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  • Online payment forms for bulky waste and licensing are working again − some fees collected through these forms were due to be increased on 1 April, but we have postponed this for a week. Garden waste and council tax payments are not affected.
Important changes to planning and land charging services

We are updating the software behind our Planning and Land Charges services, to ensure it remains reliable, supported, and able to meet future service needs.

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Decorative montage of landscape images

October 8, 2025

Councils to take positive steps to represent communities despite concerns with Inspectors’ Local Plan decision

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have written an open letter in which they have stated the Planning Inspectors’ conclusions on their Joint Local Plan were unwarranted and lacking coherent explanation.

Decorative montage of landscape images

October 1, 2025

The councils’ response to the Planning Inspectors’ findings on the Joint Local Plan

A statement on behalf of South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils.

Extra garden waste in a wheelbarrow

September 30, 2025

New garden waste permit scheme a big success thanks to residents’ support

Residents in South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse have embraced a new garden waste permit scheme this year – with an almost 5 per cent rise in collections from the previous year.

Vale of White Horse District Council logo

September 18, 2025

Council Chief stands down

After long and careful consideration Mark Stone has decided to leave South and Vale as of 30 September 2025.  Mark has ably led the councils since July 2017 as Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service working with multiple administrations. 

Image of hospital bed

September 9, 2025

Wantage community hospital refurbishment ready to start following successful funding bid

Following a successful bid to the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) fund administered by Vale of White Horse District Council, work is now ready to start on refurbishing the ground floor of Wantage Community Hospital.

Light playing on water

August 14, 2025

Statement from the Council Leader: South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO) spiralling costs.

Cllr Bethia Thomas, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “The costs of SESRO seem to be spiralling. We have continually urged water providers to consider exploring all the alternative and more cost-effective solutions seriously before committing to this reservoir. I reiterate that call today given the revelation this week that Thames Water’s reservoir faces an eye watering increase in costs – potentially up to £7.5bn!

Vale of White Horse District Council logo

August 14, 2025

Statement on the Botley Road walkway, from the Leader of the Council:

Cllr Bethia Thomas, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “Like other residents and businesses west of the railway bridge, I’m extremely disappointed with the announcement that the new walkway on the Botley Road is near completion – having seen the new map from National Rail showing the route the walkway will take.

Chair of Planning, Cllr Max Thompson

August 12, 2025

Government’s proposed planning reform not “wanted or needed” says council 

A council has slammed proposed changes to planning decision-making saying they will “weaken local democracy and faith in the planning process”. 

Photo of someone playing basketball. Photo by Tom Briskey on Unsplash

July 28, 2025

Funding approved for new community ‘eco’ park and games areas in the Vale

Green spaces, play and games areas in the Vale of White Horse will get a boost this month, with almost £350,000 in funding agreed.

Vale of White Horse District Council logo

July 18, 2025

Leader reflects on achievements at busy July Council Meeting 

Vale of White Horse District Council’s Leader, Bethia Thomas, expressed her thoughts on achievements and progress over the last few months, at a busy July Council meeting on Wednesday 16 July.