Read my latest news and views…
What even is “Thames Valley”?
Now that the dust has settled a little on the Government’s announcement of the creation of a Mayor for Thames Valley it’s time to think about what this might mean in the real world.
The short term funding being made available now would buy about 72cm of the Botley Road bridge!
Council changes on hold
The announcement that the plans for Oxfordshire’s (and West Berkshire’s) new councils have been paused spells more chaos for local residents.
At best it shows political confusion by the Government, at worst it demonstrates incompetence.
Challenging councils and developers on the problem of unadopted estates
It is not acceptable that years after people move into their new homes, local councils are not providing the services that people are paying for through their council tax. Today is about seeking action for residents to unblock the delays which impact on parking, road safety, and concerns about local amenities.
Will the demise of Police & Crime Commissioners save money?
The Home Office has announced the abolition of Police & Crime Commissioners, describing the role as “a failed experiment” and claiming massive savings.
In reality it is a thinly veiled move in the direction of centralisation and a loss of operational independence.
Government announces PCCs to be abolished
Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber, responds to the announcement of the abolition of Police and Crime Commissioners.
Planning Inspectors slam South & Vale councils for Local Plan failure
In an extensive nine-page letter to both Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire District Councils the Planning Inspectors have concluded that the councils have failed to discharge their statutory obligations and the draft Joint Local Plan 2041 should be withdrawn.