Oxford News
Announcement due – future of Oxfordshire decided tomorrow
The national government’s reorganisation of local authorities is set to see a new unitary council or councils created – abolishing those which currently run Oxfordshire, its city and districts.
Speaking about the decision at a cabinet meeting today, Tuesday, July 14, Liz Leffman, the former county council leader and current highways repair boss (Lib Dem), said: “We’re expecting that to be made tomorrow.”
She later added: “We’ll have to wait and see what Government decides tomorrow”.
Leader of Oxfordshire County Council Liz Leffman (Image: NQ)
The Government’s timetable of plans previously stated that a decision would be shared ahead of the parliamentary recess, which begins on July 16.
This follows rumours from Westminster that the Labour government will choose to go with the Labour-run Oxford City Council’s proposal for local government reorganisation.
Under its proposal, there will be a new ‘Greater Oxford’ authority which would merge the city with surrounding green belt.
Critics suggest this plan would be a ‘land-grab’, but the city council’s cabinet says it would help achieve much-needed housing targets.
Cllr Susan Brown (Image: Isabella Harris/NQ)
City council leader Susan Brown (Labour) said: “We are waiting the decision like everyone else.
“Obviously we hope that the three-unitary option that we proposed is successful as we believe it is the best option for all our areas and their residents.”
A Northern Oxfordshire Council and Ridgeway Council, which includes West Berkshire, would also be created if the city’s plans are chosen.
The county council wants a single council to run Oxfordshire, taking all the powers from the districts and city.
The districts of Cherwell, South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse and West Oxfordshire propose an Oxford and Shires Council (Cherwell, Oxford City and West Oxfordshire) and a Ridgeway Council (South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse, plus West Berkshire).
Calum Miller, the Lib Dem MP for Bicester and Woodstock, told Parliament that people in his constituency are “concerned” about rumours the government will sway towards a Greater Oxford.
He said: “My residents in Bicester and Woodstock are deeply concerned by rumours that the Cherwell and West Oxfordshire district councils will be hollowed out in order to create a Greater Oxford combined authority at the behest of Labour councillors in that city.”
English devolution minister Alison McGovern responded: “As the honourable member has indicated, we have set out a process and are sticking to it.”
Ms McGoven also responded to questions about whether a change in prime minister could present a change in course.
She said: ““The Government’s aim on local government reorganisation is clearer structures, stronger councils, quicker decisions, more homes and better services.
“We have set out the timetable.
“We are on track and this includes making announcements on the remaining areas this week.”
The new council or councils will come into force in April 2028, with elections for a temporary shadow authority or authorities taking place next year, 2027.
Oxford News
Man wanted after ‘indecent act’ on bus from Bicester
Northamptonshire Police has released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to in connection with an incident outraging public decency on a bus travelling through the Brackley area.
Brackley lies on the borders with Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, about nine miles east-south-east of Banbury, and 19 miles north-north-east of Oxford.
The incident occurred on the 500 bus service operating between Banbury and Bicester between 1pm and 1.40pm on Friday, June 19.
READ MORE: Bicester Motion response to police’s fire investigation
A man was reportedly ‘committing an indecent act’ on the bus, according to the force.
A spokesperson for Northamptonshire Police said: “Officers believe the man in the CCTV image may have information that could assist with their enquiries and are urging him, or anyone who recognises him, to get in touch.”
Anyone who recognises the man or has information about the incident is asked to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101, or make an report on the police’s website, quoting incident number 26000369521 .
Alternatively, make an anonymous report to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
Oxford News
New buy now pay later rules begin today with key changes
The changes, which came into force on 15 July, mean lenders must carry out affordability checks before offering buy now pay later (BNPL) products, provide clearer information about repayments and give customers more support if they get into financial difficulty.
Customers will also be able to take complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service if they are unhappy with how a regulated provider has handled their agreement.
The FCA said the changes are designed to give consumers greater protection while allowing people to continue using short-term, interest-free credit responsibly.
A spokesperson for the FCA said: “Buy now pay later can be a form of credit, but people deserve to be protected when using it.
“Lenders should check their customers can afford to pay it back.”
The spokesperson said millions of customers will receive clearer information before signing up “and better support if something goes wrong”.
What has changed?
Under the new rules, buy now pay later providers must:
- carry out proportionate affordability checks
- provide clear information about repayments before customers sign up
- explain what happens if payments are missed
- offer support to customers experiencing financial difficulties
- direct people to free debt advice where appropriate
- allow eligible complaints to be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service
Warning. Overdrafts are the worst form of mainstream debt. The interest rate will shock you…
A snip from the new ‘Debt cost cutting Masterclass: Cards, Loans, Overdrafts, BNPL’ episode of the Martin Lewis Podcast. Listen to it on https://t.co/P4U5KDLzT0, Apple, Spotify & all… pic.twitter.com/4Tkkm0Ssd9
— Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) January 9, 2026
The new rules also mean some buy now pay later borrowing may appear on credit reports and could be considered by lenders when people apply for other forms of borrowing.
