The Wokingham Borough Council meeting on Thursday 17 September 2026 saw councillors debate and vote on a range of significant issues, including changes to planning procedures, the Climate Emergency Action Plan, and the Annual Youth Justice Plan. Key decisions included the approval of the Climate and Nature Strategy and the Climate Emergency Action Plan, the noting of the Annual Youth Justice Plan, and the approval of the Pay Policy Statement. Councillors also voted to amend the Council's Constitution, including significant changes to planning committee procedures.

Climate Emergency Action Plan and Nature Strategy Approved

Councillors approved the draft Climate and Nature Strategy and the Climate Emergency Action Plan (CEAP) Seventh Progress Report. This strategy broadens the Council's focus to encompass climate resilience and nature recovery, alongside existing mitigation efforts. The CEAP progress report detailed achievements in reducing emissions, with an estimated 56% reduction by 2030, although it was acknowledged that the original 2030 carbon neutrality target would not be met. Councillor Lou Timlin, Executive Member for Climate Emergency, Community Safety and Public Protection, highlighted the Council's ranking as the most improved single-tier council in the country for climate action. However, Councillor Moses Iyengunmwena raised concerns about transparency, consistency in reporting, and the pace of delivery for key initiatives, particularly in transport emissions. Despite these concerns, the report and its recommendations were approved.

Annual Youth Justice Plan Noted

The Council noted the Wokingham Prevention and Youth Justice (PYJS) Service Plan 2026–2027. Councillor Prue Bray, Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Children's Services, presented the plan, highlighting its focus on prevention, diversion, and early intervention. The plan confirmed a reduction in first-time entrants to the youth justice system and a decrease in reoffending rates. Areas for continued focus include addressing the over-representation of children with special educational needs and disabilities within the youth justice cohort, and developing the victim and restorative justice offer.

Pay Policy Statement Approved

The Council approved the Pay Policy Statement 2026, as recommended by the Employment and Staffing Committee. Councillor Rachel Bishop-Firth, Executive Councillor for Resident Services, Inclusion and Fighting Poverty, presented the statement, which outlines the Council's commitment to transparency and fairness in employee remuneration. The statement detailed salary structures, pay ratios, and policies on increments, additional payments, redundancy, and pension enhancements. The report highlighted a mean gender pay gap of 11.49% and a median ethnicity pay gap of 0%.

Constitution Changes Approved Amidst Planning Debate

Significant changes to the Council's Constitution were approved, including amendments to the Planning Committee's terms of reference and functions, effective from 31 October 2026. These changes are necessitated by the introduction of the National Scheme of Delegation for Planning Applications, aimed at increasing efficiency and consistency in decision-making. The reforms will reduce the number of applications determined by planning committees and expand the use of officer delegated powers.

Councillor Imogen Shepherd-Dubey, Executive Councillor for Finance and Governance, explained that these changes were a legal requirement imposed by the government. However, several councillors, including Councillor Rebecca Margetts and Councillor Pauline Jorgensen, expressed strong opposition to the changes concerning planning applications. They argued that these reforms would reduce councillors' ability to represent residents, remove the public's right to be heard on smaller applications, and potentially lead to decisions being made without adequate local democratic scrutiny. Councillor Rachel Burgess, however, supported the changes, stating that the Council must comply with the new legislation and that the Planning Committee should focus on more significant decisions.

The Council also agreed to extend the deadline for submitting Motions on Notice to Council to 10 working days, removed a specific delegation to the Chief Executive, and amended wording related to street naming and numbering. Changes to committee appointments were also agreed, with Councillor Lou Timlin being replaced on the Employment & Staffing Committee by Councillor Roberta Brooks, and on the Joint Public Protection Committee by Councillor David Hare.

