Council Responses to Consultations

This page brings together formal consultation responses submitted by South Oxfordshire District Council to external organisations. Consultation responses show how we represent local interests, influence policy beyond the district, and engage with proposals that may affect residents, services and future plans.

Consultation responses are divided by broad category and then listed chronologically.

Responses are archived after 12 months.

Local Government

Local Government Reorganisation in Oxfordshire

Council response submitted: 26 March 2026
Consulting body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Consultation period: 5 February 2026 to 26 March 2026

MHCLG consulted on proposals for local government reorganisation in Oxfordshire, seeking views on different models for the future structure of local authorities in the county. The consultation invited responses to reorganisation proposals submitted by councils in Oxfordshire and considered how alternative governance arrangements might improve services, efficiency and accountability.

Local government reorganisation would represent a significant change to how council services are delivered and governed in Oxfordshire, with long‑term implications for residents, communities and local democracy.

Local Government Outcome Framework

Consulting body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Consultation period: July 2025 to September 2025
Council response submitted: September 2025

MHCLG consulted on proposals to introduce a Local Government Outcome Framework, setting out an approach for moving towards a more outcome‑focused model of accountability for councils in England. The consultation sought feedback on how council performance and accountability could be assessed in a way that focuses more on outcomes for residents and communities, rather than on process or compliance measures.

The proposed framework aims to support transparency, improvement and assurance across local government, while reducing unnecessary reporting burdens and creating a clearer picture of how councils contribute to national and local priorities.

Finance

Local Government Finance Settlement 2026/27

Consulting body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Consultation period: 17 December 2025 to 14 January 2026
Council response submitted: January 2026

MHCLG consulted on proposals for the Local Government Finance Settlement for 2026/27, setting out how funding would be distributed to local authorities for the financial year. The consultation also covered provisional arrangements for the period from 2026/27 to 2028/29, seeking views on the stability, fairness and sustainability of local government funding.

The local government finance settlement plays a critical role in determining the resources available to councils to deliver services, plan budgets and manage financial risk. Changes to funding formulas, grant allocations or assumptions can have significant implications for council finances and service delivery.

Modernising and Improving the Administration of Council Tax

Consulting body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Consultation period: 20 June 2025 to 12 September 2025
Council response submitted: September 2025

MHCLG consulted on proposals to modernise and improve the administration of Council Tax, seeking views on policies aimed at making the system more efficient, fair and easier for councils and residents to manage.

The consultation focused on how Council Tax billing, collection and administration could be updated to reflect changes in digital services, household circumstances and local government systems, while continuing to support those in financial difficulty.

The Fair Funding Review 2.0

Consulting body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Consultation period: 20 June 2025 to 15 August 2025
Council response submitted: August 2025

MHCLG consulted on The Fair Funding Review 2.0, which set out proposals for reforming how funding is distributed to local authorities in England. The consultation sought views on a revised approach to assessing relative needs and resources, with the aim of creating a fairer, more transparent and sustainable system for allocating local government funding.

The Fair Funding Review is a significant component of wider local government finance reform and has long‑term implications for how councils are funded and how resources are distributed between different areas.

Planning & Spatial Development

Planning Committee Reform – Draft Regulations and Guidance

Consulting body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Consultation period: 26 March 2026 to 23 April 2026
Council response submitted: 23 April 2026

MHCLG consulted on proposals for reform of planning committees, including draft regulations and associated guidance, seeking views on changes to how planning decisions are made at local authority level. The consultation focused on introducing a more standardised approach to decision‑making, including models for delegation and the operation of planning committees.

The proposals formed part of wider planning reform activity and were intended to improve efficiency, consistency and certainty in the planning system, while maintaining appropriate governance and oversight of planning decisions.

Areas for Producing Spatial Development Strategies

Consulting body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Consultation period: 12 February 2026 to 26 March 2026
Council response submitted: 25 March 2026

MHCLG consulted on proposals identifying the geographical areas that would be responsible for preparing spatial development strategies. These strategies are intended to provide a strategic planning framework across wider areas, focusing on issues such as housing, infrastructure, the economy and the environment.

The consultation sought views on whether the proposed areas were appropriate and how spatial development strategies could support effective planning and growth.

Oxford Local Plan 2045 – Submission Draft (Regulation 19)

Consulting body: Oxford City Council
Consultation period: 30 January 2026 to 13 March 2026
Council response submitted: 13 March 2026

Oxford City Council consulted on its Oxford Local Plan 2045 Submission Draft at Regulation 19 stage, seeking views on whether the draft plan meets the legal and policy tests of soundness set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

The submission draft sets out Oxford City Council’s proposed planning framework for the period to 2045 and is a key document that will guide future development, housing provision, infrastructure planning and environmental protection within Oxford. Given the close functional and strategic relationships between Oxford and surrounding districts, the plan has implications beyond the city boundary.