Could it affect your credit score?
BNPL agreements may now be reported to credit reference agencies.
That means lenders could take them into account when considering applications for loans, credit cards or mortgages.
Dimitar Lazarov, head of Credit Karma UK, said people who repay on time could benefit, but warned those who miss payments should be aware that “it could have an impact on their ability to apply for other products”.
John Webb, head of consumer affairs at Experian UK and Ireland, said consumers should remember that opening a new BNPL account “may be taken into account on credit reports by lenders when they are considering new borrowing applications such as a loan, credit card or mortgage”.
Why were the rules introduced?
Buy now pay later has become increasingly popular because it allows shoppers to spread payments without paying interest.
However, consumer groups have raised concerns that some people have accumulated several BNPL agreements without fully considering whether they could afford the repayments.
According to the FCA, the market was worth more than £13 billion in 2024.
Its Financial Lives Survey found around 10.9 million UK adults used buy now pay later during the year to May 2024.
Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at AJ Bell, said: “Most payments using BNPL are relatively small.
“The Woolard Review, done by the FCA in 2021, showed that people often didn’t think of it as borrowing either.
“A combination of both things means borrowers don’t consider affordability as carefully as they would for other kinds of debt.
“It means a real risk of stacking these debts until they’re unwieldy. The rules requiring stricter affordability checks are highly sensible.”
She added the extra checks “should help people stop and think about whether they really need the item they’re buying”.
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Where can you get help?
If you’re struggling with buy now pay later repayments, experts recommend contacting your provider as soon as possible rather than taking on more borrowing.
Free debt advice is available from organisations including:
- StepChange Debt Charity
- Citizens Advice
- National Debtline
- Christians Against Poverty
Vikki Brownridge, chief executive at StepChange Debt Charity, said: “There’s no doubt that BNPL can be a useful form of credit – especially as it’s usually short-term and interest-free – to spread the cost of a bulky expense.
“However, as with any form of credit, regulation is vital to protect customers if something goes wrong, and ensure people aren’t being offered credit where it’s not affordable – something which will trigger debt problems, as we see all too often.
“Consumers can go on using BNPL in the same way as before, but it’s important to be aware of the new protections.
“If you are finding yourself struggling to keep up with payments, rather than taking on more credit or BNPL agreements, we would always advise seeking free and impartial debt advice to help get back on track.”
Oxford News
The Grand Tour new series release date is confirmed
The motoring adventure series, originally fronted by Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond, has been rebooted with a new line-up following the trio’s departure in 2024.
The refreshed show will now be hosted by trainspotter and internet personality Francis Bourgeois, alongside James Engelsman and Thomas Holland, creators of the popular YouTube channel Throttle House.
A release date for the return of The Grand Tour has now been confirmed.
The Grand Tour to return with new hosts as release date confirmed
Amazon said that the new series promises everything fans love about The Grand Tour – “big adventures, questionable car choices, and plenty of laughs”.
Teasing what is coming up in this series, they said that the team will drive the Angolan desert in track cars, explore Malaysia’s vibrant car culture, head to California to test cutting-edge performance cars, as well as challenge fighter pilots and even an entire nation’s legal system.
Bourgeois said: “Since completing the filming of the series, I haven’t stopped replaying every moment in my head.
“It has made me laugh, made my heart race, and my stomach turn… remembering the tent I shared with Thomas and James filled with sulphuric farts whilst Angolan jackals snooped around outside.”
Holland said: “I figured someone would be there to hold our hand the whole time.
“Nope.
“We were on our own in some absolutely wild environments in very, VERY questionable cars.”
A teaser video from Prime Video even revealed that Jeremy Clarkson himself gave the new line-up his blessing.
Reviewing Bourgeois’ CV, Clarkson said: “He’s the train man from the internet,” before stamping it with “approved.”
All six episodes of the new series will be available to stream exclusively on Prime Video from September 4.
Why did Clarkson, Hammond and May leave The Grand Tour?
The Grand Tour originally launched in 2016 following Clarkson, Hammond, and May’s exit from Top Gear.
Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond were the original hosts of The Grand Tour (Image: PA)
The show initially followed a format similar to Top Gear, including car reviews and timed laps, motoring challenges and races, studio segments, and celebrity guests.
After the conclusion of the third series, the format was changed to focus on producing special motoring films for future series, with individual episodes released at select intervals.
The final episode featuring Clarkson, Hammond, and May as presenters was released in September 2024.
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Clarkson, Hammond and May ended the 22-year-long partnership between the trio.
They chose to leave The Grand Tour because they felt they had exhausted all possibilities in the car-show genre.
They also spoke of the exhausting physical demands of their adventures, their advancing age, and a lack of personal interest in electric cars.
Will you watch the new series of The Grand Tour? Let us know in the comments.
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