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Government confirms three new unitary councils for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire in 2028  

The government has today (16 July) announced that Oxfordshire and West Berkshire’s seven existing councils will be replaced by three unitary councils from 1 April 2028 as part of its plans for local government reorganisation (LGR).  

Important changes to planning, land charges and mapping services

Our new Land Charges system and Land Charges Register are now live.

Latest news

Decorative montage of landscape images

December 12, 2025

Joint Local Plan examination hearings could continue after Government announcement

The examination hearings for South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils Joint Local Plan could continue after the government announced it intends to remove the Duty to Co-operate from the plan making process. Following a ministerial statement from Matthew Pennycook MP, Minister of State for Housing and Planning, the government has indicated that […]

December 4, 2025

Council services over Christmas and New Year 2025/26

A guide to council services over the Christmas and New Year period when the council offices are closed to the public. 

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

December 4, 2025

A call for Oxfordshire and Berkshire to be in the next wave of Strategic Authorities

The Cabinets at South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have supported the submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) to government for a Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) in the Thames Valley region. Councillor David Rouane, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, said:“Oxfordshire and Berkshire together make sense for a strategic authority. These […]

vale of white horse district council logo

December 2, 2025

Statement: Thames Valley CCTV Partnership 

On Friday 28 November the Police and Crime Commissioner briefed the press to claim four Oxfordshire councils had refused funds for CCTV, even though all of them remained in ongoing conversations about the plans.

December 1, 2025

Councils continue to support disabled and vulnerable residents through the Disabled Facilities Grant 

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils continue to offer the Disabled Facilities Grant to help disabled and vulnerable residents make their homes safer, more comfortable, and better suited to their needs.  The Disabled Facilities Grant is a means-tested grant providing financial help for home adaptations such as installing ramps and stairlifts for […]

vale of white horse district council logo

November 26, 2025

Councils announce preferred candidate for new Chief Executive

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have published details of the preferred candidate to be their new, shared Chief Executive. A recruitment process got underway after the previous Chief Executive’s departure, and members of the councils’ Joint Staff Committee have now recommended Adrianna Partridge to be the new shared Chief Executive and […]

The image is a medium-close shot of a young woman wearing a bright orange, reflective work jacket and black gloves. She is standing outdoors next to a green recycling bin that is overflowing with cardboard boxes and some other plastic and metal waste. The woman is looking directly at the camera with a neutral to slightly serious expression and giving a thumbs-down gesture with her right hand. Her left hand is resting near the large, brown cardboard boxes that are precariously stacked on the bin. She has her blonde hair pulled back. In the background, on a paved area that appears to be a works yard or street, there are several large refuse collection trucks, one of which is white and partially visible on the left, and another with bright orange and yellow reflective hazard stripes on its back is visible on the right. The day is overcast.

November 24, 2025

Household rubbish can only be collected if bin lids are fully closed

Find out why and what to do if you have excess waste or recycling

November 20, 2025

A win-win for White Horse Lottery supporters and local organisations

The White Horse Community Lottery is giving residents an extra reason to take part this season. Anyone entering before Saturday 29 November will be in with a chance to win a Nintendo Switch 2 bundle (or cash alternative) along with £500 for their chosen cause – a win-win for residents and the community this Christmas.

Vale of White Horse District Council logo

November 20, 2025

Botley Pavilion set to transform community wellbeing  

Botley is one step closer to having a welcoming space for the community and local sports clubs, thanks to funding support for the Pavilion’s development.   Botley and North Hinksey Parish Council is set to receive £250,000 in Community Infrastructure Levy funding from Vale of White Horse District Council towards the delivery of phase one of […]

A group of guinea fowl and at least one chicken are gathered inside a fenced or netted enclosure, which appears to be in a garden or backyard. The ground is covered with a large pile of broken bricks and rubble. Guinea Fowl: There are several helmeted guinea fowl, easily recognizable by their spotted grey plumage and red heads (though some heads are obscured). They are standing on the rubble pile, and some are closer to the left side of the frame near a bowl. Chicken: One reddish-brown and white patterned chicken is visible near the center, standing closer to a small, light-colored wooden or plastic structure (possibly a coop or shelter). Enclosure: The area is enclosed by dark netting or wire mesh, visible in the background and draped over the top. Background: Behind the rubble and enclosure is lush green foliage and various garden items, including what looks like a small wooden/plastic shelter and another container. Human Element: A human hand is visible reaching into the enclosure from the upper left side. In summary: The image depicts a flock of guinea fowl and a chicken in a somewhat rough enclosure dominated by a large pile of construction rubble.

November 19, 2025

Owner fined after failing to address fowl noise  

A man who let his birds create an ongoing disturbance has been ordered to pay more than £3,400.   James Fell, of Manor Crescent, Stanford in the Vale, was found guilty in his absence of charges relating to a statutory nuisance arising from cockerel and guinea fowl noise.  The case was heard at Oxford Magistrate’s Court on Thursday 13 November.   […]