This recognition, highlighted by the publication Planning Resource, underscores the council's success in providing affordable homes for local residents. This achievement is attributed to a combination of ambitious planning policies, strong partnerships with housing providers and developers, and a proactive approach.
Between April 2021 and April 2026, the council delivered a total of 2,021 affordable homes. This consistent delivery helps address the significant housing affordability challenges faced by communities across the country, ensuring more residents can access suitable homes.
The council secured third place in a national league table for affordable housing delivery. This success reflects the collaborative efforts of various council services, including Affordable Housing, Planning, Planning Policy, and Legal teams, alongside the crucial support and investment from Registered Providers, such as housing associations, and development partners.
Ambitious planning policies requiring affordable housing on major developments have been a key driver. Currently, major developments in the Vale of White Horse are expected to include 35 per cent affordable housing. This target is set to increase to 50 per cent across both the Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire districts with the emerging Joint Local Plan.
The council also fosters strong relationships with Registered Providers through regular engagement and information sharing, facilitating the identification of opportunities and the resolution of challenges in affordable housing delivery. Furthermore, the council has demonstrated its commitment through direct support, including Section 106 affordable housing grants, such as the nearly £1 million awarded to Oxfordshire Community Land Trust in 2021, which helped deliver eight homes.
“"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."
In the ten years to 2024/26, the Vale of White Horse district saw 23.6 affordable homes built per 1,000 population, placing it third in the league table. The total number of homes delivered in the Vale district in the last financial year (2025-26) was 512.
