News from the Vale

Vale among nation's top three councils for affordable housing delivery

Vale of White Horse District Council has been recognised as among the top-performing local authorities in England for affordable housing delivery through the planning system, according to leading planning publication Planning Resource.

The recognition highlights the council’s success in securing affordable homes for local people through a combination of ambitious planning policies, strong partnerships and a proactive approach to working with housing providers and developers.

From April 2021 to April 2026 Vale of White Horse District Council delivered a total of 2,021 affordable homes.

As communities across the country continue to face significant housing affordability challenges, the council has consistently delivered high levels of affordable housing through new developments, helping more residents access homes that meet their needs.

Vale came third in a national league table of local authorities which have successfully delivered affordable homes. The achievement reflects the work of council services, including Affordable Housing, Planning, Planning Policy and Legal teams, alongside the support and investment of Registered Providers (such as housing associations) and development partners.

The council’s success has been driven by ambitious planning policies requiring affordable housing on major developments. Currently, major developments in Vale of White Horse are expected to provide 35 per cent affordable housing. Through the emerging Joint Local Plan (with South Oxfordshire District Council), this ambition will increase to 50 per cent across both districts when adopted.

The council also maintains strong relationships with Registered Providers through regular engagement and information sharing, helping to identify opportunities and overcome challenges to affordable housing delivery.

Alongside planning policy, the council has demonstrated its commitment to increasing affordable housing supply through direct support, including Section 106 affordable housing grants. For example, in 2021 Oxfordshire Community Land Trust were awarded almost £1 million from the council which helped deliver eight homes.

By combining robust evidence of local housing need with flexible negotiations, efficient legal processes and ongoing collaboration with housing partners, the council continues to ensure that new affordable homes reflect the needs of local communities and are delivered to a high standard.

Cllr Andy Crawford, Vale of White Horse District Council Cabinet Member for Property, Housing and Economic Development said: "Being recognised as one of the leading council areas in the country for affordable housing delivery is a fantastic achievement and reflects the hard work of our teams and partners. We know that access to affordable housing is one of the biggest issues facing our residents, which is why we have taken an ambitious approach through our planning policies and partnerships. This recognition demonstrates what can be achieved when councils, housing providers and developers work together with a shared commitment to delivering homes that meet local needs."