REGARDING the proposed budget cuts to Oxfordshire’s voluntary and community organisations, there is a risk that Oxfordshire County Council’s options for reducing funding of public services, published last week, may cost more than they will save.

Many of the proposed cuts will hit services that prevent worse outcomes for vulnerable children and adults.

Take them away and more children may drift into drug misuse and crime.

More families will be unable to cope. And more vulnerable adults will be unable to live independently and may require premature, expensive institutional care.

This will cost the state much more than the proposed cuts will save.

The work of charities and community organisations complements the statutory services provided by local authorities and the NHS.

It can make a real difference. Examples include: countywide coverage of Good Neighbour type schemes that help older people live well in the community; projects for vulnerable children and young people to improve their education, skills and job prospects; and activities that help those with chronic health conditions live independently – All activity funded by the taxpayer needs to demonstrate its value and cost effectiveness.

This is not always easy to measure.

But the county council should take care to protect those services that if reduced or cut altogether will cost it much more.

Jon Bright
CEO Community First Oxfordshire (formerly Oxfordshire Rural Communities Council)
Kathy Shaw
CEO Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action