REPORT TO OTMOOR PARISH COUNCILS AND LANGFORD VILLAGE MARCH 2016
FROM CLLR TIM HALLCHURCH
My web site www.otmoor.co.uk
Peter Barker’s Otmoor Birds: http://otmoorbirding.blogspot.co.uk/
I was re-elected to Cherwell District Council on 5th May as one of three councillors for then new Launton and Otmoor ward along with Simon Holland and David Hughes. I am staying as a Director of Graven Hill Village Holdings helping to launch the self-build housing project in Bicester. I will also be chairing the Standards Committee and joining the Partnering Board. I am still on the County Council as a member of the Health Overview Scrutiny Committee and the Audit & Governance Committee and represent the county at the South East Reserve Forces and Cadet Association. I represent Cherwell DC on the Oxfordshire Blue Plaques Board. I am also a Trustee of the Victoria County History, The Oxford Buildings Trust. I am Military “Champion” for Bicester Garrison. I am also Chairman of the English Speaking Union for Oxfordshire & Berkshire (www.esu.org), and committee of the Otmoor Archaeological and Historical Society
The contact details for your District Councillors for Arncott, Blackthorn, Launton, Piddington, Wendlebury, Bletchington, Charlton-on-Otmoor, Fencott and Murcott, Hampton Gay and Poyle, Horton-cum-Studley, Islip, Merton, Noke, Oddington, Weston- on-the-Green, Shipton-on-Cherwell and Thrupp are:
Cllr Tim Hallchurch MBE 01865 377099 [email protected] Cllr David Hughes 01869 242343 [email protected] Cllr Simon Holland 01869 351636 [email protected]
In addition as a County Councillor Tim Hallchurch is the County Council member for Ambrosden and Launton Village, Bicester; Arncott ; Piddington; Charlton; Fencott & Murcott; Horton cum Studley; Islip, Merton; Noke and Oddington,
Oxfordshire County Council
PROPOSALS FOR UNITARY COUNCIL
As previously reported, Oxfordshire's District Councils have appointed consultants PwC to prepare a report on the future of local government in Oxfordshire, and OCC has appointed consultants Grant Thornton to do the same. The districts' previously preferred option that comprised four unitary councils, including parts of Gloucestershire and Northamptonshire has collapsed because of legislative issues relating to cross-border authorities. It is unclear whether the reduced size of four unitaries that don't include the neighbours could be viable.
PwC will report in June, followed by Grant Thornton in July. All councils will then submit Page 1 of 11 proposals to central government in the autumn, following a period of public consultation. In advance of this, stakeholders can participate in a 'call for evidence' here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/oxfordshire-evidence
Additionally, town and parish councils are invited to attend workshops to discuss the issues on the following dates:
Date Locality Mon 6 June Thame Tues 7 June Henley Thurs 9 June Witney Tues 14 June Chipping Norton Wed 15 June Banbury Thurs 16 June Faringdon Tues 21 June Bicester Wed 22 June Abingdon Tues 28 June Didcot Wed 29 June Wantage
Names of delegates and the preferred meeting should be emailed to: [email protected].
SUBSIDISED BUSES UPDATE
Bus subsidies will end on 20 July. A full update on the work that has taken place to minimise the impact of the withdrawal of the subsidises (including using public buses for home to school transport, allocating S106 funding where available and the launch of a new pilot scheme using the downtime of our fleet vehicles) can be obtained from the OCC website here: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/subsidisedbuses.
OXFORDSHIRE’S ADULT SOCIAL CARE SERVICES SCORES IN TOP 5%
Recently announced results show that last year, Oxfordshire’s Adults Social Care services ranked as the 6th best of 152 upper tier authorities in achieving outcomes judged against the ‘Adult Social Care Outcome Framework’. This framework measures how well services achieve outcomes that are most important to people and informs the development of reporting local priorities and progress to citizens. Last year Oxfordshire performed above the national average on 20 of the 27 measures included in the framework. OXFORDSHIRE CARE HOME WINS RARE 'OUTSTANDING' RATING
Vale House, a 40 bed specialist dementia home in Sandford, has recently been inspected by CQC and as a result was given the most positive grading available to the inspectorate. It is the first in the county to be rated 'outstanding' by the CQC – a feat achieved by only one per cent of homes in the South East. The home is privately run and the organisation is 'not for profit'. The original Vale House was located in Botley, and began operating in 1990. It relocated to Sandford in 2012, after the organisation bought the land from Oxfordshire County Council. Vale House had won a competitive tender process to build their new home, fulfilling the ambition of OCC to use the land for a specialist Dementia Care Home for the people of Oxfordshire. OCC buys 25 of the 40 beds in the home and has ambitions for similar projects elsewhere in the county.
