Reading Borough Council's policy committee convened on 17 September 2025, addressing key issues such as recycling, financial performance, and town centre redevelopment. Councillors endorsed a plan for kerbside glass collection, reviewed the council's financial performance in the first quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, and approved next steps for the Broad Street Mall redevelopment, including a proposed agreement to surrender the lease of the mall's car park. The committee also discussed and approved updates to the council's constitution and financial regulations.

Here's a more detailed look at the key discussion points:

Broad Street Mall Redevelopment

The committee addressed the redevelopment of the Broad Street Mall, focusing on the surrender of the council's lease of the mall's car park to facilitate a residential-led development by AEW and McLaren BSM. The committee approved the heads of terms for the full surrender of the lease, as recommended under Option A, citing that it represents best consideration for the council.

The approved recommendations included:

• Approving the heads of terms for the full surrender of the council's lease of the Broad Street Mall car park.
• Agreeing to principles for an overarching Construction and Management Agreement.
• Noting the proposed route map and timeline for the surrender.
• Delegating authority to the Executive Director for Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services, in consultation with other officers and the Leader of the Council, to negotiate and conclude terms for the surrender, the Construction and Management Agreement, and related disposals and acquisitions.

The approved plan aims to balance the needs of the development with the council's strategic objectives for the Minster Quarter, including mitigating risks to other projects and maintaining town centre parking provision until construction begins. The committee also discussed the importance of a Construction and Management Agreement to manage access requirements and potential impacts on the Hexagon Theatre.

2025/26 Quarter 1 Performance and Monitoring

The committee reviewed the council's financial performance in the first quarter of 2025/26, noting an adverse net variance of £4.180m in the General Fund revenue outturn position. Despite this, £1.180m (10%) of savings have been delivered, and £6.424m (56%) are on track. However, £1.888m (16%) of savings are categorised as non-deliverable, and £2.024m (18%) are at risk.

Key points included:

• A forecast adverse net variance of £4.180m for the General Fund.
• £1.180m (10%) of savings delivered and £6.424m (56%) on track.
• A positive net variance of £0.168m forecast for the General Fund Capital Programme.
• An adverse net variance of £0.176m projected for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA).
• Approval of amendments to the General Fund and HRA Capital Programmes.
• Approval of debt write-offs for Non-Domestic Rates (£691,677.05) and Sundry Debt (£47,291.46).

The report also highlighted performance against the Corporate Plan success measures, with 53% of KPIs rated green and 63% of projects on track.

Simpler Recycling - Glass Collections from Kerbside

The committee considered a report regarding the introduction of kerbside glass collections in Reading, in line with the government's Simpler Recycling initiative¹. The initiative requires all local authorities in England to collect a consistent set of recyclable materials, including glass, from the kerbside by 31 March 2026.

The committee endorsed Option 1a, for separate collection of glass from a box or other appropriate container on a fortnightly basis, as the council's preferred option. They also approved the development of a detailed business case and delivery plan, with a further decision report to be presented in autumn 2025. The Assistant Director of Environmental and Commercial Services was authorised to undertake a tender exercise for the required vehicles.

The report noted that the council's existing Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) at Smallmead could not accommodate comingled glass without significant investment.

Constitution - Budget & Policy Framework Procedure Rules/Financial Regulations Amendment

The committee endorsed the revised Budget & Policy Framework Procedure Rules and the revised Financial Regulations for recommendation to the council. The revisions aim to update and simplify these documents for easier understanding.

The Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules outline the process for developing the budget and policy framework, while the Financial Regulations set out the financial policies, procedures, and framework for managing the council's financial affairs.

Joint Procurement for Parking Enforcement Services

The committee discussed a report seeking approval to commence a procurement exercise for parking enforcement services, potentially in partnership with other councils. The current contract with Trellint, part of the Modaxo Group, expires in October 2027, and the company has indicated it will not extend the contract.

The committee authorised the Executive Director for Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services to commence a procurement exercise, potentially jointly with other councils, for parking enforcement, permits, Penalty Charge Notice processing, and postal services. The Executive Director was also authorised to terminate the existing contract with Trellint by mutual agreement and enter into agreements with other councils and companies to deliver the services.