Council delivers strong progress across key services with commitment to further improvement

The report also outlines where the Council is working to improve performance, with a continued focus on delivering high-quality, resident-focused services. 

This quarter saw significant progress in infrastructure investment, with the Council formally adopting the Community Infrastructure Levy Charging Schedule, which will see greater contributions from new developments towards vital supporting infrastructure like schools, transport, utilities, and community facilities. 

The Carterton Area Strategy also moved forward, with early resident engagement already underway to help shape priorities for the area’s future.  The appointment of a new Economic Regeneration Lead will further support this work, helping to drive forward regeneration efforts and unlock new opportunities for the area. 

Affordable housing delivery continues to exceed expectations, with 202 affordable homes completed so far this year, well on target to deliver on the annual target of 276. These homes include a mix of social rent, affordable rent and shared ownership properties. This progress reflects the Council’s ongoing commitment to tackling the housing crisis, ensuring that more residents can access secure, good-quality homes in the communities where they live and work. 

The district’s leisure offer is also seeing meaningful improvements. Visitor numbers across Council-run leisure centres have continued to grow this quarter, with a notable rise in gym, swim, and group activity usage. Work has also begun at Windrush Leisure Centre to upgrade the building’s heating and energy systems, supporting the Council’s wider climate goals by cutting emissions and improving energy efficiency 

Other progress this quarter includes: 

• Missed waste collections remained well below target, supported by continued investment in the electric vehicle fleet 
• The Council exceeded its targets for determining planning applications within agreed timescales 
• Council Tax and business rates collection are ahead of forecast 
• West Oxfordshire endorsed the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, helping to protect and enhance local biodiversity 
• New operators, Cotswold Markets, took over Witney and Chipping Norton markets in August, bringing a fresh approach that has boosted footfall and revitalised atmosphere. Specialist markets at Marriotts Walk also continue to attract visitors and improve the local offer. 
• High levels of customer satisfaction were recorded, with continued growth in use of online services 

Cllr Andy Graham, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said: 

“This quarter’s report shows the clear progress we’re making on the issues that matter most to residents. Even with the financial pressures facing councils across the country, we’re working hard to maintain high standards and continue investing in the services people rely on. 

“We’re not standing still. Our ambition is to build on this momentum, whether that’s improving household recycling rates and finding long-term solutions for more sustainable waste management, or tackling pressure points in areas like planning and response times. We understand the importance of getting this right, and as your local council, we’re fully committed to delivering the services you depend on as we move forward.” 

Whilst clear progress has been made, some challenges remain, and the Council is already taking steps to address them. Response times for Freedom of Information requests and land charge searches dipped due to resourcing pressures, with action underway to improve coordination and boost efficiency. Recycling rates also saw a reduction this quarter, in line with national trends. Despite this, West Oxfordshire remains one of the top 20 councils in England for household recycling and continues to support residents to reduce waste and recycle more. 

This quarterly report forms part of a wider transparency and performance review process, helping to track progress against the Council Plan. The Council remains committed to listening to residents and ensuring that services continue to improve where it matters most.