A guide to council services over the Christmas and New Year period when the council offices are closed to the public.
Latest news
August 14, 2025
Statement from the Council Leader: South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO) spiralling costs.
Cllr Bethia Thomas, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “The costs of SESRO seem to be spiralling. We have continually urged water providers to consider exploring all the alternative and more cost-effective solutions seriously before committing to this reservoir. I reiterate that call today given the revelation this week that Thames Water’s reservoir faces an eye watering increase in costs – potentially up to £7.5bn!
August 14, 2025
Statement on the Botley Road walkway, from the Leader of the Council:
Cllr Bethia Thomas, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “Like other residents and businesses west of the railway bridge, I’m extremely disappointed with the announcement that the new walkway on the Botley Road is near completion – having seen the new map from National Rail showing the route the walkway will take.
August 12, 2025
Government’s proposed planning reform not “wanted or needed” says council
A council has slammed proposed changes to planning decision-making saying they will “weaken local democracy and faith in the planning process”.
August 8, 2025
On the go? Please take your recyclables home!
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils are calling on residents to change the way they deal with litter on the go.
August 7, 2025
Economic growth on the agenda at South and Vale
Delegates from the Oxford Growth Commission got a whistle stop tour to see first-hand where South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse are helping to supercharge economic growth in the area.
July 30, 2025
Councillors reiterate the need for new Didcot health centre as soon as possible
At a meeting on 25 July, members of the Vale of White Horse District Council Cabinet again reiterated the urgent need for a health centre to be brought forward on Didcot’s Great Western Park.
July 28, 2025
Funding approved for new community ‘eco’ park and games areas in the Vale
Green spaces, play and games areas in the Vale of White Horse will get a boost this month, with almost £350,000 in funding agreed.
July 25, 2025
Garden Town bringing social and environmental benefits to Didcot
The Didcot Garden Town programme is bringing exciting new developments with a strong focus on enhancing community wellbeing and improving the local environment in Didcot and its surrounding areas. Didcot is set to benefit from a new ‘wayfinding’ scheme to help residents and visitors find their way to sites of interest and access amenities and […]
July 25, 2025
Statement regarding SESRO from Leader of the Council
Cllr Bethia Thomas, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council said: “Although we were not party to the Judicial Review, we remain opposed to Thames Water’s proposal for the reservoir. We submitted our response to Thames Water’s public consultation in August 2024, reaffirming our objections. “We will continue to urge water providers, regulators and government […]
July 18, 2025
Leader reflects on achievements at busy July Council Meeting
Vale of White Horse District Council’s Leader, Bethia Thomas, expressed her thoughts on achievements and progress over the last few months, at a busy July Council meeting on Wednesday 16 July.
