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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

a man with a barrow full of garden waste, next to a brown bin and a woman pointing at the bin

February 23, 2026

Residents reminded to buy their new garden waste permit

Residents who receive garden waste collections in South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse are being reminded to buy a new permit if they wish to continue receiving collections from 1 April through to 31 March 2027

The graphic features a simple illustration of a large pile of brown compost with a wooden sign sticking out of it that reads

February 19, 2026

Dig in for free! South and Vale residents invited to grab complimentary compost this March

Spring is coming – and so is your chance to give your garden a natural boost! South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils are inviting residents to collect free, nutrient-rich compost at special giveaway events this March. It’s the perfect way to recycle, reduce waste and grow something great!

vale of white horse district council logo

February 17, 2026

Leaders’ Report

Wednesday 11 February 2026 Thank you all for being here tonight. I am really glad that we are in a new home, and am looking forward to our next meeting being live-streamed – providing the openness and transparency that I know we as councillors welcome. Obviously the big news tonight is our budget and we […]

Members of the public at the Didcot Garden Town event September 2025

February 16, 2026

Find out more about future plans for Didcot at community event in March

A free event in March offers an exciting opportunity to find out more about future plans for Didcot. 

Members of the public and community groups in Didcot are invited to attend a special Didcot Community meeting after the success of the first event last year.

February 13, 2026

Vale Leader on the government’s strategic planning proposals 

Cllr Bethia Thomas, Leader of the Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “We have been clear for some time that we do not believe Swindon is a good fit for any future Thames Valley Strategic Authority area and that has not changed.”

Image of the proposed council map against a blue background, with the words

February 13, 2026

Why West Berkshire and Oxfordshire make sense in Local Government Reorganisation

As part of the government’s consultation on Local Government Reorganisation they are asking the question ‘To what extent do you agree or disagree that this proposal will put local government in the area as a whole on a firmer footing’ particularly in relation to West Berkshire Council, who feature as part of two of the three proposals for the area.

This illustration is a clean, blue-toned graphic focused on financial management and public services, likely for a local council or government body in the UK (given the £ symbols). Here is a breakdown of the key elements: Core Visual Components The Growth Jar: A glass jar filled with pound coins and a small plant growing out of the top, symbolizing investment and financial growth. The Data Chart: A bar graph with an upward-trending line in the background, representing positive economic progress or performance tracking. The Calculator: A standard digital calculator, emphasizing budgeting, accuracy, and calculation. The Checklist: A clipboard with three specific priorities: Managing public money responsibly (Checked) Protecting vital services (Checked) Leisure centre upgrades (Unchecked/Next step)

February 12, 2026

Vale Council sets balanced 2026/27 budget focused on communities, services and responsible spending 

Vale of White Horse District Council has agreed its £21million budget for 2026/27, setting out how it will protect essential local services, invest in community facilities and manage public money responsibly during a period of continued financial pressure on councils and households. 

Image of cars in a car park, with an arrow on the ground

February 11, 2026

Sound financial management means parking fees frozen  

Vale of White Horse District Council Cabinet met on Friday 30 January and agreed to freeze car parking fees for the 2026/27 year. Good financial management has meant motorists in the Vale will not face a rise in fees this financial year.  

Decorative montage of landscape images

February 10, 2026

Joint Local Plan procedural meeting 12 February 2026

A Procedural Meeting for the Joint Local Plan will be held on Thursday 12 February 2026 in Meeting Room 1 of Abbey House, Abbey Close, Abingdon, OX14 3JE, between 12- 2pm.

map of vale orgs awarded food and wamth grant

February 9, 2026

Food and Warmth Grant Scheme supports people this winter  

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils’ Food and Warmth Grant Scheme is helping support people to cope with the rising cost of living this winter.  Grants totaling over £150,000 have been awarded to 50 local not-for-profit organisations who are delivering projects that improve access to food and help people keep their homes warm.   The funding is supporting a wide range of initiatives, including:   Pamela Roscoe from Vale Community Impact said: “The Food […]