This week in Wokingham:

Council Grapples with High Value Council Tax Surcharge, Warning of Unfair Burden on Residents

Wokingham Borough Council has formally responded to a government consultation on a proposed High Value Council Tax Surcharge (HVCTS), expressing significant concerns that the new levy could unfairly burden residents and create administrative chaos. The council's response, noted by the Executive Councillor for Finance, Imogen Shepherd-DuBey, on Wednesday 15 July 2026, highlights that the proposal to send all collected funds to central government, rather than supporting local services, is fundamentally wrong and unfair.

The proposed surcharge targets residential properties valued at £2 million and above. Wokingham Council argues that the administrative complexities of identifying legal ownership, managing potential disputes, and enforcing payment would place an additional staffing requirement and higher collection risks on local authorities. They are particularly concerned about the impact on elderly residents who may be asset-rich but income-constrained, suggesting that deferral schemes would create substantial administrative complexity and increase debt secured against properties.

The council's response, detailed in the Public reports pack 15th-Jul-2026 12.30 Executive - Individual Member Decisions.pdf, estimates that implementing the surcharge could cost Wokingham approximately £500,000 in one-off expenses and £350,000 annually. They are demanding full reimbursement from the government for these new burdens. The council also voiced concerns about the division of responsibilities between the Valuation Office and local authorities for billing and appeals, predicting customer confusion and increased administration costs.

The council's stance aligns with its broader commitment to ensuring that local funds are used to benefit local communities. The potential for this surcharge to disproportionately affect vulnerable residents underscores the council's focus on fairness and inclusion.

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

Councillor Conduct and Abuse in Public Life Under Scrutiny

The Standards Committee met on Tuesday 14 July 2026 to review the handling of councillor code of conduct complaints and to discuss the Local Government Association's (LGA) Debate Not Hate campaign, which aims to combat abuse and intimidation faced by elected officials.

The committee received an update indicating that all complaints from the 2025/26 period had been resolved with no breaches found. For the current 2026/27 period, two complaints had been lodged by early July. One, concerning a Town & Parish Councillor, related to conduct that could be perceived as bullying and intimidating, with a decision notice pending. The other, involving a Wokingham Borough Councillor during an election campaign, concluded with no breach identified. The report noted that complaints arising from election periods are a recurring issue, with separate electoral law matters being referred to the police and the Electoral Commission.

The Debate Not Hate campaign, which seeks to foster respectful democratic engagement, was highlighted as a crucial initiative. A previous survey of councillors revealed experiences of abuse during election campaigning and online. The report indicated that officers would continue to monitor national developments and report any significant issues affecting councillor safety and participation. The committee was invited to reaffirm its commitment to the Nolan Principles of Public Life[^1], which underpin ethical conduct in public service.

The process for handling code of conduct complaints involves an initial assessment by the Monitoring Officer, Andrew Moulton, who can decide to take no action, resolve the matter informally, or refer it to the Standards Committee. This ensures a structured approach to maintaining ethical standards within the council.

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

Officer Decision-Making Governance and Barkham Solar Farm on Overview and Scrutiny Agenda

The Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee met on Monday 13 July 2026 to discuss key council matters, including the governance of officer decision-making and an update on the Barkham Solar Farm. The committee also reviewed the Leader and Chief Executive's six-monthly update and the council's forward programmes.

A report on the governance of officer decision-making emphasised the necessity of a clear procedural framework and system to document and, in some cases, publish Executive and Non-Executive decisions taken by officers acting under delegated authority. This is crucial for ensuring decisions are lawful, transparent, and accountable. The report recommended strengthening current arrangements through clearer guidance, training, and process controls. This focus on robust governance is vital for maintaining public trust and ensuring that delegated powers are exercised responsibly, particularly when decisions impact residents' lives.

An update on the Barkham Solar Farm provided information on the progress of this significant renewable energy project. While details of the discussion were not fully available due to the meeting's information status, such projects are key to the council's climate emergency commitments and have long-term implications for energy supply and environmental sustainability.

The committee also reviewed the Executive and Individual Executive Member Forward Programmes, offering insight into the council's upcoming priorities and decision-making pipeline.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee meeting.

