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Residents urged to respond to government consultation on once-in-a-generation opportunity to change local councils

The government has launched a consultation on options to reorganise local councils across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire.

Gavin Walton

a man with a barrow full of garden waste, next to a brown bin and a woman pointing at the bin

February 23, 2026

Residents reminded to buy their new garden waste permit

Residents who receive garden waste collections in South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse are being reminded to buy a new permit if they wish to continue receiving collections from 1 April through to 31 March 2027

The graphic features a simple illustration of a large pile of brown compost with a wooden sign sticking out of it that reads

February 19, 2026

Dig in for free! South and Vale residents invited to grab complimentary compost this March

Spring is coming – and so is your chance to give your garden a natural boost! South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils are inviting residents to collect free, nutrient-rich compost at special giveaway events this March. It’s the perfect way to recycle, reduce waste and grow something great!

This illustration is a clean, blue-toned graphic focused on financial management and public services, likely for a local council or government body in the UK (given the £ symbols). Here is a breakdown of the key elements: Core Visual Components The Growth Jar: A glass jar filled with pound coins and a small plant growing out of the top, symbolizing investment and financial growth. The Data Chart: A bar graph with an upward-trending line in the background, representing positive economic progress or performance tracking. The Calculator: A standard digital calculator, emphasizing budgeting, accuracy, and calculation. The Checklist: A clipboard with three specific priorities: Managing public money responsibly (Checked) Protecting vital services (Checked) Leisure centre upgrades (Unchecked/Next step)

February 12, 2026

Vale Council sets balanced 2026/27 budget focused on communities, services and responsible spending 

Vale of White Horse District Council has agreed its £21million budget for 2026/27, setting out how it will protect essential local services, invest in community facilities and manage public money responsibly during a period of continued financial pressure on councils and households. 

Minimal line-drawing illustration of budgeting and financial planning, showing a clipboard checklist, calculator, stacked coins with pound (£) symbols, a savings jar with a small plant, and simple charts and graphs on a blue background

February 6, 2026

Draft Vale 2026/27 budget to be considered by Council 

A draft budget for 2026/27, setting out how Vale of White Horse District Council plans to protect local services, support communities and manage public money carefully, will be presented to councillors for approval this month. 

recycling bins

February 4, 2026

South and Vale residents to keep using just one recycling bin

Residents can continue using a single wheelie bin for almost all their recycling, following confirmation that we won’t need to change our services to meet a new national policy.

An illustration of a taxi

January 20, 2026

From payments to emissions – tell us what you think about proposed taxi policy updates

Published 20 January 2026 South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils are inviting residents, businesses and the taxi and private hire trade to share their views on proposed updates to their Joint Taxi Licensing Policy.   This is your chance to influence how taxi services operate across both districts – from payment options […]

The image is a medium-close shot of a young woman wearing a bright orange, reflective work jacket and black gloves. She is standing outdoors next to a green recycling bin that is overflowing with cardboard boxes and some other plastic and metal waste. The woman is looking directly at the camera with a neutral to slightly serious expression and giving a thumbs-down gesture with her right hand. Her left hand is resting near the large, brown cardboard boxes that are precariously stacked on the bin. She has her blonde hair pulled back. In the background, on a paved area that appears to be a works yard or street, there are several large refuse collection trucks, one of which is white and partially visible on the left, and another with bright orange and yellow reflective hazard stripes on its back is visible on the right. The day is overcast.

November 24, 2025

Household rubbish can only be collected if bin lids are fully closed

Find out why and what to do if you have excess waste or recycling

A group of guinea fowl and at least one chicken are gathered inside a fenced or netted enclosure, which appears to be in a garden or backyard. The ground is covered with a large pile of broken bricks and rubble. Guinea Fowl: There are several helmeted guinea fowl, easily recognizable by their spotted grey plumage and red heads (though some heads are obscured). They are standing on the rubble pile, and some are closer to the left side of the frame near a bowl. Chicken: One reddish-brown and white patterned chicken is visible near the center, standing closer to a small, light-colored wooden or plastic structure (possibly a coop or shelter). Enclosure: The area is enclosed by dark netting or wire mesh, visible in the background and draped over the top. Background: Behind the rubble and enclosure is lush green foliage and various garden items, including what looks like a small wooden/plastic shelter and another container. Human Element: A human hand is visible reaching into the enclosure from the upper left side. In summary: The image depicts a flock of guinea fowl and a chicken in a somewhat rough enclosure dominated by a large pile of construction rubble.

November 19, 2025

Owner fined after failing to address fowl noise  

A man who let his birds create an ongoing disturbance has been ordered to pay more than £3,400.   James Fell, of Manor Crescent, Stanford in the Vale, was found guilty in his absence of charges relating to a statutory nuisance arising from cockerel and guinea fowl noise.  The case was heard at Oxford Magistrate’s Court on Thursday 13 November.   […]

November 11, 2025

Partnership’s positive action reduces anti-social behaviour and makes our communities safer

The South and Vale Community Safety Partnership (CSP) has released its 2024–25 performance update, showcasing how coordinated action between councils, Thames Valley Police, housing associations, health services and local organisations is keeping residents safe and reducing anti-social behaviour (ASB). In 2024–25 the CSP’s Community Safety team received and investigated 126 reports of anti-social behaviours across […]

An illustration of a Halloween scene showing five costumed figures—a child in a grey cat suit, a man as a mummy, two people in white ghost costumes, and a woman dressed as a witch—standing on a wooden floor. They hold pumpkin baskets and jack-o'-lanterns against a wooden wall background decorated with black bats and spiders.

October 16, 2025

Five frightfully good ways to save waste this Halloween

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils are urging residents to enjoy a spooktacular Halloween without letting waste come back to haunt them. Every year, thousands of pumpkins and costumes end up in the bin after just one night of fright. But with a few simple swaps, we can all help save money, […]