EIGHTEEN LOCATIONS FOR NEW CHILDREN AND FAMILIES SERVICE
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A £2m boost to the future provision of children’s services in Oxfordshire has been agreed by OCC's Cabinet with a further £1m of one-off funding set to help communities keep yet more of the current children’s centres network open. The plans build on the brand new service for 0-19 year olds agreed by the Cabinet in February and deliver services from 18 locations with strengthened outreach services – as opposed to the eight originally proposed. The new £14m service includes £2m of additional money agreed by county councillors in February and would provide a safe, effective and co-ordinated system that targets resources on protecting the most vulnerable families - and works hand-in-hand with schools, health services, voluntary and community groups. By combining children’s social care and early intervention in one seamless service, it represents a completely fresh approach to delivering services for children, young people and their families at a time of rising demand and reduced Government funding.
POSITIVE RESULTS FROM INITIATIVE TO TACKLE DELAYED TRANSFERS OF CARE
A new initiative by OCC and NHS has seen then number of delayed transfers of care reduced by 30% since December 2015, despite higher demands over the winter and a reduction in hospital beds. The Oxfordshire health and social care system has long struggled with the timely discharge of patients from acute and community hospitals to the next stage of their care. This is often referred to as ‘bed-blocking’ or ‘delayed transfers of care’, which are costly to the system as a whole and can increase people’s dependence rather than promoting their independence. The initiative involved the block purchase of 150 care beds and the development of an integrated hub to manage assessments and bed allocations.
COUNCILLOR MICHAEL WAINE ELECTED NEW OCC CHAIRMAN
OCC elected a new Chairman for the 2016/17 council year at its Annual General Meeting in May. Cllr Michael Waine is OCC's elected representative for the Bicester Town Division. He taught in Oxfordshire for 37 years, 27 of which were as Headteacher of Glory Farm School in Bicester. He previously served on OCC's cabinet and is chairman of the Bicester Learning Academy.
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Cllr Michael Wayne takes the oath of office on 17th May
DECISION TAKEN ON LONG-TERM STRATEGY FOR A40
A landmark decision to take decisive action to solve transport problems on the A40 between Witney and Oxford has been made by OCC's Cabinet. A long-term strategy will be pursued which will focus on a new dual carriageway from Witney to a new Park and Ride at Eynsham, as well as further bus priority lanes connecting the Eynsham Park and Ride toward Oxford. Council transport planners will now draw up more detailed plans which, it is hoped, will help to secure more than £50m in government funding to make the proposals a reality.
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Cadets weekend the Lord Lieutenant Tim Stevenson OBE presents prizes to winning cadets at Bicester on 14th May
Cherwell District Council Conservatives maintain control of Cherwell
The Conservative group has retained majority control of Cherwell District Council after the existing wards were disbanded and replaced with new ward arrangements.
On 5th May, 34.48 per cent of eligible voters took to the polls to elect 48 councillors to represent 16 new district council wards. Previously, the council had comprised 50 councillors working on behalf of 28 wards; however following a review by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England, the council’s wards were disbanded and replaced with a new structure. Sue Smith, Returning Officer for Cherwell, said: "The make-up of the council was redesigned to address significant differences in the previous structure which meant some councillors were representing up to ten per cent more residents than others. Under the new make-up, every ward will now be represented by three councillors and by 2020, each member will represent 2,580 voters."
Previously the Conservatives had majority control with 40 of the 50 available seats with the remaining councillors comprising eight Labour members, one Independent candidate and one Liberal Democrat.Following the election, the
Conservatives have kept majority control of the council with 38 of the 48 seats. There was no change for the Labour
Page 5 of 11 party, who retained eight seats. However the Liberal Democrats no longer have a presence on the council while the number of Independents has doubled from one to two.
Launton & Otmoor Ward
Following the elections on 5th May there are now three councillors for the expanded Launton & Otmoor Ward. You can now contact David Hughes, Simon Holland or Tim Hallchurch as your representative. This means that if one of us is away then there are two more councillors who are ready to help.
The result of the election was:
Name Party Votes
Graham Carey Labour 524
Catherine Labour 610 Chester
Liberal Tim Emptage 375 Democrats
The Green Paul Genge 450 Party
(3Y Tim Conservative term) Hallchurch 947
Alan Harris UKIP 394
Mike Hobbs Labour 459
(4Y Simon Conservative term) Holland 1,006
(2Y David Conservative term) Hughes 936
Electorate: 6,241 Total votes cast: 2,249 Turnout: 36.04%
Cherwell District Council also held the Annual Council Meeting on the 17th May the same day as the county.
