Council in favour of amended budget

Oxfordshire County Council has voted in favour of an amended budget today, Tuesday, following a seven-hour meeting.

The amended budget removes cuts totalling £4 million from day centres and children’s centres.

The amendments were made following talks between party leaders.

But the council still needs to make £69 million in savings over the next four years with the amended budget requiring an extra £15 million to be found, rather than £11 million.

Mark Cherry, county councillor for Banbury Calthorpe ward, who was part of the talks said: “The Oxfordshire County Council budget is bleak but the lesser of two evils and with a heavy heart I supported the new budget.”

During the meeting, council leader, Ian Hudspeth tweeted: “Delighted to propose an amended county budget with support from @OxLabourCllrs & @OxonCCLibDems to provide a stable financial platform.”