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- Oxford News By Hana Edition 20
Oxford News By Hana Edition 20
A caring county?
Mark Skipworth
August 21, 2025
Oxford News by HANA - Edition 20
Oxford Outlook: A caring county?
Hang your heads in shame. I am referring, of course, to Oxfordshire county councillors who are planning to slash support for vulnerable young people leaving the care system.
At a cost to the county council of £2.1m a year, the Young People’s Supported Accommodation programme assists those leaving the care system to adapt to independent living by helping them to learn the skills to live on their own and continue education, training and employment.
The county council plans to reduce the number of “support beds” available to these young people from 203 to as low as 154, and to cut the maximum age for assistance from 25 to 21 years old.
The cuts have been approved by county councillors including one who revealed he had used the service himself when he was homeless.
According to a BBC report in this week’s newsletter, the decision has been criticised by Oxford City Council as well as Oxfordshire's district councils who say it will increase the risk of young people becoming homeless. It’s hard to disagree.
And let’s not forget that Oxford already has an unenviable reputation as one of the top areas in the UK for the number of rough sleepers.
For its part, the county council claims the changes will allow time to redesign the service, making it more effective as well as saving money.
Saving money? The amount of “savings” must surely be a drop in the ocean compared with the county council’s eye-watering annual revenue budget of more than £1.2 billion.
Have we really sunk so low as a caring and compassionate society that we cannot find the relatively modest sums required to help the many vulnerable young people in our midst find their feet? Repeatedly let down by society, are these young people to endure yet another setback in their lives?
Pathetic.
* Meanwhile, it’s been dubbed “the footbridge nobody wants”. Oxford City Council has voted to increase the budget to build the Oxpens River Bridge over the River Thames by £3.7m. The total cost of the project now stands at a gluttonous £14m. Campaigners opposed to the scheme claim it is a pointless crossing that would wreck woodland through a city nature park. A bridge too far, perhaps?
Mark Skipworth | Oxford Editor
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Databox
Oxford United’s plans for a new £100 million stadium include seating for 16,000 – a substantial increase from their current 12,500 capacity at Kassam Stadium
The new stadium will be situated on land called “The Triangle” near Kidlington, just north of Oxford, and will also feature a hotel and conference centre
Designed to be the first all-electric stadium in the UK, it will use solar panels, heat pumps and heat recovery systems, thereby reducing carbon emissions by as much as 80%
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in and around Oxford this weekend…
Oxford News
Two-thirds oppose Oxford congestion charge, consultation reveals
Yahoo News · August 18, 2025
Oxfordshire County Council's proposed temporary congestion charge in Oxford faces strong opposition from residents, with 66% against it, a six-week consultation has revealed. However, the council is considering adjustments like free park and ride journeys and permits for specific groups. The initiative aims to reduce traffic, improve air quality, and enhance public transport, with a decision expected by September 10.
Oxford United: planning permission granted for new stadium near Kidlington
BBC Sport · August 15, 2025
Cherwell District Council has granted planning permission for Oxford United's new stadium at The Triangle, easing the club's need to prove site viability and addressing traffic and ecological concerns, with a strong 14-1 vote in favour. The decision also extends their license at the Kassam Stadium to 2028, but the club now faces the challenge of raising over £100 million to fund the project while striving to maintain its Championship status.
Oxfordshire housing cuts 'put young people at homelessness risk'
BBC News · August 19, 2025
Oxfordshire County Council's proposal to cut housing support for young people leaving the care system has sparked concerns over potential increased homelessness, as they plan to reduce “support beds” from 203 to 154 and lower the maximum age for assistance from 25 to 21. While the council claims these changes will improve efficiency and save costs, local councils warn that vulnerable youth may be at greater risk without adequate support.
Controversial Oxpens River Bridge gets £3.7m budget boost
BBC · August 14, 2025
Oxford City Council has approved a £3.7 million budget increase for the Oxpens River Bridge project, raising its total cost to £14 million amid inflation and legal challenges from environmental campaigners. Construction is set to begin in spring 2026, with concerns about the project's ecological impact still being voiced by local activists.
Thames Valley police chief faces backlash over telling public to stop shoplifters
The Independent · August 13, 2025
Matthew Barber, the Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, is facing criticism for urging the public to intervene in shoplifting incidents, with MP Joshua Reynolds labelling his comments "dangerous" and "irresponsible." Amid a 20% rise in shoplifting offences, experts emphasise that tackling crime should be the responsibility of the police, while the Home Office plans to enhance neighbourhood policing and create new protections for retail workers.
Oxford public toilet turned into boutique hotel
BBC · August 20, 2025
The historic Victorian public toilet known as The Netty on St Giles' in Oxford has been transformed into a unique boutique hotel after 17 years of closure, retaining original elements like its floor tiles. With two suites nestled in a busy area, this quirky accommodation offers an unconventional stay that may not suit everyone but promises a memorable experience.
Clarkson's Farm nominated for top television award
Oxford Mail · August 20, 2025
Jeremy Clarkson's hit Amazon Prime show, Clarkson's Farm, has been nominated for a National Television Award in the Factual Entertainment category, competing against popular titles such as Gogglebox and The Martin Lewis Money Show Live. Fans can vote for their favourite show on the NTA website, with Clarkson playfully urging support on Instagram, hinting that if they lose, Richard Ham, the farm's beloved pig, might be upset!
Scientists make 'superfood' that could save honeybees
BBC · August 20, 2025
Scientists at the University of Oxford have developed a revolutionary "superfood" for honeybees, enhancing their nutrition and leading to colonies that produce up to 15 times more adult bees. This breakthrough could significantly bolster bee populations threatened by climate change and habitat loss, ensuring the vital pollinators remain healthy and effective in supporting global crop production.
