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Government confirms three new unitary councils for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire in 2028  

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).  

Important changes to planning, land charges and mapping services

Our new Land Charges system and Land Charges Register are now live.

Climate Emergency

solar panels on roof

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.

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.

EV food waste truck and tipper truck in distance with councillors standing in front

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.

January 16, 2026

Good news for Marcham residents as air quality improves

Published Friday 16 January 2026 At a meeting of the Vale of White Horse District Council Licensing Committee on Thursday 15 January, councillors heard that officers have assessed air quality in the district and found that over five years Marcham Air Quality Management Area has seen consistent reductions in nitrogen dioxide, a key pollutant primarily […]

cows at trough at tuckmill meadows

October 21, 2025

Tuckmill Meadows has some ‘moo’ residents

Meet Dorisse, Lucinda and KitKat – three Irish Dexter cows who have recently moved to Tuckmill Meadows nature reserve near Shrivenham as part of a nature recovery programme.

solar panels on white horse leisure and tennis centre

October 8, 2025

Progress to net zero to be discussed

Multi-million-pound construction projects to replace end-of-life gas boilers with solar panels and air source heat pumps at leisure centres in Wantage and Abingdon are helping Vale of White Horse District Council to reduce its overall carbon emissions.

October 7, 2025

Local groups to get £100,000 for climate and nature projects

Floodplain restoration, improved insulation for a local museum and a giveaway of at least 1600 new trees are just a few of the projects to be given financial help by the Vale of White Horse District Council’s Climate Action Fund this autumn.