Other Matters

Corporate Parenting Board Meets

The Corporate Parenting Board met on Wednesday 15 July 2026. While no specific details of the discussions were available, this board plays a vital role in ensuring the council provides the best possible care and support for children in its care, acting as their corporate parent.

You can find more details about this meeting here: Corporate Parenting Board.

This week in Wokingham:

Urgent Action Needed on School Funding Deficit and SEND Support

Wokingham's schools are facing a significant financial challenge, with the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) showing a projected deficit of £73.3 million by the end of the 2026/27 financial year. This alarming figure, primarily driven by pressures within the High Needs Block, means that vital resources for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) are under immense strain. The Schools Forum met on Wednesday 8 July 2026 to discuss these worrying financial outturns and explore updates on the Local SEND Reform Plan.

The 2025/26 financial year saw a net overspend of £17.7 million on the DSG, contributing to a cumulative deficit of £52.9 million. This deficit is forecast to balloon to £73.3 million by the end of the current financial year, despite efforts to reduce the cost base. The report highlighted that while the 2025/26 outturn was better than initially feared, the discontinuation of the Safety Valve Programme, coupled with projected growth in Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and rising unit costs, is pushing the deficit higher.

The High Needs Block remains the primary driver of this financial crisis. To address this, the forum received an update on the High Needs Block (HNB) Banding Framework. While early analysis suggests a funding increase for mainstream schools, the Strategic Working Group concluded that a tiered funding approach is more appropriate for specialist provision. A Minimum Funding Guarantee (MFG) for the 2026/27 academic year has been proposed to support short-term financial stability.

The meeting also touched upon the Local SEND Reform Plan, a framework designed to create a more inclusive SEND system with a focus on early identification and high-quality support. Developed through extensive engagement with around 50 partners, the plan aims to secure investment funding from the Department for Education (DfE). The urgency of these reforms cannot be overstated, as the current financial situation risks impacting the quality and availability of support for some of the borough's most vulnerable children.

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

Wokingham's SEND Services Face Widespread and Systemic Failings

A critical inspection of Wokingham Borough's SEND services has revealed widespread and systemic failings, impacting the experiences of children and young people with SEND and their families. The Wokingham Borough Health and Wellbeing Board heard on Thursday 9 July 2026 that while some families feel supported, many do not feel heard, and experiences are unequal. Long waiting lists for assessments, particularly for occupational therapy, autism, and ADHD, as well as for specialist mental health services, are leaving children and families struggling without timely help.

The inspection, which took place in January 2026, found that while social care's short breaks were valued, support sometimes arrived too late. Families who can advocate strongly often secure better support, highlighting an inequity within the system. Health services are grappling with significant waiting lists, and some practitioners are unaware of the local offer – the range of support available to children and young people with additional needs. Furthermore, there are concerns about mainstream schools misinterpreting needs as behaviour and an inconsistent application of reasonable adjustments.

In response, three priority actions have been issued: the ICB must develop a recovery plan for wheelchair services; the local area partnership must create a joint strategic needs assessment; and the partnership must deliver a recovery plan for the quality and accuracy of Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans. A Priority Action Plan has been developed, with a draft submitted to the Department for Education and NHS England. The partnership has established a weekly programme to address immediate activities, and an independent chair has been recruited to oversee the SEND Area Improvement Board.

Councillor Prue Bray, Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Children's Services, acknowledged that the SEND reform plan and the SEND inspection response are separate but aligned, with significant effort being invested in both. The scale of these failings underscores the urgent need for effective implementation of the reform plan to ensure all children with SEND receive the support they deserve.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Wokingham Borough Health and Wellbeing Board meeting.

New Housing Development Approved in Arborfield Despite Landscape and Highway Concerns

The Planning Committee has approved a significant hybrid planning application for Land at Ducks Nest, Eversley Road, Arborfield, paving the way for up to 135 new homes and a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG). The decision, made on Wednesday 8 July 2026, was made under the tilted balance of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which favours sustainable development when a council cannot demonstrate a five-year housing land supply.

