News from the Parish Council Chair (October 2026)

Dear Parishioners,

Last month I used most of my newsletter space to describe the then newly-announced Government’s

decision about reorganisation of local government in Oxfordshire and to say that the Parish Council

was not in favour of the chosen scheme. I did mention that there was the possibility of judicial

review of the decision being sought but I did not expect the announcement by the Government on

7th September that it would review nearly all its recent decisions in the area to “ensure the Local

Government Review is robust and aligns with its new priorities”.

It is unclear what the result will be in the long run, but an immediate effect is that the local

government elections in 2027 will take place on the basis of the existing councils only. The leader

of Oxfordshire County Council is continuing to press the Ministry of Housing, Communities and

Local Government to release the civil servants' advice underpinning the original decision. If this

shows that their advice was ignored, then further legal steps may be undertaken.

At the end of September the Congestion Charge for cars entering Oxford has been replaced by

“traffic filters” at the same locations as the Congestion Charge. As previously, if you live in

Oxfordshire but not in Oxford itself you can apply to receive, free, a permit that will allow you to

travel through the filters on up to 25 occasions per year. Fuller details can be found at

.

On a more cheerful note, we can look forward to the Village Bonfire in November. This year we

will be holding the event on a Friday, 6th November. Tickets available on the door for £7.50, with

children under 10 free, and you ticket entitles you to a hot dog. Beer, wine and soft drinks will be

available for purchase. I hope to see you there!

Best wishes,

Stuart Flockton