Thriving, healthy, and inclusive communities

Nurturing healthy, safe, and resilient communities in our rural and urban areas while being responsive to the impact of national changes on local need. Championing local businesses, local food production and a thriving, sustainable local economy and fostering community cohesion and inclusion.

South Oxfordshire’s strong, vibrant communities are one of the district’s most valuable assets. We are proud to work with a host of community groups and other partners to help strengthen community cohesion, and foster resilience. Ensuring robust support systems to safeguard vulnerable residents, a flourishing arts and culture scene and opportunities to promote physical and mental health remain a priority.

Through direct work and exerting our influence to advocate for change, we have a continued focus on enhancing the local environment to ensure it is safe and clean. Our ambition is to have a district free from litter and fly-tipping, where pollution in our air and water is maintained to at least the minimum safe levels. As a popular destination with plenty to see and do, we are committed to supporting and promoting our vibrant visitor economy. We will continue to encourage sustainable local economic development and support local businesses and organisations to become leaders in sustainable technology and innovation.

Where we are now: The safety and wellbeing of our vibrant communities is a key focus of our work. However, ongoing challenges such as the cost-of-living crisis, the impacts of climate change, and social inequalities have impacts on our communities that require continuous attention and innovative solutions.

Where we want to be: Our vision is to be a district where all communities thrive and people live healthy lives. We want our communities to be cohesive, adaptive and resilient so they can respond to and recover from unforeseen and challenging events. This will be underpinned by a vibrant visitor economy and sustainable economic development.