This week in Wokingham:

Fairwood School Relocation Sparks Consultation Amidst Primary Place Surplus

A significant proposal to relocate Fairwood School to a new site in Spencer's Wood is now open for public consultation. This move is part of a wider strategy to address a surplus of primary school places across most of the borough, which is placing financial strain on schools, while simultaneously tackling a shortage in the south-west of Wokingham. The plan aims to create additional places where they are needed and avoid school closures by moving Fairwood School to a new building that will also house a specialist base for up to 14 children with autism and speech, language, and communication needs.

The relocation is planned for September 2028, and transport from the existing site to the new location will be provided for at least the first three years. This initiative is designed to ensure that Wokingham's children have access to suitable educational environments, particularly those with special educational needs. However, the proposal has already generated anxiety among parents, with a petition reportedly being raised. The council is urging residents to engage with the formal consultation process to voice their views.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Children's Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

New Skills and Employment Strategy Targets Youth Opportunities Amidst Persistent Inequalities

Wokingham Borough Council is launching a new Employment and Skills Strategy for 2026-2031, with a strong focus on improving opportunities for young people aged 16-24. Despite Wokingham's generally strong economy and high educational attainment, the strategy acknowledges persistent inequalities affecting disadvantaged learners, care-experienced young people, those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and those not in education, employment, or training (NEET).

The strategy aims to create tailored support pathways, increase work experience opportunities, and strengthen the transition from education to employment. Key initiatives include an Access Hub for coordinated support and a Business Charter to encourage employer engagement. The strategy has been co-produced with young people, including workshops with the Youth Council and Youth MPs, ensuring that the voices of those most affected are central to its development. This approach is crucial for ensuring that all young people in Wokingham have a fair chance to succeed, regardless of their background.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Children's Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

SEND and Inclusion Agenda Sees Progress on EHCP Timeliness, but Challenges Remain

The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Inclusion agenda is showing positive movement, with the council achieving 100% timeliness in completing Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) in June 2026 – a first in some time. However, challenges persist, including the timeliness of annual reviews and increasing demand for SEND support. The Local SEND Reform Plan is progressing, with a focus on locality working and early intervention. A significant development is the potential for 90% of the High Needs Block deficit to be written off if the Area SEND Priority Action Plan, developed in response to an Ofsted inspection, is approved by the Department for Education and NHS England. This could alleviate significant financial pressure, but the remaining deficit still presents a substantial challenge for the council and will impact the resources available for children with SEND.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Children's Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Home to School Transport Savings Achieved Despite Increased SEND Demand

Wokingham Borough Council has successfully reduced expenditure on Home to School Transport by 18.6% over the last three financial years, from £6.9 million in 2023/24 to £5.6 million in 2025/26. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it occurred despite an increase in the number of pupils with SEND receiving travel assistance. Savings have been driven by stricter eligibility criteria, increased use of Personal Travel Budgets, and the expansion of the in-house Independent Travel Training service. This service not only generates savings but also empowers young people with SEND to travel more independently, fostering crucial life skills and preparation for adulthood.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Children's Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Sufficiency Strategy Aims to Ensure Loving Homes for the Children We Care For

The council's draft Sufficiency Strategy 2026-29, titled Loving Homes for the Children We Care For, outlines plans to meet its statutory duty to provide sufficient high-quality homes for children in care and care leavers. While Wokingham performs well compared to national averages, forecasts indicate a need for an additional 51 placements over the next three years. The strategy prioritises keeping children local, developing specialist provision for complex needs, and supporting care leavers. This focus is critical for ensuring the stability and well-being of vulnerable children, directly impacting their educational outcomes, emotional health, and long-term life chances.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Children's Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Youth Justice Plan Reinforces Prevention and Partnership Approach

The Annual Youth Justice Plan 2026-27 continues to champion a child-first, prevention-led, and partnership-based model. Achievements include a 53% reduction in first-time entrants to the criminal justice system and no children on remand or in custody during 2025-26. Key priorities for the coming year include strengthening responses for children with SEND and inclusion needs, improving data analysis to address disproportionality, and enhancing support for victims and restorative justice. This proactive approach is vital for diverting young people from the criminal justice system and supporting their rehabilitation, ultimately contributing to safer communities.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Children's Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Family Help Service Launched to Enhance Support for Children and Families

