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Winter in The Vale  

A guide to services and advice from the council, as well as local and national organisations, to help during the winter months. 

Latest news

Image showing a map of Oxfordshire and Berkshire as part of a mayoral strategic authority.

November 17, 2025

Thames Valley leaders to pursue devolution deal

Leaders from across the Thames Valley are progressing plans to pursue a mayoral strategic authority (MSA) for the region, a new combined authority made up of a number of council areas, which would be led by a directly elected mayor.

November 17, 2025

Visit Southern Oxfordshire launches campaign to boost festive trade 

Visit Southern Oxfordshire, the official tourism and events hub for South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse, has launched a new initiative to support small, independent businesses this Christmas. 

Light playing on water

November 17, 2025

Council Leader demands government intervention over escalating reservoir costs as public consultation opens

The Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, Cllr Bethia Thomas, has written to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, calling for urgent action on Thames Water’s controversial South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO).  

approved stamp on council leaflet

November 14, 2025

Vale of White Horse Cabinet approves bold proposal for Local Government Reorganisation

“This is an opportunity for real change where it’s needed – this proposal puts transforming and improving services at its heart. It’s a proposal that was crafted based on what our residents, businesses and local organisations told us they want and need. It’s the only way to create financially secure councils that will be able […]

Five council leader head shots

November 14, 2025

Five out of seven councils back the two-unitary proposal for council reorganisation

Published Friday 14 November 2025 A consensus has emerged for the shape of Local Government Reorganisation in the area after five councils in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire have formally supported a proposal for two new, innovative, and locally accountable unitary authorities, aimed at addressing current inefficiencies, enhancing services, and saving millions in response to the […]

vale of white horse district council logo

November 12, 2025

Grove Rugby Football Club to receive over £80,000 to improve facilities 

Great news for rugby fans in Grove and the surrounding areas. Grove Rugby Football Club is set to receive £83,861 from Vale of White Horse District Council to help modernise and improve its facilities.  The funding will go towards adding additional kitchen facilities and modernising the existing building.   The project has also been designed to […]

November 11, 2025

Partnership’s positive action reduces anti-social behaviour and makes our communities safer

The South and Vale Community Safety Partnership (CSP) has released its 2024–25 performance update, showcasing how coordinated action between councils, Thames Valley Police, housing associations, health services and local organisations is keeping residents safe and reducing anti-social behaviour (ASB). In 2024–25 the CSP’s Community Safety team received and investigated 126 reports of anti-social behaviours across […]

picture of hands holding a house

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, […]

October 29, 2025

Five councils launch ambitious plan for local government reform

Change is coming to local government across England, and five councils have worked together to create a proposal for two new, innovative and locally accountable unitary authorities for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire that will tackle existing inefficiencies, improve services, and support local communities in response to the government’s call for reform of council structures.

vale of white horse district council logo

October 28, 2025

Council leader expresses deep concerns for proposed reservoir at busy October Council Meeting 

Vale of White Horse District Council’s Leader, Bethia Thomas, reflected on the major topics dominating recent weeks at the October Council meeting, including the proposed Thames Water reservoir, the status of the Joint Local Plan and Local Government Reorganisation at the busy meeting on Wednesday 22 October. In her Leader’s statement, Cllr Bethia Thomas, expressed […]