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Community investments and enforcement on untaxed vehicles discussed at packed October Council meeting

Published Monday 27 October 2025

Investment in youth centre facilities and enforcement action against untaxed vehicles – just some of the topics that were up for discussion at a packed Council meeting this month.

There was great news for Thame at the meeting on Thursday 23 October, with an approval of funding of £779,246 for Thame Town Council towards creating a new community and youth building and changing room at Southern Road Recreation Ground, funded through section 106 developer contributions.

In his Leader’s Report, Cllr David Rouane reflected on the recent disappointing setback for the Joint Local Plan in light of the Inspectors asking the councils to consider withdrawing the plan in relation to our Duty to Cooperate with Oxford City Council.

Cllr Rouane offered a more reassuring perspective on what the current situation means for the district: “At this stage the plan has not been withdrawn and as such it still has some weight in determining planning applications, and there are no immediate changes to South Oxfordshire’s Five Year Housing Land Supply position. We continue to have a valid adopted Local Plan with policies consistent with the National Planning Policy Framework. Of course, developers may try their hand with speculative applications (there is nothing to stop them doing so) but their position is no different now than it was one month ago.”

“Interestingly, the Minister responsible for Housing and Planning has recently written to the Chief Executive of the Planning Inspectorate to ask them to consider being more flexible in how they approach ‘Duty to Cooperate’ issues, and we are actively investigating how this might apply to our Joint Local Plan.”

Cllr Rouane also praised the significant work has been undertaken by officers and councillors, including a recent meeting of the five council leaders and their chief executives, to develop the proposal for a two unitary model covering the area of Oxfordshire and West Berkshire. The Leader also highlighted the work carried out at the council to ensure everyone has the opportunity for a safe, stable, and secure home – recently underpinned by a new Joint Homelessness & Rough Sleeping Strategy 2025–2028 which builds on South and Vale’s strong record in preventing homelessness.

Read the full Leader’s report on the council’s news pages.

Other agenda items included updates on the management of our investments, audit functions and partner committees. The award of the Waste Collection and Street Cleansing Contract and Haseley Trading Estate waste vehicle depot were considered in confidential sessions due to commercial and legal sensitivities.

Three motions were considered and all were passed.

The first motion, proposed by Councillor Giles,  focussed on protecting public privacy in light of the Government’s proposed Digital ID scheme for all UK residents. The motion called for the Council to formally oppose any Government mandatory Digital ID scheme and for the Leader to write to the Home Secretary and the Minister for Digital Infrastructure expressing our opposition. The council’s use of CCTV was also discussed and it was noted that the council currently used it in a limited and appropriate way to assist the police and prevent antisocial behaviour.

Cllr Tim Bearder proposed a motion, raised the issue of a persistent problem of vehicles being left on double yellow lines and obstructing the carriageway on rural roads. The motion urged the council to apply to adopt powers from the DVLA and become a Devolved Power Partner (DPP), allowing it to take enforcement action against untaxed vehicles – working alongside Oxfordshire County Council and Thames Valley Police to share intelligence and coordinate enforcement.

Councillor Filipova-Rivers proposed a motion reaffirming the council’s commitment to fair treatment for all residents. The council unanimously resolved to condemn intimidation, violence or harassment of minority groups who have made South Oxfordshire their home. Council also agreed to challenge misinformation and the fear, suspicion, intolerance and discrimination it generates, alongside continuing to work with partners and support for the Oxfordshire Migration Partnership.

Topics covered by questions included: 

  • Exploring the potential to live-streaming and record Council meetings to aid Participation, Accessibility and Accountability.
  • Community Land Trusts – future funding for Community First Oxfordshire.
  • A call for the Cabinet Member for Finance to write to The Secretary of State at MHCLG to request a review of the way in which local government Treasury Management decisions are made.

Full details of the meeting are available on the council’s website. You can also view details the questions and answers to council.

Ends