COUNCILS are calling on residents to have their say as they plan the future of two communities.

Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire councillors have drafted plans for the future of the districts and are urging people to let them know what they think of them.

Two surveys, which launched on Thursday, are open to all those living and working in the area, as well as all council staff and councillors.

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They will be open until midnight on August 13, and the responses are set to help councillors finalise the so-called corporate plans for the years 2020-2024.

Debby Hallett, Vale cabinet member for corporate services, urged people to be vocal about their opinions.

Ms Hallett commented: “Our own financial situation and also the Covid-19 crisis have presented us – like many in the district – with a lot of challenges, but also with opportunities to make changes.

“Our plan is to work in a more open and inclusive way and to include those groups which have historically been marginalised.”

Some of the questions that the district council is looking for answers to include ‘Should the council focus on helping people live healthier lives?’ and ‘Should the council focus on tackling the climate emergency?’

Councillors have identified areas which they need to focus on.

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Some of these include new homes, climate emergency, community wellbeing, stable council finances, partnering with other organisations to help struggling businesses and restoring the natural world.

Leader of Vale of White Horse district council Emily Smith said one focus should be on the climate.

She said: “It is absolutely vital that we put tackling the climate emergency at the heart of our corporate plan.

“However, part of that focus is also helping build healthier communities and providing low-carbon, genuinely affordable new homes.

“What matters to our residents matters to us, so please tell us what you think.”

The collected data will go in a report to managers and cabinet members.

The survey feedback will then be used to prepare the final content for the corporate plans.

Further details of the consultation can be found at www.survey.southandvale.gov.uk/s/Valecorporateplanfeedback/?m=12345abcde