Economic downturn hits district council’s income

FOLLOWING the announcement of a below inflation rise in South Oxfordshire’s Community Charge this year, the authority’s Chief Executive says that his council’s income faces huge pressures.

Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting of Thame Town Council (24.2), David Buckle explained that the causes of a downturn in South Oxfordshire District Council’s income included a drop in land charges caused by the fall in house sales, a reduction in income from car parking and less planning applications being submitted.

Another area of extra expense for the authority explained Mr Buckle, was the Concessionary Fare scheme that came in this year, which requires the authority to pay 55% of each fare.

Mr Buckle was answering a question about the cost of the recent merge of SODC’s financial services with those of the Vale of White Horse District Council. He said that the merger would save SODC