Bethia Thomas, leader of Vale of White Horse District Council and David Rouane, leader of South Oxfordshire District Council have written their Christmas message looking back on 2023 and what is coming up.

Ms Thomas said: “It’s been another busy year for us all and I am aware that everyone at the council has been doing their utmost to manage the challenges we face in delivering all that we can for the residents of our district.

“Our Community Hub has done a fantastic job this year helping residents with cost of living concerns, offering support to all including community larders food banks with two grant schemes this year.

“We continued our heartfelt response effort for Ukrainians seeking safe shelter in the Vale under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. We also stepped up to help families who supported the UK’s military operations in Afghanistan.

“In addition to our continued help for refugees, our housing team has been working harder than ever to support residents at risk of homelessness, making every effort to help people move people into long term accommodation.

"We’ve provided extra layers of support including a rapid response service for anyone experiencing rough sleeping and we’ve supported new affordable and extra care homes.

“But is not just the extraordinary, but the everyday routines that make our council what it is, maintaining our parks and gardens, leisure centres, and with all our residents’ great efforts, we’re still one of the top districts in the country for recycling our waste.

“Early next year we will be publishing our new draft policies for our Joint Local Plan to 2041. Our innovative new planning policies will aim to help our district reach its full potential and address challenges we face – and you’ll soon be able to have your say.

"We’ll also begin our journey to shaping a new corporate plan for the council to take us up to 2028 – and again, we will be asking everyone to tell us what matters most to them to help us shape this vision.

“As we head into our holiday break, I’d like to wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy new year.”

Mr Rouane said: “With another new year nearly upon us it’s always a good time to reflect on what has been achieved this year.

"Although the pandemic feels behind us now, the cost of living crisis continues to impact on us all, especially so for our most vulnerable residents.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in supporting our communities. Working closely with community organisations and partners, our Community Hub has supported residents throughout the year.

Oxford Mail: Councillor David Rouane Councillor David Rouane (Image: Oxford Mail)

"I’m also grateful we’ve been able to provide grant funding opportunities for local organisations who give vital help to people in most need in our communities.

“Our housing team has been working harder than ever to support residents at risk of homelessness and help them secure long-term accommodation.

“Throughout this year I’m pleased to say we’ve continued to build on our work to tackle climate change and promote nature recovery.

"From decarbonising our art centre Cornerstone and introducing energy-saving measures at our leisure centres, to adding EV car clubs in the ‘park and charge’ bays in council-run car parks.

“I’m pleased with the impact our ‘Let it Bee’ initiative, which gives a relaxed approach to mowing throughout the growing season at eight sites in the district to encourage biodiversity.

“I’m looking forward to what 2024 will bring us. Early next year we will be publishing our new draft policies for our Joint Local Plan to 2041.

"Our innovative new planning policies will aim to help our district reach its full potential and address challenges we face – and you’ll soon be able to have your say. We’ll also begin our journey to shaping a new corporate vision for the council to take us up to 2028.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their hard work and to wish everyone a happy Christmas.”