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March 12, 2026

12 March 2026 The transformation of hundreds of empty properties into homes once more is under way as councils offer help to homeowners.  Over the last year Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire District Councils have been working with owners of 854 empty properties to understand why their properties are empty and offer support. Of these, 232 properties […]

February 9, 2026

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils’ Food and Warmth Grant Scheme is helping support people to cope with the rising cost of living this winter.  Grants totaling over £150,000 have been awarded to 50 local not-for-profit organisations who are delivering projects that improve access to food and help people keep their homes warm.   The funding is supporting a wide range of initiatives, including:   Pamela Roscoe from Vale Community Impact said: “The Food […]

January 16, 2026

Published 16 January 2026 Two councils are removing their profiles from the social media service X in light of recent events that saw the platform’s integrated AI tool Grok being used to for activities branded as “completely unacceptable”. South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse District Councils had already significantly reduced their use of […]

December 15, 2025

Published 15 December 2025 “I want to express my deepest sympathy to everyone affected by the tragedy that unfolded this weekend at Bondi Beach in Australia. My thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends who have lost their loved ones because of this senseless act of violence.    “I am proud […]

December 15, 2025

Published 15 December 2025 Our unique and diverse communities are one of our most valuable assets – and we are proud of them. To protect our sense of belonging for all communities, we will challenge and address disinformation, suspicion, and intolerance wherever it occurs.    We will do all we can to ensure everyone living in […]

November 26, 2025

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

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

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

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

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 […]