While the residential development is located outside defined settlement limits, the creation of a SANG was deemed acceptable in principle and will provide a strategic greenspace for the borough. The application was approved subject to the applicant joining the Council's Great Crested Newt District Licencing Scheme and the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement.

The committee grappled with concerns about the impact on the landscape and potential settlement coalescence. While the Council's Tree & Landscape Officer noted moderate to adverse impacts, officers argued that the developable parcels were logically accommodated. Highways concerns were also raised, but the Local Highways Authority raised no objection subject to mitigation measures. A key point of discussion involved preventing right-hand turns onto Observer Way, which the applicant has agreed to, mitigating a significant safety concern.

The proposal includes a substantial social benefit of up to 54 affordable units, representing 40% of the total dwellings. The creation of the SANG, alongside contributions to the Thames Basin Heath Special Protection Area mitigation, was considered to adequately address recreational disturbance and air pollution. Despite the identified harms, the committee concluded that the benefits, including new homes, affordable housing, and the strategic SANG, outweighed the harms.

You can find more details about this decision in the Planning Committee meeting.

Housing Landlord Service Policies Strengthened for Tenant Safety

Councillor Stephen Conway, Leader of the Council and Executive Councillor for Housing, Partnerships and the Local Plan, has approved a suite of new policies for the Housing Landlord Service, aimed at enhancing tenant safety and ensuring compliance with legal obligations. These decisions were made on Thursday 9 July 2026.

Electrical Safety Policy

A new Housing Landlord Service Electrical Safety Policy has been approved to ensure all fixed electrical installations and appliances in council-managed homes are safe and compliant. This policy addresses legal and regulatory obligations, including those from the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, and establishes clear roles and responsibilities for electrical safety management. It mandates regular inspections, including Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) for tenants, and will be supported by an Electrical Safety Management Plan.

Legionella Safety Policy

The Housing Landlord Service Legionella Safety Policy has also been approved, updating the council's previous policy from 2021. This policy aims to ensure all water systems in council homes are monitored and well-maintained to prevent risks associated with legionella bacteria and other waterborne hazards. It outlines legal obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Housing Act 2004, and defines specific requirements for managing water systems, including regular risk assessments and maintaining appropriate water temperatures.

Lift Safety Policy

A new Housing Landlord Service Lift Safety Policy has been approved to establish a comprehensive framework for managing lifting equipment risks in council-managed homes. This policy addresses statutory obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Lifting Operation and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). It covers various types of lifting equipment across approximately 3,000 residential properties and will be supported by a Lifting Equipment Safety Management Plan.

Gas Safety Policy

The Housing Landlord Service Gas Safety Policy has been approved, superseding the previous policy from 2021. This policy creates a robust framework for managing gas safety risks in council-managed homes, ensuring compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023. It mandates annual safety checks, the provision of safety certificates to tenants, and the use of Gas Safe registered engineers.

These policies collectively demonstrate a commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of tenants in council-managed properties, addressing potential risks proactively and ensuring compliance with evolving legislation.

You can find more details about these decisions in the Executive - Individual Member Decisions meetings, http://opencouncil.network/meetings/159576, http://opencouncil.network/meetings/159577, and [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/159578).

Climate Emergency Action Plan Progress Reviewed Amidst Shortfall in Carbon Reduction Targets

Wokingham Borough Council is not on track to meet its 2030 carbon neutrality target, with current projections indicating only a 56% reduction in carbon footprint. The Climate Emergency Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 06 July 2026 to review the seventh progress report on the Climate Emergency Action Plan (CEAP) and discuss the revised Climate and Nature Strategy.

While significant progress has been made in areas like energy efficiency in social housing, solar panel installations, and the introduction of electric buses, a substantial shortfall of 273 kilotonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (ktCO2e) remains. Domestic emissions from gas heating are identified as the largest contributor to the borough's emissions, posing a significant challenge to achieving carbon neutrality. The revised strategy now incorporates climate resilience and nature recovery, acknowledging their interconnectedness with mitigation efforts.

Challenges were highlighted in achieving targets for electric vehicle (EV) mileage share, with current progress at 6.3% against a 30% target. Concerns were also raised about the slow progress on community energy projects and the retrofitting of domestic and commercial buildings. Despite these challenges, the council has achieved an exceptionally low landfill rate of 0.85%, well below its target.