The new Family Help Service has been launched, with Family Help Pods providing more consistent support and reducing handovers for families. The Family Group Conferencing service has also been successfully introduced. While it is early to measure the full impact, encouraging signs include reduced delays in early help allocation and positive practitioner feedback. Design work for the Integrated Front Door and Multi-Agency Child Protection Team is progressing, with implementation planned by March 2027. These initiatives are crucial for providing timely and effective support to families, aiming to prevent escalation of issues and safeguard children.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Children's Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

This week in Wokingham:

Bearwood Brewing Licence Variation Application Cancelled Amidst Highway Safety Concerns

A planned review of an application to vary the premises licence for Bearwood Brewing, located at Unit 11, Anglo Industrial Park, Fishponds Road, Wokingham, RG41 2AN, was cancelled. The Licensing and Appeals Hearings Sub Committee was scheduled to consider the application on Monday 10 August 2026.

The application sought to extend the licensable area to include a 5m x 14m outdoor space, potentially accommodating an additional 48 patrons. This would have allowed for the consumption of alcohol in the outdoor area, extending the existing licence which permits alcohol sales and premises opening hours from 10:00 to 23:00, Monday to Sunday.

A significant concern raised by the council's Highways Team was the potential impact on public safety. They highlighted a shortfall in off-street parking, which could lead to vehicles parking in unsafe locations, obstructing pavements, visibility splays, turning heads, and crucially, access for emergency vehicles. This is particularly pertinent in an industrial area where maintaining clear passage for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) and pedestrians is essential.

To address potential noise concerns, the applicant, Bearwood Brewing Ltd, had proposed a condition that patrons would not be permitted to use the designated outdoor space after 22:00. The committee had the option to grant the application in full, grant it with modifications, or reject it, all while considering the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

The cancellation means no decision was made on this application.

You can find more details about the scheduled discussions in the Licensing and Appeals Hearings Sub Committee meeting.

Detailed Plans for 75 New Homes in Charvil Under Review

The Planning Committee met on Wednesday 12 August 2026 to discuss detailed plans for a residential development on land west of Park Lane, Charvil. This application sought approval for the reserved matters[^1] for up to 75 homes, following an outline planning consent granted in May 2025.

The proposal includes 75 dwellings, with 40% (30 homes) designated as affordable housing. The design aims to integrate with the countryside-edge setting, featuring extensive planting, retained landscape features, open space, and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)[^3]. Statutory and technical consultees, including Highways, Environmental Health, Ecology, and the Environment Agency, raised no objections, subject to planning conditions.

However, the report pack detailed significant concerns raised by Charvil Parish Council and local residents. These included issues regarding the landscape buffer, play provision for teenagers, walking and cycling links, the adoption of open space, the use of Section 106[^4] contributions, and impacts on land managed by the Parish Council. Local Members also objected, citing concerns about housing mix, residential amenity, biodiversity, community facilities, travel demand, and parking.

The report acknowledged that the Council's housing land supply is currently assessed at 2.5 years, meaning certain Core Strategy[^5] policies are considered out-of-date. This context, along with detailed assessments of character, amenity, affordable housing, highways, sustainability, ecology, and flood risk, formed the basis of the committee's deliberations.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Planning Committee meeting.

Other Matters

Licensing and Appeals Hearings Sub Committee Meeting Cancelled

The Licensing and Appeals Hearings Sub Committee meeting scheduled for Monday 10 August 2026 was cancelled. No discussions or decisions were made as a result of this cancellation.

This week in Wokingham:

Stables Cafe Alcohol Licence Application Sparks Resident Concerns Over Noise and Parking

A proposal to grant a new premises licence for Stables Cafe in Arborfield Green has ignited strong objections from local residents, who fear the sale of alcohol will exacerbate existing issues with noise, parking, and public nuisance. The Licensing and Appeals Hearings Sub Committee met on Monday 3 August 2026 to consider the application from Coffee Artisan Limited, which seeks permission to sell alcohol for consumption both on and off the premises between 10 am and 9 pm daily.

