The Annual Council meeting saw the election of a new Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the upcoming municipal year, with Councillor Rob Comber elected as Mayor and Councillor Melanie De Jong as Deputy Mayor. The council also approved updates to its constitution, including changes to the members' allowances scheme and the adoption of the Charvil Neighbourhood Plan.

Election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor

Councillor Rob Comber was elected as the new Mayor of Wokingham Borough Council for the 2026-27 Municipal Year, with Councillor Melanie De Jong appointed as Deputy Mayor. Both councillors made their declarations of acceptance of office. Councillor Stephen Conway, Leader of the Council, congratulated the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor and welcomed new and returning councillors, while also acknowledging those who would not be returning.

Returning Officer's Report on the May 2026 Elections

Council noted the report from the Returning Officer on the May 2026 elections, which confirmed the successful administration of the borough elections, by-elections for Wokingham Town Council, and the referendum for the Charvil Neighbourhood Plan. The report detailed the election process and the results, with the Liberal Democrats securing 29 seats, the Conservatives 19, Labour 5, and the Green Party 1.

Statements from the Leader of the Council and Leader of the Opposition

Councillor Stephen Conway, Leader of the Council, highlighted the council's achievements over the past year, despite significant financial challenges. He praised the work of council officers and councillors, and emphasised the importance of community collaboration and partnership working, noting the council's high ranking in the ImPower index for efficiency. He outlined three key areas for focus in the coming year: a new compact with town and parish councils, improving access to Twyford station, and a sharper approach to supporting young people.

Councillor Pauline Jorgensen, Leader of the Opposition, congratulated the new Mayor and welcomed new councillors. She criticised the Liberal Democrat administration for perceived waste of money, service cuts, and ignoring residents' wishes. She highlighted several areas of concern, including delays in school building, underinvestment in roads, and issues with the solar farm project. The Conservative Group's priorities for the next year were outlined as listening to residents, scrutinising the administration, and setting out an alternative vision.

Public Questions

Peter Wheat asked about the council's provision of allotments and community orchards across strategic developments. Councillor Adrian Betteridge, Executive Councillor for Active Travel, Transport and Highways, responded that while most strategic development locations would meet policy standards, there was a small shortfall in the South of the M4 SDL. He confirmed that the council would continue to ensure developments met Section 106 obligations and that officers would provide an updated table of allotment sites.

Vishal Srinivasan raised concerns about road safety in the Shinfield Meadows area, citing a lack of stop signs and speed calming measures. Councillor Betteridge acknowledged the concerns and stated that while developers were responsible until adoption, the council was engaged and working with them. He confirmed that road markings had been refreshed and additional signage was planned.

Moses Iyengunmwena questioned the medium-to-long-term structural maintenance programmes for Rushey Way, highlighting its deteriorating condition. Councillor Betteridge confirmed that the section between Chalfont Way and Beeston Way would be included in the 2027 Structural Maintenance Programme for full resurfacing, but noted the significantly higher cost compared to surface dressing.

Rohit Ahlawat raised concerns about the piecemeal approach to pothole repairs, where contractors only addressed reported potholes, leaving other defects untouched. Councillor Betteridge explained that repairs were prioritised based on risk and safety, and while contractors were not prevented from addressing additional defects, the current system ensured accountability and efficient resource management.

Leon Cook asked about school admissions in Wargrave, with families struggling to secure places at local schools. Councillor Prue Bray, Executive Councillor for Children's Services, stated that most families had been offered places at their preferred schools, with lower preferences being allocated due to parental choice rather than a lack of provision. She noted that for local authority-maintained schools, distance from the school would be a factor in admissions criteria from the next round.

Helen Palmer asked if the council would mandate councillors to view The People's Emergency Briefing film on the climate and nature crisis. Councillor Katrin Harding, Executive Councillor for Environment and Climate Emergency, acknowledged the importance of the briefing but stated that mandating attendance was not constitutionally possible, though she expected strong take-up.

Mohima Bose inquired about the proposal for two new special schools at Rooks Nest Farm. Councillor Bray explained that the council had opted for a financial settlement from the Department for Education to deliver a single new Special Free School at Rooks Nest and refurbish another site, enabling local delivery and ownership of the SEND Sufficiency Strategy.

Roberta Brooks asked about the proportion of children who secured a place at their preferred secondary school. Councillor Bray reported that 98% of children obtained a place at a school their parents had applied for, with 82% receiving their first preference, a figure similar to previous years.

