The government has today (16 July) announced that Oxfordshire and West Berkshire’s seven existing councils will be replaced by three unitary councils from 1 April 2028 as part of its plans for local government reorganisation (LGR).
Our new Land Charges system and Land Charges Register are now live.
Lucy Billen
July 24, 2026
Statement from the Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council on further delays to reopening of the Botley Road
Following confirmation this week the Botley Road in Oxford will remain closed beyond the end of August, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, Cllr Bethia Thomas, has expressed her deep frustration and incredulity at the further delays to the long-promised reopening. Botley Road in Oxford was originally on schedule to reopen at the end of August 2026 – almost two years later than the original timetable deadline.
June 29, 2026
Wantage Leisure Centre is fit for the future
Wantage Leisure Centre is running on renewable energy following the completion of a multi-million-pound energy efficiency programme which installed air source heat pumps, solar panels and extensive insulation.
June 19, 2026
Councils are encouraged by the results of their tenants’ satisfaction survey
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have carried out a satisfaction survey among their tenants for the first time since they re-registered as social housing providers and the results are encouraging.
June 8, 2026
Oxfordshire moves forward with programme to support residents without private parking to switch to EVs
Over the next two years, Oxfordshire residents will benefit from the largest installation of public electric vehicle (EV) charging points ever seen in the county following the award of two charge point operator (CPO) contracts.
May 18, 2026
Celebrations as Wantage Leisure Centre reaches its Golden Anniversary
This weekend marks half a century since Wantage Leisure Centre first opened its doors, and it is just as full of promise as it was in 1976. This golden anniversary year will see an investment of nearly £1million to double the size of the gym and upgrade the swimming pool changing areas. And with the newly installed solar panels and air source heat pumps, the sports centre can look forward to a sustainable future both financially and environmentally.
May 11, 2026
Councils invite community groups to help nature recovery on their land
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have made it easier for community organisations to create nature recovery projects such as wildflower meadows on district council-owned land.
April 28, 2026
Another £100,000 available for climate and nature recovery projects
The Vale of White Horse District Council’s annual grant fund for climate and nature recovery projects opens on Tuesday 5 May, with £100,000 available for local community groups and town and parish councils.
April 24, 2026
Extra funding for our Local Wildlife Sites
Local Wildlife Sites such as Waterstock Mill near Wheatley and the Letcombe Cressbeds near Wantage are set for a brighter future thanks to increased funding from South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils.
April 8, 2026
Nature in the Vale is revealed in a new biodiversity report
Vale of White Horse District Council has published a new biodiversity report. This is the first time the council has put together such a document which depicts the natural highlights in the district, including the largest surviving example of alkaline fen in central England at Cothill and an increasing water vole population in the River Ock. The report also sets out the council’s actions to conserve and enhance the area’s natural world.
February 26, 2026
New electric waste vehicle will save councils 13 tonnes of carbon emissions per year
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils have taken delivery of their second electric waste collection and street cleansing vehicle – which produces 70 per cent fewer carbon emissions than its diesel predecessor.
