The Council meeting scheduled for 23 July 2026 was set to address a range of local issues through public questions, including planning, transport, road conditions, and public services. The agenda also included a progress update on the Social Care Future initiative and a review of the Treasury Management Outturn for the 2025/26 financial year. A motion concerning the broadening of English language provision for immigrant residents was also listed.

Public Questions

The meeting was scheduled to include a segment for public questions on various local concerns.

Questions were anticipated regarding the Council's process for ensuring planning decisions on retrospective applications are evidence-based, the prolonged closure of pedestrian and cycle access related to SWDR works, the Council's stance on proposed additional dwellings in South Wokingham, the number of requests for speed reductions, the closure of the new library at Carnival Pool during warm weather, a review of the Wokingham Town regeneration's success, and the potential environmental impacts of a proposed data centre at Thames Valley Park.

Parish and Town Council Questions

Questions from Town and Parish Councils were expected to be received, subject to the same rules as public questions.

Petitions

The meeting was scheduled to receive any petitions presented by Councillors or members of the public.

Social Care Future: Progress Update

A progress update on the Social Care Future initiative was scheduled for consideration. The report highlighted Wokingham Borough Council's role as the first Local Authority in England to adopt the vision and its leadership in the national movement. The report detailed achievements over the past year, including resident engagement in making community spaces accessible, improving language use, sharing stories, enhancing the Adult Social Care website, and relaunching the Safe Places scheme. Residents' increased involvement in commissioning and recruitment processes was also noted. Priorities for 2026/27 included reviewing and updating strategies for Adult Social Care, Learning Disabilities, and Carers, developing the Inclusive Design Group, and enhancing collaboration with Transport for accessibility improvements.

Treasury Management 2025/26 Outturn

The Council was expected to consider the Treasury Management Outturn Report for 2025/26, intended to demonstrate effective management of debt and cash balances. The report was to note adherence to all approved indicators in the Treasury Management Strategy, with exceptions for the Capital financing requirement HRA and Gross external borrowing HRA. Details on total external general fund debt as of March 2026, the reduction after accounting for cash balances, and the impact on interest costs were to be provided. A reduction in the general fund capital financing requirement, achieved through reduced capital spending and debt repayment, was also to be noted, alongside a breakdown of prudential indicators, council net indebtedness, and the maturity structure of borrowing.

Councillor Questions

A period was allocated for Councillors to ask questions on various topics, including:

• Upgrading bus stops near schools for shelter.
• Amounts recovered from insurers for damage to Council property.
• An update on the Local Plan following its second stage examination.
• Local data on pedestrian and cycle casualties.
• Safety at a blind bend on Milestone Avenue and the installation of double yellow lines.
• Prioritisation of Keephatch Road and Binfield Road for resurfacing.
• The cost and necessity of repeated verge flailing along the B3270 and oversight of tree/grass cutting schedules.
• Concerns about the financial model for a construction contract with Equans, specifically regarding solar panel warranties and the Net Present Value.
• The start date, duration, and funding of a new roundabout construction at the junction of Old Wokingham Road with Waterloo Road and Peacock Lane.
• Evidence for the effectiveness of reducing speed limits from 30mph to 20mph in reducing collisions and casualties.
• An update on the sales of the Carnival Pool flats development and expected taxpayer loss.
• The design of the cycle path on Woodlands Avenue, Woodley, and related assessments.
• An update on the initial weeks of the domestic refuse and recycling collection and road sweeping contract with Biffa.

Minutes of Committee Meetings and Ward Matters

An opportunity was provided for Councillors to ask questions regarding the latest circulated minutes of committee meetings and ward matters.

Statements by the Leader of the Council and Executive Members

Statements were scheduled to be received from the Leader of the Council and Executive Members.

Statement from Council Owned Companies

Statements were scheduled to be received from Directors of Council Owned Companies.

Motions

The meeting was scheduled to consider motions, including:

• Motion 541 submitted by Chetna Jamthe: This motion proposed to broaden English language provision for all immigrant residents, commission an updated assessment of English needs, develop an outreach plan, and partner with schools and service providers to address barriers faced by residents who cannot speak English. The Chief Finance Officer commented that there would be direct financial implications for the Council.

The meeting was scheduled to be held in the Council Chamber at the Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham RG40 1BN.