Despite "major challenges", the Vale of White Horse District Council has approved the 2024-2025 budget, guaranteeing "quality" local services.

Against the backdrop of below inflation funding increases and cost-of-living pressures, the Council has managed to protect key public services.

Council tax has been set at £156.69 for a Band D property for the year 2024-25.

This means that residents will continue to pay one of the country's lowest rates for services offered by a shire district, and considerably less than what Oxford residents pay.

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Seven per cent of the total council tax paid by Vale households fund the District Council’s services.

It helps to finance amenities like waste and recycling collections, community support, leisure services, parks and play areas, housing services, planning services, environmental health and licensing.

Councillor Andy Crawford, cabinet member for finance, said: "I’m very pleased that Council has approved the new budget.

"This ensures we can now build on our positive work in investing in local facilities, supporting local climate projects, improving the energy efficiency of our own buildings, and continue to provide support for our communities and the rural economy.

"Thanks to careful management over recent years, we are now in a position where we can confidently maintain our finances while protect public services and we’re in a much more positive position than many other authorities.

"We will continue to work towards long term financial stability and remain vigilant against the potential impact of the ongoing economic and political uncertainty."