. I have attended 25 meetings including OCC, Cherwell

DC, Parish Council and other miscellaneous events. Included was the County Flag Raising

event at Oxford Castle (see below) and the Freedom of Banbury parade for 142 Vehicle

Squadron RLC (QOOH), the Lecture organised by the High Sheriff on the Battle of Waterloo

at Oxford Brooks University, The Blue Plaque unveiling in Abingdon in tribute to Arthur

Preston, Oxford Civic Society reception in St Giles House in St Giles Oxford. Other meetings

included planning the future of Bicester roads, The English Speaking Union visit to Rousham

Park, and the Conservative Patrons Club reception at Little Haseley.

I also attended meetings planning the future of Graven Hill Village as a Director.

Concert to mark the end of the years singing project with 6 primary schools and Christ

Church choristers on 22nd June

27th June; Freedom of Banbury granted to the Queen’s Own Oxfordshire Hussars now a

Logistic Corps Transport Squadron that I used to command when it was a Signal Squadron.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE STEPS DOWN

Joanna Simons will be stepping down as Chief Executive in September in order that OCC can

carry out a review of senior management arrangements. The aim is to reduce costs in the light

of further funding cuts announced by the government. Earlier this year the council had a

series of robust debates about whether to remove the post but concluded that a permanent

change required further consideration. Following further cross party discussion, it has been

decided to put an interim arrangement in place pending a senior management review. The

council has reached an amicable agreement with Joanna to step down so this can take place.

Leader’s statement:

Earlier this year the council had a series of robust debates about whether to remove the post

but concluded that a permanent change required further consideration. Following further

cross party discussion, it has been decided to put an interim arrangement in place pending a

senior management review. The council has reached an amicable agreement with Joanna to

step down so this can take place.

The post of Chief Executive will not be deleted in the first instance to enable the council to

consider the best management arrangements for the future, without ruling out any future

options.

It is proposed, subject to Council decision, that the interim arrangement will involve the

Chief Executive’s responsibilities being shared amongst the management team with Peter

Clark, currently Chief Legal Officer, becoming the statutory Head of Paid Service, and the

other directors taking on additional duties in support.

I am confident that we can reduce the costs of the senior management team, which was

always my aim. The council will now do a cross party stocktake and review all the senior

management options, with new arrangements announced in due course.

In considering management options, we will have to balance reducing costs with the need to

ensure the council has the right structure to face difficult financial challenges ahead.

Proposals for the new arrangements will be considered by full council and will form part of

the budget, which is agreed in February 2016.

Joanna will leave at the end of September 2015, and I would like to thank her for ten years

of dedicated service as a highly effective Chief Executive who has made a great

contribution to public services in Oxfordshire.

She has steered the council successfully through unprecedented changes in local

government, and leaves the council in very good shape to meet the challenges ahead. In my

time as leader, I have valued her wise counsel and ability to look ahead, which ensured that

we have been able to prepare for difficult times and take opportunities. I would like to thank

her personally for that advice and support, and wish her the very best for the future.

Councillor Ian Hudspeth

BUDGET 2014/15 REVIEW

The final outturn for the 2014/15 year was an underspend of £0.196m on a budget of

£424,185m, which is an impressive achievement despite all the pressures that exist. The good

news is that there has still been investment in Highways with a capital expenditure for

2014/15 year of £43.1m. This was £17.8m higher than in 2013/14. Major projects completed

include Kennington Interchange, Witney Ducklington/Station Lane Junction, Oxford London

Road, A4130 Bix dual carriageway and A420 Shrivenham Bypass. There was £14.8m spent

on highways structural maintenance programmes.

COUNTY COUNCIL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT BUDGETS – UPDATE

Since 2010 the council has saved £204 million with a further £88 million of savings to be

made by 2018. A report to the Cabinet on 24th May stated that there could be another £50M -

£60M of saving to be found. There will be more clarity on this figure after the budget on 8th

July. This will be a challenge to the County Council with the increasing pressure on both

adult and children’s social care – currently around 50% of the budget is spent on just 2% of

the population.

