Latest news

March 10, 2023
Statement after Defra rejects Wallingford application to be designated as bathing water
We’re extremely disappointed at the government’s decision to not award Bathing Water Status for the River Thames at Wallingford at this stage. We received a letter from Defra yesterday (9/3/2023) which stated that our application “will not be taken forward for bathing water designation on this occasion”. Thames 21 worked on a successful campaign to […]

March 8, 2023
Councils launch new nature recovery project
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils have launched a new nature recovery project called Let It Bee which aims to increase biodiversity on council land by allowing wildflowers and plants to grow on specific sites. This pilot project follows last year’s successful No Mow May trial on seven sites across the districts […]

March 7, 2023
Man fined for fly-tip which blocked a road
A man from Oxford has been ordered to pay more than £1,800 after admitting responsibility for fly-tipped waste which blocked a road in Chalgrove. William Loveridge, 50, of Donnington Bridge Road, Oxford, pleaded guilty at Oxford Magistrates Court on Friday 24 February, to three duty of care offences relating to the disposal of landscaping and […]

March 3, 2023
Improvements to be made to cycle and walking routes in Didcot
People living in Didcot and surrounding areas can have their say on the future of cycle routes and walkways in a new consultation launched this week. The consultation will identify improvements that can be made to cycling and walking as part of the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) in Didcot. The LCWIP is […]

March 1, 2023
Hot new facilities in Henley
The sauna and steam room facilities at Henley Leisure Centre are getting a £55,000 refurbishment this month with more energy efficient replacements. Cabinet Members from South Oxfordshire District Council approved the use of funding raised through developer contributions in the area referred to as CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) to bring in new facilities which will […]
February 28, 2023
Award nomination for councils’ planning websites
A dynamic new digital approach to planning has been recognised with an award nomination. South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have been shortlisted for the Digital Impact category in the Local Government Chronicle (LGC) awards for their work creating a digital-first approach to planning policy documents. The councils wanted to move away […]

February 23, 2023
Leader’s Statement – Anniversary of Ukraine invasion
Cllr David Rouane, leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, has issued a statement on the war in Ukraine: “This Friday 24 February marks one year since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia. We continue to condemn these illegal and unacceptable attacks and stand by the people of Ukraine and everyone affected by this terrible conflict. “Tomorrow, we’ll be […]

February 23, 2023
£2 million boost for community and neighbourhood facilities
Seven projects which will help increase life chances and support local businesses will benefit from £2 million in government funding. South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have been allocated £1 million each from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund to provide better community and neighbourhood facilities and improve public open spaces to […]

February 23, 2023
Household Support Fund closes but help is still available
Household Support Fund closes but help is still available South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have now closed the Household Support Fund and are no longer accepting any new applications for this fund. £139,615 has been made available to residents in the Vale and £142,615 to residents in South Oxfordshire to […]

February 22, 2023
Community well-being and climate action in South Oxfordshire’s 2023/24 budget
Action on climate change and key projects to enhance community wellbeing and support those most in need can progress thanks to South Oxfordshire District Council’s improved financial position. The council can focus on these priorities because its councillors have approved a budget for 2023/4 that shows a financial position in a healthier state than previously […]