From Oxford Times Report 11th Sept - Liam Sloan :
OXFORDSHIRE County Council is to hold a “Big Debate” with the public in Abingdon on Sept 30th to find out residents’ views on budget cuts.
With Chancellor George Osborne already indicating that Government departments will have to cut a quarter of their spending between 2011 and 2015, the council is already planning to make £200m of cuts by 2015.
But council bosses have warned that figure may have to increase further once the Government presents its Comprehensive Spending Review next month and councils are told how much money they will be getting.
The council is holding public meetings across Oxfordshire, asking residents about which areas should be protected, what should be cut, and how council services should change to cope with the unprecedented budget cuts.
The council will visit Abbey Hall, Abingdon, for a public meeting on Thursday, September 30, from 7.30pm to 9pm.
Anyone who cannot attend a meeting can have their say online at the website: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/bigdebate