National Planning Policy Framework – Proposed Reforms and Other Changes to the Planning System

Consulting body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Consultation period: 16 December 2025 to 10 March 2026
Council response submitted: 10 March 2026

MHCLG consulted on a revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) alongside wider proposed changes to the planning system. The consultation sought views on how national planning policy should be updated to support housing delivery, economic growth, environmental protection and more consistent decision‑making across England.

The National Planning Policy Framework plays a central role in informing how local planning authorities prepare local plans and determine planning applications. Changes to the framework, therefore, have significant implications for planning policy and decision‑making in South Oxfordshire.

Cotswold District Council Local Plan Preferred Options

Consulting body: Cotswold District Council
Consultation period: November 2025 to January 2026
Council response submitted: December 2025

Cotswold District Council consulted on the Preferred Policy Options for its Local Plan Review, seeking views on the proposed direction of planning policy for the district. The consultation invited feedback on a range of policy areas, including housing, employment, infrastructure, the environment and the spatial strategy for future development.

The Preferred Options stage is an important point in the local plan‑making process, as it outlines the council’s emerging approach before policies are finalised for submission and examination.

The Local Plan for Buckinghamshire

Consulting body: Buckinghamshire Council
Consultation period: 17 September 2025 to 29 October 2025
Council response submitted: 28 October 2025

Buckinghamshire Council consulted on its draft Local Plan for Buckinghamshire, which sets out the proposed planning framework for future development, housing, infrastructure and environmental protection across the county.

The draft Local Plan outlines how Buckinghamshire Council intends to manage growth and development over the plan period and is a key document in shaping long‑term land‑use and infrastructure decisions. Although the plan applies to Buckinghamshire, it has relevance for neighbouring authorities due to shared infrastructure networks, housing and employment markets, and cross‑boundary travel patterns.

Oxford City Council Local Plan 2042 – Preferred Policy Options

Consulting body: Oxford City Council
Consultation period: 27 June 2025 to 8 August 2025
Council response submitted: 8 August 2025

Oxford City Council consulted on the Preferred Policy Options for its Local Plan 2042, seeking views on the proposed direction of planning policy for the city. The consultation invited feedback on a range of policy areas, including housing, employment, transport, infrastructure, environmental protection and the overall spatial strategy for future development.

The Preferred Policy Options stage outlines Oxford City Council’s emerging approach before policies are refined and progressed towards submission and examination.

West Oxfordshire Local Plan 2041 – Preferred Policy Options

Consulting body: West Oxfordshire District Council
Consultation period: Summer 2025
Council response submitted: 8 August 2025

West Oxfordshire District Council consulted on the Preferred Policy Options for its Local Plan 2041, seeking views on the proposed direction of planning policy for the district. The consultation invited feedback on a range of issues, including housing, employment, transport, infrastructure, environmental protection and the overall spatial strategy for future development.

The Preferred Policy Options stage sets out West Oxfordshire District Council’s emerging approach before policies are refined and progressed towards submission and independent examination.

Improving the Implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain for Minor, Medium and Brownfield Development

Consulting body: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
Consultation period: 2 May 2025 to 24 July 2025
Council response submitted: July 2025

DEFRA consulted on proposals to improve the implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) for minor, medium and brownfield development. The consultation sought views on how the biodiversity net gain requirements introduced through planning legislation could be applied more effectively and proportionately to smaller and previously developed sites.

The consultation recognised that while BNG plays an important role in enhancing biodiversity, its practical application can present challenges for certain types of development. The proposals aimed to ensure that biodiversity objectives are met without creating unnecessary barriers to development or disproportionate burdens.

Reform of Planning Committees – Technical Consultation

Consulting body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Consultation period: 28 May 2025 to 23 July 2025
Council response submitted: July 2025

MHCLG consulted on proposals to reform the operation of planning committees, seeking technical feedback on changes to the delegation of planning functions, the size and composition of committees, and the introduction of mandatory training for members of planning committees.

The consultation formed part of wider proposals to modernise the planning system, with the aim of improving efficiency, consistency and decision‑making while maintaining democratic oversight in the planning process.

