PAYEE

Description / Power to spend

Amount

D Hollick / E Holroyd

Receipts

Description

Amount

1.     Write to landowners of ploughed out bridle/byway.

2.     To establish landowner of Lid’s Bottom & discuss open access.

In other news, we bring you an update on two consultations: the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) consultation, launching on Monday; and the draft Local Transport and Connectivity Plan (LTCP), which opened earlier in the week. I am also excited to share details of an electric vehicle charging point pilot scheme being trialled in Oxford and Cherwell and news from our trading standards officers who made their biggest haul of illicit cigarettes just before Christmas – well done to all involved! Lastly, there’s an overview of works taking place at Steventon Bridge.

In the seven days up to 31 December, there has been a total of 10,258 confirmed new COVID-19 cases in Oxfordshire. This is an increase from 8,475 new cases in the previous week and is equivalent to a weekly rate of 1,472.0 per 100,000 residents. Cases in the over 60s have increased from 702 to 1,285, which is equivalent to a weekly rate of 762.0 per 100,000 residents. You can view the latest figures on our COVID-19 dashboard.

Cases of COVID-19 by district

Data correct as at 4pm on 4 January.

Earlier this week the government confirmed the current ‘Plan B’ measures will be retained until at least 26 January. These include working from home if you can, wearing a face covering in most indoor settings, and using an NHS COVID-19 pass or proof of a negative lateral flow test to gain entry to nightclubs and large capacity venues. 

Changes to testing rules

From 11 January, people in England who test positive from a lateral flow test and do not have symptoms will no longer be required to take a follow-up PCR test. They should self-isolate immediately and report their result on gov.uk. Following this, NHS Test & Trace will contact them to identify their close contacts. Anyone who tests positive will be able to leave self-isolation seven days after the date of their initial positive test if they receive two negative lateral flow test results, 24 hours apart, on days six and seven.

These testing changes only apply to those people without symptoms of COVID-19. Anyone experiencing any of the three main symptoms must self-isolate immediately and arrange a PCR test on gov.uk.

Face coverings in schools

From 4 January, the government has recommended that in those schools where pupils in year 7 and above are educated, face coverings should be worn in classrooms, corridors and communal areas. This does not apply in situations where wearing a face covering would impact on the ability to take part in exercise or strenuous activity, for example in PE lessons. These pupils and students must also wear a face covering when travelling on public transport and on dedicated transport to and from school.

In primary schools, the government recommends face coverings should be worn by staff, adults, and those aged over 11 (including visitors) when moving around in corridors and communal areas. Health advice continues to be that children in primary schools should not be asked to wear face coverings.

Latest international travel advice

The prime minister has announced that, as of Friday 7 January, people will no longer be required to take a pre-departure COVID-19 test to enter England from overseas. The rule to self-isolate on arrival in England until receiving a negative PCR test result will be replaced with a requirement to take a lateral flow test on day two (those who test positive will need to self-isolate and take a further PCR test to identify any new variants). Please check gov.uk for the latest information about travelling overseas from the UK and entering the UK from overseas.  

Communications campaigns

We are continuing to run regular messaging highlighting the new rules to reduce the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 and supporting our NHS partners in sharing messages about vaccinations and boosters.

The emergence of the Omicron variant has created unprecedented demand for testing and resulted in staff shortages in laboratories. This is causing delays in the processing of some PCR tests.

NHS Test & Trace is working hard to process the current backlog of tests and to reduce the turnaround time. There is recognition of the impact this is having or could have in care settings. NHS Test & Trace continues to advise that anyone who is symptomatic should continue to self-isolate while waiting for a PCR result. It also advises that staff who work in care settings who are a contact of a positive case should continue to wait for a negative PCR test result before returning to work (ie a non-virtual environment where they may come into physical contact with people).

Availability of lateral flow tests

The national supply of lateral flow tests continues to be under considerable pressure. Delivery slots on gov.uk do regularly open up and pharmacies are being restocked. Please keep trying to obtain tests as required either online or from a local pharmacy.

We retain a reserve stock to support frontline services, and our partner organisations, who work with vulnerable residents. In the event that their normal supply has been interrupted, members of staff can speak to their head of service to access these reserves. Please note we are unable to supply members of the public with tests at this time.

The prime minister reiterated the importance of people getting fully vaccinated again this week. 90 per cent of those currently in intensive care with COVID-19 have not had their booster jab, and it remains the best way to protect yourself and those around you.

Walk-in vaccinations at Kassam Stadium

The mass vaccination centre at the Kassam Stadium in Oxford is resuming walk-in vaccinations from Monday 10 January. This means that anyone eligible – including 12-15 year olds – can get a jab without the need for an appointment. It is anticipated that this offer will be available between 9am and 7pm most days, except when Oxford United is playing at home at the weekend.

Residents are advised to check opening times on the NHS Grab A Jab website before travelling to the stadium. The website lists vaccination sites that offer walk-ins and opening times. People can also continue to book appointments at the Kassam by visiting the NHS website.

