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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.

Latest news

Abbey Meadow Pool

June 17, 2025

Early opening days announced for Abbey Meadow Pool ahead of June heatwave

Summer in the Vale is well underway and there is great news for families and swimmers with the Abbey Meadow outdoor pool in Abingdon set to open early this season! 

June 16, 2025

Agenda Planning Committee – Wednesday 25 June 2025

The agenda reports pack for the Planning Committee to be held on Wednesday 25 June 2025 at 7pm has been published: Agenda and draft minutes – Planning Committee, 25 June 2025.

Map of proposed two new unitary councils

June 4, 2025

Five councils launch two-unitary proposal for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire and seek residents’ views on how local government could be improved

Published Wednesday 4 June 2025 Change is coming to local government across England, and five councils are working together to propose two strong and locally accountable unitary authorities for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire. The government will replace the current two-tier system of local government, which consists of district and county councils, with new unitary authorities. […]

Decorative montage of landscape images

June 2, 2025

Joint Local Plan hearings

The public hearings for the South and Vale Joint Local Plan start this week.

Rethink bulky waste. Could you -

May 29, 2025

Let’s rethink bulky waste – could you rehome or repair it instead?

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils are encouraging residents to think twice before booking a bulky waste collection – because that old cupboard, television, table or unwanted bookcase might still have plenty of life left in it.

May 23, 2025

The Beacon’s future is looking bright

Issued May 23 2025 The future of The Beacon Arts and Community Centre is looking bright, as plans are presented this month for putting the centre at the heart of arts and culture in the district.    The arts and community centre has provided Wantage and the surrounding areas with an important and lively focus for […]

sofa surfing

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 […]

Silhouettes of six children standing and playing against a bright teal background, with outlines of various sports equipment such as footballs, table tennis paddles, bats, and balls in the corners.

May 16, 2025

Get active and join the excitement of half term with a free family fun day, shows and more!

Looking for exciting ways to keep the kids entertained this May half-term? Come along to Abingdon Fun Day on Wednesday 28 May – a completely free day of games, sports, and family activities at the White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre!

Collection of people around ribbon with oversized scissors

May 15, 2025

Children enjoy newly improved playground at official opening

Schoolchildren climbed, spun and zip-lined at the official opening of a newly improved playground in Abingdon.

May 15, 2025

Get ready for a fun filled summer in the Vale 

Children, adults and families across the Vale are gearing up for a jam-packed summer of fun with free and low-cost activities and places to visit.  Throughout the summer, the council’s Active Communities team will host a variety of events, including community walks and football sessions – there will be something for all ages and abilities […]