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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

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, […]

Two Councils. One better future.

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.

October 29, 2025

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. 

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 […]

Light playing on water

October 28, 2025

Concerns on the spiralling costs of South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO) expressed at October Council meeting

Significant public concerns around Thames Water’s South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO) and the spiralling costs now associated with the proposed development, were raised at Vale of White Horse District Council’s meeting on Wednesday 22 October.

Montage of locations around Oxfordshire

October 27, 2025

Councils set to discuss future shape of Oxfordshire and West Berkshire’s local government

Published on Monday 27 October 2025 Councils across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire are set to submit proposals on the shape of future local government reorganisation across the area. In late 2024 a request was made by government to all remaining two-tier areas across England (county and city/district councils) to submit an interim proposal(s) for a […]