New budget changes for 2026-2031
This page provides an overview of planned changes across our services.
New budget changes for 2026–2031
Welcome to the summary of Oxfordshire County Council’s agreed budget proposals for the years 2026/27 to 2030/31. This page provides an overview of planned changes across our services, highlighting both previously agreed and new proposals. Our aim is to ensure transparency and keep residents informed about how public funds will be allocated to support our community.
At a glance: Total Service Changes
| Year | 2026/27 | 2027/28 | 2028/29 | 2029/30 | 2020/31 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opening net operating budget | £646.3m | £752.9m | £783.8m | £816.2m | £854.0m | |
| Change relating to Fair Funding reform | £79.5m | |||||
| Service area budget changes | £30.8m | £32.3m | £38.5m | £43.0m | £45.6m | |
| Budgets held centrally changes | -£3.7m | £14.1m | £0.3m | £1.8m | £2.5m | |
| Budget shortfall | -£15.5m | -£6.6m | -£7.0m | -£8.2m | ||
| Available funding | £752.9m | £783.8m | £816.2m | £854.0m | £893.9m |
Service area highlights
Adult Services
- Budget increases to support care packages, population growth, and complex needs.
- Savings through technology, contract reviews, and policy changes.
- Total planned budget increases (2026–2031): £78.4 million.
Children’s Services
- Additional funding for social care, demographic growth, and home-to-school transport.
- Investments in recruitment, apprenticeships, and SEND support.
- Savings from contract negotiations and demand management.
- Total planned budget increases (2026–2031): £58.2 million.
Environment and Highways
- Waste management budgets reflect population growth and new recycling initiatives.
- Highways maintenance funding for asset growth and inflation.
- Carbon reduction and biodiversity projects included.
- Total planned budget increases (2026–2031): £6.6 million.
Economy and Place
- Investments in rail, flooding measures, and spatial development planning.
- Savings from one-off funding and contract reviews.
- Total planned budget decreases (2026–2031): -£0.25 million (reflecting net savings).
Public Health and Communities
- Grant funding supports domestic abuse services and community capacity.
- Climate change adaptation and mental health initiatives included.
- Total planned budget increases (2026–2031): £0.5 million.
Fire and Rescue, and Community Safety
- Vehicle renewals and communication upgrades.
- Support for fire protection and control systems.
- Total planned budget increases (2026–2031): £1.6 million.
Resources, Law and Governance
- IT upgrades and contract inflation.
- Investments in legal services, financial management, and property.
- Total planned budget increases (2026–2031): £5.1 million.
Key themes
- Inflation and Pay: Adjustments for inflation and pay increases across all services.
- Population Growth: Funding to meet increased demand in care, education, and waste management.
- Service Enhancements: Investments in apprenticeships, SEND support, and community safety.
- Savings and Efficiencies: Contract reviews, technology adoption, and organisational redesign.
- Climate and Environment: Funding for biodiversity, carbon reduction, and climate resilience.
How are these changes funded?
- Government Grants: Targeted grants for children, families, public health, and crisis resilience.
- Reserves: Strategic use of reserves to offset short-term pressures.
- Efficiencies: Savings from contract negotiations, technology, and process improvements.
What does this mean for residents?
These proposals are designed to:
- Maintain and improve essential services.
- Respond to changing needs in our growing communities.
- Invest in the future of Oxfordshire through innovation and sustainability.
- Ensure value for money and responsible financial management.