Oxfordshire councils need £9 billion to support population growth

Oxfordshire’s six councils need £9 billion for infrastructure to support growth, a new report says.

The report by AECOM was commissioned by Oxfordshire’s councils who make up the Oxfordshire Growth Board. These include Cherwell District Council, Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire City Council, South Oxfordshire District Council, Vale of White Horse District Council and West Oxfordshire District Council.

The report highlights the need for long-term investment that will be required to plan for and manage growth in population, jobs and homes in a way that supports the local economy and protects quality of life across the county.

The investment will help with transport, schools, hospitals and other infrastructure. For the first time the councils are working together to develop the strategy, detailing the key infrastructure requirements for the county.

Major investment projects include: improvements to the A34; rapid bus routes linking key locations; East-West Rail connecting Oxford to Cambridge; a long-term strategy to address congestion on the A40; redevelopment of Oxford Station; a new Garden Town for Didcot; and incentives to encourage businesses to locate and expand within the Science Vale.

The new strategy will identify, map and support the county’s strategic infrastructure requirements. It will include evidence on the infrastructure required for transport, energy and the utilities, waste management, flooding and water management, green infrastructure, education, adult social care and broadband.

Funding will come from various sources including the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund.

Ian Hudspeth, leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Across the county, people need places to live, with a great environment, transport and other vital infrastructure to support them. We remain committed to attracting the necessary investment to the region so that we can have the right infrastructure in place through to 2040 so that residents, businesses and visitors continue to thrive.”

Bob Price, leader of Oxford City Council, said: “It is really important that we plan the infrastructure needed to support Oxfordshire and its growth. By having an integrated strategy that clearly shows the infrastructure needed to support future growth such as new housing developments and new businesses, we stand a greater chance of securing the necessary funding to deliver what is required.”

Nigel Tipple, chief executive of Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The need to ensure Oxfordshire benefits from an infrastructure that is fit for purpose and one that doesn’t hold back economic growth – whilst being sensitive to the environment – is a key priority. This draft strategy is aligned with the priorities set out in our own strategic economic plan for Oxfordshire and – as a Local Enterprise Partnership – we will continue to champion our economy with the aim of securing future funds for key projects.

“Oxfordshire has seen 45,000 new jobs created over the past five years, representing over half of a 2031 target of 85,600 new jobs. As a county, we need to maintain this growth but – similarly – ensure that our future infrastructure fully-supports our desire to grow.”

Matthew Barber, leader of Vale of White Horse District Council said: “I welcome the joint working from all six councils on the draft strategy. Understanding the level of infrastructure, such as roads and schools and securing the right investment is crucial to ensuring Oxfordshire continues to prosper over the coming years.”

John Cotton, leader of South Oxfordshire District Council said: “South Oxfordshire is an area of significant growth. It includes a new Garden Town for Didcot, which will see 20,000 new jobs and 16,000 new homes built along with new schools, roads and other important facilities needed for a growing town. I welcome the fact that our six councils are now firmly focused on securing a long-term infrastructure strategy for Oxfordshire – this is a positive step forward for us all.”

James Mills, leader at West Oxfordshire District Council said: “We know growth is inevitable – the task is to ensure that it is sustainable for the benefit of local people. Investment in infrastructure will ensure that jobs are created, schools and hospitals built or improved and transport links developed for the benefit of communities now and in the future.”

Barry Wood, leader of Cherwell District Council, said: “We need a rigorous and joined up plan for how homes and businesses will be supported by roads, hospitals and other infrastructure as the county grows. Looking ahead as far as 2040, all Oxfordshire’s local authorities are working to gather evidence about what the county’s infrastructure needs will be in the coming years, so that we can engage residents and make our plans in the most informed way possible.”