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Support We Offer

Changes to Government Neighbourhood Planning Support

Government withdraws support to neighbourhood planning groups – Support from the District Council remains available.

The Government has confirmed it will no longer provide national grant funding or technical support packages for neighbourhood planning groups beyond 2025. This change, announced by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, means that community groups will no longer be able to access funding or specialist advice through the national provider, Locality. 

However, the Government has reaffirmed its view that neighbourhood plans remain an important part of the planning system, and that communities can continue to prepare them where they see value in doing so. 

What’s changing? 

  • No new applications will be accepted for neighbourhood planning grants or technical support. 
  • Any support packages already agreed before the end of March 2025 will be delivered by March 2026. 

District council support remains available locally 
Despite these national changes, South Oxfordshire District Council remains committed to supporting neighbourhood planning.  

Local communities can be reassured that: 

  • Our dedicated in-house team will continue to provide expert advice and guidance to neighbourhood planning groups; 
  •  An extensive suite of guidance documents and templates to support communities through every stage of the neighbourhood planning process has been developed. These resources will be made available to groups in South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse, and beyond, and are expected to play an increasingly important role in helping communities overcome barriers and develop their neighbourhood plans. 
  • We are proud of our strong record supporting local areas to develop and adopt successful neighbourhood plans and we will continue to work closely with and support local groups. 
  • We continue to be responsible for covering the costs associated with neighbourhood planning publication, examination and referendum.  
  • We will continue to signpost neighbourhood planning groups to any future funding opportunities and provide support with applications should such funding become available. 

Looking ahead 
We will continue to monitor developments and, if necessary, review how we can best support communities going forward. Our focus remains on helping towns and villages shape the future of their areas through strong, locally led neighbourhood planning. 

If you are part of a town or parish council or community group and have questions or need support, please get in touch with our Neighbourhood Planning team by emailing planning.policy@southandvale.gov.uk

What support do we offer groups preparing or reviewing their neighbourhood plan? 

We strongly support our neighbourhood planning groups. This includes:  

  • Advice and guidance throughout – An introductory meeting to discuss your aims and outline the process
  • A Lead Officer to attend meetings, where appropriate, and offer expert advice alongside their colleagues
  • Advice on engaging with your community – Including how and why you need to record this
  • Inform you which external organisations and statutory bodies you will need to consult
  • Advice on what evidence is required to help you write your plan
  • Consultation on area designation proposals (where appropriate) as well as submitted plans
  • Review of your draft neighbourhood plan to ensure it meets the basic conditions
  • Organising the Independent Examination and Referendum for your plan

Contact us - Planning policy

01235 422600
(Text phone users add 18001 before dialing)

South Oxfordshire District Council
Abbey House
Abbey Close
Abingdon
OX14 3JE