Council Services Over Christmas and New Year 2024/25

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

Abbey House – Reception will close at Abbey House from 4pm on Tuesday 24 December 2024 and will reopen on Thursday 2 January 2025 at 8.30am.

Waste collections – all you need to know about waste collections over the Christmas and New Year period – including the changes to the collection dates and what to do if collections are disrupted – is on our Christmas waste page.

Housing – If you know anyone who is at immediate risk of being made homeless while our offices are closed, contact our out-of-hours service, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The number to call 01235 422410. If you see someone sleeping rough and in an emergency situation you can call Streetlink on 0300 500 0914.

Cost of living help – The Community Hub will be closed from 4.30pm on Tuesday 24 December 2024 and will reopen on Thursday 2 January 2025 at 8.30am. If you need support or advice over the festive period please go to our cost of living help pages for more information or please contact our emergency out of hours phone number – 01235 422420.

Planning – Any planning applications or post submitted after we close for Christmas, including electronic submissions, will be treated as having been received on our next working day, Thursday 2 January 2025.

Council tax and benefits services – If anyone needs urgent help with council tax or benefits during the holidays, Capita’s phone lines will be open as usual on 27 and 30 December.

Emergency situations – There are details of what to do and who to contact during an emergency on our website – emergency situations.

Leisure Centres and Warm Spaces – over the Christmas period there will be changes to the opening times of our Better Leisure Centres, please check via the Better UK website or with staff at your local centre for details.

Our Leisure Centres are also open as Warm Spaces this winter from 9am to 2pm weekdays. Pop in and charge your phone, have a hot drink and chat with others.

Festive events – Discover what’s happening across Vale of White Horse this Christmas at SouthernOxfordshire.com, a helpful guide to seasonal events and activities.

The Beacon in Wantage is celebrating the festive season with events and activities for all ages to enjoy. Find out more on The Beacon’s website.