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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.

Community Support

July 10, 2026

New rates support approved for Vale pubs and rural businesses

Pubs and essential rural businesses across the Vale of White Horse are set to receive extra support following the approval of a new one-off discretionary business rates relief scheme for 2026/27

a picture of a pint glass on a pub bar

June 26, 2026

Vale Cabinet to consider support package for local pubs and rural businesses

A one-off business rates top-up could help ease the financial pressures facing some of the much-loved local businesses at the heart of our communities.

map of vale orgs awarded food and wamth grant

February 9, 2026

Food and Warmth Grant Scheme supports people this winter  

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils’ Food and Warmth Grant Scheme is helping support people to cope with the rising cost of living this winter.  Grants totaling over £150,000 have been awarded to 50 local not-for-profit organisations who are delivering projects that improve access to food and help people keep their homes warm.   The funding is supporting a wide range of initiatives, including:   Pamela Roscoe from Vale Community Impact said: “The Food […]

hands open with a sign saying welcome

December 15, 2025

Statement by Vale of White Horse District Council on Sanctuary and Fair Treatment

Published 15 December 2025 Our unique and diverse communities are one of our most valuable assets – and we are proud of them. To protect our sense of belonging for all communities, we will challenge and address disinformation, suspicion, and intolerance wherever it occurs.    We will do all we can to ensure everyone living in […]

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.

June 18, 2025

Community is our superpower this Refugee Week 

As part of Refugee Week, we’re shining a light on those who support people seeking sanctuary and thanking communities for all they do.  The work we do to help people access accommodation and provide community integration support for guests from Ukraine, Afghanistan and Hong Kong is part of a huge team effort across the county involving a wide […]

August 22, 2024

Marking Ukraine Independence Day, councils continue to provide sanctuary to Ukrainians.

Ahead of Ukraine Independence Day on 24 August council leaders share their statements: Cllr Bethia Thomas, Leader at Vale of White Horse District Council, said:  “Our support for Ukrainians remains steadfast and heartfelt as we continue to provide sanctuary for Ukrainian households living in the Vale. I’m so proud of the huge efforts from residents, […]

white horse community lottery is 3

July 22, 2024

Local charities given helping hand with lottery funds

Sustainable Shrivenham and Abingdon Music Centre are two of 10 local charities whose community work has received a boost of unrestricted funding thanks to the White Horse Community Lottery. Marking its third anniversary this month (July) since its launch by Vale of White Horse District Council, the lottery has raised £82,975 and helped local organisations, […]

volunteers week 2024

May 24, 2024

Volunteers are inspirational, we want to say a big “thank you”

Cabinet members of Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire district councils have offered their thanks and gratitude to the thousands of inspirational volunteers across both districts ahead of volunteers’ week. To mark the 40th anniversary of annual Volunteers’ Week, which takes place from 3 – 9 June, the councils will be taking the “time to […]

The Beacon Arts and Community Centre

February 13, 2024

Securing a sustainable future for The Beacon Arts Centre and Community Centre

Robust plans are being prepared this month to secure a sustainable and ‘best value’ future for The Beacon Arts and Community Centre. The arts and community centre has provided Wantage and the surrounding areas with an important and lively focus for arts and the community since 2014. The Beacon supports the wellbeing of residents by […]