A guide to council services over the Christmas and New Year period when the council offices are closed to the public.
nicklessv
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!
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.
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”.
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.
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.
June 19, 2025
Planning application submitted for Haseley Trading Estate vehicle depot
South Oxfordshire District Council has submitted a planning application for the proposed vehicle depot site, and the plans are now available to view online and for people to leave their comments.
June 17, 2025
Early opening days announced for Abbey Meadow Pool ahead of June heatwave
Summer in the Vale is well underway and there is great news for families and swimmers with the Abbey Meadow outdoor pool in Abingdon set to open early this season!
June 4, 2025
Five councils launch two-unitary proposal for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire and seek residents’ views on how local government could be improved
Published Wednesday 4 June 2025 Change is coming to local government across England, and five councils are working together to propose two strong and locally accountable unitary authorities for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire. The government will replace the current two-tier system of local government, which consists of district and county councils, with new unitary authorities. […]
June 2, 2025
Joint Local Plan hearings
The public hearings for the South and Vale Joint Local Plan start this week.
May 12, 2025
Major council IT system maintenance
Towards the end of May, we are carrying out a major piece of planned essential maintenance work on the council’s IT systems. This work is unavoidable and has to take place in order to secure the future of our IT system and the services it enables.