EARLY INTERVENTION CENTRES

The Early Intervention Service and Children's Centres are currently supported by a budget of

approximately £16M. As part of the service and resource planning process for the period

2014/15-2017/18, possible savings of £6M against this figure were identified by a cross-party

Cabinet Advisory Group. These savings could be achieved if the Early Intervention Service

was integrated with Children’s Social Care. This proposal was debated at the Cabinet meeting

in June and it was agreed that full proposals would come back to Cabinet in September after a

summer of engagement with partners. A full consultation process will then take place.

SUPPORTED TRANSPORT SERVICES

OCC needs to save more than £6M on supported transport services, and a consultation is

currently taking place about how this can best be achieved. (The consultation closes on 14th

September.) OCC has asked the Oxfordshire Rural Community Council (ORCC), a not for

profit, community development organisation, to act as the independent facilitator during the

consultation. Some money can be saved by running existing services more efficiently, but

savings will also have to come by reducing the current £4M a year the council pays in bus

subsidies and to run the Dial-a-Ride service. To comment on the proposals or to attend one of

the five public consultation events, contact the Oxfordshire Rural Community Council on

01865 883488 or email orcc@oxonrcc.org.uk.

LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN

At the July Cabinet meeting the Local Transport Plan for 2015-2031, Connecting

Oxfordshire, will be considered following public consultation. The business case for

delivering the A40 bus lane scheme and developing the long-term A40 strategy will also be

considered.

RECRUITMENT OF ‘SHARED LIVES’ CARERS

Shared Lives, a scheme established over thirty years ago, enables people over the age of 16

who needs support or accommodation, to become a regular visitor to or move in with a

Shared Lives carer. Together, they share family and community life. Typically, people

supported by Shared Lives have a learning or physical disability. By joining the scheme, they

often become a permanent part of a supportive family and by doing so increase their

independence. Shared Lives is also used to give breaks to unpaid family carers or as a

stepping-stone for someone to get their own place. The Oxfordshire Shared Lives Scheme

currently supports around 80 people in long term arrangements and a further 40-50 people

who use the service for short breaks. The scheme is constantly seeking to recruit new Shared

Lives Carers. Please spread the word about Shared Lives and to encourage more people to

sign up as carers. To find out more visit www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/sharedlives

NEW DIRECTORY OF SUPPORT SERVICES FOR ADULTS AND CARERS

The County Council funded Community Information Network, has developed a directory of

services for adults and carers. The aim of the Community Information Network is to provide

information and advice to adults to help them maintain their independence and keep well.

The directory contains a wealth of information about activities and support. Listings range

from IT clubs, singing clubs, mobile libraries, health and wellbeing centres, to exercise

classes and Women’s Institutes. The directory can be accessed at

www.ageuk.org.uk/oxfordshire

If you have any feedback about the directory or would like to add any entries, please write to

the Community Information Network team at: network@ageukoxfordshire.org.uk

Maria scoops award for foster care recruitment

A council worker has received a prestigious Oxfordshire Business Award for her efforts to

recruit more foster carers across the county.

Recruitment and Marketing Officer Maria White was recognised for her work to boost the

council’s recruitment campaign during 2014, which led to a 13 per cent increase in

enquiries from people interested in becoming foster carers.

Maria received the Heart Marketing Excellence Award at a glittering ceremony on Friday

night (18 June), hosted by radio presenter Toby Anstis.

Reducing waste, increasing profit: Businesses sign up for OCC’s Foodwise

Oxfordshire County Council is the lead partner in the Foodwise Project, which helps small

and medium companies in the hospitality sector across the South East reduce food waste,

while making cost savings.

13 companies in Oxfordshire have had site assessments to help them save money and many

others are applying to be part of the programme. Around 60 companies have signed up for

Foodwise in the South East, recognising the need to save more money and waste less food.

The project looks at smarter ways of buying food products and ingredients, sustainable

practices in the kitchen and the recycling of food waste.

SMEs who enrol in the project are offered:

Site assessments to look at where efficiencies could be made

On-line support to learn how to save money on energy, waste and water.

Support with adopting food waste collections

Networking events to share ideas and learn from other SMEs

The project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and aims to help 250

SMEs working in or serving/supplying the hospitality sector in the South East.

