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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

November 21, 2023

Further support for new families who contributed to the UK’s military operations in Afghanistan

In addition to the Vale of White Horse District Council’s recently announced* support for Afghan families, The Ministry of Defence is providing short term temporary homes in the Vale of White Horse for a number of new families arriving directly from overseas who have supported the UK’s military operations in Afghanistan. The new families are […]

November 18, 2023

Preparation underway for next stage of Joint Local Plan

Innovative new planning policies to help two Oxfordshire districts reach their full potential and address challenges they face, are on the local agenda – and you’ll soon be able to have your say. South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils are preparing to launch a second round of consultation early next year to […]

November 8, 2023

Understanding the Net-Zero Challenge for local SMEs

South and Vale have partnered with Oxford Brookes Business School to help build our understanding of the challenges faced by local SMEs in becoming more environmentally sustainable. Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), the study will lead to creation of a programme of decarbonisation and sustainability support for businesses in our districts. This work will also help […]

photo of Faringdon swimming pool

November 6, 2023

Over £440,000 awarded to support swimming pools in South and Vale

Swimming pools across South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse have been awarded a total of £441,542. The award will help ensure residents continue to have access to good swimming facilities across the two districts. Recent research has shown swimming positively contributes to physical and mental wellbeing, to individual and community development, and helps to […]

November 2, 2023

Over £82,000 awarded to expand youth activities 

Children across Wantage, Grove and nearby neighbourhoods will soon have more exciting youth activities on offer, thanks to a funding boost for Sweatbox Community Youth Services.  Sweatbox is set to receive £82,166 from Vale of White Horse District Council to expand their weekly youth activities, which include sports, arts and more.  Specifically, the funds will […]

White Horse Hill

October 27, 2023

Funding boost available for rural businesses and organisations

A new grant scheme has launched for rural businesses and organisations based in South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse. The fund is designed to support capital projects for small businesses and community infrastructure that help to improve productivity and strengthen the rural economy and rural communities. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their application […]

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 24, 2023

New grant to help people stay warm and fed this winter 

A new food and warmth grant will help support people in our communities this winter who may otherwise struggle to afford essential things.   Access to nutritious food and warm homes are basic necessities – but the ongoing impact of the pandemic on people’s finances, health and wellbeing has been further heightened by the cost-of-living […]

October 23, 2023

Vale of White Horse welcomes A34 Lodge Hill scheme funding announcement

Vale of White Horse District Council has welcomed the news today that Oxfordshire County Council’s A34 Lodge Hill Interchange scheme has been awarded £17.33 million of government funding from Homes England’s Brownfield, Infrastructure and Land (BIL) fund. The Lodge Hill junction, located between Abingdon and Oxford, currently only has north-facing slips. The proposed scheme will offer […]

image of White Horse District Council logo

October 16, 2023

Councils support staff with pledge for the Real Living Wage

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have pledged their ongoing commitment for paying staff at least the Real Living Wage. Both councils currently ensure all directly employed council staff receive at least the Real Living Wage and have done for several years. The Real Living Wage (currently £10.90 with an update due […]