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Beat the heat in the Vale

A guide to services and advice from the council, as well as local and national organisations, to help during the summer months.

Important changes to planning, land charges and mapping services

Planning system now live! Find out more.

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Photo shows representatives from Better alongside Cabinet members from South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils and GLL Sport Foundation athletes. 

January 6, 2026

Councils secure a high-quality and sustainable future for leisure facilities in uncertain times

Local residents can look forward to high-quality, sustainable leisure services for at least the next three years after their councils struck a deal for a contract extension.

Image showing a map of Oxfordshire and Berkshire as part of a mayoral strategic authority.

December 19, 2025

Thames Valley devolution expression of interest submitted to government

An expression of interest letter to create a mayoral strategic authority (MSA) within the Thames Valley has been submitted to government following discussions and agreement by 13 councils within the region.

Image showing a map of Oxfordshire and Berkshire as part of a mayoral strategic authority.

December 4, 2025

A call for Oxfordshire and Berkshire to be in the next wave of Strategic Authorities

The Cabinets at South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have supported the submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) to government for a Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) in the Thames Valley region. Councillor David Rouane, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, said:“Oxfordshire and Berkshire together make sense for a strategic authority. These […]

vale of white horse district council logo

December 2, 2025

Statement: Thames Valley CCTV Partnership 

On Friday 28 November the Police and Crime Commissioner briefed the press to claim four Oxfordshire councils had refused funds for CCTV, even though all of them remained in ongoing conversations about the plans.

Light playing on water

October 28, 2025

Concerns on the spiralling costs of South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO) expressed at October Council meeting

Significant public concerns around Thames Water’s South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO) and the spiralling costs now associated with the proposed development, were raised at Vale of White Horse District Council’s meeting on Wednesday 22 October.

Montage of locations around Oxfordshire

October 27, 2025

Councils set to discuss future shape of Oxfordshire and West Berkshire’s local government

Published on Monday 27 October 2025 Councils across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire are set to submit proposals on the shape of future local government reorganisation across the area. In late 2024 a request was made by government to all remaining two-tier areas across England (county and city/district councils) to submit an interim proposal(s) for a […]

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.