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To appoint the vacant seat on the Royal
Berkshire Fire Authority to Councillor Knowles.

Reasons for the decision

Councillor Taylor informed Democratic Services
on 9 October 2025 that she would be stepping down from her position
on the Royal Berkshire Fire Authority and this officer decision
notice confirms which Councillor will be replacing her.
After consulting with both Group Leaders, no agreement could be
reached. Therefore, as Leader of the Council, Councillor Werner
decided to award the seat to the Local Independents.

Alternative options considered

Do nothing - this was not an option as the
council would lose representation on the Fire Authority.

This could also see the council permanently lose one of its three
allocated seats.