New Year message: Councillor Maggie Filipover-Rivers

AS we reach the end of another year, I want to extend my warmest Christmas wishes to everyone across South Oxfordshire.

This season is a reminder of the importance of community, connection and looking out for one another, values that define our district at its best. Whether you are celebrating Christmas, enjoying a winter break or simply taking a moment to pause, I hope this time brings comfort, rest and the company of those who matter most.

I am very much looking forward to the year ahead. I’m proud to take on the role of leader from David Rouane, having served as a councillor since 2019 and on the cabinet as deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for housing and community hub.

We know that for many people, this year has brought real difficulties. As a council, we see these challenges every day and we remain firmly in your corner.

We may not be able to change national circumstances overnight but we can work with focus and care to support those who need us most, and we will continue to do so. I would like to thank everyone involved in supporting our communities. Our Community Hub Team has been out and about across the district meeting many residents, listening to concerns and needs and offering cost-of-living help including information on where to find free or affordable food and support from local groups.

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

Our new joint homelessness and rough sleeping strategy is grounded in partnership, compassion and early intervention. Our strategy sets how we ensure support reaches people when they need it most and that everyone has the opportunity for a safe, stable and secure home.

Looking ahead, we have important months before us, navigating structural changes, progressing the joint local plan through examination and continuing to support residents facing homelessness and cost-of-living pressures.

Despite these demands, I remain optimistic about what we can achieve when we work together, with residents, with our organisational partners, with our town and parish councils and our voluntary and community sector.

There is much to celebrate from this year, I’m pleased to see we’ve continued to build on our work to tackle climate change and promote nature recovery and I look forward to the progress we will make in the coming year.

South Oxfordshire was rated among the top 10 district councils in the country for its action on climate and nature, according to research by environmental organisation, Climate Emergency UK.

This will be no surprise to the users of Thame leisure centre where we installed solar panels on the roof in May. They have been producing clean renewable energy ever since, bringing down the energy bills and carbon emissions for the site.

We are working on similar plans for our leisure centres in Didcot, Wheatley, Henley and Berinsfield as well as Cornerstone Arts Centre. We have ambitious plans as set out in our joint nature and climate action plan with Vale, which was published this year.

Once again with your help, we remain the top area for recycling in England.

As the year draws to a close, don’t forget if you need help or want to find out the details of our services over the Christmas period, including emergency support information, visit tinyurl.com/5yfjpb37

South Oxfordshire is marked by resilience, generosity and countless people who quietly go above and beyond for one another. Let’s carry that spirit into the new year.

On behalf of the council, I wish you a peaceful Christmas and a hopeful start to 2026.