This week in Wokingham:

Council Grapples with Audit Plan and Corporate Risks Amidst Financial Pressures

Wokingham Borough Council's Audit Committee met this week, facing a packed agenda that highlighted ongoing challenges in financial resilience, the complex landscape of SEND reforms, and the ever-present threat of cyber security. The committee reviewed the council's external audit plan, aiming for an unqualified audit opinion for the first time in years, while also scrutinising a corporate risk register that shows persistent pressure on budgets and services.

External Audit Plan Targets Unqualified Opinion

KPMG presented their external audit plan for the year ending 31 March 2026, with a clear objective: to achieve an unqualified audit opinion. This would mark a significant improvement from previous years, which were impacted by a national backlog in local government audits. The plan outlines materiality levels for the audit, with group materiality set at £13.7 million. Key risk areas identified include the valuation of land and buildings, management override of controls, and the valuation of post-retirement benefit obligations. While the audit team expressed confidence in achieving an unqualified opinion, discussions touched on the complexities of pension fund valuations and the potential for local authorities to access surpluses, a topic that remains a point of interest for councillors.

Corporate Risk Register Highlights Persistent Challenges

The Corporate Risk Register revealed that the council's overall risk position remains unchanged, with several critical areas demanding attention. The top corporate risks identified are:

• Budget and Financial Resilience: This remains a paramount concern, with ongoing pressures on adult social care and the implementation of SEND reforms contributing to financial strain.
• Outcomes and Costs for Children with SEND: The council is navigating significant reforms in this area, with a reform plan due for submission to the government. The financial implications of these reforms, particularly the potential deficit write-off, are a major focus.
• Cyber Security: The increasing reliance on digital systems underscores the ongoing risk of cyber threats.
• Adult Social Care Supplier Sustainability and Sufficiency: Growing demand, particularly from an ageing population and increased housing development, is placing significant pressure on adult social care services and budgets.
• Children's Placement & Transitional Accommodation Sufficiency: Ensuring adequate and appropriate accommodation for children in care continues to be a challenge.

Updates on specific risks indicated progress in some areas, such as the implementation of SEND reforms with increased local control over free schools. However, the overarching financial pressures, exacerbated by population growth and reduced funding allocations, present a formidable challenge.

Annual Governance Statement Underlines Need for Improvement

The Annual Governance Statement for 2025-26 concluded that the council's governance arrangements are fit for purpose, but identified key areas for improvement. These include strengthening company governance, particularly for the council's housing companies, and implementing the Tree Management Action Plan. The statement also acknowledged the ongoing challenges in financial sustainability and the reforms needed in adult and children's social care. Concerns were raised that the language used in the statement did not fully reflect the severity of findings in the Ofsted report on SEND, highlighting the need for robust and transparent reporting on critical issues.

Internal Audit Report Shows Generally Effective Framework

Catherine Hickman, Head of Internal Audit and Investigations, presented the annual report for 2025/26, providing an overall opinion that the council's internal control, risk management, and governance framework is substantially complete and generally effective, but with some improvements required. While no material fraud, irregularities, or corruption were discovered, two audits – Building Control and Tree Management – received a lower audit opinion, indicating incomplete risk mitigation controls. The report also detailed efforts to strengthen the internal audit team through recruitment and apprenticeships.

Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee Addresses GP Access and Public Health Funding

The Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee convened to discuss critical issues impacting residents' access to healthcare and the allocation of public health funding. A significant concern raised was the difficulty many residents face in securing GP appointments, with a notable portion of feedback relating to the shift towards digital platforms like the NHS app.

GP Access Challenges and Digital Divide

Alice Kunjappy-Clifton from Healthwatch reported that 24% of cases handled in the last quarter related to difficulties in securing GP appointments. While GP access is a widespread issue, feedback was particularly concentrated from three specific GP practices. A key concern is that the increasing reliance on digital services, including the NHS app, is not accessible to all residents, particularly older individuals or those lacking digital literacy. Some GP practices are reportedly directing patients exclusively to digital platforms for appointment booking, creating significant barriers. The upcoming changes to landlines in 2027 were also highlighted as a potential further disadvantage for those reliant on traditional phone services. Mark, representing the Thames Valley Integrated Care Board (ICB), acknowledged variations in access and the need to address these, suggesting that practices shifting to digital-only models must ensure adequate patient engagement.

