Today at West Oxfordshire District Council budget meeting, the Conservative Group put forward a fully funded amendment designed to freeze Council Tax and redirect spending towards frontline services and practical local priorities.
The amendment proposed a Council Tax freeze for 2026/27, alongside measures to double fly-tipping enforcement capacity, fund a feasibility study to expand parking at Charlbury, Kingham and Hanborough stations, and establish a new Youth Sport Grant Scheme to support grassroots clubs across the district.
The proposals were fully funded by responsibly reallocating money from additional reserves, deferring the Guildenford Car Park lighting project in Burford pending further scrutiny, and freezing the proposed increase in councillor allowances.
However, Liberal Democrat, Labour and Green councillors voted against the amendment. As a result, the Council’s original budget was approved without the proposed Council Tax freeze, additional enforcement officer, station parking study funding or youth sport grant scheme.
Cllr Michele Mead, Leader of the Conservative Group, said: “Our amendment showed that a Council Tax freeze could be delivered while still investing in the services and infrastructure that residents care about. West Oxfordshire is not in a position where we need to continually top up reserves without purpose, particularly when households are feeling financial pressure. This was a balanced, responsible and resident-focused alternative, and it is disappointing that other parties chose not to support it.”
Deputy Leader Cllr Liam Walker added: “We put forward practical proposals that reflected what residents tell us matters most about the District Council services and that's tackling fly-tipping, addressing parking pressures at stations like Hanborough, and properly supporting youth sport across West Oxfordshire. Expanding parking capacity at our local stations would help commuters and protect nearby residential streets, while investing in youth sport strengthens our communities for the long term. We believe these were sensible, deliverable priorities.”
The Conservative Group has said it will continue to argue for disciplined financial management and greater focus on frontline services.
Local Conservatives will continue to stand up for residents and campaign on the local issues that matter most including protecting taxpayers, improving infrastructure, strengthening enforcement, and supporting young people across West Oxfordshire.
