PFAS Roundtable (August 2026)
PFAS Roundtable at Heyford Park
On 24 August 2026, representatives from Cherwell District Council, the Environment Agency, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Oxfordshire County Council, Thames Water, Dorchester Living and other partner organisations met with Calum Miller MP to discuss PFAS contamination associated with Heyford Park.
The discussion focused on how organisations can work together to improve public understanding of the issue, coordinate future investigations and ensure residents have access to clear, trusted and consistent information.
Agreed priorities
Participants identified five key areas where progress is needed:
- Improving understanding of the extent of contamination.
- Developing a clearer picture of impacts on soil, water and the wider environment.
- Improving understanding of potential human exposure pathways and health considerations.
- Providing reassurance through evidence-based investigation and assessment.
- Ensuring residents can access clear and understandable information.
Key outcomes
Commitment to partnership working
Participants recognised that PFAS is a complex emerging issue requiring input from a range of organisations, each with different responsibilities and areas of expertise.
There was broad agreement that continued collaboration between local authorities, environmental regulators, public health organisations, water companies, developers and other stakeholders will be essential as work progresses.
Environmental monitoring
The Environment Agency agreed to review opportunities for additional environmental monitoring and sampling and provide an update to partners.
Participants also discussed the importance of improving public understanding of where environmental investigations have taken place and what information is currently available.
Improved public information
Participants agreed that this webpage should remain the primary source of public information.
Partners will continue to work together to improve the accessibility of information relating to:
- Agency roles and responsibilities.
- Environmental monitoring activities.
- Available evidence and technical information.
- Frequently raised community concerns and questions.
Developing future workstreams
Participants discussed a number of areas that would benefit from further collaborative work, including environmental monitoring, public health and exposure pathways, and public communications.
It was recognised that future arrangements will require appropriate governance structures, clearly defined responsibilities and participation from relevant partner organisations. Several organisations indicated their willingness to contribute specialist expertise as these arrangements develop.
Future specialist input
Participants agreed that future discussions would benefit from input from additional organisations, including the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI), to help address questions relating to food production, drinking water and potential exposure pathways.
Next steps
Immediate actions arising from the discussion include:
- Reviewing opportunities for additional environmental monitoring.
- Improving public information regarding organisational responsibilities.
- Exploring ways to present environmental data and findings more clearly.
- Considering appropriate arrangements for future partnership working.
- Continuing collaboration to ensure residents receive clear, accurate and consistent information.