Oxfordshire County Council says its making 'good progress' towards targets

Oxfordshire County Council said it has achieved success in its work to tackle climate change and made "good progress" on its other priorities.

The council has nine priorities, which were set by its cabinet, and it said it has achieved "particular success" in its work to address climate change.

Its achievements were reported to the cabinet in an annual report on June 18.

Council leader, councillor Liz Leffman, said: "We have nine priorities that guide our work across all our services, from highways to social care, with the overall aim of making Oxfordshire a greener, fairer and healthier county.

Council leader Liz Leffman (Image: Oxfordshire County Council)

"Our officers have worked hard to deliver against these priorities in partnership with many other organisations and I am delighted with the progress that has been made in supporting our communities and protecting our environment.

“These achievements have been delivered in the context of ongoing resource constraints and high, complex demand on our services as we continue work with our communities to support those who are most vulnerable.”

The council has made progress on climate change with a number of projects.

It was named as the top performing waste disposal authority in England for the 10th year running in 2023/24, and was ranked as the top county council for action on climate change by Climate Emergency UK.

Its LED streetlighting conversion programme is close to completion, which it says will cut costs and emissions by almost 70 per cent.

Meanwhile, a £83.8 million project in partnership with bus operators is delivering 159 new fully electric buses onto the roads of Oxford – one of the biggest UK fleets of electric buses outside London.

The year also saw financial support provided to vulnerable households to help them through the cost of living crisis.

A support scheme was launched that provided emergency financial support to 3,620 households to cover food, energy and essential household costs.

A total of £21 million was put towards reducing council tax bills and providing additional housing support for those on low incomes.

Additionally, families of children qualifying for free school meals were supported with £3.5 million, providing support with food expenses during school holidays.

The annual report also details more than 20 awards won by the county council and its officers.

Ms Leffman added: “The report provides a snapshot of the range of activity and support that the council provides to residents across the county on a day to day basis.

"It’s a great place for people to spend a few minutes learning what their council tax contributions went towards during 2023/24.”