Anthony Pollock, asked via Rebecca Margetts, about the permanent fix for Swallowfield Bridge and issues with temporary traffic lights and signage. Councillor Betteridge confirmed that design work for a permanent replacement parapet was underway, with construction planning to follow. He stated that the current signage was considered adequate but would be reviewed.

Leon Cook asked about measures beyond the Safer Streets programme to enforce speeding on local roads. Councillor Betteridge explained that the council's enforcement powers were limited to parking and some moving traffic offences, and that community Speedwatch groups played a vital role. He encouraged residents to report concerns and mentioned the council's aspiration towards Vision Zero.

Chetna Jamthe asked about the response to a falling tree that struck an electricity pylon over the M4. Councillor Chris Cooke, Executive Councillor for Community Safety and Public Protection, detailed the multi-agency response led by SSEN, with the council supporting residents and ensuring coordinated emergency response. He confirmed that the pylon would need to be replaced and that a lessons learned exercise had been conducted.

Rohit Ahlawat asked about the repair timeline for a broken pedestrian bridge near The Meadows. Councillor Harding confirmed that funds had been included in the 2026-27 capital programme for its replacement, with the new bridge expected to be in place by the end of summer.

Pauline Jorgensen asked if Wokingham Borough Council was among 39 local authorities directed by the Government to make a new Local Plan due to not providing 80% of local housing need. Councillor Betteridge confirmed this was the case under transitional arrangements and that the council was seeking a deferral or exemption from the government.

Jackie Rance asked about the firm used to cut back trees and hedges on Hyde End Road. Councillor Harding confirmed that the council's contractor, Tivoli, had undertaken the work using both mechanical and manual methods.

Yusra Salman raised concerns about parking around Willowbank Primary School. Councillor Betteridge stated that the Civil Enforcement team patrolled over 50 schools rotationally and had patrolled the specific school 32 times in the past year. He explained the process for issuing tickets and the upcoming changes to enforcement for pavement parking.

Seona Turtle asked for the current headcount and percentage change in children receiving support under the new SEND system. Councillor Bray stated that the government's SEND reforms were not yet in effect and provided figures for the current system, noting that Wokingham had a higher proportion of EHCP children supported in mainstream schools with better outcomes than national and regional averages.

Chris Cooke asked about the number of Wokingham Borough children with SEND educated in mainstream schools and if the council was moving in the right direction. Councillor Bray reiterated the figures and confirmed that Wokingham was moving towards greater mainstream inclusion, with plans for specialist units and resource bases in primary and secondary schools.

Andy NG siu hong shared his personal story as a former Hong Kong District Councillor and asked what more the council could do to promote inclusive values and use diversity to strengthen the borough. Councillor Conway highlighted the council's commitment to embedding inclusion in services, working with communities through co-production, and using its role as an employer and commissioner to turn diversity into strength.

Shahid Younis asked for an update on the condition of Reading Road in Woodley and confirmation of its inclusion in the road maintenance schedule. Councillor Betteridge confirmed that the road maintenance schedule had been published and that Reading Road would be included, though the exact timing of the works was still to be confirmed.

Andrew Gray asked for an update on the junction of Beke Avenue and Westall Street in Shinfield. Councillor Betteridge acknowledged the junction's poor design and stated that while the road was not yet adopted, officers would discuss improvements with the developer.

Martijn Andrea asked how town and parish councils could collaborate with the council to identify roads that could benefit from safer speed limits. Councillor Betteridge explained the Safer Streets programme and the consultation process for town and parish councils and the public.

Chetna Jamthe asked about the action taken in response to a falling tree striking an electricity pylon over the M4. Councillor Cooke detailed the multi-agency response and confirmed that the pylon would need to be replaced.

Rohit Ahlawat asked about the repair timeline for a broken pedestrian bridge near The Meadows. Councillor Harding confirmed that funds had been allocated for its replacement, with the new bridge expected by the end of summer.

Pauline Jorgensen asked if Wokingham Borough Council was among 39 authorities directed to make a new Local Plan. Councillor Betteridge confirmed this was the case and that the council was seeking a deferral or exemption.

Jackie Rance asked about the firm used for tree and hedge cutting on Hyde End Road. Councillor Harding confirmed the contractor and methods used.