Public Health Grant Under Scrutiny Amidst Low Allocation

Councillor Caroline Smith presented an overview of the public health grant settlement for 2026-27, amounting to £6.862 million. This grant is ring-fenced, meaning it must be spent on specific functions including sexual health services, NHS health checks, health protection, the National Child Measurement Programme, and 0-5 services. A significant concern raised is that Wokingham Borough Council receives the third smallest public health grant nationally and the lowest per capita allocation (£36.66 per head). This low allocation means the council can barely deliver our mandated services. Comparisons with similar local authorities revealed a substantially lower grant for Wokingham, particularly on a per capita basis. The committee discussed the allocation of funds, with 30% going to the 0-19 programme, 14% to drug and alcohol services, and nearly 3% to smoking cessation. Questions were raised about the number of service users for these categories, especially in relation to the significant funding allocated to drug and alcohol treatment providers.

Connected Care Programme Enhances Information Sharing

Mark provided an overview of the Connected Care programme, an initiative supported by Wokingham Council and other Berkshire councils. This programme facilitates the sharing of health and care records among professionals at the point of care, enabling access to critical patient information across GP, community, mental health, and social care records. The initiative now covers Thames Valley and Surrey, supporting 4.2 million residents and 14,000 professionals daily. Benefits highlighted include reduced duplication of tests, improved patient safety, and a better patient experience by preventing the need to repeat information to multiple professionals. The programme operates under a robust information sharing and governance framework, with information shared based on implied consent for direct care purposes, though residents can object to their data being shared. Concerns about data quality and accuracy were addressed, with assurances that increased system usage drives improvements.

This week in Wokingham:

Council Boosts Leisure Services and Green Energy with Key Decisions

Wokingham Borough Council's Executive committee met this week, making significant decisions that will impact local leisure facilities and the council's commitment to renewable energy. The move to an agency model for leisure contracts is expected to generate substantial savings, while an investment in solar canopies and electric vehicle (EV) charging points at Mereoak Park and Ride signals a strong push towards sustainability.

Leisure Contract Moves to Agency Model, Unlocking Savings

The council has approved a variation to its contract with Places Leisure, moving to an agency model for managing leisure services. This strategic shift, prompted by a recent HMRC VAT ruling, will allow the council to treat leisure services as non-business for VAT purposes. This means the council can fully recover input VAT, leading to significant financial savings. Crucially, there will be no change to the day-to-day operation of leisure centres, with Places Leisure continuing as the operator. The financial benefits, detailed in Part 2 of the report, are set to be reinvested into community services, providing much-needed support during challenging financial times.

Green Energy Investment at Mereoak Park and Ride

A substantial increase in capital expenditure has been approved for the Mereoak Park and Ride solar canopy and EV charging hub project. The budget has risen from £4.2 million to £5.79 million to incorporate battery storage and new EV chargers. This project is a cornerstone of the council's Climate Emergency Action Plan, aiming to generate clean energy and support the transition to net zero. The investment is projected to yield a net income of approximately £15.5 million over 25 years, averaging £619,000 annually. This revenue will be vital in funding local services and bolstering the council's financial sustainability. Decisions on the final design and configuration will be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Executive Members for Finance and Climate and Environment.

Enhanced Bus Services and Community Transport on the Horizon

Residents can look forward to improved local bus services and enhanced community transport following a decision to tender for 21 local bus routes and recommission community transport services for a five-year period starting April 2027. This initiative represents a significant increase in funding for bus services, with an additional £500,000 per year allocated. The procurement aims to introduce new connections, extend operating hours, and improve the overall accessibility and reliability of public transport. Key enhancements include new routes connecting Lower Earley and Woodley with Wokingham Town, and improved services to Twyford Station. The authority to award contracts will be delegated to the Director of Place and Growth.

Progress on Twyford Station Access Noted

The Executive received an update on the ongoing efforts to improve access at Twyford Station. The report highlighted the station's growing popularity and the resulting parking challenges in surrounding residential areas. A cross-party working group, in collaboration with Great Western Railway and Twyford Parish Council, is actively exploring solutions. While specific details remain confidential due to commercial sensitivities, the group is investigating options for increased parking, better bus services, and improved walking and cycling infrastructure. The council remains committed to working with rail bodies and stakeholders to facilitate these necessary improvements.

