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Residents urged to respond to government consultation on once-in-a-generation opportunity to change local councils

The government has launched a consultation on options to reorganise local councils across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire.

Charlotte Westgate

Cllr Bethia Thomas with 3 other women all smiling at the camera

March 6, 2026

Leader’s Blog: International Women’s Day

Published Friday 6 March 2026 #GiveToGain International Women’s Day is a great opportunity every year, to pause and take stock, and think about the position of women in our communities, across the district, the achievements we have seen, the progress we have made so far, but also looking into the future and the challenges and […]

Members of the public at the Didcot Garden Town event September 2025

February 16, 2026

Find out more about future plans for Didcot at community event in March

A free event in March offers an exciting opportunity to find out more about future plans for Didcot. 

Members of the public and community groups in Didcot are invited to attend a special Didcot Community meeting after the success of the first event last year.

Wantage Leisure Centre

January 29, 2026

A big £1M birthday boost for Wantage Leisure Centre 

Published 29 January 2026 In what will be its 50th year, Wantage Leisure Centre is going to see some big refurbishment projects taking place throughout 2026.  Vale of White Horse District Council, who own the centre, has been working on plans to refresh and update facilities with a budget of £982,000.   Funding for the work comes from developer contributions in the area […]

Two Councils. One better future.

October 29, 2025

Five councils launch ambitious plan for local government reform

Change is coming to local government across England, and five councils have worked together to create a proposal for two new, innovative and locally accountable unitary authorities for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire that will tackle existing inefficiencies, improve services, and support local communities in response to the government’s call for reform of council structures.

Dogs swimming in the pool at Abbey Meadow

October 21, 2025

Record-Breaking Season at Abbey Meadow Pool! 

Published 21 October 2025 This summer was a record breaker for Abbey Meadow outdoor pool in Abingdon with nearly 30,000 visitors coming to enjoy the facility.  Vale of White Horse District Council and its leisure provider, GLL, who manage the pool, kiosk and splash pad for the council agreed a slightly earlier opening of the […]

An illustration of people from different cultures, races, of different ages and genders to reflect the 10 protected characteristics

October 16, 2025

Roadshow celebrates equality and diversity across the districts 

‘What does equality mean to you?’ – that’s a question officers from South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils will be asking residents on their Equalities Roadshows starting on Tuesday 21 October.  Council officers will be travelling across the districts to speak to the public about what the councils are doing to support […]

A dog sat next to the Abbey Meadow outdoor pool

September 1, 2025

Outdoor pools season extended and doggy swims are back!

Published 1 September 2025 Swimmers and families will get to enjoy an extra week of fun at the Riverside outdoor pool in Wallingford and Abbey Meadow outdoor pool in Abingdon! Both pools and splash pads will be open until Sunday 7 September. GLL who manage the outdoor pools and splash pads on behalf of South […]

May 23, 2025

The Beacon’s future is looking bright

Issued May 23 2025 The future of The Beacon Arts and Community Centre is looking bright, as plans are presented this month for putting the centre at the heart of arts and culture in the district.    The arts and community centre has provided Wantage and the surrounding areas with an important and lively focus for […]

The cafe at The Beacon last year (2024) run by volunteers from Wantage Literary Festival

April 10, 2025

New café to open at The Beacon supported by local volunteers

Published Thursday 10 April 2025 The Beacon in Wantage will once again have a café thanks to the support of volunteers from the Wantage Literary Festival. Vale of White Horse District Council, who own and manage the Beacon, has been working on different options to re-introduce a café or refreshment area to The Beacon, after […]

February 22, 2024

£760K boost for good causes in the Vale

Two good causes providing information and advice for residents in the Vale have been awarded £760,000 this month. Vale of White Horse District Council has given support to Oxfordshire South and Vale Citizens Advice (£460,000) and Vale Community Impact (£300,000) through their Partnership Grant scheme. The Council recognises the pressures on organisations due to the […]