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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.

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February 13, 2026

South Oxfordshire Leader on the government’s strategic planning proposals 

Cllr Maggie Filipova-Rivers, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “We do not agree that Swindon is a good fit for our area – it has completely different economic and demographic challenges and needs. We will be submitting a full response to the Government’s consultation and will continue to work with partners across Oxfordshire and the wider area to ensure that any future arrangements genuinely reflect how our communities, transport links, and local economy work.” 

The image is a clean, conceptual illustration focused on the theme of local government or community budgeting. It uses a mix of icons and hand-drawn elements to show how financial planning impacts various public sectors.Central ElementsA Budget Notebook: In the center, there is a piece of lined paper with the word

February 13, 2026

South Oxfordshire sets out people-first budget with new investment in communities, services and local places 

South Oxfordshire District Council has approved a £19.4 million budget for 2026/27, setting out plans to protect local services, invest in community facilities, provide affordable homes and manage public money carefully.  

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.

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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, starting at 12pm. 

orgs awarded food and wamth grant in south oxfordshire

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:   Ben Drabble from Train – Inspiring Young […]

February 6, 2026

Draft budget sets out investment in leisure centres, flood protection, housing and communities across South Oxfordshire

South Oxfordshire District Council’s draft budget proposes investment in local communities and public facilities for 2026/27 and beyond. 

February 6, 2026

Fun, Theatre and Family Days Out This February Half-Term

Starting on 15 February, families across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse can enjoy a fun-filled half-term with a range of free and low-cost activities, from sports and games to theatre and arts and crafts.

reycling bins

February 4, 2026

South and Vale residents to keep using just one recycling bin

Residents can continue using a single wheelie bin for almost all their recycling, following confirmation that we won’t need to change our services to meet a new national policy. 

new projects from capital grant fund

February 4, 2026

£320k capital grants awarded to improve quality of life in South Oxfordshire 

Published 4 February 2026 Refurbished play areas, community and sports facilities, and investments in sustainability projects including installing solar panels and e-bike chargers, will benefit communities across South Oxfordshire thanks to grant funding.  South Oxfordshire District Council has awarded £320k through its Capital Grant scheme to local organisations as a financial boost towards the capital costs of projects that improve quality of life for local people.  The council awarded £75,000 for refurbishment to the community […]

Image of artwork on a window, at Didcot Parkway station

February 2, 2026

New artwork creates welcoming gateway into Didcot  

A new series of artworks has been unveiled at Didcot Parkway Station as part of the Connecting Communities arts project.