Oxford City Council approves four-year Budget with new waste services

KEY INFORMATION:

• Oxford City Council has approved a four-year Budget and financial plan for 2026/27 to 2029/30.
• New funding includes free bulky waste collections for all residents and more grass verge cuts.
• A new team of community wardens will tackle fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour.
• The Council is investing £385.6m to build or purchase 1,376 new affordable homes.
• Council Tax will increase by 2.99%, while full discounts remain for those on the lowest incomes.

Oxford City Council has formally agreed its Budget and medium-term financial plan.

This strategy covers the period from 2026/27 to 2029/30. The plan was approved during a Full Council meeting on Monday night.

The new Budget introduces free bulky waste collections for all Oxford residents. It also funds a team of wardens to combat fly-tipping. These measures address key concerns raised by locals regarding litter and community safety.

Tackling litter and anti-social behaviour

The Council will invest £102,000 annually to make bulky waste collections free. Previously, 43% of residents identified rubbish or litter as a major problem in their local area. To strengthen enforcement, £390,000 a year will fund a new team of community wardens. These wardens will report fly-tipping and help catch offenders.

Additionally, grass verge maintenance will increase. The Council has allocated £30,000 for an extra annual cut. This takes the total to four cuts per year across the city.

Housing and infrastructure investment

The Budget commits £385.6m to affordable housing over the next six years. This plan aims to build or purchase 1,376 new homes. By 2032, the Council’s housing stock should reach approximately 9,000 properties.

A further £32m will help acquire 260 homes for temporary accommodation. Other key investments include £1m for repairs to the Oxford Ice Rink roof. The Council also intends to fund a programme manager for the Cowley Branch Line.

The Oxford Model and Council Tax

The "Oxford Model" helps fund these frontline services. The Council owns two companies, ODS and OX Place. These are expected to generate £12.6m in dividends over four years.

Council Tax will increase by 2.99% for 2026/27. For a Band D property, this means an extra £10.66 per year. Despite this, Oxford remains one of the few councils providing a full discount for those on the lowest incomes.

Councillor Ed Turner, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Asset Management, said: “People said they were sick of dumped rubbish and wanted something done about it. With free bulky waste collections and stronger enforcement against fly-tippers, we are taking action.”

He added: “This Budget takes place against the backdrop of local government reorganisation. Nonetheless, we have set a four-year medium-term financial strategy to demonstrate that ours is a council that is able to balance its books.”

OFFICIAL SOURCE VERIFICATION: This report is based on official data from Council / Local Authority. Document: **Council agrees Budget: Free bulky waste collections, action against fly-tipping and more grass verge cuts Source Link: https://www.oxford.gov.uk/news/article/1816/council-agrees-budget-free-bulky-waste-collections-action-against-fly-tipping-and-more-grass-verge-cuts

Related Links:

MORE: Westminster Council secures 85 affordable homes for local residents — https://trendwiremedia.com/2026/02/11/westminster-council-secures-85-affordable-homes-for-local-residents/

MORE: Manchester kickstarts nine-year plan to wipe out fly-tipping and litter — https://trendwiremedia.com/2026/02/13/manchester-kickstarts-nine-year-plan-to-wipe-out-fly-tipping-and-litter/

MORE: Manchester City Council launches month-long key amnesty to tackle tenancy fraud — https://trendwiremedia.com/2026/02/05/manchester-city-council-launches-month-long-key-amnesty-to-tackle-tenancy-fraud/