Theo Hopkins, who lives in Oxford, said his life has improved as a result of new traffic restrictions now in place.

Drivers without permits or exemption are now fined if they pass through six congestion charge points in the city, and there are other measures in place controlling traffic, including LTNs (Low Traffic Neighbourhoods).

READ MORE: Congestion charge boss speaks

Mr Hopkins said Andrew Gant, who stood down as the county’s transport boss earlier this month after four years in charge, deserves special recognition “for the benefit he has brought to society”.

He said in a letter: “As an octogenarian with mobility problems I would like to thank Andrew Gant, the retiring lead at Oxfordshire County Council for transport, for his visionary provision of LTNs and 20mph urban speed limits in Oxford.

“These make my trips (or to be honest, ‘shuffles’) to the shops and the health centre safer and more pleasant.

“Further, seeing the non-stop, vociferous and personal attacks on social media that he has courageously fended off, I suggest he is awarded a knighthood for the benefits he has brought to society.

 “Sir Andrew Gant would sound good.”

Oxfordshire county councillor Andrew Gant (Image: Contributed)

Anyone can be nominated for a UK knighthood or damehood, provided they have made a major, inspirational contribution to national life, usually over a long period, or achieved something exceptional.

Nominations are open to all, including non-British citizens (who receive honorary awards), but nominees must still be actively involved in their field.

Anyone can submit a nomination for another person but you cannot nominate yourself.

Mr Gant, former cabinet member for transport management, was in charge of the introduction of the heavily debated zero emission zones and the temporary Oxford congestion charge.

A congestion charge sign (Image: Andy Ffrench)

The congestion charge points are set to become traffic filters at the end of August when the Botley Road reopens, following the completion of Network Rail work linked to improvements for Oxford rail station.

Mr Gant has been hit with personal attacks on social media throughout his time in office, including upon his departure.

He said earlier the abuse he received was “not reasonable in a democracy”, adding “it’s unpleasant, it’s unnecessary, it’s unhelpful and I wish it didn’t happen”.

He said: “You have to develop strategies as an individual, and mine is just not to read them.

“I don’t engage with social media at all, I just don’t, that’s been my strategy – and it’s worked.”

He stated that the personal hate “makes no contribution of any kind to the policy” adding, “if those people think that they’re somehow affecting the debate, they’re not”.

Asked if this had an impact on his choice to step away from the role, he said it had, explaining: “it’s a very demanding role for all sorts of reasons, and that is one of the things that makes it demanding, so yes, in a word”.

One of the highlights of Mr Gant’s time in charge of the roads was seeing new electric buses on the streets.

The Liberal Democrat remains a county councillor and represents the Wolvercote and Cutteslowe division. He is also a city councillor for Cutteslowe & Sunnymead.

Mr Gant said he would comment later on Mr Hopkins’ suggestion that he should be awarded a knighthood.

The Hollywood actor is known for starring in gritty action films like Guy Ritchie’s 1998 classic Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, as well as 2000’s Snatch.

He has also found global success with action movies like The Transporter series, Crank, The Expendables franchise, and in the Fast & Furious saga as Deckard Shaw.

Now, the 58-year-old is reportedly planning to quit the US and start a new life on the south coast, according to our sister paper in Southampton, the Daily Echo.

READ MORE: TV legend’s daughter selling £3.95m Oxfordshire mansion with swimming pool

Jason Statham is building a mansion in the UK. (Image: Supplied)

The palatial home between Lymington and the Beaulieu River will boast stunning views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight.

Mr Statham is said to have paid £20m for the waterside site, with the house itself expected to cost about £5m.

Initial design work was carried out by Ben Pentreath, who also designed the Cotswolds estate of DJ Calvin Harris and his wife, BBC Radio One’s Vick Hope. Others involved in the project include Nicholas Umney, who turned it into a minimalist modern home in line with the actor’s tastes.

The property comes complete with a large treehouse, a huge gym, and a private beach, which is said to be about 1,200ft long.

READ MORE: Major American TV star makes surprise appearance at Oxford University

Other people living in the area include Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler and billionaire businessman and Manchester United co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who both own beachside homes.

This move comes after Mr Statham and his fiancée, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, were spotted taking a festive stay at Estelle Manor near North Leigh in West Oxfordshire last Christmas.