The committee discussed the importance of integrating climate considerations into procurement and ensuring new developments contribute to carbon reduction goals. The ongoing work on the Local Plan Update's energy policies, which have undergone examination, offers hope for stronger future policies. The committee agreed to focus on transport and retrofitting in September, with a dedicated session on Barkham Solar Farm.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Climate Emergency Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

This week in Wokingham:

Autism Strategy Shows Progress, But Access to NHS Dentistry Remains a Challenge

Wokingham's commitment to improving the lives of autistic residents is showing tangible results, with the All-Age Autism Strategy and Action Plan making strides in developing neuro-inclusive communities and supporting individuals. However, a persistent issue for vulnerable residents, particularly those in care homes, is the ongoing difficulty in accessing NHS dentistry.

The Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 1 July 2026 to review progress on the Autism Strategy. Emma Cockerell, Executive Director for Children's Services, presented a positive update on the strategy's first year (2025-26), highlighting initiatives like updated information resources, specialist training, and the introduction of neurodiversity passports. The strategy, a collaborative effort involving multiple health trusts and local organisations, aims to improve identification of autism and health outcomes for autistic individuals. The video presented showcased successful projects, including the development of neuro-inclusive spaces, a book launch celebrating autistic talent, and the use of autism passports in healthcare settings to ensure reasonable adjustments are made.

However, the committee also heard from Julie Dandridge, Associate Director for Primary Care at the Thames Valley ICB, about the persistent challenges in NHS dentistry for care home patients. While access has improved since the pandemic, it has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels. A new national contract from April 2026 requires dental providers to allocate a proportion of their activity to urgent care, and an ICB dental access scheme supports vulnerable patients, including care home residents. Despite these efforts, a pilot scheme in Oxfordshire found that while dental issues were prevalent in care homes, treatment was not always a priority for residents or homes. This means that for some of our most vulnerable residents, essential dental care remains difficult to access, potentially leading to worsening health conditions.

The committee also heard from Alice Kunjappy-Clifton, Lead Officer for Healthwatch Wokingham, who emphasised the vital role of Healthwatch as an independent champion for those using health and social care services. Healthwatch listens to public feedback and influences decisions, holding services to account. Key issues raised by the public include GP access, barriers to accessing services, poor communication, and digital exclusion, all of which can disproportionately affect vulnerable groups.

The committee reviewed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Adult Social Care and Public Health. While many indicators were on track, challenges remain, particularly with demographic pressures and funding constraints in Adult Social Care. Public Health also reported some red and amber KPIs, including the crucial area of antenatal contact with health visitors, highlighting the need for continued focus on early intervention.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Future of 28-38 Peach Street Under Scrutiny: Balancing Asset Value with Community Needs

The future of the former Marks & Spencer building at 28-38 Peach Street in Wokingham town centre is a complex issue that the Community and Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee is actively exploring. With the council committed to retaining Shute End as its headquarters for the next decade, a decision is needed on how best to utilise this significant town centre asset.

The building, acquired in 2017 as part of the town centre regeneration project, is currently in poor condition, with the discovery of RAAC[^1] on the first floor making its long-term use unviable. Seven options for its future have been presented, ranging from sale to council-led development. Councillors expressed concerns about the lack of detailed financial information, making it difficult to fully assess the options. However, the discussion highlighted a strong desire to maximise the asset's value for residents, potentially through mixed-use development incorporating housing, affordable housing, and revenue generation for the council.

Concerns were raised about the risks associated with a freehold sale, including land banking and developers going out of business, which could lead to a derelict building impacting the town centre's appeal. The importance of the adjacent Rose Street car park to local businesses, particularly a nursery, was also emphasised, highlighting the need to consider parking requirements and potential solutions in any future development. The committee agreed that further work is needed to explore these options thoroughly, ensuring any decision balances commercial viability with the council's commitment to community benefit and regeneration.

