CUTS to domestic violence and substance abuse services in Oxfordshire have been criticised by a Home Office minister, despite his Government slashing funding.

The county council is proposing to make the saving following funding cuts of £96m – 39 per cent – by 2017/18 imposed by the Government.

Crime prevention minister Norman Baker, pictured, said: “I think councils are in a very difficult position because of their budget decisions, but they have to be very careful not to make cuts affecting those who are most vulnerable in society.”

To cope with the cuts, the council has proposed cutting funding for domestic abuse services by 40 per cent, from £331,000 to £132,000, and scrapping the £214,000 grant for substance misuse – though this will partly be replaced by a new public health contract which provides a £150,000 subsidy.

Our top stories

or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.

Lib Dem Mr Baker had said it was not a “good idea” to make large cuts to domestic abuse services. He said: “The Government has made tackling domestic abuse a very high priority and we are finally seeing now a greater willingness of victims to come forward but as a consequence of that the demand for services is going to increase.

On drug abuse he said: “Forty per cent of acquisitive crime is carried out by heroin or crack cocaine addicts so any moves which reduce help for them or make it more likely that they will increase their habits will be a false economy.”

Council spokesman Marcus Mabberley said: “No decisions will be taken about how to make the required saving until the consultation responses are assessed and fed in to the decision-making process.

“A review will take place, which will involve users, providers and stakeholders and then a further public consultation will be conducted on its recommendations regarding services for those who experience domestic abuse.”

  • Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.