Watch what you put on your bonfire

A warning to make sure people don’t turn their bonfire into a “bombfire” has been issued by

Oxfordshire County councils Fire and Rescue Service.

An aerosol or container with flammable liquid or gas in it, accidentally thrown on a bonfire

can cause an explosion leading to serious injury.

The warning comes as the better weather is encouraging more people to clear out sheds and

garages and burn their rubbish on bonfires.

Mark O’Connor, Watch manager at Banbury fire Station said: ”This is the time of year

when people have a spring clean and this often leads to boxes of rubbish being burnt on

bonfires. However it is very important to make sure you know what is in those boxes before

burning them as even just one aerosol can cause a significant explosion and cause severe

injury.

“Over the years we have attended a number of incidents where people have been badly hurt

after not realising they have thrown aerosols or highly flammable substances onto fires.

“We would also warn people not to start bonfires or barbeques with petrol or other similar,

highly volatile substances as this can lead to injury or fire damage.

He added: “It is also important that people make sure they do not leave bonfires or

barbeques unattended and that all bonfires should be properly extinguished before they are

left to prevent fire spreading.”

Oxfordshire Broadband Partnership celebrates reaching 50,000 homes and businesses

More than 50,000 homes and businesses across the county are now able to access faster fibre

broadband as part of the multi-million pound ‘Better Broadband for Oxfordshire’ programme,

partners Oxfordshire County Council and BT announced today.

The latest communities to get faster fibre broadband for the first time include: Berinsfield,

Great Milton, Hornton, Piddington, Sibford Gower, Shutford and Tadmarton.

It’s just over 18 months since the partnership began connecting the first county premises

Oxfordshire people invited to show support for Armed Forces

People from Oxfordshire were invited to attend a special flag raising ceremony at Oxford

Castle to mark and raise awareness of the role of the armed forces and their strong

contribution to life in the county.

The event bought together senior representatives of the Armed Forces community in

Oxfordshire from Oxford University Officers’ Training Corps, RAF Brize Norton, RAF

Benson, Bicester Garrison, Abingdon Station, 7 Rifles, the Defence Academy, the Royal

Navy, the Royal British Legion, and cadets from across the county.

Local dignitaries included Councillor John Harwood DL, Vice Lord-Lieutenant, John

Sanders, Chairman of Oxfordshire County Council, Tom Birch Reynardson, High Sheriff of

Oxfordshire, Councillor Ian Hudspeth, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council and local

mayors and councillors including Tim Hallchurch, the Military Champion for Bicester

Garrison.

Armed Forces Day is celebrated annually to raise awareness of the contribution made to the

country by those who serve and have served in the Armed Forces.

It is also an opportunity for the nation to show its support for the whole of the Armed

Forces community, from serving personnel to Service families, veterans and cadets.

Duke of Gloucester visits award winning recycling centre Bicester Green

The Duke toured the centre and met volunteers who repair, upcycle and refurbish bikes,

furniture and electrical items.

The royal visit comes just weeks after Bicester Green was awarded the prestigious ‘Charity

of the Year’ and ‘Business of the Year’ awards at the Cherwell Business Awards.

Oxfordshire County Council supports this centre, which operates by intercepting items that

are destined for the bin and sharing skills to repair a variety of items that can be re-used.

Centre Manager Emma Gordon said “We were thrilled to be able to show the Duke around

the workshop and for him to be able to meet our volunteers. He was impressed by the things

we are achieving in preventing items from becoming waste and providing practical skills to

volunteers and the community.”

Bicester Green is open from 10am – 5pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays

selling bikes, furniture and electrical items. They are always looking for donations of these

items and volunteers to help repair them. http://www.bicestergreen.org.uk/

Bicester Green is currently looking for premises as it has to move from its workshop at the

McKay Trading Estate, Station Approach, in November. If you could help them find a new

home please email info@bicestergreen.org.ukor call 01869 388564.

Temporary Road Closure and Other Restrictions required for the Northern Gateway

(Highway Improvements) Scheme, Oxford

A number of Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders (TTROs) which the county council will

shortly be putting in place to facilitate work at Cutteslowe and Wolvercote roundabouts and

the associated approach roads.

