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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.

Read more about Residents urged to respond to government consultation on once-in-a-generation opportunity to change local councils

Latest news

South Oxfordshire District Council

November 26, 2025

Councils announce preferred candidate for new Chief Executive

Published Wednesday 26 November 2025 South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have published details of the preferred candidate to be their new, shared Chief Executive. A recruitment process got underway after the previous Chief Executive’s departure, and members of the councils’ Joint Staff Committee have now recommended Adrianna Partridge to be the […]

November 26, 2025

Bathing water quality at Wallingford improves

Good news for swimmers, kayakers and all those who enjoy the River Thames at Wallingford, the water quality at the bathing water site in the town has officially improved since last year.

The image is a medium-close shot of a young woman wearing a bright orange, reflective work jacket and black gloves. She is standing outdoors next to a green recycling bin that is overflowing with cardboard boxes and some other plastic and metal waste. The woman is looking directly at the camera with a neutral to slightly serious expression and giving a thumbs-down gesture with her right hand. Her left hand is resting near the large, brown cardboard boxes that are precariously stacked on the bin. She has her blonde hair pulled back. In the background, on a paved area that appears to be a works yard or street, there are several large refuse collection trucks, one of which is white and partially visible on the left, and another with bright orange and yellow reflective hazard stripes on its back is visible on the right. The day is overcast.

November 24, 2025

Household rubbish can only be collected if bin lids are fully closed

Find out why and what to do if you have excess waste or recycling

November 20, 2025

A win-win for SO Lottery supporters and local organisations

The SO Charitable Lottery is giving residents an extra reason to take part this season. Anyone entering before Saturday 29 November will be in with a chance to win a Nintendo Switch 2 bundle (or cash alternative) along with £500 for their chosen cause – a win-win for residents and the community this Christmas.

Map of Oxfordshire and Berkshire as part of a combined mayoral strategic authority.

November 17, 2025

Thames Valley leaders to pursue devolution deal

Leaders from across the Thames Valley are progressing plans to pursue a mayoral strategic authority (MSA) for the region, a new combined authority made up of a number of council areas, which would be led by a directly elected mayor.

November 17, 2025

Visit Southern Oxfordshire launches campaign to boost festive trade 

Visit Southern Oxfordshire, the official tourism and events hub for South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse, has launched a new initiative to support small, independent businesses this Christmas. 

Photo: top row left to right: Cllr Andy Graham, Leader for West Oxfordshire District Council, Cllr Jeff Brooks, Leader of West Berkshire Council, Cllr David Rouane, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council. Bottom left to right: Cllr David Hingley, Leader of Cherwell District Council and Cllr Bethia Thomas, Leader of the Vale of White Horse District Council

November 14, 2025

Five out of seven councils back the two-unitary proposal for council reorganisation

A consensus has emerged for the shape of Local Government Reorganisation in the area after five councils in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire have formally supported a proposal for two new, innovative, and locally accountable unitary authorities, aimed at addressing current inefficiencies, enhancing services, and saving millions in response to the government’s call for reform of council structures.

Approved stamp on council leaflet

November 14, 2025

South Oxfordshire Cabinet approves bold proposal for Local Government Reorganisation

A radical shake-up of local councils is on the cards after South Oxfordshire District Council’s Cabinet approved the submission of a proposal for two new unitary councils to the government.

November 11, 2025

Partnership’s positive action reduces anti-social behaviour and makes our communities safer

Published 11 November 2025 The South and Vale Community Safety Partnership (CSP) has released its 2024–25 performance update, showcasing how coordinated action between councils, Thames Valley Police, housing associations, health services and local organisations is keeping residents safe and reducing anti-social behaviour (ASB). In 2024–25 the CSP’s Community Safety team received and investigated 126 reports […]

South Oxfordshire District Council logo

November 10, 2025

Over £700,000 of funding approved for new community and youth centre in Thame

Published 10 November 2025 Exciting news for people of South Oxfordshire this month with £779,246 of funding approved as a contribution towards the building of a new Community and Youth Centre at Southern Road Recreation Ground in Thame.   Thame Town Council is set to receive funding from South Oxfordshire District Council to create a modern, […]