SOUTH OXON FIRES: Numbers to call as authority recovers

Both websites were down, but they said priority services including homelessness prevention and benefit payments would be available.

Anyone wanting to get in touch with either council can call the emergency line on 01235 520202 or go online to southandvalecouncils.wordpress.com For questions about waste and recycling contact Biffa on 03000 610 610 For council tax payments and enquiries over the phone call 0845 303 8506 (South residents) or 0845 372 3201 (Vale residents).

There was no information available last night on how many people had contacted the council.

• ALMOST all council services for about 256,000 residents in South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse are co-ordinated from SODC HQ in Crowmarsh.

People go to the council to arrange and collect benefit payments such as disability allowance and housing benefits.

Residents and companies both go to the council to apply for planning permission for extensions and new houses, and pay council tax.

The council co-ordinates waste collection in the district, which is contracted out to Biffa.

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Other South Oxfordshire arson attack stories

• Man in custody after arson attacks on councils building, funeral parlour and cottage 
• Funeral director: Why would anyone do this? 
• Witness: I was staggered to capture the fire on video 
• Eighty-year-old woman managed to flee from the cottage fire 
• History of the council building 

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