A guide to council services over the Christmas and New Year period when the council offices are closed to the public.
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November 26, 2025
Councils announce preferred candidate for new Chief Executive
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have published details of the preferred candidate to be their new, shared Chief Executive. A recruitment process got underway after the previous Chief Executive’s departure, and members of the councils’ Joint Staff Committee have now recommended Adrianna Partridge to be the new shared Chief Executive and […]
November 4, 2025
Breaking the cycle of homelessness
Homelessness extends far beyond rough sleeping and can impact anyone, often without warning. It is frequently hidden, such as sofa surfing, encompassing individuals living in insecure, inadequate, or unsanitary housing, as well as those affected by domestic abuse. Proactive work to break the cycle of homelessness for vulnerable people and ensure support is accessible, effective, […]
October 23, 2025
Councils ask Inspectors to think again about local plan after minister letter
A letter to Planning Inspectors from a government minister could offer an opportunity for the Joint Local Plan being developed by the district councils in South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse. The plan is currently being examined by Planning Inspectors who recently wrote to the councils recommending they withdraw the plan from the process. […]
July 25, 2025
Statement regarding SESRO from Leader of the Council
Cllr Bethia Thomas, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council said: “Although we were not party to the Judicial Review, we remain opposed to Thames Water’s proposal for the reservoir. We submitted our response to Thames Water’s public consultation in August 2024, reaffirming our objections. “We will continue to urge water providers, regulators and government […]
June 18, 2025
Community is our superpower this Refugee Week
As part of Refugee Week, we’re shining a light on those who support people seeking sanctuary and thanking communities for all they do. The work we do to help people access accommodation and provide community integration support for guests from Ukraine, Afghanistan and Hong Kong is part of a huge team effort across the county involving a wide […]
May 19, 2025
Reducing need for temporary accommodation part of new homelessness consultation
Minimising the use of temporary accommodation* which can be disruptive to people’s lives, especially for children, is one key aim of proposed updates to how councils tackle homelessness in South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse. Increasing the provision of genuinely affordable, long-term homes remains a core focus of South Oxfordshire and Vale of […]
February 17, 2025
Have your say on how we provide homes to those in most need
Proposed changes to the way social housing in the Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire is allocated for those in the most need will speed up help for homeless households to move into long-term accommodation. South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils are inviting people to take part in a public consultation […]
October 25, 2024
Reservoir risks discussed and nature recovery plans highlighted by councillors
In its October meeting, Vale of White Horse District Council debated the potential for flooding risks that could be caused by Thames Water’s reservoir proposals. Among the points of significant public interest in the district discussed by councillors was a motion outlining that Thames Water has not yet addressed community concerns around the risks of […]
October 16, 2024
Have your say on proposed changes to council tax premium for long-term empty properties
Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire district councils have launched a public survey on proposals to reduce the minimum timeframe to charge a council tax premium on long-term empty properties.
August 22, 2024
Marking Ukraine Independence Day, councils continue to provide sanctuary to Ukrainians.
Ahead of Ukraine Independence Day on 24 August council leaders share their statements: Cllr Bethia Thomas, Leader at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “Our support for Ukrainians remains steadfast and heartfelt as we continue to provide sanctuary for Ukrainian households living in the Vale. I’m so proud of the huge efforts from residents, […]
