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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.

Council tax

This illustration is a clean, blue-toned graphic focused on financial management and public services, likely for a local council or government body in the UK (given the £ symbols). Here is a breakdown of the key elements: Core Visual Components The Growth Jar: A glass jar filled with pound coins and a small plant growing out of the top, symbolizing investment and financial growth. The Data Chart: A bar graph with an upward-trending line in the background, representing positive economic progress or performance tracking. The Calculator: A standard digital calculator, emphasizing budgeting, accuracy, and calculation. The Checklist: A clipboard with three specific priorities: Managing public money responsibly (Checked) Protecting vital services (Checked) Leisure centre upgrades (Unchecked/Next step)

February 12, 2026

Vale Council sets balanced 2026/27 budget focused on communities, services and responsible spending 

Vale of White Horse District Council has agreed its £21million budget for 2026/27, setting out how it will protect essential local services, invest in community facilities and manage public money responsibly during a period of continued financial pressure on councils and households. 

Vale of White Horse District Council logo

October 17, 2025

Man convicted after admitting eight-year council tax fraud

A Blewbury resident has been convicted of two charges of fraud after admitting to falsely claiming a single person discount on his council tax over an eight-year period.

February 13, 2025

Vale’s 2025-26 budget ensures essential services and excellent value

Rigorous financial planning and efficient use of resources ensured that Vale of White Horse District Council could approve a balanced and forward-thinking budget for 2025-2026 that safeguards public services, despite the challenges of an unstable national economy. On Wednesday 12 February, district councillors voted to maintain investment in key services while ensuring excellent value for […]

have your say on council tax for long term empty properties

October 16, 2024

Have your say on proposed changes to council tax premium for long-term empty properties

Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire district councils have launched a public survey on proposals to reduce the minimum timeframe to charge a council tax premium on long-term empty properties.

December 9, 2022

Action on the cost-of-living: Hundreds of low-income households to benefit from paying less council tax

1,400 households in the Vale of White Horse will benefit from a more generous council tax support (CTS) scheme following action to help those most at risk during the cost-of-living crisis.  At their meeting on Wednesday 7 December, district councillors at the Vale voted to remove restrictions requiring households on CTS to make a contribution […]

A row of houses

August 9, 2022

Help with energy bills – new support for those on low income in the Vale of White Horse

Households on low income in the Vale of White Horse will soon receive a one-off payment to help with the rising cost of energy bills. Those living in properties which are in council tax bands E to H and who are in receipt of council tax support will receive a single one-off payment of up […]

May 9, 2022

£500 fine for Council Tax fraudster

A Grove resident has been fined £500 after fraudulently claiming a reduction on her Council Tax. Zoe Lees, 27, from Horsa Close, Grove, pleaded guilty at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 21 April to illegally claiming more than £3,500 in Council Tax Reduction. Magistrates heard how Ms Lees had failed to inform Vale of White […]

March 9, 2022

Information for South and Vale residents about the £150 ‘rebate’ to help with energy bills

Thousands of council taxpayers in South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse will soon receive a £150 council tax ‘rebate’ to help with rising energy bills. The government has announced that most households in council tax bands A-D will be eligible for the rebate however, contrary to some reports, the ‘rebate’ will not be […]

August 11, 2021

Checks on single person households to ensure people are paying the correct council tax

People claiming Single Person Discount on their council tax in South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse will shortly be asked to confirm whether they are still the only adult living in their property and therefore entitled to continue to receive the reduction. Incorrectly claiming this discount can be considered council tax fraud. More […]

image of White Horse District Council logo

February 10, 2021

Extended support for those struggling to pay their council tax could benefit more than 3,000 households

South Oxfordshire District Council and Vale of White Horse District Council are to extend the support they are providing to help working age people who are struggling to pay their council tax as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.  The move could benefit more than 3,000 households across the two districts. In June the two […]