The Wokingham Borough Council Executive met on Thursday, 28 May 2026, to discuss and approve several key initiatives. Decisions made included a variation to the leisure contract with Places Leisure to adopt an agency model, an increase in capital expenditure for the Mereoak Park and Ride solar and EV installation, and the tendering of 21 local bus services. The Executive also noted an update on improvements to Twyford Railway Station.

Leisure Operators Contract – Agency Model

The Executive agreed to vary the council's leisure contract with Places Leisure to move to an Agency Model arrangement. This change, effective from 1 July 2026, aligns with a recent Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) ruling that local authority leisure services can be considered non-business for Value Added Tax (VAT) purposes. Under the new model, Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) will act as the principal, with Places Leisure acting as its agent. This is expected to result in significant VAT savings, allowing the council to reinvest benefits into local services. There will be no change to the operational delivery of leisure services. Authority was delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Resources and Assets, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Head of Legal, to vary the contract and enter into necessary agreements.

Mereoak Park and Ride Solar & EV Installation

Approval was granted to increase the capital expenditure for the Mereoak Park and Ride project from £4.2 million to £5.79 million. This additional funding, to be sourced from borrowing, will facilitate the inclusion of battery storage and replacement chargers alongside the planned solar canopy. The project aims to support WBC's climate objectives by generating solar energy and providing electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities. The estimated net income over 25 years is projected to be £15.47 million, averaging £619,000 per annum, though a minimum of £400,000 per annum is being used for budgeting purposes. Decisions regarding the final design and configuration were delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive (S151 Finance Officer) in conjunction with the Executive Member for Finance and the Executive Member for Climate Emergency, Community Safety and Public Protection.

Local Bus Service Procurement

The Executive agreed to tender 21 local bus services and recommission enhanced community transport services for a five-year contract period, commencing April 2027. This initiative represents a significant increase in the community transport offer, with funding for three additional buses. The proposals aim to better meet residents' needs by introducing new connections, extending operating hours, and improving timetables and vehicle standards. The total annual subsidy for local bus services is estimated to increase to £3 million, a rise of approximately 20%. Authority to award contracts for community transport, core local bus services, and any optional or enhanced services within budget was delegated to the Director of Place & Growth, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer and the Executive Member for Active Travel, Transport and Highways. The council acknowledged the financial risk associated with potential future reductions in bus grant funding, though break clauses will be included in the contracts.

Twyford Railway Station - Update

The Executive noted the contents of a report providing an update on efforts to improve access to Twyford Railway Station. The report highlighted the increasing popularity of the station, leading to parking issues in surrounding residential areas. While the council does not have a statutory duty to improve station access, it is working in partnership with Great Western Railway (GWR), Twyford Parish Council, and other stakeholders to find solutions. A cross-party working group has been established to support this work. The report detailed passenger numbers, survey findings on travel to the station, and existing GWR proposals for car park expansion. It also outlined ongoing work to improve bus, walking, and cycling access, and the complex challenge of increasing car parking provision. Further updates will be provided as proposals mature.