The Wokingham Borough Council Executive met on Thursday 25 June 2026, approving a range of key decisions including the award of contracts for specialist SEND resource bases and units, the retention of Shute End as the council's headquarters for the next decade, and the commencement of a new local plan. The Executive also considered and approved updates to the Community Infrastructure Levy charges, partnership arrangements for the Thames Valley Spatial Development Strategy, and procurement for A4 bus infrastructure improvements. Financial reports for the outturn of the 2025/26 revenue and capital programmes were noted, alongside treasury management outturn for the same period.

Resource Base/Unit Contract Award

The Executive approved the award of contracts to three Multi-Academy Trusts and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to three maintained schools for the delivery of six specialist SEND Resource Bases and SEND Units. These provisions, opening from September 2026, will create 104 additional local specialist places, expanding in-borough capacity. The contracts and SLAs will run for a five-year period from 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2031, with an estimated total top-up value of approximately £7.5 million over this term, to be met from the High Needs Block of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). Councillor Rachel Bishop-Firth, Executive Councillor for Resident Services, Inclusion and Fighting Poverty, expressed delight that these units would be located at Walter Infant School and St Paul's Junior School in her ward, highlighting the empowerment and funding for greater inclusion for local children.

Future Headquarters Provision

The Council approved the retention of the Shute End offices as its main headquarters for a period of 10 years, up to 2036. This decision was made following a review of future office provision, considering the implications of the Fairer Funding settlement and proposed Local Government Reorganisation. Feasibility work had indicated that neither moving nor staying at Shute End was likely to realise significant savings, and both options could prove costly. In light of current financial pressures, retaining Shute End and managing its operation through planned maintenance and compliance investment was deemed the least costly approach. No further substantive feasibility work on the Future Headquarters project will be undertaken until directed by the Executive. Options for the former M&S store at 28-38 Peach Street will be considered by the Community and Corporate Overview & Scrutiny Committee in June 2026. Councillor Imogen Shepherd-DuBey, Executive Councillor for Finance and Governance, expressed satisfaction that this decision provided financial reassurance and noted the increasing use of the Shute End building, with Children's Services teams consolidating into the first floor. Councillor Prue Bray, Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Children's Services, added that the co-location of Children's Services staff had been a great success, fostering collaboration and support.

Local Plan: Notice of Intention to Commence and Plan Making Activity

The Executive approved the commencement of a new local plan in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026. This action is required by the government, even before the current local plan update is adopted, as a condition of being allowed to proceed under transitional arrangements with the old housing allocation. The council will publish a 'Notice of Intention to Commence' before 30 June 2026 and has approved the local plan timetable. Authority has been delegated to the Executive Director of Place and Growth, in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Housing and Partnerships and the Local Plan, to update and publish the timetable and agree commencement and undertaking of scoping consultations, as well as the consultation on the proposed local plan content and evidence. This decision was made despite the recommended timetable not meeting the government's deadline of 31 October 2026 for passing Gateway 1, due to the Planning Policy Team's commitment to the ongoing examination of the Local Plan Update. Discussions with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government are ongoing to secure flexibility.

Community Infrastructure Levy: Partial Review

The Executive authorised the publication and consultation on a Draft Charging Schedule reflecting proposed new Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) charges for purpose-built market student accommodation, hotels, and industrial and warehousing units. Charges relating to residential development remain unchanged. The report also identified the new local plan allocation site of Loddon Valley Garden Village as a nil-rated CIL zone, with infrastructure for this development to be secured through Section 106 legal agreements. This approach was favoured because, unlike CIL, Section 106 agreements allow for indexation for inflation, which is crucial given the current economic climate and the long-term delivery profile of the Loddon Valley Garden Village. The Director of Place and Growth, in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Housing, Partnerships and the Local Plan, has been authorised to agree consultation documents, appoint an independent examiner, make necessary changes to the Draft Charging Schedule, and submit all documents for examination. The Charging Schedule, post consultation and examination, will require approval by Full Council prior to implementation.

Thames Valley Spatial Development Strategy (SDS): Partnership, Pre-Inception Funding and Interim Governance Arrangements

The Executive approved the establishment of a partnership between the Berkshire Unitary Councils, Oxfordshire Councils, and Swindon Borough Council to develop a statutory Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) for the Thames Valley area. Bracknell Forest Council will act as the accountable body for funds received/held on behalf of the partnership and will host any staff appointed for the Thames Valley SDS programme. The interim governance, oversight, monitoring, and assurance arrangements were also agreed, including arrangements for the period before a statutory Strategic Planning Board is established through secondary legislation. The working arrangements for the development of the SDS were also agreed. Councillor Stephen Conway, Leader of the Council and Executive Councillor for Housing, Partnerships and the Local Plan, explained that the SDS is legally required, regardless of the outcome of the Foundation Strategic Authority work, and that while the two are closely related, this work must proceed.