Council Responds to Home Office Consultation on Asylum Support

Wokingham Borough Council has formally responded to a Home Office consultation on reforming asylum support and enforcing family returns. The council's response, approved by Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Children's Services, Prue Bray, raises significant concerns about the potential negative impacts on local authority services and safeguarding responsibilities. The proposed reforms risk increasing destitution and placing unfunded pressures on children's services, housing, and safeguarding, potentially conflicting with statutory duties under the Children Act 1989. Councillor Bray expressed strong reservations, stating, My main concern about this is that it puts immigration enforcement ahead of child protection and councils. And that goes against everything that's in the Children's Act. The council is committed to creating a community where everybody feels that wanted and protected and given a opportunity.

Local Housing Companies Show Improved Financial Performance

The Shareholder Committee reviewed the financial and operational performance of the council's local housing companies, Loddon Homes Limited and Berry Brook Homes Limited. The group financial position improved by £110,000, largely due to the sale of land at Wellington Road Corner to the council for an affordable housing scheme. Loddon Homes is expected to report a loss of £122,000 by year-end, while Berry Brook Homes is on track to break even or achieve a small profit. The committee also discussed the draft corporate plan for 2026-27, a 30-year business plan, and the proposed conversion of Loddon Homes to a Community Benefit Society, a move expected to allow surpluses to be reinvested into the community and enhance competitiveness.

Health and Wellbeing Board Discusses Integrated Care and SEND Reforms

The Wokingham Borough Health and Wellbeing Board met to discuss the establishment of the Thames Valley Integrated Care Board (ICB) and the progress of the Better Care Fund. The new ICB, covering a population of 2.5 million, aims to shift focus from activity to outcomes and identify risk earlier. Concerns were raised about hidden inequalities within Wokingham's population, with a call for the ICB to recognise these nuances beyond just deprivation data. The board also accepted the 2026-2027 Better Care Fund plan, which allocates £15 million to services supporting hospital discharge, long-term care, and independence. However, concerns were voiced about the inconsistent application of the adult social care funding formula potentially leaving Wokingham short of several million pounds. An update on the local area SEND reform plan was also provided, with a draft plan submitted on time. The plan aims to create a more inclusive system for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), with a focus on building inclusive mainstream education and providing specialist support.

This week in Wokingham:

New Mayor and Deputy Mayor Elected as Council Sets Out Priorities

Wokingham Borough Council held its Annual Council meeting this week, marking a significant moment with the election of a new Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the 2026-27 municipal year. Councillor Melanie de Jong was appointed as Deputy Mayor, pledging to support the Mayor and represent the borough with dignity, fairness, commitment and enthusiasm. The meeting also saw the formal adoption of the Charvil Neighbourhood Plan, a crucial step in guiding local development and ensuring the parish benefits from infrastructure funding.

The council's leadership also outlined their priorities for the coming year. Councillor Stephen Conway, Leader of the Council, acknowledged the substantial financial challenges ahead, including a projected reduction in government support. However, he remained optimistic, highlighting the council's strengths in community collaboration and officer dedication. Key priorities for the year include a new compact with town and parish councils, improving access to Twyford station, and a sharper focus on supporting young people.

Councillor Pauline Jorgensen, Leader of the Opposition, congratulated the new Mayor and welcomed new councillors. She reiterated her group's commitment to scrutinising the administration and presented concerns about the council's handling of finances, service delivery, and specific projects.

The meeting also addressed the results of the May 2026 elections, reviewed the Members' Allowances Scheme, and approved updates to the Council's constitution.

Allotment Provision and Section 106 Agreements

During public question time, a resident raised concerns about the council's provision of allotments and community orchards within strategic developments. Councillor Adrian Betteridge, Executive Councillor for Housing, Partnerships and the Local Plan, confirmed that most strategic development locations would provide sufficient new allotment sites, with a noted shortfall at the south of the M4 Strategic Development Location (SDL). He assured that the council would continue to ensure developments met their Section 106 agreements, which are legal obligations tied to planning permissions, often requiring developers to provide community benefits like allotments. Officers will provide an updated table of approved and delivered allotment sites.

A supplementary question focused on enforcement actions and financial penalties for delayed delivery of these obligations. Councillor Betteridge explained the legal avenues for enforcement and noted that approximately £70,000 in unspent funds relating to allotments would be allocated to parish or town councils for enhanced provision.

Members' Allowances Scheme Undergoes Review

The Independent Remuneration Panel's recommendations for the Members' Allowances Scheme were debated and largely approved. Key changes include linking the Basic Allowance to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) annually, which aims to prevent the erosion of its value by inflation. The panel also recommended matching childcare and dependant carers' allowances to the Real Living Wage and the Adult Social Care Support Framework respectively, measures intended to increase diversity and support councillors with caring responsibilities. Councillors will also be permitted to join the Local Government Pension Scheme from May 2026.

