The change, which came into effect on Friday, May 1, gives tenants in the private rented sector in England the legal right to request permission to keep pets in their rented homes.

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, landlords cannot unreasonably refuse pet requests, marking a significant shift for Oxfordshire renters who have long faced blanket pet bans.

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Dogs Trust pet-friendly housing lead Jennifer Leonard said: “Across the UK, one in seven requests we receive from people wishing to hand over care of their dog is due to a housing-related issue.

“Now, we hope that fewer renters will face the heartbreaking choice between finding a safe place to live and keeping their beloved pet.”

David Bowles, head of public affairs at the RSPCA, previously said: “This is an historic day for pet ownership.

“For too long, renters in England have been unfairly denied the potential joy of pet ownership.

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“That ends thanks to this new law.

“This change is a lifeline – not just for families wanting to add a loving pet to the household, but for the many thousands of animals currently stuck in many full-to-bursting centres, who will now have many new opportunities to find loving adopters.

“Pet ownership is such a big commitment – but can be so rewarding.

“At the RSPCA, we are celebrating that the Renters’ Rights Act will facilitate happier, healthier tenants right across the country – and help us tackle a pet rehoming crisis.”

The Labour Party, which has two seats up for re-election, is pledging to delivering real improvements including delivering more genuinely affordable homes.

This is likely to be the final Cherwell District Council election before local government reform creates a new unitary authority

Andrew Crichton, group leader who is re-standing in Banbury Hardwick, said: “Labour candidates live and work in Cherwell, so we know the daily pressures families face and we are committed to delivering real improvements.

“We have already supported residents through our motions at Cherwell – action on the cost-of-living crisis, a Food Action Plan, proposed the provision of free sanitary products in public toilets, brought a successful motion to oppose cuts to the fire service and successfully put forward a tenants’ rights charter to Cherwell.

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“We may be in opposition, but as an opposition party we have had a big impact on Cherwell policies.

Labour’s pledges for Cherwell include: Delivering more genuinely affordable homes, tackling energy efficiency in every home, addressing the climate emergency, creating vibrant town centres, and ensuring a fair deal for our villages.

“We will also continue practical local action: tackling fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour, fighting for better community services, staying visible and active all year round, helping residents with housing issues and the cost of living, and pressing for improvements to our roads and potholes.

“Unlike the Lib Dems and Greens who currently run the council, or the Conservatives who ran it for years before, Labour offers a fresh approach.

“While some smaller parties focus mainly on national issues, Labour candidates concentrate on getting things done locally.

“Recent experience in areas like Warwickshire shows that voting for parties like Reform can lead to chaos and disruption at council level.

“Vote for candidates who live here, listen to residents, and deliver results. A strong Labour team on 7th May will provide the best springboard for the new unitary authority and put local people first.

“Don’t let your vote go to waste on protest options. Choose the party that works as a team with strong community links and a clear plan for Cherwell.”

Beard Construction, operating widely across the South of England, recorded an 11.7 per cent rise in sales to £57.3 million for its Oxford office for the year ending December 31, 2025.

This strong performance forms part of the company’s record financial results for 2025, with turnover increasing by 16 per cent to £230 million and profits reaching £9 million.

Dave Fisher, who has been with the company since 2012, has been promoted to office lead for the Oxford team, which now numbers 93 staff.

Mike Hedges, operations director at Beard, said: “Oxford saw steady growth in 2025, driven by several major projects in the region and in close collaboration with customers, partners, and our supply chain.

“Throughout this period, Dave has consistently demonstrated strong leadership that reflects our values, helping us deliver for our customers and strengthen key relationships.”

In 2025, the Oxford office delivered a series of major projects.

These included a £20 million RAAC remedial programme at an Oxford college, a £12 million central storage facility for the UK Atomic Energy Authority, and a £3 million upgrade to the Thames Valley Police training centre.

The team also delivered four new children’s homes for Oxfordshire County Council.

Beard’s commitment to supporting future talent was evident through its support of one apprentice, one construction trainee, three degree apprentices, and 12 T-Level student in partnership with Abingdon and Witney College.

Staff raised £23,400 during the year for the Oxford University Sport and Community Partnership.

Among the fundraising efforts was a cyclathon that saw 32 teams from the Oxford construction network compete.

Finance director Fraser Johns said: “Our ethos of prompt and faultless delivery, alongside a continued focus on getting the basics right have laid the foundations for the strongest three-year period in the company’s history.

“During this time, we have expanded our presence across all regions, particularly in Southampton where our newest office opened in 2024.

“Our special projects division – comprising work up to £2m in value – continues to be a key contributor to our growth and success.”

Beard completed 62 projects in 2025 from its offices in Bristol, Guildford, Oxford, Southampton, and Swindon.

The company also reported delivering £45 million in social value through 27 completed projects, with 94 per cent of spending directed toward micro, small, and medium enterprises.

Beard has been recognised for its health, safety, and wellbeing standards.

The company secured its twelfth consecutive Gold Award from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

It was also presented with the President’s Award for the third consecutive year in 2025.