A group of Oxfordshire MPs are calling on the chancellor Rachel Reeves to prioritise local government funding ahead of the budget today (October 30).

The letter was sent last week by all the Liberal Democrat MPs across Oxfordshire - Olly Glover, Charlie Maynard, Calum Miller, Layla Moran and Freddie van Mierlo - who highlighted the "pressing issue" of "insufficient" local government funding.

The letter said councils will face a cumulative funding gap of £54 billion over the next five years, which would "cripple councils' ability to fund the essential services they provide".

READ MORE: Oxfordshire explosion comment from company one year on

In a public statement, MP for Oxford West and Abingdon Layla Moran, said: "Local government sits at the heart of our community, delivering vital services and supporting the most vulnerable.

"For too long they've been underfunded and overstretched.

Chancellor Rachel ReevesChancellor Rachel Reeves "That's why Oxfordshire's Lib Dem MPs wrote to the chancellor, urging her to prioritise local government in the budget."

The MPs highlighted the "financial challenges" Oxfordshire County Council face which make it "increasingly difficult" to deliver vital services.

The services noted were SEND provision, adult social care and highways maintenance. 

READ MORE: Banbury residents rename road over repair inaction

The letter noted that Oxfordshire County Council has seen an eight per cent increase in demand for SEND services, over the past year alone - adding that they expect the trend to continue. 

The letter also pointed out adult social care services are under increasing pressure, and that highways maintenance is underfunded - leading to delays in "essential repairs" and leaving roads in a "dangerous" state. 

The MPs finished the letter by urging Ms Reeves to prioritise "adequate funding" to ensure they can provide "quality public services".

One of the key issues Ms Reeves has prioritised in her budget is the minimum wage rising to £12.21 an hour next year.

She described the move as a “significant step” towards delivering on Labour’s manifesto promise to introduce a “genuine living wage for working people”.

Wednesday’s Budget is also expected to bring an increase in employers’ national insurance contributions, adding extra costs for businesses in what the Conservatives have described as a “tax on jobs”.

Help support trusted local news 

Sign up for a digital subscription now: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/subscribe/

As a digital subscriber you will get:      

  • Unlimited access to the Oxford Mail website   
  • Advert-light access       
  • Reader rewards       
  • Full access to our app