Vaccinations for 12 – 15 year olds

The NHS is now offering a second dose to young people aged 12 – 15 years 12 weeks after their first dose. Young people or their responsible adult can book using the NHS website or, if they are unable to use the online service, by calling 119.  There are also walk-in options, which you can find on the NHS online vaccine walk-in finder. Please visit the NHS website for further information about vaccinations.

Booster vaccinations

Everyone over the age of 18 is entitled to a COVID-19 booster vaccine and you are strongly encouraged to take up your booster if you have not already done so. You can book on the NHS website or search for local walk-in options.

As always, your help in promoting these vaccination messages to residents is much appreciated.

Earlier this week all councillors were sent a briefing about two interlinked consultations on plans to develop a more inclusive approach to supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Oxfordshire. Our proposals include making more high-quality SEND education available closer to home, reducing reliance on out-of-county provision, and improving educational outcomes for children through closer partnerships between the council and schools. The consultations will launch on Let’s Talk Oxfordshire on Monday 10 January and will be live until 10 March. This is really important given the issues many of our residents face locally and no provision for SEN dedicated school until Valley Park!

Have your say on the future of transport in Oxfordshire

We are asking people who live, work in, or visit Oxfordshire to have their say on a plan to deliver a zero-carbon transport network by 2040. The draft Local Transport and Connectivity Plan (LTCP) was approved last October, which – among its many ambitions – aims to cut car journeys by a quarter by 2030 and reduce them by a third by 2040. We also have plans to increase the number of cycling trips from 600,000 to one million by 2031. Let your constituents know they can have their say on the plan until 16 March by visiting Let’s Talk Oxfordshire. You can also read more in our news article. 

Pilot of new electric vehicle charging points

For people without a driveway to charge their electric vehicle (EV) safely on the street, a new charging solution is being tested by OxGul-e to use residents’ home power supply. The project is being led by us and ODS (a local authority trading company owned by Oxford City Council), with funding provided by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) and Innovate UK. The Gul-e is a specially designed cable gully, allowing a driver to run a cable from a home charge point unit to their vehicle. The cables are safely underground when in use, which avoids trip hazards and keeps pavements accessible.

Over 650,000 illegal cigarettes seized from Banbury property

Our trading standards officers have made their biggest seizure of illicit cigarettes yet, smashing their previous record set just weeks earlier. A joint operation with Thames Valley Police, on 29 November, saw another residential property in Banbury being raided, resulting in the record haul of 680,380 smuggled and some suspected counterfeit cigarettes being seized. Their illegal market value is estimated at between £150,000 and £200,000. Find out more in our news story.

Traffic restrictions brought in at Steventon Bridge

Traffic restrictions have been introduced to the High Street in Steventon due to the deterioration of brickwork on Steventon Bridge, which is owned by the council. We have narrowed the B4017 across the bridge and brought in a traffic priority system following a review of the structure’s load carrying capacity. An inspection will be carried out as soon as access can be gained onto the railway to review the condition of the brickwork in more detail. As many of you will know I pushed hard for the surveys and have worked with officers all over the Christmas period on this issue, despite some public voices around the priority lane, its functioning well, and we want to avoid signalisation on the request of residents and the Parish. More details as they come, but it won’t be a quick fix sadly as I explained to Steventon Parish Council last week.

Steventon Reservoir

So here we go, RAPID have put the SESRO scheme into Gate 2 despite a coordinated campaign of objections and extensions for the schemes submission documents. Frankly OFWAT are a joke, and we are working hard with GARD. This week I wrote to MP Layla Moran and David Johnston as well as District and County political leads to coordinate a meeting about strategy and next steps. Please do get in touch with Derek Stork the chairman of GARD about how we can be a force of objection together – gard.chair@gmail.com

You can find the letter and details here – https://www.ofwat.gov.uk/regulated-companies/rapid/the-rapid-gated-process/gate-one-submissions-and-final-decisions/ 

Valley Park – 5 Arm Roundabout 

I have yet again raised issues with the 3 cabinet members responsible around the insanity that this brings to more traffic and the local area. I have requested a 4 arm scheme and a South Side LTN. I will let you know if I manage to get anywhere at all and plan to take it to Cabinet in March.

Budget Consultation

Thank you to everyone who took part, I am being debriefed this week so will know more then around what the plans are. The budget goes to our February Full Council meeting for voting.

20mph Scheme

I may have finally cracked a nut on some of the roads we have major issues with on A4130 and A417 and we are in Scheme 1 roll out consideration for areas such as Hendreds, Harwell, Rowstock, Blewbury around reductions. The SIDS have helped us considerably with the data sets and thanks to Hendreds and Harwell for this data (well done Patrick)

HGV and Freight Strategy

I am pushing to get eyes on the first draft as this has huge impacts on some of our parishes, will feedback when I know more!

Full Council Motions – December

It’s been an incredibly active time for me on Full Council, as a backbencher and as Group Vice Chair and Group WHIP. I have seconded a motion and in December I presented my first motion on COP26 which you can find here…

https://mycouncil.oxfordshire.gov.uk/documents/g6493/Decisions%20Tuesday%2014-Dec-2021%2010.30%20County%20Council.pdf?T=2

We had to amend as it was originally due for November but we lost time then and was rescheduled. Working alongside my Green colleagues and I will keep pushing on this with our leader and cabinet member on climate. We cannot achieve anywhere need what we have to on climate and carbon reduction and other schemes for climate justice unless central government pulls their finger out. So far its all words and greenwashing!

