Vital services guaranteed as 2024-25 Vale budget is approved

Residents in the Vale of White Horse will continue to receive quality, cost-effective local services after district councillors approved the 2024-2025 budget. 

Despite major challenges, including below inflation funding increases, the cost-of-living crisis and ongoing economic and political uncertainty, thanks to careful financial management, the council has guaranteed vital public services, such as the district’s Community Hub which provides support residents who are struggling financially, and will continue to invest in key areas which benefit people across the district.

For 2024-25, council tax for services provided by Vale of White Horse District Council has been set at £156.69 for a Band D property for the entire year.  Vale residents will therefore continue to pay one of the lowest rates in the country for services provided by a shire district and significantly less than the equivalent fee paid by those living in Oxford.

The district council’s services are funded, in part, by only a small portion (7 per cent) of the total council tax paid by Vale households.  This represents excellent value for money for residents, helping to pay for services, such as: household waste and recycling collections, community support, leisure services, parks and play areas, housing services, planning services, environmental health and licensing. 

Cllr Andy Crawford, Cabinet Member for Finance at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “I’m very pleased that Council has approved the new budget.  This ensures we can now build on our positive work in investing in local facilities, supporting local climate projects, improving the energy efficiency of our own buildings and continue to provide support for our communities and the rural economy.  

“Thanks to careful management over recent years, we are now in a position where we can confidently maintain our finances while protect public services and we’re in a much more positive position than many other authorities.  We will continue to work towards long term financial stability and remain vigilant against the potential impact of the ongoing economic and political uncertainty.”

To view the approved 2024-2025 Vale of White Horse District Council budget, visit the 21 February 2024 Council meeting agenda page.