Councillor Questions Addressed

A series of councillor questions covered a range of topics:

• Milton Road Pedestrian Crossing: Councillor Rachel Burgess raised concerns about the lack of progress on a pedestrian crossing near The Holt School. The Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Conway, acknowledged the importance of safe routes to school and stated that officers would review the requirement against the Council's latest pedestrian crossing policy.
• Designated Schools Grant (DSG) Deficit: Councillor Rebecca Margetts sought clarification on the cumulative deficit for the DSG, particularly the High Needs/SEND element. Councillor Prue Bray confirmed a deficit of £52.9 million, with an estimated eligibility for a £46.5 million government grant, but warned of a residual £7 million deficit.
• Home to School Transport: Councillor Catherine Glover inquired about the number of children being transported and the associated costs. Councillor Bray reported that an average of 1,217 children were transported in 2025-26 at a cost of £5.62 million, a reduction attributed to service redesign focusing on independent travel training and personal budgets.
• Playpark Maintenance: Councillor Caroline Smith raised concerns about the deteriorating condition of playparks, particularly in Earley. Councillor Stephen Newton, Executive Councillor for Refuse and Recycling, acknowledged the issues and outlined ongoing maintenance work, planned investments, and the development of a 10-year play area strategy.
• Tree Safety: Councillor Majid Nagra expressed concerns about brittle trees following a dry summer and the potential danger from storms. Councillor Newton assured that the Council takes tree safety seriously, with regular inspections and responsive maintenance, but acknowledged that not all risks can be prevented.
• Road Maintenance Programme: Councillor Mike Smith sought an update on the road maintenance programme. Councillor Conway provided details on the structural maintenance programme, surface dressing, slurry seal, and plane and inlay programmes, noting increased investment in transport infrastructure.
• Safer Streets Consultation Delays: Councillor Andrew Gray questioned the repeated delays in publishing draft proposals for the safer streets and 20mph speed limits consultation. Councillor Conway attributed delays to the high volume of responses and staff availability due to illness, but assured that additional resources had been allocated.
• Cantley Park Cafe: Councillor Roberta Brooks asked for an update on Cantley Park and its cafe facilities. Councillor Mark Ashwell reported that the cafe is now open under the management of the Berkshire and Buckinghamshire Football Association, with a long-term partnership in place.
• Nine Mile Ride Road Surface: Councillor Peter Harper highlighted the poor condition of Nine Mile Ride and requested a meeting to discuss improvements. Councillor Conway acknowledged the road's condition and confirmed that safety inspections are regular, with some patching work undertaken.
• Arborfield Green Community Centre: Councillor Charles Margetts requested an update on the Arborfield Green Community Centre project. Councillor Conway stated that design work is progressing, with a planning application expected in early 2027, construction later in 2027, and a target opening in 2028. Approximately £13,000 has been spent to date.
• Three Tuns Junction Traffic Signals: Councillor Rohit Ahlawat raised concerns about the reliability of traffic signals at the Three Tuns junction. Councillor Conway explained that faults were associated with the traffic signal controller and electrical power supply, and that a comprehensive upgrade using virtual loop detection technology is underway.
• New Development Infrastructure Adoption: Councillor Nagi Nagella questioned the tangible progress on adopting infrastructure on new developments and the practical difference for residents. Councillor Conway explained the Council's inability to compel developers to adopt infrastructure and the legal position regarding standards.
• Woodlands Avenue Cycleway Issues: Councillor Moses Iyengunmwena and Councillor Pauline Jorgensen raised concerns about the design of the Woodlands Avenue cycleway, particularly regarding driveway accessibility and confusion for drivers and cyclists. Councillor Conway acknowledged the concerns and stated that an independent safety audit and additional signage were being considered.
• TJ Jones and Post Office Closure: Councillor Jane Ainslie asked for an update on the potential closure of TJ Jones and its Post Office in Wokingham Town Centre. Councillor Conway confirmed awareness of the planned closures and stated that the Council was lobbying TJ Jones to retain the outlet and exploring relocation options.
• Earley Bridge Replacement Costs: Councillor Rohit Ahlawat questioned the variance in costs for the Earley bridge replacement. Councillor Stephen Newton, Executive Councillor for Refuse and Recycling, explained that initial costings had not accounted for all necessary works, and the Council was seeking funding support from Earley Town Council.
• Wokingham Without Development: Councillor Roberta Brooks sought clarification on the level of development in Wokingham Without and mitigation plans. Councillor Conway reiterated points made in response to a public question, distinguishing between plan allocations and planning applications, and highlighting the Council's efforts to mitigate impacts through the planning process.
• Barkham Ride Development Impact: Councillor Shahid Younis returned to the issue of the Woodlands Avenue cycleway, relaying strong resident anger regarding driveway accessibility. Councillor Conway offered to discuss the matter further outside the meeting.
• Aisha Mosque Parking: Councillor Mike Smith asked about actions to ensure traffic flow around the Aisha Mosque. Councillor Conway mentioned proposed extensions to parking restrictions on Erleigh Court Drive and the drive itself, following resident feedback.
• Green Belt and Local Plan: Councillor Leon Cook questioned the Council's stance on adopting sites designated as Green Belt and green spaces within the new Local Plan. Councillor Conway stated that the submitted plan protected Green Belt land but acknowledged the government's changing approach and the need to protect the Green Belt's function.
• Minimum Income Guarantee Age Threshold: Councillor Dave Edmonds questioned the proposal to raise the minimum income guarantee age threshold from 60 to 66, suggesting that executive allowances could be reduced instead. Councillor David Hare, Executive Councillor for Adult Services, Health & Wellbeing, stated that the proposal was part of a consultation and that the Council was considering national advice and financial pressures.

