Oxford City Council has agreed on its latest Budget, which sets out key investments in housing, community facilities, public spaces, and local infrastructure.
The Budget, which is balanced for the next four years, comes at a time when many councils across the UK are facing financial difficulties.
1. Housing Developments – 1,558 New Homes
- 1,558 new council homes will be built over the next eight years, bringing the total number of council-owned homes to almost 9,500.
- New homes will be energy-efficient, reducing energy bills for residents.
How does this affect you? More affordable housing for local families and investment in sustainable homes that reduce environmental impact.
2. Community Improvements
- Two new community centres will be built in East Oxford and Blackbird Leys.
- A new splash park in Hinksey to enhance family-friendly outdoor spaces.
- Renewal of outdoor gym equipment across Oxford.
- £170,000 to provide free leisure facilities in Blackbird Leys.
- £60,000 allocated for a new city centre play area (location to be confirmed).
3. Cleaner and Safer Streets
- Grass cutting will increase to at least three times per year.
- More litter-picking teams will be deployed across the city.
- £310,000 allocated for enhanced graffiti removal.
- Better gritting for pavements and cycle lanes, ensuring safer travel in winter conditions.
How will this impact you? Cleaner streets and public spaces with more frequent maintenance of parks, paths, and cycling routes.
4. Transport & Infrastructure Investments
- £2.5m allocated to reopen passenger services on the Cowley Branch Line.
- £1m to enhance the £8m redevelopment of the Covered Market.
These investments aim to improve transport links and the shopping experience for residents.
5. Council Tax & Financial Support
- Council Tax will increase by 2.99% in 2025/26.
- For a Band D property, this means an extra £10.36 per year (£356.72 per year total).
- Double Council Tax will be charged on second homes from 2025.
- Full Council Tax discounts remain for low-income households.
6. How Is This Being Funded? The ‘Oxford Model’
Oxford City Council uses an innovative funding model to generate income and reduce reliance on government grants:
- ODS (Oxford Direct Services) – generates income from street cleaning, bin collections, and parks maintenance.
- OX Place – focuses on building new council homes while also developing open-market properties to generate revenue.
These companies are expected to generate £19m in profit over four years, which will help fund public services.
7. Additional Budget Changes & New Investments
- £200,000 to pilot a new scheme to support people in assisted accommodation.
- £316,000 to reverse planned cuts to community and ward member grants.
- £157,000 for additional gritting of pavements and cycle lanes.
- £100,000 to replace outdoor gym equipment across Oxford.
What This Means for You
- More affordable housing and energy-efficient homes.
- Cleaner streets, better maintained parks, and improved cycling infrastructure.
- New community centres and leisure facilities in key areas.
- Investment in transport improvements, including the Cowley Branch Line reopening.
- No cuts to frontline services, despite financial pressures.
Official Statement
“We’ve been listening: our residents’ survey showed that people wanted the City Council to get the basics right. This Budget steps up investment in graffiti removal, pavement repairs, gritting, litter picking, and play provision.
We will build more than 1,500 new council homes to help local families in housing need.
Despite a shortfall in government funding, we have avoided major cuts to frontline services thanks to the ‘Oxford Model’, which generates income from our companies, partnerships, and commercial property to support residents.”
– Councillor Ed Turner, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Finance
The 2025 Oxford City Council Budget prioritises housing, public spaces, transport, and community services, ensuring that essential services are maintained and improved. While Council Tax is increasing slightly, more frequent grass cutting, litter removal, and infrastructure improvements should bring real benefits to residents across the city.
