A guide to council services over the Christmas and New Year period when the council offices are closed to the public.
Housing
November 4, 2025
Breaking the cycle of homelessness
Homelessness extends far beyond rough sleeping and can impact anyone, often without warning. It is frequently hidden, such as sofa surfing, encompassing individuals living in insecure, inadequate, or unsanitary housing, as well as those affected by domestic abuse. Proactive work to break the cycle of homelessness for vulnerable people and ensure support is accessible, effective, […]
May 19, 2025
Reducing need for temporary accommodation part of new homelessness consultation
Minimising the use of temporary accommodation* which can be disruptive to people’s lives, especially for children, is one key aim of proposed updates to how councils tackle homelessness in South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse. Increasing the provision of genuinely affordable, long-term homes remains a core focus of South Oxfordshire and Vale of […]
February 25, 2025
Councils offer help to bring empty homes into use
Property owners are being offered support to bring empty homes back into use, to help meet local housing needs.
October 9, 2024
Councils prevent rise in local homelessness despite an increase in demand on services
As global attention turns to World Homeless Day, Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire district councils have managed to keep local homeless levels low despite an increase in demand on services.
October 26, 2023
Affordable housing grant to help address urgent need
More affordable, energy efficient homes will be built in South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse thanks to a new improved grant process. As part of the district councils’ work to help meet the urgent need for genuinely affordable housing in the region, local developers, Community Land Trusts and self-builders can apply for a […]
October 9, 2023
Joint leaders’ statement to mark World Homeless Day – 10 October
The following is a joint statement by the leaders of Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire district councils, Cllrs Bethia Thomas and David Rouane to mark World Homeless Day on 10 October: “As international attention focuses today on homelessness, we believe everyone should have somewhere they feel safe and secure that they can call […]
January 13, 2022
Number of rough sleepers recorded in the district as zero on 31 December 2021
The number of rough sleepers recorded in both Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire districts on 31 December 2021 was zero. This is the first time since 2013 that no rough sleepers were recorded in both councils’ areas. The councils are committed to ending rough sleeping in the districts. Their housing needs team work […]
August 19, 2021
Council Leader calls on the government to do more to support Afghan refugees and says the Vale is ready to help
Cllr Emily Smith, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, has said that the district council is ready to help refugees who will be arriving in the UK from Afghanistan, but has called on the government to act quickly and to do more to support this process by ensuring that the necessary resources are […]
March 24, 2021
Green Homes Grant will improve conditions for 150 Oxfordshire households
At least 150 homes across Oxfordshire will be made more energy efficient thanks to a successful bid for £1.5 million of government funding. Oxfordshire County Council was awarded the Green Homes Grant by the government. The council will be working together with expected delivery partner the National Energy Foundation (NEF) to help less well-off households […]
January 12, 2021
First tenant moves into new housing project for homeless people in southern Oxfordshire
A former rough sleeper has started the new year by moving into a new home thanks to a new housing project for homeless people in southern Oxfordshire. Six new long-term homes have been provided for former rough sleepers in the south of the county following the success of a pilot project called ‘Housing First’ run […]