Planning Reform Working Paper – Reforming Site Thresholds

Consulting body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Consultation period: 28 May 2025 to 9 July 2025
Council response submitted: July 2025

MHCLG consulted on the Planning Reform Working Paper: Reforming Site Thresholds, seeking views on how site size thresholds within the planning system could be revised to better support housing delivery across different types of development sites.

The working paper explored whether changes to thresholds could help unlock development on a wider range of sites, including smaller and medium‑sized schemes, while maintaining appropriate planning scrutiny and environmental safeguards.

Technical Consultation on Implementing Measures to Improve Build Out Transparency

Consulting body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Consultation period: 25 May 2025 to 7 July 2025
Council response submitted: July 2025

MHCLG consulted on proposals to introduce a new statutory build out framework, aimed at improving transparency around the rate at which housing developments are built out following the granting of planning permission.

The consultation sought views on measures to collect, publish and use build out data more consistently, with the aim of improving understanding of housing delivery, identifying barriers to progress and supporting policy‑making across the planning system.

Planning Reform Working Paper – Speeding Up Build Out

Consulting body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Consultation period: 25 May 2025 to 7 July 2025
Council response submitted: July 2025

MHCLG consulted on the Planning Reform Working Paper: Speeding Up Build Out, inviting views on further actions that could be taken to ensure that homes are built more quickly once planning permission has been granted.

The working paper explored potential policy and system changes aimed at improving delivery rates, identifying barriers to build out, and ensuring that planned housing translates into completed homes.

Transport & Infrastructure

Buckinghamshire Local Transport Plan

Consulting body: Buckinghamshire Council
Consultation period: 16 February 2026 to 30 March 2026
Council response submitted: 23 March 2026

Buckinghamshire Council consulted on its draft Local Transport Plan, which sets out the authority’s long‑term approach to managing and improving transport across Buckinghamshire. The plan covers priorities for transport infrastructure, public transport, walking and cycling, road safety and measures to support economic growth and environmental objectives.

Although the plan relates to a neighbouring authority, transport networks frequently operate across local authority boundaries. The proposals, therefore, have relevance for South Oxfordshire, particularly where transport corridors, commuter movements and cross‑boundary travel patterns connect communities and employment areas.

South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO) Project – Statutory Consultation

Consulting body: Thames Water
Consultation period: 28 October 2025 to 13 January 2026
Council response submitted: 13 January 2026

Thames Water carried out a statutory consultation on proposals for the South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO) project. The SESRO project forms part of Thames Water’s long‑term strategy to secure water supplies in the South East, including the construction of a large new reservoir and associated infrastructure.

The statutory consultation sought feedback on the proposed reservoir location, design, construction approach and potential environmental, community and infrastructure impacts.

Wallingford Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP)

Consulting body: Oxfordshire County Council
Consultation period: 19 November 2025 to 7 January 2026
Council response submitted: 7 January 2026

Oxfordshire County Council consulted on the Wallingford Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), seeking views on proposals to improve cycling and walking routes in Wallingford and the surrounding areas.

The LCWIP sets out a strategic approach to developing safe, accessible and well‑connected active travel infrastructure. It is intended to support healthier travel choices, reduce reliance on the private car, and improve connectivity within towns and between communities.

Science Vale Movement and Place Plan

Consulting body: Oxfordshire County Council
Consultation period: 3 November 2025 to 1 December 2025
Council response submitted: 26 November 2025

Oxfordshire County Council consulted on the Science Vale Movement and Place Plan, which sets out proposals to improve transport, movement and public spaces across the Science Vale area. The plan focuses on how people move within and between key employment areas, residential communities and transport hubs, supporting continued growth while improving accessibility, safety and placemaking.

The consultation sought views on proposed transport interventions, active travel routes, public realm improvements and measures to support sustainable travel choices in an area of significant planned development and economic activity.

Wantage and Grove Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP)

Consulting body: Oxfordshire County Council
Consultation period: 7 August 2025 to 18 September 2025
Council response submitted: 2 September 2025

Oxfordshire County Council consulted on the Wantage and Grove Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), seeking views on proposed improvements to cycling and walking routes in Wantage, Grove and surrounding areas.

The LCWIP sets out a long‑term, strategic approach to developing active travel infrastructure, aiming to make walking and cycling safer, more convenient and more attractive for everyday journeys. The plan is intended to support healthier travel choices, reduce car dependency and improve accessibility between homes, services, employment sites and transport hubs.

Oxford Temporary Congestion Charge

Consulting body: Oxfordshire County Council
Consultation period: 23 June 2025 to 3 August 2025
Council response submitted: 1 August 2025

Oxfordshire County Council consulted on proposals for an Oxford Temporary Congestion Charge, seeking views on a short‑term charging scheme intended to manage traffic levels in Oxford during a period of transport network change.