Residents have voiced significant concerns about the cafe's location within a family-friendly residential area, adjacent to a primary school and a popular local park. They fear that the introduction of alcohol sales, particularly off-licences and deliveries, will lead to increased public intoxication, litter, and potential safety hazards in these communal spaces. Parking is already a problem, with residents reporting irresponsible parking that obstructs access and creates safety risks, especially for children. The prospect of more visitors due to alcohol sales is expected to worsen this congestion.

The applicant, represented by The Licensing Guys, argues that the application is a modest one to enhance the cafe's offering based on customer feedback. They emphasise that Stables Cafe is a well-established business with a good track record and that they are committed to operating responsibly. They also note that no objections were received from statutory authorities, such as the police or environmental health. The applicant has proposed measures to promote licensing objectives, including staff training, CCTV, and a Challenge 25 policy.

The committee must weigh these competing concerns, considering the potential impact on the licensing objectives: prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. The decision will directly affect the character of the local neighbourhood and the quality of life for nearby residents.

You can find more details about this application in the Licensing and Appeals Hearings Sub Committee meeting.

Council Approves New Policies to Ensure Fire and Asbestos Safety in Council Homes

Wokingham Borough Council is strengthening its commitment to tenant safety with the approval of new policies for its Housing Services. Executive Councillor for Housing, Partnerships and the Local Plan, Councillor Stephen Conway, signed off on updated policies for Fire Safety and Asbestos Safety on Thursday 6 August 2026. These policies are crucial for managing risks within the council's housing stock and ensuring compliance with increasingly stringent regulations.

The new Housing Services Fire Safety Policy updates the previous version from 2019 to meet the strengthened consumer standards set by the Regulator of Social Housing. It establishes a clear framework for managing fire safety risks, defining roles and responsibilities to protect tenants, staff, and visitors. This is particularly important in light of national concerns about fire safety in residential buildings. The policy will be supported by a Fire Safety Management Plan, detailing operational procedures for monitoring and emergency protocols.

Similarly, the Housing Services Asbestos Safety Policy aims to ensure that asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in council homes are identified, monitored, and managed safely. This policy, which replaces one from 2019, is a direct response to new regulations introduced by the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023. It mandates the identification, monitoring, and safe management of ACMs, ensuring compliance with laws like the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. The policy clearly outlines the duties of all parties, from the Chief Executive to individual tenants, in managing asbestos risks.

These policies are vital for protecting vulnerable residents, particularly those living in older properties where ACMs may be present. By proactively managing these risks, the council aims to prevent potential health hazards and ensure the safety of its tenants.

You can find more details about these decisions in the Executive - Individual Member Decisions meeting and Executive - Individual Member Decisions meeting.

Council Formalises Affordable Rent Setting Policy

Wokingham Borough Council has formally approved its Affordable Rent Setting Policy, which will guide how rents are set for council-owned low-cost rental accommodation. The decision was made by Executive Councillor for Housing, Partnerships and the Local Plan, Councillor Stephen Conway, on Thursday 6 August 2026. This policy ensures a consistent and transparent approach to rent setting, aligning with government standards.

The policy establishes that rents will be set annually through the Housing Revenue Account budget process. Importantly, the council has decided not to apply rent flexibility above the government's formula rent[^1] or to implement higher rents for high-income tenants, citing a commitment to simplicity and a lack of reliable income data. This approach aims to maintain affordability for tenants, many of whom rely on benefits. The policy was developed with input from various stakeholders, including housing teams and resident volunteers, and an initial equality impact assessment found no disproportionate impact on protected groups.

This policy directly impacts the affordability of council housing for residents. By setting clear guidelines and opting for a more conservative approach to rent increases, the council aims to support its tenants, particularly those on lower incomes or in receipt of benefits, ensuring that council housing remains a viable option.

You can find more details about this decision in the Executive - Individual Member Decisions meeting.

