The reason given by Oxford City Council for not supporting Oxford’s annual horticultural show with a £2,000 grant, namely that it does not do enough for disadvantaged groups, is incomprehensible. This is an event that is appreciated by everyone, whatever their background or circumstances.

In fact, we would say the Cowley Road Carnival fits into the same category. We learned last week that it had been awarded a total of £40,000 by the city and county councils.