Battery-powered GWR train breaks world distance record from Reading via Oxford and London
BBC News · August 20, 2025
A battery-powered train from Great Western Railway set a new world record by travelling 200 miles on a single charge, surpassing the previous record of 139 miles. This achievement underscores the importance of investing in battery technology to modernise the ageing diesel fleet, while also celebrating the 200th anniversary of railways.
Oxford music prodigy embarks on piano concerto tour aged 12
Yahoo News · August 18, 2025
Twelve-year-old music prodigy Carey Tan from Oxford captivated audiences this summer with his self-composed piano concerto, "The Explorers," performed at the Arad Philharmonic Hall and the prestigious Golden Hall Musikverein in Vienna. A Year Eight student at Summer Fields School, Carey has already composed over 50 pieces that showcase his extraordinary talent as a young musician.
Oxford's Schwarzman Centre is £185m 'boost for local music scene'
BBC · August 17, 2025
The £185-million Schwarzman Centre at the University of Oxford, set to open this autumn, is being hailed by musicians for its impressive facilities, including a 500-seat concert hall and a black box performance space, which will be accessible daily from 9am to 9pm. However, concerns have been raised about whether local artists will benefit fully, with fears that the Centre may prioritise classical music over other genres.
City gets tourist boom after Oxford University Netflix film
Yahoo News · August 19, 2025
The Netflix film "My Oxford Year," starring Sofia Carson and Corey Mylchreest, has ignited a tourist boom in Oxford, with searches for the film skyrocketing by 1,850% and interest in the city itself climbing by 51%. Directed by Iain Morris, the romantic drama captures the charm of university life in Oxford, enticing fans to explore its picturesque locations.
Hate crime probe after pork and Israeli flag left at Oxford mosque
Oxford Mail · August 19, 2025
Central Oxford Mosque trustees expressed their heartbreak over an alleged hate crime after a man placed pork on the mosque's door handles and an Israeli flag on the main door. They condemned the act as cowardly, urged community members to check CCTV footage, and highlighted a previous related incident from last year.
Families criticise leadership over private school closure
BBC · August 20, 2025
Our Lady's Abingdon (OLA), a private school in Oxfordshire, has closed after 160 years due to economic pressures, including the introduction of VAT on private school fees and declining enrolment. Parents and teachers expressed frustration over the abrupt closure and lack of support, highlighting issues with the school's leadership and transparency regarding its financial struggles.
Henley air guitar player gears up for world championships
BBC News · August 18, 2025
Piers Burnell, a secondary school learning-support assistant from Henley-on-Thames, will represent the UK at the 2025 Air Guitar World Championships in Finland, performing edited versions of iconic James Bond songs. Promoting an alcohol-free lifestyle, he enjoys playing air guitar with his students to boost their confidence and self-expression, emphasizing that anyone can join in on the fun.
Fourth arrest made after taxi crashed into Banbury home
Oxford Mail · August 20, 2025
A late-night car crash on Woodgreen Avenue left a parked white Peugeot taxi damaged and caused significant brick damage to a nearby house, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. Four individuals from Banbury have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and assault, with all released on conditional police bail.
SPORT
Gary Rowett: Oxford United manager reacts to defeat at Hull City
BBC Sport · August 17, 2025
Oxford United manager Gary Rowett expressed disappointment after the team's 3-2 loss to Hull City, highlighting struggles in defense and a lack of attacking momentum in the second half. Despite scoring two goals from set-pieces, Rowett noted that they made it too easy for Hull to create chances, and he felt they should have been able to secure a better result.
Property news
Two Oxfordshire towns named among very best in the UK
Oxford Mail · August 18, 2025
Recent findings from consumer experts Which? highlight the UK's best inland towns, with Oxfordshire's Henley and Burford earning high marks for their food and charm. Notably, picturesque Lower and Upper Slaughter also shine in scenic beauty, showcasing the rich historical allure and independent spirit of smaller communities across the nation.
Oxford City Council takes legal action at Beechwood House, bringing seven short lets back into family use
Oxford City Council has taken action against Beechwood House for operating as a short let business without planning permission, issuing notices that require a shift back to long-term rentals by July 2025. With nearly 3,500 households on the waiting list for council housing, officials are advocating for stronger regulations and a mandatory registration scheme for short lets to address rising housing concerns and community impacts.
Cafe Nexus to open at Oxford Technology Park
UK Property Forums - August 20, 2025
Life Science REIT has partnered with Gather & Gather to unveil Nexus, an exciting new café and event space at Oxford Technology Park's Innovation Quarter, featuring 239 seats for dining and a 60-person meeting venue set to open this Autumn. This collaboration aims to enhance community engagement through quality amenities, offering a vibrant space for food, social interaction, and business networking.
What’s on in and around Oxford?
Red Arrows will fly over Oxfordshire for displays across the UK
Oxford Mail · August 20, 2025
This week, the iconic Red Arrows will soar over Oxfordshire as they transition between airshows, departing Clacton at 3:25 PM and making a stunning flyover of Culworth and Stow-on-the-Wold by 3:42 PM on August 22, before heading to Exeter. Don't miss this breathtaking display as they pass over Banbury and Hook Norton!
Bunkfest 2025: Wallingford free music festival returns
Oxford Mail · August 19, 2025
Join the vibrant Bunkfest music festival in Wallingford from August 29 to 31, featuring headliners like Laurence Jones and The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, alongside local talent and diverse dance performances across multiple venues. Celebrate over 20 years of community spirit with free entertainment, a "Mega Ceilidh," and a showcase of more than 400 volunteers bringing this cherished tradition to life!
All photos are credited to Mark Skipworth unless otherwise specified.
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