Other Matters

Highwood Management Conference Reviews Countryside Services and Local Nature Recovery Strategy

The Highwood Management Conference, held on Monday 3 August 2026, was scheduled to discuss updates on the Countryside Service, including management tasks at Southlake Reservoir and Bulmershe Park. The conference was also set to review the Berkshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy, a plan to enhance biodiversity across the county. A key point regarding Southlake Reservoir was the need for significant works to comply with Environment Agency regulations, with plans for resident consultation on proposed changes to the dam area. The update on Bulmershe Park included details on maintenance carried out by local town councils. The Berkshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy, a collaborative initiative, aims to create a Habitat Map to guide nature recovery efforts. The conference was also to consider its own Terms of Reference, including potentially extending its remit to include Southlake and meeting twice annually.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Highwood Management Conference meeting.

Planning Site Visits Cancelled

A scheduled Planning Site Visit on Friday 7 August 2026, intended to allow committee members to assess the context of a planning application for land west of Old Wokingham Road and north and south of Easthampstead Road, was cancelled. No discussions or decisions were made as a result of this cancellation.

This week in Wokingham:

Council Approves New Housing Enforcement Policies to Protect Renters

Wokingham Borough Council's Executive has approved updated enforcement policies designed to bolster protections for private renters across the borough. These changes, made on Thursday 30 July 2026, align the council's approach with the new Renters' Rights Act 2025, a significant piece of legislation aimed at improving standards and fairness in the private rented sector.

The Renters' Rights Act 2025, which began its phased implementation in May 2026, introduces crucial measures such as the abolition of no-fault evictions, stronger safeguards against discrimination, and improved avenues for tenants to challenge poor housing conditions. With an estimated 15% of Wokingham's 69,000 households living in privately rented accommodation, these reforms directly impact a substantial number of residents.

The council's updated policies, including the Environment and Safety Enforcement Policy, the Private Housing Enforcement Policy, and the Private Housing Civil Penalties Policy, will guide how the council enforces these new regulations. A key aspect of these policies is the framework for issuing civil penalties of up to £40,000 for serious offences. Notably, the council will adopt an enforcement first approach, meaning warnings will not always be a prerequisite for action. This aims to ensure prompt and effective intervention when tenant rights are compromised.

You can find more details about these decisions in the Executive meeting.

Wokingham Council Faces Significant Financial Pressures with Projected £3.3 Million Overspend

Wokingham Borough Council is confronting substantial financial challenges, with a projected overspend of £3.3 million across its services for the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year. This figure, revealed in the revenue budget monitoring report presented to the Executive on Thursday 30 July 2026, highlights significant pressures in Adult Social Care and Children's Services.

The report attributes these pressures to increasing demand for services, the growing complexity of cases, and rising operational costs. Compounding these issues is a projected £20 million annual reduction in baseline funding from central government by 2028/29, following the outcome of the Fair Funding Review. This substantial cut poses a serious threat to the council's ability to maintain essential services for residents.

The General Fund balance is forecast to stand at approximately £6.8 million by the end of March 2027. While this reserve acts as a contingency, the projected overspend raises concerns about the council's financial stability. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) is also forecasting an adverse position of £498,000, primarily due to temporary costs associated with service improvements and system upgrades.

A particularly alarming figure is the projected £20.4 million in-year deficit for the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), primarily within the High Needs Block. This, combined with a brought-forward deficit, projects a cumulative deficit of £73.3 million by March 2027. This situation puts immense pressure on resources for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), potentially impacting the support they receive. The council is actively engaged in a SEND and Inclusion Transformation Programme and is lobbying the government for support, including potential write-offs of past deficits.

The Executive also approved a supplementary estimate of £42,000 for the uplift of the members' allowances scheme and to cover pension contributions for eight members who have opted into the Local Government Pension Scheme.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Executive meeting.

Loddon Homes Charts a Course for Financial Sustainability with 30-Year Business Plan

Loddon Homes, one of Wokingham Borough Council's housing companies, has approved a comprehensive 30-year financial business plan aimed at ensuring its long-term sustainability and supporting its growth ambitions. The plan, presented to the Shareholder Committee on Thursday 30 July 2026, outlines two scenarios: a No Growth scenario and a Growth Scenario incorporating new developments.

Under the No Growth scenario, Loddon Homes is projected to report a net deficit for the first nine years, primarily due to overheads and asset-related expenditure. However, these losses are expected to diminish over time, moving towards a break-even position. The Growth Scenario, which includes the addition of 88 new homes from the Bridge Farm and School Road developments, projects a significant improvement in financial performance from year three onwards, leading to strong net surpluses. This highlights the critical role of development in the company's financial health.

