The Council meeting on Thursday, 26 March 2026, addressed a wide range of issues, including the approval of the Medium Term Financial Plan and associated budgets, the adoption of a new Resident Charter, and a Councillor Learning and Development Strategy. Significant public questions were raised regarding the delivery of new schools, road safety, and the environmental impact of proposed developments.

Key Decisions and Discussions:

Budget and Financial Matters

The Council approved the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) for 2026-2029, including the Revenue Budget Submission for 2026/27. This decision was made despite acknowledging significant financial pressures due to reductions in central government funding. The Council also approved the Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2026/27, which includes an increase in council house dwelling rents by up to 4.8%. The Capital Programme and Strategy for 2026-2029 and the Treasury Management Strategy for 2026-2029 were also approved.

Resident Charter and Councillor Development

The Council adopted the new Resident Charter 2026-2029 – Improving the Resident Experience, which aims to foster a more inclusive, collaborative, and community-focused approach to housing services. Progress on this charter will be reported annually to Full Council. Additionally, the Councillor Learning and Development Strategy for 2026-2029 was agreed, with a cross-party working group tasked with monitoring its implementation.

Public Questions and Key Issues Raised

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to public questions, covering a diverse range of topics:

• New Primary School for Spencers Wood: An update was provided on the delivery of the new primary school for Spencers Wood, with capital funding approved and procurement for the consultant team commencing. Construction is anticipated to start in Autumn 2026, with a view to opening in September 2028. The process for selecting which existing school might relocate to the new site was also outlined, with expressions of interest from schools to be invited from March to June 2026.
• Road Safety on Rushey Way, Lower Earley: The Executive Councillor for Active Travel, Transport and Highways confirmed that a crossing on Rushey Way, near Hawkedon Primary School, is planned for installation in the 2026/27 financial year. This will also serve pupils walking to Loddon Primary School.
• Loddon Valley Garden Village Development: Concerns were raised about the environmental impact of the Loddon Valley Garden Village proposal, specifically regarding flooding, traffic congestion, pressure on local services, and health risks from construction pollution. The Executive Councillor for Housing, Partnerships and the Local Plan stated that the proposal has been informed by significant technical work, including flood risk and transport studies, and is designed to place homes outside the fluvial floodplain. The proposal is currently being tested through the Local Plan examination process, and planning applications submitted include an Environmental Impact Assessment.
• Town Centre Business Activity: In response to a question about local business performance, the Executive Councillor for Economic Development, Sport, Leisure and the Arts highlighted that latest footfall data shows Woodley and Wokingham town centres are performing strongly against national trends. The Council is focusing on promoting an experiential economy and supporting local businesses through initiatives like Indie Wokingham.
• Barkham Solar Farm: The Executive Councillor for Environment and Climate Emergency addressed concerns about the £21 million allocated in the 2026/27 capital budget for Barkham Solar Farm, despite construction being paused due to national grid connection timescales. It was clarified that the budget allocation is not a commitment to spend but ensures readiness to proceed once clarity is achieved. Discussions are ongoing with National Grid and other bodies to potentially bring the connection date forward.
• People's Emergency Briefing Film: In response to a question about mandating councillors to view the People's Emergency Briefing film on the climate and nature crisis, the Executive Councillor for Environment and Climate Emergency acknowledged the importance of the briefing but stated that a constitutional mandate for all councillors to attend was not possible. However, they expressed confidence in strong uptake due to cross-party support for climate action.
• Wokingham Special Free Schools: The Council considered a procedural report regarding the Wokingham Special Free Schools Options Appraisal. It was noted that the urgency procedure was used for a decision taken on 26 February 2026, allowing the Council to accept a £6,480,000 financial settlement per school from the Department for Education to deliver places locally. This decision enables the delivery of a single new Special Free School at the Rooks Nest site for September 2028, with the other school to be delivered through refurbishment.
• SEND System Support: The Executive Councillor for Children's Services provided figures on children receiving support under the current Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system, with 1,532 children having an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and 3,368 children receiving SEN Support. The greatest challenges anticipated with the new SEND system, due to come into effect in 2028-29, are parental anxiety and ensuring adequate support, with a focus on mainstream inclusion.
• Secondary School Offer Day: It was reported that 98% of children in the Borough obtained a place at a school their parents had applied for on National Offer Day for secondary schools. This figure is consistent with previous years and represents an improvement in the number of children receiving their first preference.
• Swallowfield Bridge Repairs: The Executive Councillor for Active Travel, Transport and Highways confirmed that design work for a permanent replacement parapet for Swallowfield Bridge is underway, with completion expected towards the end of April. Temporary traffic lights have been replaced due to previous failures, and a review of permanent road signage is also being conducted.
• Speeding on Local Roads: The Council reiterated that it has no powers to enforce speeding, which is a matter for Thames Valley Police. However, the Council is reviewing speed limits in line with its new speed limit policy and encourages community involvement through Speedwatch groups. The Council is also developing its approach to Vision Zero, a strategy aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities and severe injuries.
