West Oxfordshire council reveals new executive team

West Oxfordshire District Council revealed the team at its annual general meeting.

The executive is responsible for delivering the council plan and setting key priorities.

Councillor Andy Graham will continue as leader of the council.

He said: “We have an ambitious Council Plan that is delivering for West Oxfordshire and we still have a lot of work to do over the coming years.

“I am really proud to announce this Executive team to drive that change and deliver on the key priorities our residents and businesses have told us they want us to act on.

“We will be focusing on planning for the future by delivering a Local Plan that brings the homes local people need linked to vital infrastructure such as new roads, new facilities and better sewage management.

“We will also deliver our Carterton Area Strategy setting out a bold vision for how Carterton can grow while bringing new jobs, new homes and improvements to the town centre.”

Deputy leader of the council and executive member for economic development is Duncan Enright, while the executive member for finance is Alaric Smith.

Liz Leffman will serve as executive member for planning and infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Geoff Saul takes on the housing and community safety portfolio, with Andrew Prosser responsible for climate action and nature recovery.

Environmental issues fall under the remit of Alistair Wray, while Sandra Coleman oversees stronger, healthy communities.

The executive member for arts, culture and sports is Tim Sumner.

The leader outlined key projects already underway.

Mr Graham said: “Our high-quality services will continue to get better and better.

“We have a £3.5m leisure facilities upgrade programme being rolled out, continuing improvements to Marriotts Walk and a new crowdfunding platform to fund local initiatives.

“We will continue our work to deliver affordable homes that local people are crying out for.

“This will include our exciting plans for building our own social rented homes and the highly ambitious Salt Cross development.

“Our amazing West Oxfordshire environment will be a focus as we work to help our nature thrive, including protecting our waterways.”

He also said that the council will continue to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and help our communities adapt to climate change.

Mr Graham added: “And our residents, communities and businesses will remain at the heart of all we do.

“We will prioritise improving people’s health and wellbeing, support our young people and grow our local economy.”