A West Oxfordshire housing chief has strongly denied claims that homeless people from his district are being "dumped" in Oxford.

David Robertson said he is "indignant" that the city council could blame West Oxfordshire District Council for adding to their own housing problems.

"We reluctantly put people into bed-and-breakfast in Oxford and I would be very concerned if we were talking about more than two or three individuals", said Mr Robertson, cabinet member responsible for housing.

"Contrary to their claims, it does not cost the city a penny. We pay all their housing benefits."

In recent years, it has been common practice to place homeless west Oxfordshire families in the city because there is no available bed-and-breakfast accommodation in west Oxfordshire.

Mr Robertson added: "I am taking steps to identify premises here that can be used and to persuade private landlords.

"We are doing our best and I am indignant that we can be accused of dumping people elsewhere."

Last week the Oxford Mail revealed that Oxford City Council was considering taking legal action over neighbouring councils' trend of placing homeless people in city bed-and-breakfast accommodation.