You can find more details about this discussion in the Community and Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Speed Limit Reduction in Grazeley Aims to Enhance Road Safety

Executive Councillor for Active Travel, Transport and Highways, Adrian Betteridge, has approved the implementation of a 30mph speed limit on several roads in Grazeley. This decision, made on 30 June 2026, follows a consultation period where the vast majority of residents supported the proposal, citing historical safety concerns and the need to protect vulnerable road users, particularly children attending Grazeley Primary School.

The move from a 40mph limit to 30mph on roads including Lambwood Hill, Grazeley Road, Mereoak Lane, Grazeley Green Road, Bloomfield Hatch Lane, Church Lane, and Mortimer Road is intended to significantly improve road safety within the village. Thames Valley Police also supported the initiative. While a few objections were raised, citing potential traffic diversion and the rural nature of the area, the overwhelming support from residents and the clear safety benefits for the community, especially children, led to the approval. This decision demonstrates how local government can respond to community concerns to make neighbourhoods safer for everyone.

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

Other Matters

Major Residential Development Proposed for Arborfield

The Planning Committee will consider a significant hybrid planning application for Land at Ducks Nest, Eversley Road, Arborfield on Wednesday 8 July 2026. The application seeks permission for a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) and up to 135 new homes. While the development is outside defined settlement boundaries, the council's current inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply means the proposal will be considered under the NPPF's tilted balance, which generally favours sustainable development. The SANG component is crucial for mitigating impacts on the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area. Concerns remain about potential settlement coalescence and landscape impacts, but the provision of a substantial SANG and 40% affordable housing are significant benefits. The application is recommended for conditional approval, subject to a Section 106 agreement securing various contributions for infrastructure and community benefits.

You can find more details about this application in the Planning Committee meeting.

Woodley Development Application to be Reviewed

The Planning Committee will also consider an application to vary conditions on a previously approved residential development at 108 Reading Road, Woodley on Wednesday 8 July 2026. The proposed changes include alterations to a rear dormer, fenestration, and a rear balcony. While local residents and a councillor have raised concerns about scale, privacy, and parking, officers believe the proposed variations are not materially greater than those already approved and do not cause demonstrable harm. The application is recommended for approval.

You can find more details about this application in the Planning Committee meeting.

This week in Wokingham:

Council Headquarters to Remain at Shute End for Another Decade Amidst Financial Strain

Wokingham Borough Council's Executive has decided to keep its main headquarters at the Shute End offices for the next ten years, until 2036. This decision comes as the council faces significant financial pressures, including a substantial reduction in central government funding. The move away from considering relocation or major upgrades aims to be the most cost-effective option, avoiding significant new capital expenditure.

The council will invest in necessary maintenance to ensure the Shute End building remains safe and operational, but will not undertake costly improvements. This pragmatic approach is a direct response to the challenging financial climate, with the council's revenue support from central government set to decrease significantly. The threat of local government reorganisation, which had previously prompted a review of headquarters provision, has also receded.

The future of the former Marks & Spencer building at 28-38 Peach Street will be considered separately by the Community and Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

You can find more details about this decision here: Executive meeting.

New Charges Proposed for Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)

Wokingham Borough Council is proposing to introduce new charges under the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to help fund local infrastructure. The council's Executive has agreed to consult on a draft CIL charging schedule that includes new charges for purpose-built market student accommodation, hotels, and industrial and warehousing units. Charges for residential development will remain unchanged.

The Community Infrastructure Levy is a charge that local authorities can levy on new developments to help fund the infrastructure needed to support growth. This review aims to ensure that new developments contribute fairly towards the costs of infrastructure such as schools, transport, and healthcare.

A new charging zone will be created for the Loddon Valley Garden Village allocation, with a 'nil' charge. Infrastructure for this development will be secured through Section 106 legal agreements, a different mechanism that directly obligates developers to provide specific infrastructure. This approach is being taken because, for large, long-term developments, Section 106 agreements are considered a more effective way to ensure infrastructure is delivered in a timely manner, avoiding the need for the council to borrow heavily to fund it upfront.

You can find more details about this decision here: Executive meeting.

Work Begins on New Local Plan Amidst Government Timetable Pressures

Wokingham Borough Council has approved the commencement of work on a new Local Plan, even though the current plan is still undergoing examination. This is a government requirement, and the council has secured £108,000 in funding to support this process. The new Local Plan is expected to take approximately three years to prepare.

