Approved budget is step towards financially sustainable future for South Oxfordshire
Measures to save money, increase income and kickstart projects delayed by Covid have been approved in the South Oxfordshire District Council budget.
Councillors agreed the financial plan, which included details of how the council has saved £1.5 million over the last year, at its meeting on February 17.Despite having one of the lowest council tax rates in the country, increased costs from Covid-19, and a reduction in funding from government, the council can continue to maintain its valued public services, save costs and work more effectively following the budget’s adoption.
Cllr David Rouane, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “This is not just a budget for this year, but is a statement of intent towards a more financially sustainable future.
“Instead of cutting services, we’ve delivered them in a more cost-effective way, such as doing a Joint Local Plan with Vale of White Horse District Council, setting a date to move out of Milton Park, and bringing services back in house.
“I’m also delighted we’ve been able to provide a one-off investment of £500,000 for projects delayed by Covid, such as tree and hedge planting, promoting green skills and businesses, and cleaning up our built environment.
“We also plan to use £5m of funds received from developers to provide truly affordable homes in the form of council houses.”
Council tax rates were also agreed at the meeting, with the rate remaining the 8th lowest in the country among similar rural district councils.
More about the 2022/23 budget:
South Oxfordshire is a proven low-cost operator but has one of the lowest council tax rates in the country for a district council. This legacy severely restricts the council’s ability to raise additional funds needed to cover costs. For years this has caused an annual deficit – which the council is striving to reduce. This year the council will increase its share of the council tax by £5* for an average Band D property, so for 2022/23 residents will pay a Band D rate of £136.24 per household for services provided by the district council. This represents a below inflation increase of 3.8%.
For more information on the 2022/23 budget please see the council meeting agenda and the recording of the meeting.
