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  • Wednesday 08 April: We are upgrading our Planning and Land Charges systems. Please expect temporary, planned service interruptions between 9–23 April (Planning) and 9–30 April (Land Charges). View our news page for more information. −
Important changes to planning, land charges and mapping services

We are updating the software behind our Planning and Land Charges services, to ensure it remains reliable, supported, and able to meet future service needs.

Latest news

April 8, 2026

Nature in the Vale is revealed in a new biodiversity report

Vale of White Horse District Council has published a new biodiversity report. This is the first time the council has put together such a document which depicts the natural highlights in the district, including the largest surviving example of alkaline fen in central England at Cothill and an increasing water vole population in the River Ock. The report also sets out the council’s actions to conserve and enhance the area’s natural world.

April 7, 2026

Extra garden waste collection for permit holders this April

Residents with a garden waste permit can have extra garden waste collected for free, on their normal scheduled collection day only, between 20 April and 1 May 2026.

Representatives from Oxfordshire County Council and Didcot Town Council.

April 2, 2026

Strong turnout at successful Didcot community event

More than 200 residents, community groups and local partners attended the Didcot community event held at Cornerstone Arts Centre on 18 March, where members of the Didcot Garden Town team, alongside other council representatives and local organisations shared updates on key projects and plans for the area.  

Cllr Georgina Heritage and Cllr Helen Pighills presenting at the Southern Oxfordshire Heritage, Culture, and Creative Industries Symposium Delegates at the Southern Oxfordshire Heritage, Culture, and Creative Industries Symposium seated around tables watching a presentation.

April 1, 2026

Culture and Heritage Network Event returns to Cornerstone 

Published 1 April 2026 On 25 March, the Southern Oxfordshire Heritage, Culture, and Creative Industries Symposium returned to the Cornerstone Arts Centre in Didcot. The three-hour event, made possible through funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England grants received earlier in the year, brought together 30 people from local museums, theatres, […]

Map of proposed two new unitary councils

March 27, 2026

Leaders reflect on the close of the government’s LGR consultation for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire

As the government consultation on local government reorganisation (LGR) for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire draws to a close, South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Council leaders have thanked everyone who has submitted their views on the three proposals for this area.

Community Governance Review 2026

March 26, 2026

Could your parish be about to change?

Residents of several parishes in the Vale of White Horse have the chance to comment on potential changes for the area that their parish council covers. People taking part in the 2026 Community Governance Review will play their part in helping to ensure that their local council is effective, efficient and better reflects the interests […]

March 25, 2026

Hop into Easter with lots of fun for all the family 

Families can enjoy a jam-packed line-up of Easter activities this spring, with events taking place across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse from30 March to 11 April. 

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

March 24, 2026

Thames Valley devolution expression of interest moves forward

An updated expression of interest letter has been submitted to government following detailed conversations with ministers about creating a strategic authority in the Thames Valley.

Ms McLean stands in the kitchen in the home she has transformed

March 12, 2026

Councils offer help to transform empty properties into a home

The transformation of hundreds of empty properties into homes once more is under way as councils offer help to homeowners. 

Cllr Bethia Thomas with 3 other women all smiling at the camera

March 6, 2026

Leader’s Blog: International Women’s Day

Published Friday 6 March 2026 #GiveToGain International Women’s Day is a great opportunity every year, to pause and take stock, and think about the position of women in our communities, across the district, the achievements we have seen, the progress we have made so far, but also looking into the future and the challenges and […]