Vale of White Horse council rejects financial ruin claim

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 13:02 · Archive

Vale of White Horse District Council disputes a councillor's warning that it faces potential financial failure.

Councillor Lee Evans has warned that Vale of White Horse District Council faces financial crisis unless it makes major cuts to services or is 'rescued' by Local Government Reorganisation. Speaking after a recent District Council meeting, Evans said the council's own financial assessment indicated it was 'more likely than not to become financially non-viable' on its current trajectory.

The council's leadership has strongly rejected these claims. A spokesperson said the council faces ongoing financial pressures common to all local authorities, but stressed that finances are stable and well managed, with in-year revenue forecast to be underspent. The council emphasises its 'robust and transparent budget-setting process', which identifies medium and long-term financial risks and challenges to allow early intervention.

Evans, who sought to clarify that he does not criticise council officers for 'simply answering questions honestly', has indicated he will raise the matter at the next full council meeting and question the Cabinet Member for Finance on plans to maintain the council's financial viability. He has attributed responsibility for the council's health to elected politicians and the Liberal Democrats who have run the authority for the past seven years.

How it is being reported

• Council rejects accusations its on 'the road to financial ruin'An Oxfordshire council has hit back against a councillor claiming they are "on the road to financial ruin".Oxford Mail · 15 Oct, 05:00
• Council rejects accusations its on 'the road to financial ruin'An Oxfordshire council has hit back against a councillor claiming they are "on the road to financial ruin".Oxfordshire Guardian · 15 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Vale of White Horse District Council · Lee Evans · Oxfordshire

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem