Lib Dem Mini-Budget Puts People First

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 11th Jul 2006

The mini-budget used £50,000 of council savings

Liberal Democrats on Oxford City Council have published a mini-budget, proposing four practical and costed measures to be implemented this year which will be of real benefit to Oxford's residents.

• Support for low-income households to access private rented accommodation. (£50,000 one-off)

This money will save the Lord Mayor's Deposit Guarantee Scheme from being shut down. The LMDGS is a grant-funded scheme which provides bonds in lieu of rent deposits to enable households on low incomes to access privately rented accommodation. The scheme is in financial difficulties following the withdrawal of subsidy by Oxford Citizens' Housing Association. Safeguarding the LMDGS will offer a valuable alternative housing option to a growing number of applicants.

Contact: Cllr Patrick Murray, Lib Dem Portfolio Holder for Better Housing, 07891 330778

• Extending the 'Shopmobility' scheme to Saturdays to assist shoppers with mobility problems. (£8,000 pa)

Shopmobility aims to promote equality of access and to encourage independence of people with disabilities through the provision of scooters, wheelchairs and power chairs. Currently, it is open Monday to Friday; this new funding will allow the scheme to operate on Saturdays also. 84% of schemes registered with the Federation of Shopmobility open on a Saturday, including neighbouring schemes in Aylesbury, Bicester, Banbury and Cowley. We should offer the same equal opportunities of access to disabled customers in Oxford.

Contact: Cllr David Rundle, Lib Dem Portfolio Holder for Stronger Communities, 07980 894147.

• A funding boost to ensure the continued success of popular community events like the Lord Mayor's Parade. (£8,000 pa)

The City Council's Events budget has been boosted so that Oxford can contribute more to the 1000 years of Oxfordshire programme in 2007. In particular, it is hoped to link next year's Lord Mayor's Parade to other events being planned by major educational and artistic organisations in the City, and to give people across the county a really memorable spring festival in their county town.

Contact: Cllr Alan Armitage, Lib Dem Portfolio Holder for a Healthier Environment, 07799 892385.

Notes:

• The Lib Dems' mini-budget is contained in Item 19 of the Executive Board agenda for 17th July, 'Year end financial monitoring report'.

• In the last financial year, under Labour control, the City Council's business units over-spent by £191,000. However, the Council made an over-provision for the Local Cost of Benefits of £689k. After other spending items already committed are taken into account, the City Council has an extra £86,300 available to spend in 2006-07. It is this money which will fund the mini-budget's four proposals.