Council services over Christmas and New Year 2025/26
Published 4 December 2025
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 5pm on Wednesday 24 December 2025 and will reopen on Monday 5 January 2026.
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 you can go to Streetlink’s website.
Cost of living help – The Community Hub will be closed from 5pm on Wednesday 24 December 2025 and will reopen on Monday 5 January 2026 at 8.30am. If you need support or advice over the festive period please go to our cost of living webpage for more information or please contact our emergency out of hours phone number – 01235 422410.
Planning – Any planning applications or post submitted/received after 4.30pm Wednesday 24 December 2025, including electronic submissions, will be treated as having been received on our next working day, Monday 5 January 2026.
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 between 29 and 31 December and on 2 Jan.
Emergency Situations – There are details of what to do and who to contact during an emergency on our websites – 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 Monday to Friday. Pop in and charge your phone, have a hot drink and chat with others.
Winter in South Oxfordshire
You may also find our winter guide to services useful.
