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- Oxford News By Hana Edition 31
Oxford News By Hana Edition 31
One Oxfordshire?
Mark Skipworth
November 06, 2025
Oxford News by HANA - Edition 31
Oxford Outlook: One Oxfordshire?
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“One Oxfordshire.” It has a Tolkien-esque “ring” to it, don’t you think? Under Westminster’s forthcoming reorganisation of local government, one super-council to merge them all?
It’s no surprise perhaps that the elders of Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) want to abolish Oxfordshire’s existing six councils – OCC itself and with it five district councils – and replace them with a single “unitary” county council. If approved, this new council would be responsible for all local government services, which are currently split between the existing county council – schools, social care, roads etc – and the district councils – planning, parks and bin collection.
According to the Oxford Mail in this week’s newsletter, OCC has calculated that streamlining the services under a single council would deliver more than £60m in annual savings as well as strengthen local democracy in the county.
In the squirmy catchphrase words of sitcom loser Andy Millman, the glorious Extras character: “Are you ’avin’ a laff?”
When the “One Oxfordshire” plan was first mooted, it seemed to make practical sense. But after the debacle of the Oxford Congestion Charge and other so-called traffic management schemes, I’m not so sure. Maybe smaller unitary authorities would better serve our local communities. After all, where was the local democracy when an overwhelming majority of residents and businesses who responded to a public consultation said the congestion charge would have a negative impact on their lives? Their views were roundly ignored by OCC.
The full proposal will go before an OCC committee next week and if agreed, will be submitted to Westminster by the end of the month. The county council’s elders will nevertheless need to re-earn our trust if they are to convince us that their “One Oxfordshire” plan is more than just a self-serving “land-grab”.
Not so much drill, baby, drill, as plant, baby, plant! A new national forest is to be created in the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor, the government has announced. Millions of trees will be planted during this parliament, with a set of “forest towns” established between the two cities as well as the creation of thousands of “green” jobs. Exciting news, certainly, but the new forest will need a name. It’s already being referred to as the “Ox-Cam Forest”. Yuk! Surely we can do better than that? What about the “Varsity Weald”? All suggestions welcome.
Mark Skipworth | Oxford Editor
Survey: What should we call the new national forest?Suggestions welcome after the survey |
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Data box
In 2023, Oxford city had a “tree canopy cover” of 13.3% which was above the average of 12.8% across England as a whole
One large landscape area – “wooded estatelands” – occupies more than 10% of rural Oxfordshire’s total area
Historically, the Domesday Book of 1086 indicated that only 16% of the county was covered by woodland
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Oxford this weekend…
Top Stories From Oxford This Week
National forest to be created in Oxford-Cambridge corridor
Witney Gazette · November 5, 2025
The UK government is launching the Ox-Cam Forest along the Oxford-Cambridge corridor, aiming to plant millions of trees as part of a broader initiative to integrate nature recovery with regional development. This project not only seeks to combat climate change and enhance biodiversity but also aims to create sustainable jobs, fostering a thriving community in harmony with its natural environment.
Oxford Congestion Charge; councillors fail to stop its implementation
BBC News · November 4, 2025
Oxford's temporary congestion charge of £5 for non-permit car drivers will proceed despite opposition from various councillors, who attempted to halt the policy. The charge, aimed at improving public transport and air quality, has sparked concerns about its impact on city access, leading to a legal challenge by the group Open Roads for Oxford.
Cars can't reach Oxford rail station without congestion charge
BBC · November 4, 2025
Oxfordshire County Council's new £5 congestion charge for cars passing through city centre streets has drawn criticism from Councillor Linda Smith, who argues it complicates access to Oxford railway station without incurring the fee. In defense, scheme architect Andrew Gant highlighted that most passengers already use public transport to reach the station and that the charge aims to alleviate long-term parking issues in the city.
Oxford congestion charge signs to be amended after error
BBC News · October 30, 2025
Oxfordshire County Council is set to correct a grammatical error on road signs regarding a new £5 congestion charge in Oxford, which mistakenly used "on line" instead of the proper term "online." The council has acknowledged the mistake and plans to rectify it shortly.
Proposal to merge all Oxfordshire councils into one
Oxford Mail · November 3, 2025
Oxfordshire County Council's “One Oxfordshire” initiative proposes to streamline services under a single council, aiming for over £63 million in annual savings and enhanced local governance. The plan will be discussed soon, with the goal of integrating services while preserving essential support like social care and SEND provision.
Water company bosses' bonuses blocked over pollution issues
BBC News · November 5, 2025
Six water companies, including Thames Water and Southern Water, have been barred from distributing over £4 million in executive bonuses due to serious pollution incidents and poor environmental performance, as mandated by Ofwat's new rules. With Thames Water facing multiple pollution events and a one-star rating, the regulator is pushing for greater accountability and responsiveness to public concerns regarding executive pay.
Jeremy Clarkson bid 'unlike anything we’ve seen this year'
Oxford Mail · November 1, 2025
Jeremy Clarkson is stirring political speculation by questioning voters in Doncaster North about their satisfaction with MP Ed Miliband, hinting at a potential run for office. With bookmakers slashing odds on his candidacy, Clarkson's popularity among farming and small business communities may signal a serious bid for change in the constituency.