• M4 Pylon Incident: The Executive Councillor for Community Safety and Public Protection detailed the response to the falling tree that struck an electricity pylon over the M4 in February 2026. The Highways and Emergency Planning teams worked with Scottish and Southern Electricity Network (SSEN), who led the response. The M4 was reopened by National Highways in the early hours, with Hatch Farm Way reopening by Sunday, 21 February. A replacement pylon will be installed, requiring planned overnight road closures.
• Broken Pedestrian Bridge near The Meadows: Funds have been included in the 2026-27 capital programme for the repair of the pedestrian bridge near The Meadows, with the new bridge expected to be in place by the end of summer 2026.
• New Local Plan Requirements: The Council confirmed it is one of 39 local authorities directed by the Government to proceed with making a new Local Plan because its current proposed plan does not provide 80% or more of local housing need under the new standard method. The Council is seeking an agreed deferral or exemption from the government.
• Tree and Hedge Cutting on Hyde End Road: The grounds maintenance contractor, Tivoli, undertook the cutting back of hedges along Lower Earley Way using both mechanical and manual methods. The cost of this work was not immediately available.
• Parking Concerns around Willowbank Primary School: The Civil Enforcement team monitors schools across the Borough on a rotational basis. The team has patrolled Willowbank Primary School 32 times in the past 12 months. Officers provide guidance on safe and lawful parking, and a mandatory 5-minute observation period applies for vehicles on yellow lines. The Council is also working to encourage travel to school by means other than car through its Safe Routes to School programme.
• Inclusive Society and Diversity: The Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Conway, responded to a question about promoting inclusivity and diversity, highlighting the Council's commitment to embedding inclusion into everyday decisions and services, working with communities through co-production, and using its role as an employer to turn diversity into strength.
• Condition of Reading Road, Woodley: The Council confirmed that the list of roads and footpaths to receive structural maintenance in 2026 has been published on the Council's website and in the Moving Around the Borough email. The timing for this activity is still to be confirmed, with scheduling and alignment with other roadworks ongoing. Reading Road in Woodley is included in the scheduled maintenance programme.
• Junction at Beke Avenue and Westall Street, Shinfield: The Council is aware of concerns regarding collisions at this junction, which is not yet adopted. Officers have asked the parish council to write with details so they can engage with the developer.
• Access to Twyford Station: The first cross-party working group on access to Twyford station met with a representative from Great Western Railway. Discussions covered passenger demand, travel demographics, and potential options for improving station access, including the main station forecourt. A further meeting is planned for May.
• Damaged Keep In Lane Sign on Pound Lane, Sonning: The Council will investigate the damaged Keep In Lane sign on Pound Lane and expects the contractor to cover the cost of repair if the damage was caused during works.
• Playground Maintenance at Blackwater Close, Spencers Wood: Play areas managed by WBC are inspected weekly for safety. Weeds are sprayed seasonally, and bark chip is topped up annually. Remedial works are planned to address patchy application of bark chip.
• Replacement of Play Equipment at FBC Centre: The Council approved £200,000 for the replacement of end-of-life play equipment at the FBC Centre, with Finchampstead Parish Council providing the other 50% of the funding.
• Litter in Chalfont Park, Earley: The Council will look into signage and potential enforcement action to encourage responsible litter disposal, particularly around the car park at Chalfont Park.
• Litter Picking in Shinfield: The Council aims to make efficient use of resources for street cleaning and welcomes reports of litter or fly-tipping for additional cleansing.
• Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO): The PSPO for anti-social behaviour in the town centre, extended in September 2022, came into effect in February 2026 and is valid for another 2.5 years. Since its extension, 7 Fixed Penalty Notices have been issued.
• Footbridge near The Meadows, Toseland Way: The Council has secured funds for the repair of the pedestrian bridge near The Meadows, with the new bridge expected to be in place by the end of summer 2026.
• Adult Services Funding: In response to concerns about underfunding and increased demand, the Executive Councillor for Adult Services, Health & Wellbeing outlined a person-centred approach focusing on early action, investment in care homes and specialist accommodation, and workforce development. The service received an Outstanding rating in Partnerships & Communities and Learning, Improvement & Innovation in a recent CQC assessment.
• SEND Education in Mainstream Schools: It was reported that 45.7% of children with EHCPs in Wokingham are supported in mainstream schools, a figure higher than the national and South East averages. Plans are in place to expand specialist units within primary and secondary schools, including autism resource spaces and provision for Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs.
• Motion 539 - Championing Democracy: A motion proposing to reaffirm the Council's commitment to transparency, respecting consultation outcomes, and improving transparency in decision-making was considered. The motion was ultimately defeated.
• Motion 540 - English Language Support: An amended motion to broaden English language provision review for all immigrant residents was discussed. The Chief Finance Officer noted potential financial implications for delivery.

Outside Bodies Annual Reports

The Council noted the annual reports from various Outside Bodies, including Age Concern Twyford and District, Berkshire Music Trust, Citizens Advice, and the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service. These reports provided an overview of the organisations' activities and the effectiveness of the Council's representation.