However, the proposal to link allowances to CPI faced some opposition. Councillor Rachel Burgess argued against automatic annual increases, questioning the justification given the council's financial challenges and suggesting the £500 home office allowance should be removed. Councillor Lou Timlin spoke in favour, emphasising that linking allowances to CPI is not a real-terms increase but a measure to prevent inflation from eroding their value. Councillor Martijn Andrea supported the recommendations, noting that the proposal would remove the conflict of interest by having an independent committee determine allowances in the future.

Updates to Council Constitution Approved

Several updates to the Council's constitution were approved, including changes to the Scheme of Delegation, the delegation of appointing Deputy Electoral Registration Officers, and reflecting the decisions made on the Members Allowances Scheme. The Shareholder Committee's terms of reference were also updated. Councillor Charles Margetts raised concerns about Section 5 of the report, regarding the scrutiny of independent companies like Loddon Homes, suggesting that appointing senior officers as directors rather than independent individuals would provide greater independence and challenge. Councillor Prue Bray clarified that these were minor amendments reflecting new laws and government announcements.

Road Safety and Infrastructure Concerns Raised

During Councillor Questions, several members raised concerns about road safety and infrastructure. Councillor Vishal Srinivasan questioned road safety measures in the Shinfield Meadows area, while Councillor Moses Iyengunmwena highlighted the structural disrepair of Rushey Way. Councillor Rohit Ahlawat raised concerns about a piecemeal approach to pothole repairs. Councillor Leon Cook inquired about school place allocations in Wargrave, and Councillor Greg Bello asked about addressing speeding in Woodley. Councillor Prue Bray, Executive Councillor for Children's Services, addressed school place allocations, noting that while most catchment children were offered places, parental preference sometimes led to discrepancies. She also mentioned a change in admissions criteria to prioritise distance over catchment area from the next round.

New SEND Units Approved for Local Schools

The Planning Committee met to consider several planning applications, including the approval of new Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) units at Keep Hatch Primary School and Bulmershe School. These developments are crucial for providing specialist educational accommodation for vulnerable children within the borough, addressing a significant need. The committee also approved a new housing development at Ladds Garden Village, a departure from the adopted development plan due to its Green Belt location, but deemed acceptable due to the redevelopment of previously developed land and the council's inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply. Reserved matters applications for a large housing development on land east of Watmore Lane in Winnersh were also approved, addressing concerns about traffic and site access.

Housing Developments Progress

The Planning Committee also granted conditional approval for a new housing development at Ladds Garden Village, a site located within the Green Belt. Despite being a departure from the adopted development plan, the proposal was considered acceptable as it redevelops previously developed land and would not cause substantial harm to the openness of the Green Belt. The committee also approved two reserved matters applications for a large residential development on land east of Watmore Lane in Winnersh, which will include a significant proportion of affordable housing. Concerns about potential through-traffic and highway safety were addressed through conditions and design measures.

This week in Wokingham:

Council Gears Up to Respond to National Planning Fee Changes

Wokingham Borough Council is preparing to submit its formal response to a government consultation on proposed changes to planning application fees. The aim of these changes is to bring fees closer to the actual cost of processing applications, potentially speeding up the planning system and improving its quality.

Executive Councillor for Planning and Enforcement, Martin Alder, agreed that the council would submit its comments on the consultation paper, 'Fees for planning applications'. The government's proposal is to set a national default fee schedule at 90% of estimated costs. This could mean that developers pay more for planning applications, with the intention that this increased income will help local planning authorities (LPAs) cover their costs more effectively.

The council's response, however, stresses the importance of ensuring 100% cost recovery. They are advocating for annual fee indexing, a review of the 90% figure after implementation, and the ability for local fee variations. This is to ensure that the council can cover the full cost of its planning services without facing undue administrative burdens.

Specific proposals include:

• Aligning fees with complexity: The council supports changes to fee structures for outline, full, and reserved matters applications, believing they will better reflect the officer time and complexity involved.
• Higher fees for complex applications: They recommend an additional band or higher fee for applications requiring an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), acknowledging the increased processing costs.
• Discharging conditions: The council agrees that fees for discharging conditions should be charged per condition, not per application, as the current system can under-recover costs for complex submissions.
• Biodiversity Gain Plans: A separate fee for approving Biodiversity Gain Plans is also supported to reflect the specialist work required.

