AN Oxfordshire MP has hit out at county council plans to slash funding for mental health services by £1.6m by 2022.

MP for Oxford East Anneliese Dodds, said such cuts would have a 'severe impact' on the county's most vulnerable residents.

Oxfordshire County Council is proposing to cut its overall contribution to NHS mental health services from £8m to £6.4m over the next three years.

The proposals are currently out for public consultation.

Ms Dodds said: " I was concerned to hear about these cuts in support for people suffering mental ill-health.

"Oxfordshire already has one of the lowest levels of mental health funding provided in relation to the rest of the Clinical Commissioning Group's budget.

"This additional cut to support for people with mental health problems will have a severe impact on many people who are already struggling.

"I hope that local residents will express their concerns about these cuts as part of the consultation, although they don't have long since it is set to close on January 6.”

Ms Dodds' comments echo those of the Mental Health Partnership which this week issued an open letter urging councillors to vote against the proposed cuts.

The partnership, made up of mental health organisations from the NHS and charity sector, warned that vital services had already made 'every cut possible'.

The letter added: "It is false to believe that we can tighten our belts further."

Residents can currently give their feedback on the council's budget proposals before Sunday by visiting https://consultations.oxfordshire.gov.uk/consult.ti/BudgetConsultation2019_20/consultationHome

County councillors will vote on the proposed cuts when they meet to discuss the budget later this month.