The couple, who have been together since 2010 and got engaged in 2016, share a son and a daughter.

Back in December on Instagram, Mr Statham posted a selection of black and white snaps from the family’s Oxfordshire getaway.

READ MORE: National UK restaurant chain to close 23 sites after administration

A report in the Daily Mail said: “Rosie and Jack splashed out on a festive family break at the Estelle Manor, where they enjoyed country walks, archery and target shooting.

“The couple looked in good spirits as they enjoyed a sunny winter walk around the 85-acre estate and beamed for selfies together.”

Estelle Manor is known for lavish staycations, with the spot named among the 50 best hotels in the world, being Oxfordshire’s only entry on the list published this year.

Several other famous faces have been spotted at the hotel in recent years, including Pitch Perfect actress Rebel Wilson, while Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague is a regular visitor.

According to HM Revenue and Customs, a record 737,891 people submitted Self Assessment returns in April alone – with more than 86,000 filing on Easter Monday.

Accountants say many taxpayers are trying to avoid the annual “January scramble” that leaves millions stressed every year.

Record numbers of taxpayers are filing their Self Assessment returns early this year as HMRC urges millions not to leave everything until January.

New figures from HM Revenue and Customs show:

1. 298,905 people filed between 6 and 12 April
2. 86,270 submitted returns on Easter Monday alone
3. A record 737,891 filed during April 2026

More than 12 million taxpayers are expected to submit a return before the 31 January 2027 deadline.

HMRC says filing early can help people:

• Budget more effectively
• Avoid deadline stress
• Reduce mistakes
• Receive refunds sooner
• Avoid fines and interest charges

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “For thousands of people, filing early and staying on top of their finances has become the norm.

“It takes the pressure off in January and means they can spend their time focusing on their business and doing things they love.”

Accountant says millions repeat the same January mistake

Accountant and host of @thepracticeownerspodcast Rachel Harris said many taxpayers fall into the same cycle every year by filing in January and then ignoring their finances for the next 12 months.

She said: “HMRC absolutely hate it when people do this, and so many of you do it.

“Once they file their tax return in January, they close the tab, don’t look at their numbers again, while simultaneously promising themselves they’ll do it differently next year.

“And I know it’s not because you’re lazy or bad with money. It’s because tax has become set up as a once-a-year scramble.”

Harris said upcoming Making Tax Digital changes are designed to break that cycle.

“Instead of one stressful moment, it’s about staying lightly connected to your finances throughout the year – little check-ins, clearer numbers, and no big January shock.”

Why filing early could save money

Many taxpayers only discover how much tax they owe after completing their return.

Experts say filing early gives households more time to:

1. Save gradually
2. Plan for payments
3. Avoid financial shocks in January

Taxpayers owed money back from HMRC may also receive refunds faster if they file early.

HMRC says people can check refunds directly through the HMRC app once returns are processed.

First-time filers warned not to wait

Anyone filing a tax return for the first time must:

1. Register with HMRC
2. Receive a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)
3. Wait for separate online access codes

Experts warn the process can take weeks during busy periods.

HMRC fines are now more expensive

The warning comes after an estimated 1.1 million taxpayers missed the filing deadline last year.

Late filers automatically face:

• A £100 penalty, even if only one day late

Additional penalties include:

1. £10 daily fines after three months
2. A further 5% charge after six months
3. Another 5% penalty after 12 months

Late payment charges have also increased.

Since April 2025, HMRC interest rates are now:

• Bank of England base rate plus 4%

With the base rate currently at 4.25%, overdue tax bills can now attract interest of 8.25%.

Major HMRC tax changes have begun

HMRC is also preparing millions for upcoming Making Tax Digital changes.

From April 2026:

• Sole traders and landlords earning above £50,000 must submit quarterly digital updates

From April 2027:

• The threshold falls to £30,000

Taxpayers will still need to submit annual Self Assessment returns alongside quarterly reporting.

Recommended reading:

HMRC scam warning

HMRC also warned taxpayers to watch out for scams during tax return season.

Fraudsters often impersonate HMRC using:

• Fake texts
• Emails
• Phone calls
• Refund messages

Officials warned people never to click unexpected link, share HMRC login details, or hand over personal information without verifying requests.