The council is in discussions with the government to seek flexibility on the required timetable, as preparing a new plan while the current one is still being examined presents a significant challenge due to resource constraints. The current Local Plan was submitted in February 2025, and the examination hearings are still ongoing.

You can find more details about this decision here: Executive meeting.

A4 Bus Priority Scheme Moves Forward

The council has agreed to procure a contractor to construct the A4 bus priority scheme and to begin statutory consultation for necessary traffic regulation orders. This scheme aims to improve the reliability of bus journeys along a busy section of the A4 into Reading by introducing dedicated bus lanes and optimising traffic signals. The project is funded by government bus grant and developer contributions.

You can find more details about this decision here: Executive meeting.

Optalis Ltd Stakeholder Update Noted

The Executive noted the latest update on Optalis Ltd, the council's jointly owned care provider. The report highlighted the continued success of services like Bluebell House and Matthew's Green Community Centre, as well as ongoing refurbishment at The Hollies Care Home. The council agreed to incorporate a bi-annual report into its regular reporting cycle to ensure ongoing oversight and transparency of Optalis's operations.

You can find more details about this decision here: Executive meeting.

Revenue and Capital Monitoring Reports for 2025/26

The Executive reviewed the outturn positions for the council's revenue and capital programmes for the 2025/26 financial year. The General Fund reported an overspend of £0.58 million, while the Housing Revenue Account had an overspend of £0.04 million. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) reported a significant overspend of £17.7 million, largely due to pressures within the High Needs Block. Despite these overspends, the council's General Fund Balance is estimated to be around £10.1 million, considered a healthy level. The capital programme saw a total investment of approximately £91 million, with an overall underspend of £23 million. Several budget adjustments were approved for the capital programme, including additional funding for school improvements and the acquisition of homes for the Afghan Resettlement Programme.

You can find more details about these reports here: Executive meeting.

Treasury Management Outturn for 2025/26 Reviewed

The Executive noted the treasury management outturn for 2025/26, which indicated effective management of the council's debt and cash balances. The council's net indebtedness was £101 million, an improvement on the mid-year forecast. Treasury investment returns amounted to £0.7 million, which was lower than previous years due to the use of internal balances for borrowing. The report confirmed that all prudential indicators had been adhered to, with the exception of two related to the Housing Revenue Account.

You can find more details about this report here: Executive meeting.

Addressing Inaccurate Signage in Wokingham

A resident raised concerns about inaccurate directional signs erected in the east of Wokingham, highlighting discrepancies in distances to Cantley Park and incorrect directions to Elizabeth Park. The council acknowledged these issues, stating that while checks were made, mistakes have occurred. The project was funded through developer Section 106 commitments, and the signs were installed by contractors. The council is reviewing all signs to ensure accuracy and is investigating why these errors were made to prevent future occurrences. The importance of accurate signage for encouraging walking and cycling was emphasised.

Reassurance for the Sikh Community Amidst Rising Hate Incidents

In response to a question from a member of the Sikh community, the council leader provided strong assurances that the Sikh community will be protected from hate crime and discrimination. The council stands with the Sikh community, will defend freedom of religion, challenge misinformation and hatred, and support victims of hate crime. The council's equality, diversity, and inclusion policy, along with initiatives like the Unison Anti-Racism Charter, are in place to make Wokingham a fair and welcoming place. The council also works with Thames Valley Police through the Wokingham Borough Safe Communities Partnership to prevent and respond to hate crime. The leader acknowledged the concerns raised about potential vulnerabilities for younger generations in schools and committed to working with academy trusts to promote religious tolerance.

Improving Officer Communication with Residents

In response to a query about communication breakdowns with council officers, the Executive Councillor for Resident Services, Inclusion and Fighting Poverty advised that for urgent matters, residents should contact the council's contact centre by telephone. For non-urgent issues, residents can follow up through online inquiry routes or the contact centre. The council is increasingly able to provide reference numbers for inquiries to help track progress. Residents are encouraged to use the formal complaints process if they do not receive a satisfactory response. The council is working to ensure all inquiries are allocated a case number to improve tracking for both residents and the council.