Witney News - Government Spending Review announcement 2007

Government Spending Review announcement 2007

In response to the Government's Comprehensive Spending Review announcement which will, at best, see an average of 1% in real terms increase in grant to local government over the next three years Cllr Barry Norton, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council (WODC), says:

"This is a very bad settlement for local government. Our Council will continue to work hard for the people we serve, but we shall face tough choices ahead. The money allocated to councils is not enough to meet the cost of existing services, together with additional responsibilities which central government continues to heap onto councils.

Recognised as one of the best Councils in the country, and with the second lowest district council tax charge of £71.36 a year for a Band 'D' property (equal to less then £1.50 per week for all the services provided) West Oxfordshire will endeavour to continue its high standards of services to residents but the worst grant settlement in a decade means taxpayers could be left to fund a greater share of the bill, as the Council struggles to provide everything ministers have promised".