Oxford NHS trust 'determined' to improve maternity care
BBC News · November 6, 2025
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust is actively working to improve its maternity services following a national review prompted by concerns over care failures. With initiatives like hiring 54 new midwives and enhancing bereavement support, the trust aims to address these issues while acknowledging that further improvements are necessary.
Bullying and racism at Oxford Brookes' rowing club confirmed by report
BBC News · November 5, 2025
An independent investigation into the Oxford Brookes University Boat Club revealed serious issues of sexual harassment, racism, and bullying, prompting significant changes in leadership and coaching practices. The university responded swiftly to the findings, committing to improved welfare measures and a culture of respect and inclusion within the club.
Oxford: Gang of up to 20 teens attack man with metal pole
Oxford Mail · November 2, 2025
A man in his 20s was assaulted by a group of teenagers in Blackbird Leys on Halloween night, prompting Thames Valley Police to seek community assistance in their investigation. Residents are urged to remain vigilant during the festive season due to a rise in anti-social behaviour, including incidents of vandalism in previous years.
Christian Horner may be forced to destroy facility at estate near Banbury
Oxford Mail · November 2, 2025
Christian Horner and Geri Halliwell-Horner are embroiled in planning disputes over unauthorized structures in their £9.2 million estate near Banbury, which conservation officials claim detract from the historic church of St Lawrence's setting. Meanwhile, the couple seeks council approval for a horse walker on their property, amidst a history of previous planning permissions that have sparked objections.
Adderbury firm fined £80,000 after employee injured in ladder fall
BBC News · November 5, 2025
Ball Colegrave Ltd has been fined £80,000 after an employee sustained serious injuries from a ladder collapse while checking irrigation for hanging baskets in Oxfordshire. The Health and Safety Executive found the company had breached health and safety laws by failing to ensure safe work practices at height, resulting in additional costs of over £7,000.
BBC bosses ignored Oxbridge experts to push ‘woke’ history
An internal memo reveals tensions between executives and Oxbridge academics over concerns that programming decisions are influenced by political agendas, compromising content integrity. The dismissive attitude of leadership towards these issues raises questions about dialogue and the balance between creative expression and political considerations within the organisation.
Gravedigger of the Year Jonny Yaxley says his job is the 'biggest honour'
BBC News · November 3, 2025
Jonny Yaxley, a two-time Gravedigger of the Year awardee, finds profound honour in his role at Henley Woodland Burial Ground, emphasising personalised funerals and advocating for open conversations about death to ease family disputes. Celebrated for his compassion and supportive nature, Yaxley not only facilitates meaningful farewells but also continues to assist families long after their loss.
Sport
From our sports desk:
Oxford United
It was a tough week for the U’s in the Championship. A hard earned 2-2 draw at the Kassam against Millwall was only secured thanks to Przemyslaw Placheta’s 96th minute equaliser. Placheta was the hero (although his name renders him a commentator’s nightmare).
Unfortunately, Tuesday night saw the men in yellow soundly beaten at home 3-0 by high-flying Stoke City. The Potters could have won by more.
The U’s are in a pickle. They now lie 21st in the table, four points clear of the relegation zone but too close for comfort. Their home form, in particular, needs to pick up. Pronto.
Oxford United: Cameron Brannagan - U's are 'nowhere near good enough'
BBC Sport · November 5, 2025
Oxford United midfielder Cameron Brannagan expressed his disappointment following a 3-0 defeat to Stoke City, stating the team's performance was "nowhere near good enough." He emphasized the need for improvement and greater effort ahead of their upcoming match against West Brom, acknowledging Stoke's superiority throughout the game.
Property news
Oxford-Cambridge corridor to get new forest towns
The Guardian · November 5, 2025
The UK government is planning to create new "forest towns" between Oxford and Cambridge, integrating housing with green spaces to tackle environmental issues and boost the economy, potentially adding £78 billion by 2035. This initiative, part of Keir Starmer’s Cop30 commitments, includes establishing new national forests and aims to create over 14,000 jobs through tree planting initiatives, highlighting the importance of woodlands for climate regulation and community well-being.
What’s on in and around Oxford?
Remembrance Sunday: What red, white and purple poppies mean
Witney Gazette · November 5, 2025
The red poppy, a symbol of remembrance for fallen servicemen and women, has inspired various coloured poppies representing different causes, including the black poppy for the contributions of diverse communities, the purple poppy for animals affected by war, and the white poppy advocating peace and honoring all victims of conflict. Explore the significance of these symbols and support the campaign for a violence-free world.
Firework displays in Oxford and Oxfordshire
Oxford City · October 20, 2025 |
Firework displays continue after Bonfire Night in Oxfordshire with a variety of events in 2025, including the spectacular Abingdon Airfield fireworks display on November 15, and the family-friendly Thame Fireworks supporting local schools on November 8. |
All photos are credited to source articles or Mark Skipworth unless otherwise specified.
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