Oxfordshire MPs have written a letter to the chancellor asking for greater local government funding, especially for SEND provision, adult social care and highways maintenance.

Oxfordshire’s five Liberal Democrat MPs have written to Rachel Reeves calling for increased funding to tackle the growing financial crisis in local government. 

They warn that councils across the country face a projected £54bn funding gap over the next five years, which could cripple essential service provision if the shortfall goes unaddressed.

The letter points out that in Oxfordshire, demand for SEND services has surged by eight per cent in the past year alone. Meanwhile more than half of the council’s budget is already tied up in adult social care. The five MPs stressed that without urgent action to tackle the growing demand for council services, the care and support for some of Oxfordshire’s most vulnerable residents are at risk.

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They also highlighted the £26m annual shortfall in road maintenance funding, which leaves Oxfordshire’s roads in a dangerous state. Current funding of £14m is well below the £40m needed to keep roads safe.

Councils have been forced to raid reserves due to inadequate government support, draining resources that are ring fenced for other projects or departments. The letter calls for multi-year settlements for councils to provide long-term financial certainty and a more efficient allocation of resources.

Speaking afterwards Olly Glover, Charlie Maynard, Calum Miller, Layla Moran, and Freddie van Mierlo said: “Local government sits at the heart of our communities, providing the care, infrastructure, and support that local residents rely on. But with soaring costs and increasing demand, councils like Oxfordshire face huge funding gaps. 

“Without urgent action the council will struggle to provide the essential services for Oxfordshire’s most vulnerable people. Across areas like SEND, adult social care, and highways maintenance, budgets are already stretched to the limit.

“That’s why we have written to the Chancellor urging her to prioritise local government in the upcoming budget. This investment in councils is vital for the well-being of our communities.”

In the letter to the chancellor, it said: “We want to highlight the financial challenges Oxfordshire County Council face, which make it increasingly difficult to deliver services that our communities rely on, particularly in relation to SEND provision, adult social care and highways maintenance. 

“The Liberal Democrats believe that investing in local government services is vital for the wellbeing of our communities. Councils need a longer-term, multi-year financial settlement to enable them to properly plan their services. 

“We urge you to prioritise adequate funding for local authorities, including Oxfordshire, in your upcoming budget, to ensure that we can provide quality public services.”