Statements by the Leader and Executive Members

Councillor Stephen Conway, Leader of the Council, announced changes to executive responsibilities, with Councillor Stephen Newton taking responsibility for play parks and public protection. He also provided an update on devolution, confirming that Thames Valley council leaders had agreed to submit an expression of interest letter to the Secretary of State regarding a Mayoral strategic authority.

Councillor Prue Bray briefed the Council on the auto-enrolment to free school meals project, aiming to ensure all eligible children receive support and potentially secure additional pupil premium funding for schools.

Councillor Stephen Newton reported on the success of a Re3 pre-loved pop-up shop, which raised £600 for Berkshire Women's Aid and successfully rehomed numerous items.

Minutes of Committee Meetings and Ward Matters

Councillor Leon Cook raised concerns about secondary school places, particularly for children not yet in school. Councillor Prue Bray responded that the Council had a centralised admission system and offered to investigate specific cases.

Councillor Beth Rowland asked about the poor quality of road markings on Nightingale Road. Councillor Conway stated that a recovery plan was in place and would commence on 17 August.

Councillor Jackie Rance questioned the cost and necessity of repeated verge flailing on the B3270. Councillor Newton apologised for the lack of a previous answer and explained the contract covers a wide range of services, with specific flailing undertaken due to resident reports of obstruction.

Councillor Caroline Smith asked for an update on Laurel Park. Councillor Ashwell welcomed the residents' petition and offered further help in resolving the Earley community conundrum.

Councillor Andrew Gray inquired about delays in the safer streets consultation. Councillor Conway attributed delays to the high volume of responses and staff availability but assured that additional resources were allocated.

Councillor Leon Cook returned to the Local Plan and Green Belt, seeking confirmation that Green Belt sites would not be adopted. Councillor Conway stated that the submitted plan protected Green Belt land but acknowledged government changes.

Councillor Jane Ainslie asked for an update on the potential closure of TJ Jones and its Post Office. Councillor Conway confirmed lobbying efforts to retain the outlet and exploring relocation options.

Councillor Rohit Ahlawat questioned the cost variance for the Earley bridge replacement. Councillor Newton explained that initial costings were insufficient and the Council was seeking funding from Earley Town Council.

Councillor Roberta Brooks asked about development in Wokingham Without. Councillor Conway reiterated points about the South Wokingham development and the Council's mitigation efforts.

Councillor Shahid Younis raised concerns about the Woodlands Avenue cycleway design. Councillor Conway offered to discuss the matter further outside the meeting.

Councillor Mike Smith asked about traffic flow around the Aisha Mosque. Councillor Conway mentioned proposed extensions to parking restrictions on Erleigh Court Drive.

The meeting concluded with the Mayor thanking everyone for their attendance and forbearance with the new system, and stating that discussions would be held to improve future processes.