A4 Bus Infrastructure

The Executive agreed to the procurement of a suitable contractor to construct the A4 bus priority scheme, with award by the Director of Place and Growth via a material decision. They also agreed to a statutory consultation being undertaken for the amendment and creation of appropriate Road Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs). The scheme, funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) capital bus grant and developer contributions, aims to improve bus journey reliability along a congested section of the A4 into Reading. The proposed changes include converting currently unused highway space to create additional space dedicated for buses entering and on the roundabout, which should lead to shorter and more reliable bus journeys. Consultation showed 86% of respondents supported improvements for bus travel along this route, and 67% supported the key principles of the proposed design at the roundabout. Councillor Adrian Betteridge, Executive Councillor for Active Travel, Transport and Highways, noted the positive collaboration between Wokingham and Reading Borough Councils to address this issue.

Optalis Stakeholder Update - Outturn 2025/26

The Executive noted the content of the report and the continued collaboration between Optalis Ltd and Wokingham Borough Council to support residents. They also ensured ongoing oversight and transparency of Optalis Ltd by incorporating a bi-annual report into its regular reporting cycle. Councillor David Hare, Executive Councillor for Adult Services, Health & Wellbeing, highlighted Optalis as an excellent service, one of the best in the country for people with learning disabilities. He also noted an expected overspend due to the refurbishment of The Hollies care home, which had temporarily impacted service usage, but expressed optimism for the following year.

Revenue Monitoring Outturn 2025/26

The Executive noted the outturn position of the revenue budget and the level of balances in respect of the General Fund, Housing Revenue Account, and Dedicated Schools Grant. They agreed to the General Fund carry forward requests of £0.68 million as set out in Appendix B of the report. The General Fund balance as at 31 March 2026 is estimated to be approximately £10.1 million, which remains in line with the council's policy statement for reasonable balances. Councillor Imogen Shepherd-DuBey, Executive Councillor for Finance and Governance, highlighted the financially challenging year, with a slight overspend of £0.58 million against the planned spend for the General Fund, and a £0.04 million overspend for the Housing Revenue Account. She also noted the continued significant drain on council finances from the Dedicated Schools Grant, largely due to demands in adult social care. Councillor Prue Bray, Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Children's Services, spoke about the pressure on special educational needs and the lack of funding, noting a significant deficit in the high-needs block within the Dedicated Schools Grant. She also mentioned the submission of the SEND reform plan, which, if approved, could lead to the government writing off 90% of the accumulated deficit, worth around £50 million.

Capital Monitoring 2025/26 - Outturn

The Executive noted the outturn position of the capital programme for 2025/26 and approved the proposed carry forwards. They also noted and approved several budget adjustments to the capital programme. These adjustments include additional funding for improvements at Robert Piggott Infant School, diversion of water mains at Winnersh Triangle Park & Ride, and the purchase of equipment such as a woodchipper and commercial dishwasher for Dinton Pastures. Additional capital budgets were approved for inclusion-focused equipment in mainstream schools, funded by the Afghan Resettlement Programme grant, and for a new bus shelter and pedestrian crossing funded by Barkham Parish Council. Further budgets were approved for Disabled Facilities Grants, beach works at Dinton Activity Centre, active travel works at Woosehill Roundabout, a pool water recovery system at Loddon Leisure Centre, and carbon reduction works in the Housing Revenue Account. A capital budget of £3,150,000 was also approved for the acquisition and works for six homes for temporary accommodation and housing for families as part of the Afghan Resettlement Programme. Councillor Stephen Conway, Leader of the Council, highlighted the positive impact of these investments, noting the enjoyment of facilities at Dinton Pastures during a recent visit. Councillor Prue Bray also commented on the helpful ways in which additional capital is being provided for carbon reduction works, disabled facilities grants, and the Afghan resettlement scheme.

Treasury Management 2025/26 - Outturn

The Executive supported the Treasury Management Outturn Report 2025-26 and recommended it to Council. They noted that all approved indicators set out in the Treasury Management Strategy had been adhered to, with the exception of the Capital Financing Requirement (CFR) for the HRA and Gross External Borrowing for the HRA. As at the end of March 2026, the total external general fund debt was £117 million, reducing to £101 million after taking into account cash balances (net indebtedness). This improved position from the forecast at mid-year stage of £138 million external borrowing and £127 million net indebtedness has the impact of reducing interest costs. A reduction in the general fund capital financing requirement (CFR) on 31 March 2026, representing an improved position to £365 million from £386 million forecast in the mid-year report, was also noted. Councillor Imogen Shepherd-DuBey, Executive Councillor for Finance and Governance, thanked Graham Ebers and the officers for their good management of these funds, highlighting the council's sound finances as a key strength.