Decisions
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11/02/2026 - Investment in Public Conveniences ref: 476 Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)
To seek agreement for investment in Public
Conveniences, with allocation of capital funding
Decision Maker: Executive
Made at meeting: 11/02/2026 - Executive
Decision published: 13/02/2026
Effective from: 24/02/2026
Decision:
Councillor Alaric Smith, Executive Member for Finance, introduced the item, the purpose of which was to seek funding for the renovation, redesign and repair of the Public Conveniences to be retained within the district to ensure a high-quality service for the customer.
In his presentation Councillor Smith made the following points:
- Following consultation, the Town or Parish Councils had not taken the option to take on facilities.
- Seven public conveniences would remain open. Those that would remain open were located where they were most needed and would be improved.
- The remainder facilities would be closed on 31 March 2026, and signage would be displayed to advise of the closures.
- The focus of renovation, redesign and repair works would be on the remaining well used facilities. The improvements would be on a direct access design which was less likely to attract anti-social behaviour, were more capable of being easily cleaned, were gender-neutral and more accessible.
- Cashless payment would also be introduced as part of the work.
- The current cost to the Council of providing public conveniences was £269,747. This cost was reduced by £114,7545 by the closures proposed. The closures also would avoid repair costs on closed facilities estimated to be £87,700 over the next three years.
The alternative option was that the Executive could have decided not to invest in the retained facilities but unless repairs were carried out the condition would deteriorate further.
Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of the Council, seconded the proposal and advised that a further report would be brought to the Executive on the proposals for disposal of the closed assets. Councillor Graham noted that this process was an example of the Council making assessment of the use of its assets and the use did change over time.
Councillor Hugo Ashton, Executive Member for Planning, highlighted the importance of the upgrades for the visitor economy and welcomed the addition of cashless payment which would improve access. Councillor Ashton suggested that it would be appropriate for the Council to consider increasing charges in the future.
A non-Executive Member present requested that officers reconsider the detail of the facilities at Kilkenny Country Park. The Member also requested that the returns from the sales of the assets being disposed of be earmarked to improvements works at the remaining public conveniences.
This was voted on and agreed unanimously.
RESOLVED:
That the Executive:
- Allocated funding of £532,140 within the capital programme for 2026/27 to enable the delivery of Option 2 - redesign, renovation and repair of public conveniences at Langdale Gate in Witney, Guildenford and High Street in Burford, Bampton Town Hall, New Street in Chipping Norton, Hensington Road in Woodstock and Kilkenny Country Park, and to introduce cashless payment at these sites.
- Delegated authority to the Executive Director – Corporate Services in consultation with the Director of Finance and the Executive Members for Finance and for Environment, to agree the detailed design and improvements and to award the contract.
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Lead officer: Claire Locke
11/02/2026 - Street Cleansing Vehicle Procurement ref: 475 Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)
To seek approval to procure new
vehicles.
Decision Maker: Executive
Made at meeting: 11/02/2026 - Executive
Decision published: 13/02/2026
Effective from: 24/02/2026
Decision:
Councillor Andrew Prosser, Executive Member for Climate Action and Nature Recovery, introduced the item the purpose of which was to seek approval to procure vehicles for the Street Cleansing service.
In his presentation Councillor Prosser made the following points:
- The report had included the alternative options for vehicle procurement, and these were:
· Retain Existing Vehicles
Advantages: Avoided immediate capital expenditure.
Disadvantages: This option significantly increased the risk of service failure due to mechanical breakdowns. Maintenance costs for aging sweepers were increasing, and downtime impacted operational efficiency and resident satisfaction.
· Procure two Fossil Fuel-Powered Sweepers
Advantages: Fossil fuel-powered vehicles were widely available and had lower upfront costs compared to electric alternatives.
Disadvantages: This option did not support the Council’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. Continuing with this technology would lock in higher emissions for the lifespan of the vehicles.
· Explore Hydrogen or Other Emerging Technologies
Advantages: Hydrogen-powered vehicles offered zero tailpipe emissions and could align with long-term sustainability goals.
Disadvantages: Hydrogen sweepers were not readily available in the current market, and infrastructure requirements would be significantly more complex and costly than electric charging solutions. This option was therefore not viable at present.
· After evaluating these alternatives, the proposed approach, to replace the smaller electric sweeper on a like-for-like basis now and delegate the decision on the larger sweeper pending schedule reviews and depot capacity identification, represented the most practical and strategic choice. This approach continued the delivery of environmental benefits, aligned with the Council’s climate commitments, and maintained
- The small electric-powered vehicle-mounted road sweeper was a replacement vehicle.
- Procurement of the larger electric vehicle would be delegated to the Director of Place in consultation with the relevant Executive Members as further trials were required. The trials would include exploration of the schedules and distances required to be covered by the vehicle.
Councillor Alaric Smith, Executive Member for Finance, seconded the proposal and stated that it was important to progress the replacement of the fleet where necessary in line with the Council’s green objectives.
This was voted on and agreed unanimously.
RESOLVED:
That the Executive:
1. Approved the use of capital funding of £260,000 to procure one small (~3.5t) electric-powered vehicle-mounted road sweeper on a like-for-like basis.
2. Delegated authority to the Director of Place, in consultation with the Executive Member for Environmental Services, the Executive Member for Finance, and the Director of Finance, to:
a) Review the sweeping re-scheduling report and assess depot capacity following a further electric vehicle trial.
b) Approve the use of capital funding of £235,000 - £435,000 to procure one large (~16t) vehicle-mounted road sweeper, based on the outcome of the review and trial.
c) Approve the use of capital funding of £15,000 to procure any necessary charging infrastructure if an electric option is selected for the larger sweeper.
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Lead officer: Si Pocock-Cluley