Vale of White Horse District Council and South Oxfordshire District Council have launched Be Winter Prepared, a seasonal programme for residents and businesses in both districts. For Wantage and Grove readers, the Vale council is the local authority involved, and it lists The Beacon in Wantage among the venues for winter activities.
The district council’s announcement, published on 2 November 2026, brings together advice and services under four headings:
- Emergency preparedness: tips on flooding, power cuts and building an emergency kit, and details of the free priority register, which tells utility companies who may need extra help during a gas, electricity or water outage.
- Staying warm and well: help through the Community Hub with money worries, food, housing and mental health, plus advice on insulation, draught-proofing, efficient heating and preventing condensation, damp and mould.
- Warm spaces: libraries, leisure centres and other venues open as warm, welcoming places.
- Health: a link to the NHS winter health guide and a reminder to book flu vaccinations.
Councillor Helen Pighills, the Vale council’s Cabinet Member for Community Health and Wellbeing, said: “We want to make sure everyone can get the support they need.” The council says emergency accommodation for rough sleepers is activated during severe weather.
Where to find out more
The council has a Be Winter Prepared page for the Vale. Residents can also phone the council on 01235 422 422 (textphone users should add 18001 before dialling).