TTRO drawings and a detailed description of the proposals along with an outline con-

struction programme is available on the project webpage, which can be accessed at the fol-

lowing web address:

https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/content/a40-wolvercote-and-cutteslowe-roundabout-

improvements

Further information regarding the works may be obtained by contacting Elio Astone, OCC

Highways & Transport on 0845 310 11 11.

Major road improvement scheme starts 21 July

Work to upgrade two bottlenecks on major routes into and around Oxford will start on 21 July.

Oxfordshire County Council is investing more than £10m to increase capacity at Cutteslowe and

Wolvercote roundabouts – two key junctions on major routes into and around Oxford.

This is the latest in a series of improvement schemes which have already seen the A423 Southern

Bypass at Kennington and London Road, Headington upgraded.

Plan your journeys

The work is expected to take up to 16 months to complete and anyone travelling through the area

should expect considerably longer journey times, particularly if travelling at peak times.

CHERWELL DISTRICT COUNCIL NEWS

Second opportunity to attend Graven Hill event

People who missed a free information event about the UK's largest self-build housing scheme

in Bicester have a second opportunity to attend at a repeat workshop.

In March this year an estimated 700 people attended sessions hosted by self-build experts and

suppliers to outline the opportunities available for up to 1,900 self-build homes at the 187

hectare Graven Hill site.

Following requests for the information to be repeated a second information day will now be

held on Friday, 10 July.

Karen Curtin, director of the Graven Hill Village Holding Company which is responsible for

delivering the scheme, said: "The feedback we had from the event in March was extremely

positive and subsequently we have been asked to hold another for those who missed out. This

event not only gives people the opportunity to find out more about Graven Hill itself, but the

overall self-build process, from obtaining the right mortgage to turning a plot into a home.

"We are delighted to be welcoming our guest speakers back to once again provide their

expert knowledge and advice. With so much interest surrounding this scheme and such a high

turnout last time, we would encourage anyone who is interested in attending to book early or

risk missing out once again."

During the sessions, speakers will discuss various topics including obtaining mortgages and

finance, choosing the right supplier and self-build opportunities as a group. At the end of

each session attendees will have the opportunity to meet with the speakers and

representatives of the Graven Hill Development Company to discuss individual questions or

find out more information.

The free information event will be held on Friday, 10 July at the Tally Ho Hotel in Arncott at

1.30pm and again at 5pm.

Places at the free information event are limited and will be available on a first-come-first-

served basis. To reserve a space visit www.gravenhill.org.uk

In addition to the homes, Graven Hill is set to deliver one million square feet of commercial

space and create up to 2,000 new jobs and apprenticeships.

Planning consent has been granted for the new homes along with a primary school,

employment space, pub/ restaurant and a small number of local shops. More than half of the

site will be set aside for community woodland with public access, parks and open spaces.

Plot prices and sizes are still to be decided and more information will be available later this

year.

The site is owned by the Graven Hill Village Holding Company, which is wholly owned by

Cherwell District Council with the subsidiary Graven Hill Village Delivery Company

responsible for delivering the site.

Inspector reveals plan to control council's destiny

The results of an 18-month examination into Cherwell District Council's submitted Local

Plan have concluded the document is sound with modifications and can proceed towards

adoption.

Cherwell District Council has published the findings of Government-appointed Planning

Inspector Nigel Payne's examination of the council's draft Local Plan which will guide the

delivery of 22,840 homes and 200 hectares of employment land between 2011 and 2031.

In his report Mr Payne concluded the council had complied with all of the necessary legal

requirements in preparing the plan and had allocated suitable sites to meet the district's future

growth.

The Local Plan was first submitted to the Government for consideration in January 2014 and

was followed by an examination in public in June the same year. However the examination

was suspended until December to allow Cherwell to revise its housing figures in line with

Oxfordshire's recently published Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA).

Following a three week hearing at the end of last year involving more than 150 interested

parties, Mr Payne retired to consider his recommendations and offer any amendments.