Cllr Chris Heath was sworn in as the Chairman for 2016-17 and Cllr Maurice Billington as her vice-chairman. Chris Health late husband was Chairman in 2004. Page 6 of 11
On 5th May town and parish council elections were also held. The results for Bicester and Kidlington were:
Bicester Town Council - East Ward
Name Party Votes
Sean (E) Conservative Gaul 723
Sarah Labour 581 Haydon
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Electorate: 4,503 Total votes cast: 1,330 Turnout: 29.54%
Bicester Town Council - South East Ward
Name Party Votes
David (E) Conservative Anderson 697
Christopher Labour 332 Howells
Roger The Green 250 Nixon Party
Electorate: 3,910 Total votes cast: 1,282 Turnout: 32.79%
Kidlington Parish Council - Dogwood Ward
Name Party Votes
James (E) Conservative Leake 338
Ian The Green 74 Middleton Party
Christopher Liberal 171 Pack Democrats
Chris Labour 254 Robins
Electorate: 2,373 Total votes cast: 849 Turnout: 35.78%
Sir Tony presents coat of arms to Cherwell
The new chairman of Cherwell District Council has undertaken her first official duty by receiving a coat of arms on behalf of the authority. At a meeting of the council’s annual general meeting yesterday (Tuesday), chairman Cllr Chris Heath received the gift of a coat of arms from former Banbury MP, the Right Honourable Sir Tony Baldry. She said: “As a council, we are extremely grateful to Sir Tony for this coat of arms and proud to be able to unveil it at the first meeting of the new council following this month’s local elections. Cherwell District Council was formed in 1974 but has never had its own coat of arms so this gift has been a long time in the making. “As the new chairman of the council I am honoured to be the first to wear the chain featuring the new coat of arms and hope it will present an even brighter and more prosperous future for Cherwell and its residents.” The coat of arms, which was paid for by Sir Tony, is symbolic of the district with a wavy blue line in the centre to represent the River Cherwell which is flanked on either side by designs
Page 8 of 11 depicting the M40 and Oxford Canal. An oak tree embodies the countryside while the rainbow is representative of a united and inclusive district. The coat of arms will be displayed at the council’s headquarters at Bodicote House as well as on the chairman’s chain and a flag which will fly above the council chamber during full council meetings and other civic occasions. Sir Tony, who stood down as the MP for the Banbury constituency last year following 30 years’ service, said: “For some time I have felt that Cherwell deserved and merited a coat of arms; it didn’t happen when the district council was born in the mid-1970s and I expect it took a bit of time over the years for Banbury, Bicester, Kidlington and the villages to mould into a degree of harmony. I am delighted to see the council’s chain already has the new coat of arms on it and the flag is already flying.”
Sporting assist as partners team up
Sports clubs can score free tips on funding, training and development at advice forums to be held in Banbury and Bicester. Next month’s instructional sessions are the result of Cherwell District Council teaming up with Oxfordshire Sport and Physical Activity (OXSPA). Representatives from the district’s sports clubs are urged to attend the sessions to unlock funding and other opportunities to take their performance to the next level.
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The forums have been endorsed by Cherwell’s deputy leader Cllr George Reynolds, who said: “Strong sports clubs are essential to the creation of a healthy and happy community. The council’s partnership with OXSPA enables us to catalyse our know-how and resources. The goal is to help sports clubs improve their offerings and encourage participation from across the social spectrum. “These forums shine a light on funding channels and bring new opportunities into play. By engaging more closely with the clubs we can help meet their needs and those of their members, fulfilling Cherwell’s vision of a fitter, more active district.” Up for discussion are funding sources and how to apply for them, grants from the council, and the national Sportivate scheme promoting active communities. Also on the table are club development and workshops on topics such as Safeguarding and First Aid.
In the past five years Cherwell's sport development team has helped dozens of sports clubs to access funding from Sportivate and Sport England.
The first forum takes place at the Garth Café in Bicester on Wednesday, 8 June from 6pm – 9pm. The second is in Banbury at Spiceball Leisure Centre on Wednesday, 15 June from 6pm – 9pm. Both events are free to attend. Places can either be booked in advance to reserve an appointment or alternatively people can simply drop in on the day. For more information visit www.oxspa.co.uk/in-the-zone or to book email Ed Nicholas at [email protected] or call 07825 935900. Unitary Authority Proposals latest.
