Oxford City Council has secured £1 million of funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to continue work developing proposals for inclusive and sustainable growth.
This work follows recommendations in the Oxford Growth Commission’s interim report.
The interim report, published in December 2025, had over 40 recommendations focused on accelerating housing delivery, including those for social rent, promoting innovation and supporting jobs, and upgrading infrastructure across 13 strategic opportunity areas. This included Oxford’s West End where the majority of the funding is to be spent.
The funding to support a programme of studies and evidence-gathering work. This will focus on key opportunities, including identifying new funding models for improvements, looking at ways to enhance the public realm and open spaces as well as highlighting opportunities for infrastructure improvements in rail, water and energy.
It will also help to make the case for future investment and long-term funding streams.
The aim is to create viable proposals supported by government to create a long-term model to invest in much-needed local infrastructure, improve Oxford’s public realm and support new homes in the area.
Comment
"This funding is a strong and welcome vote of confidence in Oxford's future and in the work of the Oxford Growth Commission, which the City Council and universities pushed for in 2024.
"Oxford is a city with enormous potential, but we know that growth must benefit everyone in our community. This will help us develop the detailed, evidence-based proposals to help us make that happen.
"By planning for inclusive and sustainable growth, we can make sure Oxford remains a thriving city that works for residents, businesses and visitors for future generations to come."
Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council and Cabinet Member for Partnership Working, Inclusive Economic Growth and Culture