Although he has made no changes to the location of sites for housing or the quantity

allocated, Mr Payne has reduced the amount of employment land in Banbury bordering south

Northamptonshire by 36 hectares. This site had been allocated for mixed employment uses

but Mr Payne concluded that a smaller site would be more appropriate.

The other significant change was the removal of the council's proposal for allocated 'green

buffers' of land between urban and rural areas to protect their separate identity. This was

removed as Mr Payne considered it to be unnecessary as other policies and the adoption of

the plan itself would offer the same protection.

Subsequently, the document proposes 7,319 homes for Banbury; 10,129 homes in Bicester

and 5,392 homes elsewhere including a total of about 2,361 at Former RAF Upper Heyford.

To support economic growth, the plan delivers 61 hectares of employment land in Banbury

and 138.5 hectares in Bicester.

The Inspector's report and the Local Plan will now be put before a full council meeting on 20

July and if members agree to adopt the plan, it will be implemented with immediate effect

and used to guide all future planning applications.

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INTOUCHUPDATE June 2015 An e-newsletter from John Howell MP

I am happy to circulate this note on

recent activities and the House of

Commons. I have participated in a

number of debates recently on a

variety of subjects. Parliament is

beginning to settle down and move

into a full working mode. With best

wishes, John.

UNEMPLOYMENT IN THE CONSTITUENCY

The total number of Jobseeker's Allowance claimants in the Henley constituency in

May 2015 has fallen to a low of 244. This represents a rate of 0.5% of the

economically active population aged 16 to 64. The number of young people

unemployed and claiming JSA fell to 25. The number of claimants is 127 lower

than in May 2014 and 16 lower than in April 2015.

This is very good news indeed. This is a substantial drop in the number of people

unemployed and claiming JSA. It shows our long term economic plan is working

and bringing very tangible results to the constituency. 16 more people have jobs

now than a month ago which is to be welcomed.

APPRENTICESHIPS

Since 2010 the number of apprenticeships in the constituency has gone up by

58%. I recently went to visit three firms which run apprenticeships. These are DAF,

Stuart Barr and Williams Performance Tenders. What these companies show is

that it is necessary to establish good relations with training providers. In the case of

DAF they have established relationships with City of Bristol College. So much does

the company value the apprenticeships that they have an awards ceremony for

those who are successful in undertaking them. I am looking forward to the next

awards ceremony which I have been invited to attend in the autumn. I spoke about

the constituency and apprenticeships in the House. A transcript of my speech can

be read at http://www.johnhowellmp.com/news/speech-on-skills-and-growth/644

INDUSTRY AND PARLIAMENT TRUST

I am a trustee of the Industry and Parliament Trust which provides fellowships for

MPs to gain valuable work experience with companies around the UK. As such we

are scheduled to have had dinner with the Governor of the Bank of England to

discuss issues about how to make this more effective. I have agreed to be one of

the first to undertake a Fellowship for the Trust with the Royal Courts of Justice.

This will provide me with the opportunity to spend a number of days with courts

and tribunals, seeing case papers beforehand and having the opportunity to

discuss proceedings with judges before and after hearings.

SCHOOLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

I welcomed the news that from September all pupils will study the EBacc at GCSE

to ensure they get the crucial skills and qualifications they need to succeed in life.

The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) is awarded when students achieve A* to C in

five core GCSE subjects including English, Maths, Science, Humanities and

Languages – the courses that universities and employers value the most. From

September 2015 all pupils starting secondary school will study the EBacc when

they reach their GCSEs.

In this region – the South East – this will mean that around 53,000 more pupils will

be able to study these crucial subjects from September 2015. This comes as new

figures from Ofsted show that 80% of schools in the South-East have been judged

good or outstanding in their most recent inspection – this equates to almost 3,000

schools in the SE. Across the country the proportion of all schools judged to be

good or outstanding at their most recent inspection was 82 per cent – the highest

ever recorded. As a result over 1 million more children are now in good schools

compared to 2010.

CARERS WEEK ACTIVITIES

I pledged my support to carers across the Henley

constituency as part of the national Carers Week

2015 awareness campaign, which ran from 8-14th

June. There are 6.5 million people in the UK who

care for a partner, relative or friend, of which 10,125

carers are in the Henley constituency. Without the

right help and support, caring can have a

devastating impact – carers can quickly become

isolated, with their physical and emotional health,

work and finances all hit hard.

