Oxford City Council launches Budget consultation

Budget measures

Despite a backdrop of austerity, pandemic, inflation and councils going bankrupt across the UK, the Council has announced a balanced budget for the next four years.

Key proposals include funding for:

• almost 1,600 new council homes in the next eight years
• delivering new community centres in East Oxford and Blackbird Leys
• increased grass cutting and litter picking across Oxford
• £22m to improve energy efficiency in council homes
• a new splash park in Hinksey
• a freeze on pitch hire fees for sports teams

The Council will also continue to maintain leisure centres, community centres, parks, youth clubs and other existing support for residents and businesses.

Despite current uncertainties about central government support for councils, this will be achieved in part through the Council’s wholly owned companies OX Place and ODS, which are expected to generate £19m in dividends to help fund services over the next four years.

Take part

Consultation is now open on the Council’s consultation portal and will close at 23:59 on Friday 31 January.

Comment

“We know the last few years have been difficult for a lot of people and the same is true for councils. Despite some extraordinary pressures, we’ve produced a balanced draft budget and medium-term financial plan which prioritises things we know people in Oxford care about – new council housing, community centres and more grass cutting and litter picking.

“Taking part in our Budget consultation gives you the chance to influence how public funds are spent on the services that matter to you. It’s an opportunity to have your voice heard, advocate for improvements in public services and infrastructure and help create a fairer city for everyone.”

Councillor Ed Turner, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Asset Management

More detail about the Council’s budget proposals are in the press release published on 3 December.