Yusra Salman raised concerns about parking around Willowbank Primary School. Councillor Betteridge explained the council's enforcement approach and patrol rota, acknowledging the challenges faced by residents.

Seona Turtle asked for figures on children receiving support under the new SEND system. Councillor Bray provided current figures for children with EHCPs and SEN Support, noting that the government's SEND reforms were not yet in effect.

Chris Cooke asked about plans for providing more supported places in mainstream schools. Councillor Bray outlined the SEND expansion programme, including specialist units and resource bases in primary and secondary schools.

Andy NG siu hong asked what more the council could do to promote inclusive values. Councillor Conway highlighted the council's commitment to embedding inclusion in services and working with communities.

Shahid Younis asked for an update on Reading Road in Woodley. Councillor Betteridge confirmed the road maintenance schedule had been published and Reading Road would be included.

Andrew Gray asked for an update on the Beke Avenue and Westall Street junction. Councillor Betteridge acknowledged the junction's design and stated officers would discuss improvements with the developer.

Martijn Andrea asked about collaboration with town and parish councils on speed limits. Councillor Betteridge explained the Safer Streets programme and consultation process.

Chetna Jamthe asked about the response to the M4 pylon incident. Councillor Cooke detailed the multi-agency response and confirmed the pylon would be replaced.

Rohit Ahlawat asked about the pedestrian bridge repair timeline. Councillor Harding confirmed funds were allocated and the bridge was expected by summer.

Pauline Jorgensen asked about the Local Plan directive. Councillor Betteridge confirmed the council was seeking a deferral or exemption.

Jackie Rance asked about tree cutting. Councillor Harding confirmed the contractor and methods.

Yusra Salman raised parking concerns. Councillor Betteridge explained the enforcement approach.

Seona Turtle asked about SEND figures. Councillor Bray provided current figures and noted reforms were not yet in effect.

Chris Cooke asked about mainstream SEND provision. Councillor Bray outlined expansion plans.

Andy NG siu hong asked about promoting inclusivity. Councillor Conway highlighted the council's commitment.

Members Allowances Scheme: Report and Recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel

Council agreed to the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel regarding the Members Allowances Scheme. This included linking the Basic Allowance to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) annually, reviewing Special Responsibility Allowances, matching Childcare and Dependant Carers' Allowances to the Real Living Wage and Adult Social Care Support Framework respectively, and noting that councillors are now permitted to join the Local Government Pension Scheme. Councillor Rachel Bishop-Firth emphasised that the allowance was not a salary but a means to ensure councillors were not out of pocket, and that diversity was crucial for representation. Councillor Rachel Burgess expressed reservations about automatic annual increases, arguing that allowances should be subject to annual scrutiny and that politics should not be about money.

Political Balance of the Council and Allocation and Appointment to Seats on Committees and Boards

Council approved the allocation of seats on committees and boards for the 2026-27 Municipal Year, ensuring political proportionality in line with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. The Liberal Democrat Group was allocated 53 seats, the Conservative Group 34, and the Labour Group 8.

Appointments to Joint Committees, Panels, Working Groups and other Bodies

Council agreed that the principles of proportionality would be applied to appointments to joint committees, panels, working groups, and other bodies, with nominations submitted by respective Group Leaders. Exceptions were agreed where one or two members were sought for a body, allowing nominations from each political group.

Appointments to Outside Bodies 2026-27

Council approved the nominations to Outside Bodies as submitted by the respective Group Leaders.

Updates to the Constitution

Council agreed to several updates to the Constitution, including amendments to the Scheme of Delegation, the delegation of appointing Deputy Electoral Registration Officers to the Electoral Registration Officer, and updating the Members Allowances Scheme to reflect the council's decision on the Independent Remuneration Panel's recommendations. It was also noted that councillors are now permitted to opt into the Local Government Pension Scheme. Changes to the Shareholder Committee's terms of reference were agreed to reflect the addition of Berry Brook Homes Limited and the proposed changes regarding Loddon Homes Limited.

Charvil Neighbourhood Plan

Council agreed to make (adopt) the Charvil Neighbourhood Plan, which will now form part of the statutory Development Plan. This decision followed an overwhelming majority vote in favour of the plan in a local referendum. The council will publish a Decision Statement and delegate to the Director of Place and Growth the authority to make minor corrections to the plan and supporting documents. The adoption of the plan will also mean Charvil Parish Council benefits from a 25% share of Community Infrastructure Levy revenues.