The six charities (Age UK, Carers Trust, Carers UK, Independent Age, Macmillan

Cancer Support and the Multiple Sclerosis Society) which drove Carers Week 2015

are calling on individuals, organisations and services throughout the country to take

action to improve the lives of carers by building 'carer-friendly communities' that

consider and support their needs. The call comes after research for Carers Week

revealed that the variation in the support and recognition carers experience from

services across the country is putting the health of many carers, and their ability to

support the people they care for, at risk.

Carers make a hugely valuable contribution to society and they need support to

carry on the work they do. That is why I am supporting this initiative to encourage

services in my community to think about the needs of carers and reach out to

carers across the Henley constituency and help ensure they don't miss out on

support.

AND FINALLY…

As I said at the beginning, I have participated in a number of debates/question

sessions in the House of Commons. First, I took part in a debate on Metro Mayors

and City Regions. I was seeking reassurance that if a county like Oxfordshire

wanted the powers that Greater Manchester has – particularly the integration of

social care with the NHS - it would not need a Metro Mayor for Oxfordshire. I also

participated in a number of debates on Iran where I am worried by the attempt to

allow Iran to become a nuclear power. Finally, I had a bit of a run in with Ed Vaizey

about the provision of broadband to rural areas such as ours. I remain concerned

for those who do not have adequate broadband provision and are not covered by

the current roll out programme.

________________________________________________________________

I am also Chairman of the English Speaking Union for the County Patron HM The

Queen. I would welcome people from Otmoor to the events to see if they would like

to join the Union. (see www.ESU.org for details),

2015 Programme of Oxfordshire Events

Tuesday 20th October

5.30 – 7.00 pm

Reception for the new Rhodes Scholars

Champney’s Room, Oriel College, Oriel Square, Oxford,

OX1 4EW

Tickets: £10

(restricted to 15 visitors)

************

Saturday 24th October,

7.00 for 7.30 pm

Annual Black Tie Dinner

Guest speaker: Lord Blair, former Chief Constable of the Metropolitan Police

Old Dining Room, Pembroke College,

Pembroke Square, St Aldates, Oxford OX1 1DW

Tickets (includes pre-dinner drinks)

£50

************

Sunday 22rd November

12.00 for 12.30 pm

Thanksgiving Day Lunch

Guest Speaker: Sir Curtis Price, Warden of New College

Studley Wood Golf Club, Horton cum Studley,

OX33 1BF

Tickets: £39

Tuesday 20th October

5.30 – 7.00 pm

Reception for the new Rhodes Scholars

Champney’s Room, Oriel College, Oriel Square, Oxford,

OX1 4EW

Tickets: £10

************

Saturday 24th October,

7.00 for 7.30 pm

Annual Black Tie Dinner

Guest speaker: Lord Blair, former Chief Constable of the Metropolitan Police

Old Dining Room, Pembroke College,

Pembroke Square, St Aldates, Oxford OX1 1DW

Tickets (includes pre-dinner drinks)

£50

************

Sunday 22rd November

12.00 for 12.30 pm

Thanksgiving Day Lunch

Guest Speaker: Sir Curtis Price, Warden of New College

Studley Wood Golf Club, Horton cum Studley,

OX33 1BF

Tickets: £39

************

Wednesday 25th November

5.30 pm

Schools' Public Speaking Competition,

Oxfordshire Branch Final

Oxford Spires Academy

Glanville Road, Oxford, OX4 2AU

Admission free

************

Wednesday 25th November

5.30 pm

Schools' Public Speaking Competition,

Oxfordshire Branch Final

Oxford Spires Academy

Glanville Road, Oxford, OX4 2AU

Admission free

Further details will be emailed or posted to members before the events.. Please ensure that we have your email address to save printing and postage costs

Details of council and other engagements can be seen on Otmoor.co.uk look at Blog 15-

16.

Cllr Tim Hallchurch. Tel 01865 377099, email timothy.hallchurch@oxfordshire.gov.uk.

Web www.otmoor.co.uk