Local services and community funding guaranteed after South Oxfordshire budget approved

Quality, cost-effective local services, significant support for community projects and investment in local facilities are guaranteed in South Oxfordshire after members voted to approve the 2024-2025 district council budget.

£500,000 will be made available to support community projects, such as to help improve people’s quality of life, improve local facilities and increase action on climate change. £60,000 will be made available to support the arts across South Oxfordshire and £405,000 to improve the facilities at Cornerstone Arts Centre.

Thanks to the careful budgeting work and targeted investment in council operations in recent years, the district’s financial position remains positive and the council did not consider any reductions to services.  This means services such as the council’s Community Hub will continue to provide vital support for residents.

There is increased funding for homelessness prevention, an expansion of the housing team and to support active communities.

The council’s capital budget includes significant planned investment in social housing and decarbonisation of leisure centres to reduce energy usage and ongoing costs.

The council tax for 2024/25 has been set at £146.24 for the year for a Band D property.  This means residents in South Oxfordshire will continue to pay one of the lowest rates in the country for services provided by a district council, ensuring they receive good value for their money.     

This element of the council tax paid by householders helps to pay for services provided by South Oxfordshire District Council, such as: household waste and recycling collections, community support, leisure services, parks and public toilets, housing services, planning services, environmental health and licensing. 

Cllr Pieter-Paul Barker, Cabinet Member for Finance and Property Assets at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “Despite the major challenges we continue to face, including funding rises that are below inflation, the cost-of-living crisis and ongoing economic and political uncertainty, we continue to maintain positive finances and provide quality local services and support for our communities.’ 

“Following approval of the 2024/45 budget, we can now build on our successes of the last year and help even more people to lead active lives and continue to help those who are struggling financially.  We will also continue to work with our partners towards delivering more affordable housing, improved local infrastructure and on local projects that help to reduce emissions and tackle climate change.”

“We’re in a much more positive position than many other authorities and continue do well to maintain our finances but we will remain extra vigilant and stay focused on our goal of achieving long-term financial stability.”

To view the approved 2024-2025 South Oxfordshire District Council budget, visit the 22 February Council meeting agenda page.