The committee also received an update on Loddon Homes' conversion to a Community Benefit Society (CBS). This conversion is expected to enhance its competitiveness in the development market and its ability to deliver more affordable housing by offering tax efficiencies, such as the removal of Stamp Duty Land Tax. This move will allow surpluses to be reinvested into future development or the maintenance of existing stock, directly benefiting residents by ensuring a stable supply of affordable homes in an area with high housing costs.

The consolidated provisional outturn for the financial year 2025-26 showed an improved deficit of £29,000 for the group, with Loddon Homes Limited ending the year with a deficit of £150,406. Berry Brook Homes, another housing company, reported a small pre-audit profit of £16,500.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Shareholder Committee meeting.

Council Discusses People Strategy, Pay Policy, and Workplace Policies

Wokingham Borough Council's Employment and Staffing Committee met on Monday 27 July 2026 to discuss a range of important human resources matters, including the council's People Strategy, its Pay Policy Statement, and new policies on alcohol and substance misuse, and gifts and hospitality.

People Strategy Update

The committee received an update on the council's People Strategy, which aims to make Wokingham Borough Council a desirable place to work, improve recruitment and retention, and ultimately deliver better outcomes for residents. While the strategy was praised as an excellent piece of work by Councillor Stephen Conway, concerns were raised by Councillor Pauline Jorgensen about its internal focus, suggesting it should better reflect a commitment to residents. Sally Halliwell, Head of HR and OD, acknowledged this point and committed to ensuring future reports clearly articulate the customer-centric elements. The strategy is built around four commitments: We Care, We Share, We Learn, and We Belong.

Pay Policy Statement

The committee considered the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27, which is a statutory requirement under the Localism Act 2011. The statement noted a slight reduction in the median full-time equivalent salary and confirmed that the council's pay ratio remains well below the recommended 20:1. The report also detailed gender and ethnicity pay gap information, with the mean gender pay gap at 11.49% and the median at 11.60%. The council pays above the Real Living Wage, with the lowest hourly rate at £13.47, expected to rise to £13.91 after the national pay award. The committee agreed to recommend the Pay Policy Statement to the full council.

Alcohol and Substance Misuse Policy

A new Alcohol and Substance Misuse Policy was presented, aiming to provide a clear framework for the council's approach to alcohol and substance misuse in the workplace. The policy is designed to be both preventative and supportive, outlining mechanisms for employees to seek help while also detailing consequences for misconduct. Councillor Imogen Shepherd-DuBey inquired about random drug testing, but it was clarified that the council would not conduct random testing, focusing instead on for cause testing if there are reasonable grounds for concern. The committee agreed to approve the policy in principle, subject to consultation and minor amendments.

Gifts and Hospitality Policy

A proposed new Gifts and Hospitality Policy was also considered. This policy consolidates existing guidance to clarify the council's position on accepting gifts and hospitality, emphasizing integrity and avoiding any perception of improper influence. Gifts should generally be refused unless they are low-value token items not exceeding £25. Hospitality should only be accepted if there is a clear business reason and prior approval. The committee agreed to approve the policy in principle, subject to consultation and minor amendments.

Q4 Agency Report

The committee reviewed the Q4 Agency Report for 2025/26, which detailed agency worker spend across different directorates. An overall increase in agency spend for the financial year was noted, attributed to government requirements, competitive market rates, and increased recruitment activity at interim and senior executive levels. Councillor Pauline Jorgensen questioned the allocation of costs within the Chief Executive's Office, suggesting that costs benefiting specific directorates should be attributed to those departments for greater transparency. Sally Halliwell agreed to explore this for future reporting.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Employment and Staffing Committee meeting.

Other Matters

Recruitment of Director of Public Health Discussed

The Employment and Staffing Committee also met on Monday 27 July 2026 to discuss the recruitment of a Director of Public Health. This role is critical for overseeing public health initiatives within the borough, aligning with the council's mission to promote health and well-being for all residents. The meeting noted that this item would likely involve the disclosure of exempt information, suggesting sensitive personnel details were discussed.

You can find more details about this discussion in the Employment and Staffing Committee meeting.