The proposed scheme aimed to reduce congestion, improve journey reliability and reduce environmental impacts, while allowing essential travel to continue. The consultation sought feedback on the design, scope and potential impacts of the temporary charge.

Environment & Climate

Transitional Regional Energy Strategic Plan

Consulting body: National Energy System Operator (NESO)
Consultation period: September 2025 to November 2025
Council response submitted: November 2025

The National Energy System Operator consulted on the Transitional Regional Energy Strategic Plan, seeking views on the proposed approach to planning and coordinating the development of regional energy networks during a transition period.

The consultation focused on the key components of the draft plan, including how regional energy needs would be assessed, how investment priorities would be identified, and how energy infrastructure planning could support decarbonisation, economic growth and energy security.

Flood and Coastal Erosion Funding Reform

Consulting body: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
Consultation period: 3 June 2025 to 29 July 2025
Council response submitted: July 2025

DEFRA consulted on proposals to reform the way flood and coastal erosion risk management projects are funded, alongside a call for evidence on alternative funding sources and opportunities for greater local and regional involvement.

The consultation explored changes to national funding arrangements for flood and coastal erosion schemes, with the aim of improving long‑term resilience, supporting better outcomes for communities, and ensuring that investment is targeted effectively as climate risks increase.

Community Benefits and Shared Ownership for Low Carbon Energy Infrastructure – Working Paper

Consulting body: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Consultation period: 21 May 2025 to 16 July 2025
Council response submitted: July 2025

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero consulted on a Working Paper on Community Benefits and Shared Ownership for Low Carbon Energy Infrastructure, seeking views on proposals for mandatory community benefits and opportunities for shared ownership linked to low‑carbon energy developments.

The working paper explored how communities could benefit more directly from energy infrastructure projects, such as renewable energy schemes, through financial contributions, local investment opportunities or shared ownership arrangements. The consultation aimed to support public acceptance of low‑carbon infrastructure while contributing to local economic and social outcomes.

Housing, Communities and Wellbeing

Reducing the Prevalence of Private Estate Management Arrangements

Consulting body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Consultation period: 18 December 2025 to 12 March 2026
Council response submitted: March 2026

MHCLG consulted on proposals to reduce the prevalence of private estate management arrangements on new housing developments in England. The consultation focused on concerns about unadopted roads, open spaces and other amenities on privately managed housing estates, and the impact this can have on residents, service provision and local accountability.

The proposals sought views on how national policy and legislation might be updated to encourage greater adoption of amenities by local authorities or other accountable bodies, and to improve outcomes for residents living on new housing estates.

Reforming the Licensing System

Consulting body: Home Office and the Department for Business and Trade
Consultation period: 8 October 2025 to 6 November 2025
Council response submitted: November 2025

The Home Office and the Department for Business and Trade consulted on proposals to reform the licensing system, seeking views and evidence to help inform the development of a modern, proportionate and enabling framework. The consultation covered a range of licensing regimes, including alcohol, entertainment, taxis and other regulated activities.

The proposals aimed to ensure that the licensing system remains effective in protecting the public, supporting economic activity and responding to changes in how businesses and services operate, while reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and complexity.

Oxfordshire’s Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs)

Consulting body: Oxfordshire County Council
Consultation period: 1 July 2025 to 11 August 2025
Council response submitted: August 2025

Oxfordshire County Council consulted on proposed changes to Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) across the county. The consultation sought views on how the operation of HWRCs could be updated to improve efficiency, manage demand, and support environmental objectives, including reducing waste and increasing recycling.

The proposals covered matters such as access arrangements, accepted materials, site usage and operational changes intended to ensure that HWRC services remain sustainable and fit for future needs.

Improving the Energy Performance of Privately Rented Homes – 2025 Update

Consulting body: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Consultation period: 7 February 2025 to 2 May 2025
Council response submitted: May 2025

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero consulted on proposals to improve the energy performance of privately rented homes, seeking views on raising minimum energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector in England and Wales by 2030.

The consultation focused on updates to existing proposals, including changes to minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirements, compliance timelines and exemptions. The aim of the proposals is to reduce carbon emissions, improve living conditions for tenants, and contribute to national climate and fuel‑poverty objectives.

Archived Consultation Responses

Consultations are moved to the archive after 12 months. Archived responses remain available for transparency, scrutiny and reference, but should be read in the context of the policy framework and circumstances of the time.

View Archived Council Consultation Responses