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Oxford budget 2023/24
Earlier this week, we announced our plans for a balanced budget for 2023/24. We have managed this despite the unprecedented financial pressures that have led other councils to the brink of – or declaring – bankruptcy.
We have balanced the budget, while maintaining vital services, and have even managed to invest in new facilities – including the new Bullingdon Community Centre and provision for people experiencing homelessness at Floyds Row.
We have achieved this through a focus on boosting income – in particular through our wholly-owned companies ODS and OX Place – by driving efficiencies through the transformation of services, targeted increases in fees and charges and with the use of a further £2m from the £11m taken from the Council’s COVID-19 emergency reserve.
The proposed budget means we're in a stronger position than many councils however, there will be targeted increases in some fees and charges for some discretionary council services.
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Uncover the market with a brand new website
We're so excited to reveal the brand new Covered Market website, just in time for Christmas!
Following discussions with the Covered Market Traders Association, it was decided that a full refresh of the website was needed to make sure the historical market was accessible to a 21st century audience.
The new layout makes it easier to find the right service for you and the updated design and images show off just how gorgeous it is.
There is also an interactive map to help you find exactly where each trader’s unit is. By clicking on the name in the list, the map will identify their location and provides a short summary about the trader, their opening times, possible delivery options and how to get in touch.
We hope you love the website as much as we do!
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Another 273 affordable homes in the city
Working in partnership with Peabody, we're delivering another 273 affordable homes in Littlemore.
When the development in Littlemore Park is complete, it will have 162 homes for shared ownership and 111 for social rent, with priority purchase options given to NHS key workers.
Phase one was recently finished, providing 102 new homes, with 84 for shared ownership and 18 for social rent.
There will be a mix of one, two, three and four bedrooms homes, all with surrounding landscaping, a winding boardwalk and paths and community allotments that complement the development’s historic and natural setting.
Newman Place will be Peabody’s flagship development in our North Counties region, close and well-connected to the city of Oxford, it will help hundreds of local people both stay in the area and get on to the property ladder in one of the least affordable places to live.
This is another important step to make sure there are great homes available for everyone in the city.
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Grants to improve energy efficiency of your home
Time is running out to apply for up to £25,000 of funding to retrofit your home.
If you're in a hard-to-heat home, with an EPC of E, F or G (D-rated homes can also be considered), and on a low income then you could be eligible for the grant. Apply before 31 December to find out.
You can find out about the kind of things other people have used the money for in this playlist.
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ONS data reveals how we commute to work in Oxford
New data, released yesterday by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), shows the economic activity and work patterns for Oxford.
The majority of Oxford residents commute to work by walking or cycling – known as active travel – or by using public transport.
The data comes from the UK Census that took place in March 2021. At the time, a ‘stay at home’ rule was in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Even with the restriction, 38.8% of Oxford residents aged 16 and over used active travel to get to work, including 17.2% who commuted by bicycle and 21.6% by foot. A further 14.5% of Oxford residents did so by bus, minibus or coach.
As well as commuting habits, the data also shows the types of jobs you have and the number of students and retirees in the city. It found that the top five employment areas in Oxford are:
- Teaching and other Educational Professionals – 8.1% (5,947 residents)
- Caring Personal Services – 4.3% (3,126)
- Sales Assistants and Retail Cashiers – 4.0% (2,929)
- Research and Development (R&D) and Other Research Professionals – 3.9% (2,834)
- Other Elementary Services Occupations – 3.7% (2,743)
You can find the full breakdown of data for Oxford by hitting the button below.
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Park and ride combined ticket
Heading into Oxford city centre for a spot of Christmas shopping? Avoid the queues and use the Park & Ride!
Earlier this year, we launched a combined ticket for car and bus making it even cheaper and easier.
Car parking and one adult bus ticket costs just £4.00, and parking plus two adults only £5.00. Up to three children (under 16) can also travel using either of the Park + Bus ticket options.
The parking ticket is valid for 16 hours.
Make the most of the city this Christmas, not the congestion!
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Have your say on women's safety
Where do you feel unsafe, or safe in Oxford?
The Oxford Safer Streets project has set up Common Place – an online public engagement platform – where anyone who lives, works, studies, or visits can tell us where and why they feel unsafe. Your feedback will allow us and our partners to find out about areas of concern and to look at how we can improve a location and make it safer for everyone.
Please note: The website is not monitored in real-time, and should not be used to report crime.
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Stay Connected:
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@OxfordCityCouncil
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@OxfordCity
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@oxfordcitycouncil
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