However, the council has raised concerns about a proposed 10% surcharge on planning fees for statutory consultees. They argue that without clear ringfencing, governance, and performance measures, there's no guarantee that this extra cost will lead to improved response times or quality from consultees.

The council also supports local fee setting in principle, but wants clear national guidance on evidencing costs, governance, and transparency. They suggest a cap of 25% for local fee variations to maintain predictability while allowing for meaningful cost recovery in more expensive areas.

The decision was made by Executive Councillor Martin Alder and actioned by the Interim Director, Place and Growth, Andy Vaughan. The decision was published on 15 May 2026 and becomes effective on 23 May 2026.

You can find more details about the council's response here: Executive - Individual Member Decisions.

Council to Respond on Government's Planning Committee Reforms

Wokingham Borough Council has also submitted its comments on a government consultation regarding reforms to planning committees. The aim of these reforms is to speed up the planning system, potentially by delegating more decisions to council officers.

Executive Councillor Martin Alder noted the council's response to the consultation, Planning Committee Reform: Statutory Consultation on Draft Regulations and Guidance. The council supports the principle of delegating minor and technical applications to officers. However, they have expressed a desire for some local discretion in exceptional circumstances for these types of applications.

For larger or more complex applications, the council has raised concerns about the proposed gateway test, which would determine whether an application is delegated or sent to committee based on its local significance. Wokingham Borough Council is seeking greater clarity on how disagreements between officers and members would be resolved and what safeguards will ensure transparency and accountability. They recommend that the government establish a clear dispute resolution process.

The council also believes that phased reserved matters applications should, in principle, be determined by officer delegation, with the option for committee referral in exceptional cases.

The council welcomed the draft guidance but reiterated the need for further clarity on the meaning of significance and the practical application of the gateway test.

The decision was made outside of the consultation period due to deadlines and the pre-election period. The Interim Director for Place and Growth, Andy Vaughan, was the officer responsible for actioning the decision. The decision record sheet was published on 15 May 2026 and becomes effective on 23 May 2026.

You can read more about the council's response here: Executive - Individual Member Decisions.

Site Visit Planned for Ladds Garden Village Development

Members of the Planning Site Visits committee are scheduled to visit Ladds Garden Village, Bath Road, Hare Hatch, Wokingham, RG10 9SB on Friday, 15 May 2026. This visit is in preparation for a future Planning Committee meeting where a planning application for this site will be discussed.

The purpose of the visit is for committee members to gain a better understanding of the site's context and any potential constraints related to planning application number 25227. This is a crucial step in the planning process, allowing councillors to see the proposed development location firsthand before making decisions that could impact the local environment and community.

Other Matters

Government Consultation on Consulting the Secretary of State on Planning Decisions

Executive Councillor Martin Alder noted the council's response to a government consultation concerning when local planning authorities (LPAs) should consult the Secretary of State on specific types of planning applications. The consultation focused on residential development within Defence Detailed Emergency Planning Zones (DEPZs) adjacent to AWE Aldermaston and AWE Burghfield. Wokingham Borough Council's response supported the principle of national oversight for applications with unresolved safety-related objections but sought clarification on practical implications. The council also suggested that thresholds for commercial developments requiring referral might need review.

You can find more details about the council's response here: Executive - Individual Member Decisions.

Planning Applications at Keep Hatch and Bulmershe Schools

The Planning Committee is scheduled to consider applications for new SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) units at both Keep Hatch Primary School and Bulmershe School. These developments aim to provide vital specialist accommodation for vulnerable children, addressing a significant need within the borough. The proposals are expected to achieve a Biodiversity Net Gain¹ and would not result in the loss of any existing sports pitches.

Ladds Garden Village and Watmore Lane Developments

The Planning Committee will also review applications for new housing developments at Ladds Garden Village and Land East of Watmore Lane in Winnersh. The Ladds Garden Village proposal involves 19 dwellings on a site within the Green Belt², with the council considering that it would not cause substantial harm to the openness of the Green Belt. The Watmore Lane applications concern a total of 229 dwellings, including a significant proportion of affordable housing, and address flood risk and the Emm Brook corridor.

20 Culver Lane, Earley Development

An application for a new four-bedroom dwelling at 20 Culver Lane, Earley, will also be considered by the Planning Committee. The proposal involves the demolition of the existing dwelling and the construction of a larger replacement, with considerations for integration into the street scene and potential impacts on neighbouring amenity.