Oxford City Council

Cabinet approved starting procurement for a high-support accommodation service for single homeless people. The service is currently delivered from one location, demand remains very high with long waiting lists, and the new contract is proposed for two years from 2027-28 with an option to extend by three years.

Cabinet approved three HRA policies: complaints, lifting operations/lifting equipment, and voids management. The policies respond to regulatory expectations, set service standards for complaints and lift repairs, and establish faster turnaround targets for empty homes while also aligning with net zero ambitions.

Cabinet agreed to accept and allocate Local Authority Housing Fund round four, using government grant to buy homes for temporary accommodation and refugee resettlement. The funding reduces the council's borrowing requirement by £808,000 and will be passed to a registered provider for some units, with nomination rights returning to the council when tenancies end.

Oxford is adopting a standalone private sector housing enforcement policy in response to the Renters’ Rights Act. Officers said the policy formalises existing practice, adds new statutory duties, and sets out enforcement tools, staffing needs, and incentives for accredited landlords under the citywide licensing schemes.

Cabinet approved a standalone enforcement policy for private rented housing under the Renters Rights Act. The policy formalises the council's statutory duty to enforce the new regime, mirrors national model practice, and is intended to improve transparency and reduce tribunal challenge risk.

Cabinet is being asked to approve a funding mechanism to cover the remaining £2.5m needed for day-one infrastructure and public realm around the Cowley branch line stations. The money would come forward from enterprise zone funding and be repaid using a ring-fenced share of SIL from developments within 1.5 km of the stations, for up to 10 years or until repayment is complete.

The meeting focused on funding for the Cowley branch line, especially the £2.5m gap for day-one public realm and local infrastructure, and how that would be repaid through ring-fenced SIL from developments near the stations. Members questioned the 1.5 km catchment, the impact of LGR, and whether South Oxfordshire District Council and local landowners should contribute. The committee also agreed to add a scrutiny work-plan item on community employment and procurement plans.

The main procurement-related discussion was the Ozone Leisure Park redevelopment, which includes a major phased mixed-use scheme with labs, leisure, community space, transport improvements, biodiversity works, and the restoration of Mintry Farmhouse. Members focused on the section 106 obligations, ongoing Environment Agency objections, parking management, cycle and bus infrastructure contributions, and securing future community and leisure uses. A second significant item was listed building consent for Mintry Farmhouse, requiring stripping-out and stabilisation works before full restoration. The meeting also covered a retrospective householder application and a large HMO application, but these were smaller in procurement significance.