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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.

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Map showing proposed FSA area

June 18, 2026

Joint statement from South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils on local devolution

The leaders of South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have reaffirmed their commitment to working constructively and collaboratively with all partners and the government on discussions around a new strategic authority that would cover the Thames Valley.

June 8, 2026

Oxfordshire moves forward with programme to support residents without private parking to switch to EVs

Over the next two years, Oxfordshire residents will benefit from the largest installation of public electric vehicle (EV) charging points ever seen in the county following the award of two charge point operator (CPO) contracts.

May 26, 2026

Cost-of-living support and advice on offer at the Community Hub roadshows

Published 26 May 2026 Residents are encouraged to come along to a series of cost-of-living roadshows offering support and advice on managing household costs. In recent years, the cost-of-living crisis has become a cost-of-living reality for many residents across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse. From May to December this year, the Community Hub Team from South Oxfordshire and Vale of White […]

Cllr Georgina Heritage and Cllr Helen Pighills presenting at the Southern Oxfordshire Heritage, Culture, and Creative Industries Symposium Delegates at the Southern Oxfordshire Heritage, Culture, and Creative Industries Symposium seated around tables watching a presentation.

April 1, 2026

Culture and Heritage Network Event returns to Cornerstone 

Published 1 April 2026 On 25 March, the Southern Oxfordshire Heritage, Culture, and Creative Industries Symposium returned to the Cornerstone Arts Centre in Didcot. The three-hour event, made possible through funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England grants received earlier in the year, brought together 30 people from local museums, theatres, […]

Map of proposed two new unitary councils

March 27, 2026

Leaders reflect on the close of the government’s LGR consultation for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire

As the government consultation on local government reorganisation (LGR) for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire draws to a close, South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Council leaders have thanked everyone who has submitted their views on the three proposals for this area.

Row of traffic cones

March 16, 2026

Important changes to planning, land charges and mapping services

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

February 13, 2026

Vale Leader on the government’s strategic planning proposals 

Cllr Bethia Thomas, Leader of the Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “We have been clear for some time that we do not believe Swindon is a good fit for any future Thames Valley Strategic Authority area and that has not changed.”

Blue background and an image of the council map

February 5, 2026

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.

white background with the words Disability Confident Leader

January 26, 2026

Councils lead the way in disability representation

Two Oxfordshire councils are leading the way in disability representation by achieving the highest level of national accreditation for inclusivity and accessibility.

vale of white horse district council logo

January 14, 2026

Council supports £100,000 loan for Abingdon Abbey Buildings Enhancement project 

There is great news for heritage in Abingdon this month. The Vale of White Horse District Council has agreed to lend £100,000 to the Friends of Abingdon Abbey Buildings Trust to support the Abingdon Abbey Buildings Enhancement Project.