The budget was the focus at the first full Vale of White Horse District Council meeting of 2025, alongside investment in housing and approval of a new council plan.

The district council met on Wednesday 12 February and approved its 2025-2026 budget.

The budget maintains investment in key areas including community support, housing and leisure facilities, while ensuring that residents will continue to receive excellent value for money for services provided by the district council.  

Highlights include securing funding to ensure the council’s Community Hub will remain available through to April 2027. This important service provides practical support and advice for those with cost-of-living concerns or who are finding life difficult. More information is available on the budget on the council’s website and the budget news release.

Housing also featured significantly at the meeting, with a proposed change to the long-term empty property premium approved, as part of a longer-term strategy to tackle the issue of empty homes. The investment in the purchase of one/two-bedroom homes for use as temporary accommodation was also approved.  

Other key items considered at the busy meeting included the council’s new council plan. Councillors reviewed At the Heart of the Vale, the Council Plan 2025-2029.

One motion was debated on the subject of devolution, which wasn’t passed.

Topics covered by questions included the council’s proposed new headquarters, Didcot Gateway.

View all the questions and answers here.