Is Oxfordshire's Big Debate Over?

The last of Oxfordshire's Big Debates about how the national financial crisis will impact on the county council and the potential budget cuts was held last Thursday evening in Abingdon, so I went along to hear what people had to say. The Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive plus officers and cabinet members were there to answer questions. It was hosted by Radio Oxford presenter, Bill Heine.

Everyone was told that the county council has a turnover of around 1 billion pounds a year and needs to save £200 million over the next four years. Members of the audience asked many questions varying from social services, youth services and help for carers. A few suggestions were made, but most people used the opportunity to air their concerns about where the axe may fall. However, the crunch will come when we hear the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review later this month (20th October) - I will keep you posted!