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.

This week in Wokingham:

Council Faces Barrage of Resident Concerns on Everything from Planning to Potholes

Wokingham Borough Council's full Council meeting on Thursday 23 July 2026 saw a significant portion of its time dedicated to addressing a wide array of public questions. Residents raised concerns spanning planning applications, road safety, library services, and the environmental impact of data centres. The sheer volume and diversity of these questions highlight the direct impact of council decisions on the daily lives of Wokingham residents.

One of the most pressing issues raised was the prolonged closure of pedestrian and cycle access related to the SWDR works at Easthampstead Road / Star Lane. A resident demanded a clear, time-bound action plan to restore safe access, questioning the practical options being reviewed. This directly affects the safety and convenience of those who rely on these routes for commuting and recreation.

Environmental concerns were also prominent, with questions raised about the potential impacts of a proposed 72MW data centre at Thames Valley Park. A resident sought clarification on the processes and policies that would apply to such a planning application, specifically highlighting concerns about on-site gas-fuel cell power generation and the missed opportunity for waste heat utilisation. This points to a growing public awareness and demand for sustainable development practices.

Road safety was another recurring theme. Residents questioned the council's approach to speed limit reductions, asking how many requests have been made by town and parish councils and the public. Concerns were also voiced about the safety of a blind bend on Milestone Avenue, a key cycle route, and the delay in installing double yellow lines. The deteriorating road surface on Keephatch Road and Binfield Road also drew attention, with residents highlighting the costs incurred for damaged tyres and alloy wheels. These issues directly impact the safety of all road users, particularly children and cyclists.

The council's commitment to its public spaces was also scrutinised. A question was raised about the closure of the new library at Carnival Pool during warm weather, with a resident asking why it was deemed not fit for purpose in maintaining a cool environment. This highlights the importance of accessible and functional public facilities for all residents, especially during extreme weather.

The meeting also touched upon the council's housing plans, with a question about support for a proposed development of 1100 dwellings, noting objections from Wokingham Without Parish Council and many residents. This reflects the ongoing tension between the need for new housing and the concerns of existing communities about development impacts.

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

Housing Landlord Service Policies Updated to Enhance Tenant Safety

Councillor Stephen Conway, Leader of the Council and Executive Councillor for Housing, Partnerships and the Local Plan, has approved a new Housing Landlord Service Complaints and Compliments Policy. This policy, effective from 31 July 2026, establishes a clear framework for Wokingham Borough Council's Housing Service to manage feedback from residents living in its social housing.

The policy aims to ensure complaints are handled fairly, transparently, and in a timely manner, aligning with the requirements of the Housing Ombudsman's Complaint Handling Code and the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO). It details a two-stage complaints process, outlining response times and escalation procedures. Crucially, the policy emphasizes accessibility, with provisions for reasonable adjustments to support residents who may face barriers to engaging with the process. This includes offering documents in alternative formats and providing translation services.

This focus on robust complaint handling is vital for ensuring that residents in council-owned properties have their concerns addressed effectively. It promotes accountability and helps drive continuous service improvement, ultimately benefiting the safety and well-being of tenants.

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

Social Care Future Vision Continues to Guide Council's Approach

Wokingham Borough Council is set to continue its support for the Social Care Future initiative, a movement focused on transforming social care to be more person-centred and community-based. The Council was asked to receive annual update reports and act as ambassadors for the movement. Wokingham Borough Council was the first local authority in England to adopt the Social Care Future vision, and its co-production approach has been recognised as best practice.

Progress over the past year has included making community spaces more accessible, using clearer language, sharing real-life stories, improving the Adult Social Care website, and relaunching the Safe Places scheme. Future priorities for 2026/27 include reviewing and updating strategies, embedding Social Care Future principles into priority areas, and strengthening collaboration. This ongoing commitment demonstrates the council's dedication to ensuring that adult social care services are delivered in a way that respects individual dignity and promotes independence.

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

Other Matters

Treasury Management Outturn for 2025/26 Reviewed

The Council was asked to support the Treasury Management Outturn Report for 2025-26. The report aimed to demonstrate that the Council's treasury function had effectively managed its debt and cash balances. Key points included adherence to approved indicators, with some exceptions noted for the Capital Financing Requirement (CFR) and Gross External Borrowing for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). The report detailed the Council's net indebtedness, which had improved from forecasts, and highlighted the average weighted interest rate on external borrowing. It also provided a summary of prudential indicators and detailed the maturity structure of the Council's borrowing. The investment of cash balances and treasury investment returns were also covered.

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

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.