CCTV at risk in Oxfordshire due to lack of engagement from local councils
Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber, warned that plans to improve CCTV in Oxfordshire are at risk as local councils refuse to join a new partnership.
Earlier this year Matthew Barber set out plans to upgrade CCTV across the county. In recent years, the Police & Crime Commissioner has allocated around £1.5m of police funding to support CCTV across Thames Valley.
In addition to the investment plans, which would see up to date equipment, longer operating hours and a closer link with police officers on the ground, additional funding was also available to local councils to assist with the transition. Only West Oxfordshire District Council has decided to take up this funding opportunity and support the plans. Following missed deadlines in June, July and November, Cherwell District, Oxford City, South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have decided not to take up the additional funding and to date have declined to join the Partnership.
In a last-ditch attempt to save the project, which is aimed at cutting crime and catching more criminals, the PCC is still encouraging council leaders to join the partnership. A final deadline of 19th December has been set as the latest an agreement is needed to get the system up and running by April 2026.
Commenting on the situation, Matthew Barber said, “It is disappointing the councils have not supported these plans. They are designed to improve public safety, and in the long run save councils' money. I have ensured there is significant investment from the police, but without the support of councils, we simply will not be able to go ahead.
“I want to see CCTV in our communities protected and improved, but I am also committed to ensure the police have the resources they need on the ground. With real-terms cuts coming from the government and the need to set the Force budget early in the New Year, if there is no agreement the money will need to be allocated to support operational policing locally.”
