Council delivers small surplus while supporting residents and investing in the future

Councillor Alaric Smith, Executive Member for Finance, said: 
“Delivering a small surplus in these challenging times reflects the Council’s commitment to financial responsibility and supporting our communities. Through smart investments and efficient service delivery, we have managed to protect vital services and prepare for the future.” 

The Council’s investment in Marriotts, generated nearly £500,000 this year to help fund services and reduce reliance on council tax. The investment is part of a wider strategy to secure long-term income for the district while supporting the vitality of Witney town centre. 

Despite a growing number of residents needing homelessness support and unplanned costs linked to flooding and drainage works, the Council made significant efficiency gains. Improvements in IT systems (£144,464 underspend), trade waste services (£110,619 underspend), as well as streamlined internal processes, all contributed to cost savings. 

The Council also celebrated a strong year for its leisure services, with a sharp rise in sign-ups and usage across centres. This boost not only supports the health and wellbeing of residents but also helps generate income to fund wider services. 

While £4.95 million in capital projects has been reprofiled into 2025/26 due to the timing of major works, the Council avoided borrowing and added a small surplus of £6,345 to its General Fund reserves. 

Looking ahead, the council is still facing financial challenges over the coming years as Government continues to consult on significant changes to the way councils are funded. The proposed ‘fair funding’ review would see West Oxfordshire lose a significant amount of business rates it currently receives and will reduce the amount the council has to spend on services. The council will continue to manage its budget responsibly and will assess the impact of any funding changes once the government announces the details later this year.