Draft budget sets out investment in leisure centres, flood protection, housing and communities across South Oxfordshire
6 February 2026
From leisure centres to flood protection, public toilets, community grants, affordable housing and much more, South Oxfordshire District Council’s draft budget proposes investment in local communities and public facilities for 2026/27 and beyond.
The £19.4 million draft budget will be put before full Council on 12 February.
If approved, the budget would allow the council to continue investing in leisure and community facilities that play an important role in everyday life and improve wellbeing. Proposals include measures to reduce carbon emissions.
New ongoing funding is proposed to support community cohesion, backing local projects that bring people together, reduce isolation and strengthen community connections, particularly for residents who are vulnerable or at risk of being left behind. This is in addition to funding for the council’s Community Hub which will continue to help residents with housing issues, cost‑of‑living pressures and access to advice and support when they need it most.
Towns and villages across South Oxfordshire could benefit from £590,000 in community grants, supporting locally led improvements such as community buildings, energy efficiency, local events and play equipment. In addition, the highly successful Community Infrastructure grants scheme would continue for another year with a budget of £750,000. The proposals also include funding to help deliver affordable housing and community space at Broadway in Didcot.
The draft budget continues the council’s approach to climate action that focuses on practical local outcomes. A new Climate Action Fund is proposed for grants to community-based projects that cut energy use and emissions, alongside further investment to improve the efficiency of council owned buildings and facilities, helping to reduce running costs over time.
The draft budget includes plans to modernise public conveniences in Goring and Dorchester, with proposed improvements focused on accessibility, security, resilience to vandalism and bringing facilities up to modern standards.
Additional funding is also proposed to support the major Wheatley flood alleviation scheme, as well as other schemes that reduce flood risk for local homes and improve long-term resilience.
The budget also aims to continue the council’s work supporting the local economy, helping businesses to start up, adapt and grow, and providing support for town centres, rural employers and the wider economy during a period of uncertainty.
Under the draft proposals, the district council’s share of council tax would increase by £5 a year for a typical Band D household, bringing the average annual charge to £156.24, just £3 per week.
Councillor Pieter-Paul Barker, Cabinet Member for Finance and Property Assets, said: “This budget is fundamentally about investing in the places where people live their everyday lives. From leisure centres and affordable housing to community spaces and play areas, we’re putting funding directly into projects that strengthen local connections and improve wellbeing across South Oxfordshire.
“By backing local projects, whether it’s flood protection, local community facilities, or for energy saving measures; this budget benefits residents directly by helping to provide safe, accessible and modern facilities and infrastructure.
“While providing significant investment locally, we will continue to manage our public finances carefully and responsibly, being particularly mindful that we are expecting major changes for how local authorities operate in the coming years.”
Notes for editors
South Oxfordshire District Council funds its services through a combination of council tax, government funding, business rates and income from its assets and investments. Interest earned on investments also supports day-to-day services, helping to limit pressure on residents. Financial planning for 2026/27 has been shaped by the expected transition to unitary local government, ensuring services continue to be delivered while maintaining a stable financial position during the run-up to reorganisation.
You can view the proposed budget papers on the meeting agenda for Cabinet on Thursday 5 February.