You will also notice I had an agenda item on here around Trans and Equality, which I have resubmitted to our March Full Council. Even within our own Division we have members of the Trans community isolated and targeted, I am a firm believer in equality and our council services should not exclude anyone. I have, however, been on the rough end of rather a lot of hate mail and trolling. But thankfully the May election prepared me for such behaviours and as such onwards we go.

I supported Cllr Bulmers motion on HGV’s and cited Rowstock and Steventon in my speech. Which is why I am pushing the cabinet member to be a part of that working party, and also it will come to Place Scrutiny upon which I sit as well!

Rowstock – Esso Application and Residents Association

I have spent a lot of time with the RA and helping on this application on many fronts and we have an officer presentation from OCC next week to talk through the scheme and questions have been presubmitted to make the most value of the time we have.

Upton and Blewbury Cycle Path

Discussions have begun and I chaired a meeting between parish chairs, Highways and our Public rights of way officer. There is now a monthly date in the diary for updates and current actions sit with both Parishes. I do hope we can make this a reality over the coming term, as it would make such a huge difference to the local community.

Hendreds / Ardington and Route 1

Ive had several reports over the past few months about mud bikes (motorbikes) and scramblers, even today we had another complaint with photographs. Its super frustrating these bikes aren’t registered as we cannot track down those tearing up the natural environment and committing a crime on the cycle path. I have today written to the estate about the Golden Mile and the police as well as Highways again about barriers to Route 1 that prevent motorbikes. Not sure what can be done, but if incidents are witnessed please do dial them into 101 so we can get get on the radar as I am getting very little luck on all fronts.

Ardington – A417 School Crossing signs

I am still chasing and getting to the point I will escalate to further up, as I have seen other infrastructure installed – and we have been waiting since October 2021!

Ardington Toad Crossing Signs

Discussion this week with officers, and I will be out again with TOR for 2022 helping our little amphibians over the road (and other creatures like Newts)

Chilton Fields adoption

Chased again, still with Land Registry

Hagbourne Hill

Chased again, and its starting to feel like a game of hide and seek and today I have escalated my concerns and the lack of response from officers.

Upton

Chilton Road – Sustrans work is on Green light, and should be started (could have as haven’t been down there yet this year) – so keep me in the loop!

Harwell

The High Street consultation has finished and I am waiting for the lead officer to come  back from Christmas break. We have had some late submissions but I have sent them onto the officer in charge, including one from RBL about Memorial access.I have concerns about the Hart corner into Burr Street as well and will talk through with officers soon. Meanwhile Grove road works should be imminent.

There is of course the ongoing case work with individual residents, and I do keep my Facebook page upto date with adhoc announcements as does the County Council, which is a great source of info for your own social media pages

Vaccine Manufacturing and Innovation Centre

I have written to our MP and he assures me he is speaking to Ministers about it and also I was on BBC South Today on Friday speaking about it….

NEWSLETTERS

Could I please ask for a copy of the email address for ALL the local newsletters? I have got into a bit of a pickle and want to create a group email so I can more efficiently use my time. As I am sure you can all imagine I am pretty busy on all fronts.

It’s been my pleasure to serve you all in 2021, and now 2022 it’s time for more and rapid change and a stronger voice for our community.

In line with the current government health measures, we are continuing to work with the chairs to take a pragmatic approach to holding our formal meetings to protect public health and to minimise risks. I totally under stand whatever decisions your Parish Council makes and just keep me in the loop so I don’t end up sat outside an empty venue!

I do have a very effective speaker phone machine you can link to a laptop should anyone want to Hybrid and I can lend it to you.

Comet Scheme

I have sent an invite out to join me to discuss opportunities around the Comet Scheme for rural / local transport, this may be a solution for some of the parishes who have had service cuts in the past, details sent to Clerks.

Hendreds and Harwell Sustainability Chat

We had a great first meeting and Cllr Bob Johnston joined as well as OCC Ecology Lead Nick Mottram. Regular meetings have now been put in the diary and was great to have had representation from HUGS (Upton) and HEG (Hendreds) although sadly no other parish or local eco groups came. Hopefully the regular timing and invites will help more attendance. We discussed several themes including Community Food Larders, Nature Recovery Strategy, Rewilding Verges, New Environment Act / Local Authority powers, and Steventon Reservoir.

Councillor Priority Funding Spend

I am have also got £500 committed to Harwell PC and £1000 committed to a Zero Carbon Transport Concept, meaning I have £3,110 left in my funding. Which of course won’t return until 2023 thanks to the previous administration changing the funding. So if you want funds please do discuss with me in the first instance, the project and local / county benefits.

For the latest information about the council’s response to COVID-19, regularly check your emails as I do send to Clerks, visit the council’s website oxfordshire.gov.uk and follow our social media accounts.

All the best, please stay safe and well. 

Sally Povolotsky
Hendreds and Harwell Division