District Council Leaders rule out cross-boundary unitary solution
Following the recent elections, Oxfordshire’s District Council Leaders have reconfirmed their ambitions to simplify local government and give more power to the people of the county.
As part of this, they have decided collectively with Cotswold and South Northamptonshire Councils to rule out cross-county boundary options as part of their devolution plans. The decision by District Council leaders is as a result of PwC’s early conversations with senior civil servants.
The District Councils appointed independent advisers PwC last month to investigate the full range of unitary options available to deliver devolution in our area. Early findings are that cross- boundary unitary options are too complicated at this stage, and will result in lengthy delays to the devolution process.
The determination of Oxfordshire’s District Councils to find a devolution model that will reflect the diverse communities of Oxfordshire and bring real power to the people of the county for the first time has not changed.
District Council proposals would replace the current County and District Councils with new District Unitaries. Responsibilities currently administered by the County Council would be devolved to the new District Unitaries. Where strategic decisions that require coordination across Oxfordshire are needed – such as key transport planning, economic development and social care – the elected leaders of the new District Unitaries will work together to agree solutions.
This would give residents of each District Unitary a real say for the first time in the full range of services that affect them. The new District Unitaries will be able to tailor more services to their residents’ needs.
The devolution plan would also unlock over a billion pounds of government money, which will enable each district to build new houses, new roads, new business space and new local facilities for residents.
Page 10 of 11 ESU National Members Conference is to be held at The Malmaison Hotel, Oxford ESU National Members Conference is to be held at The Malmaison Hotel, Oxford on 25th June with the Oxfordshire Black Tie Dinner on 24th June. on 25th June with the Oxfordshire Black Tie Dinner on 24th June.
Annual Black Tie Dinner Annual Black Tie Dinner
ESU National Members Conference is to be held at The Malmaison Hotel, Oxford on 25th June with the Oxfordshire Black Tie Dinner on 24th June.
Annual Black Tie Dinner
St Aldates, Oxford, OX1 1DW TheSt SpeakerAldates, willOxford, be ESU OX1 member 1DW Lord Ian Blair Ian Warwick Blair, Baron Blair of Boughton, QPMThe who Speaker is a retired will be British ESU member policeman Lord who Ian held Blair the Ian position Warwick of commissioner Blair, Baron Blairof police of Boughton of the , metropolisQPM who from is a 2005 retired to British2008 and policeman was the who highest held- rankingthe position officer of withincommissioner the Metropolitan of police Police of the Service.metropoli Hes retired from 2005 in December to 2008 and2008. was the highest-ranking officer within the Metropolitan Police Service. He retired in December 2008.
St Aldates, Oxford, OX1 1DW The Speaker will be ESU member Lord Ian Blair Ian Warwick Blair, Baron Blair of Boughton, QPM who is a retired British policeman who held the position of commissioner of police of the metropolis from 2005 to 2008 and was the highest-ranking officer within the Metropolitan Police Service. He retired in December 2008.
PwC’s study is well underway and is investigating all the options available with the current county boundaries for the future of local government in Oxfordshire. Councillor Matthew Barber, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “Eliminating cross-boundary options now enables PwC’s independent study to focus solely on Oxfordshire’s residents and engaging with stakeholders in the county.
“Oxfordshire deserves a model of government that will give power to local people, not a one- size-fits-all model for all of Oxfordshire that will deprive people of the power to shape their local area.
“The District Unitaries will give people a real say in how their communities are run, which I think should be the bottom line when it comes to reorganising our local government. It will give power to the people of Oxfordshire.”
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A local historian (in Thame) reports there is no evidence that the Statute of Labours Act 1405 has ever been repealed. This Act requires every town and village to maintain a set of stocks in which to punish vagabonds, layabouts and drunkards. If a town or village does not possess a stocks, it can be downgraded to a hamlet and loses its right to hold a market or fair.
[Note: the use of the pillory was abolished in England in 1837, but being placed in the stocks is apparently still legal.]
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You would be welcome to meet members of the English Speaking Union at the Oxfordshire Annual Dinner on 24th June. (See www.esu.org for details)
To coincide with the Members Conference, the Oxfordshire & Berkshire branch will be holding its Annual Black Tie Dinner the night before on Friday 24th June at Balliol College, Oxford, 7 for 7.45 PM when the speaker will be the Professor William Whyte. Professor of Social & Architectural History at St John’s College, Oxford. The cost of the Dinner including pre-dinner drinks in the Fellows Garden/Old Common Room, will be £56. Please send a cheque to the Ticket Secretary Dr Jan Stokes Carter at Paddock Cottage, Thrupp, OX5 1JY. Email [email protected] or call 01865 848528 for further details.
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