Wokingham Borough News - Spring 2017

Wokingham Borough

NEWS

Your magazine from Wokingham Borough Council Spring 2017

In this issue...

Busy builder page 4

Fostering dreams page 14

Focus on Earley page 26

Âť www.wokingham.gov.uk

Regeneration is full steam ahead page 22

www.instagram.com/wokinghamboroughcouncil

Keeping in touch with us www.wokingham.gov.uk customerservice@wokingham.gov.uk (0118) 974 6000 /wokinghamboroughcouncil /wokinghamboroughcouncil @WokinghamBC /WokinghamBC Visit us: Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 5pm Write to us: Wokingham Borough Council, Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham RG40 1BN Find out more information by: Email and text updates. Register at: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'alerts')

Also in this issue...

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A day to remember

15 - 18

Spring 2017

Welcome "We continue to face daily pressure from growing demands from care of our older people to maintaining our ever increasing busy roads.

"All of these pressures have to be managed on reduced funding from central government; which has been reducing year on year. But it will be further compounded by the complete withdrawal of the government support grant during the next two years.

"We've been working hard to set a robust and balanced budget whilst managing these pressures. On page 27, you can find out more about the results of our budget engagement sessions held last year. This is the second year we have run them. It was interesting to talk to many of you, and we heard some valuable comments for us to consider. The budget sessions do not give us all the answers, but they do provide a useful indication of attitudes that can be explored further.

"You can read more about our budget for the coming year in the centre pages of this magazine.

"Making sure we continue to deliver, good quality services remains our priority. Whilst we are facing these challenges, there are many things to be proud of in our Borough.

Our adult social care company Optalis goes from strength-to-strength and we have agreed to partner with The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead to deliver adult services through a new partnership with Optalis (page 6). We're working with the council and Optalis to plan the work that is needed to develop this partnership, ready to go live in April.

"On page 26 we also find out there is more to Earley than may first meet the eye, including attractions such as Maiden Erlegh Nature Reserve, Meadow Park, Sol Jol, Laurel Park and Chalfont Park and the Wokingham Waterside Centre.

2017/18 Council Tax information

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in partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association to open new and improved courts at Cantley Park (page 29).

"We continue to need more foster carers in the Borough. Sue and Les from Crowthorne haven't looked back since they started fostering four years ago (page 14) and they tell us more about why they offer their home to some of our most vulnerable children.

"All you need to know about the major developments in the Borough can now be found on interactive maps on our website which also include details on planning applications, construction progress and new roads (page 20). Regeneration work is also well underway in Wokingham to transform the outdated 1960s style Peach Street parade into a high street fit for a 21st Century market town and create a vibrant new pedestrianised square of cafĂŠs, restaurants and shops where Rose Street car park now sits. We're also delighted to have signed a pre-let agreement with supermarket Aldi (see page 22 and 23).

"Make sure you keep up-to-date with all the latest Council news by visiting our dedicated website at: http://news.wokingham.gov.uk. This is where all our news, videos and photos have been brought together in one, easy to use place for you to enjoy at any time you like.

"You can like us on Facebook (facebook. com/wokinghamboroughcouncil) or follow us on Twitter (@WokinghamBC). Some of our photos are also available to see on Instagram (wokinghamboroughcouncil).

"If you have any questions or comments, please get in touch with me via email at: keith.baker@wokingham.gov.uk."

"Marvellous Festival returns to Dinton Cllr Keith Baker Pastures in July (see page 8) after a Leader of the Council successful first year. And we're also working

Budget conversations

28/29

Helping to create a healthier Borough

Editorial and design: Wokingham Borough Council's Communications Team Produced by: Digital Solutions on uncoated 60gsm UPM Matt C paper Cost: 4p per person / 10p per household To advertise in Wokingham Borough News, or you have any other queries about this magazine, including delivery, please email: communications@wokingham.gov.uk. A pdf version of this magazine is available online at: http://news.wokingham.gov.uk/wokingham-borough-news

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Spring 2017

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Wokingham Housing: The Council's busy builder

2017 is going to be a significant year for Wokingham Housing Limited Wokingham Housing Limited (WHL) was set up in 2011 to build high quality homes for local people while generating an ongoing income stream for us.

WHL will positively influence the Borough and enhance local communities through building the right type of housing, in the right locations to meet the rising demand for all types of housing.

This summer and autumn will see the completion of WHL's flagship developments, Phoenix Avenue and Fosters Independent Living Scheme.

Phoenix Avenue, a £13million development built near the centre of Wokingham, will consist of 68 new homes for social and affordable rent. The scheme is well advanced and WHL's contractor, Hill Partnerships, is in full swing completing the development.

In Woodley, our £6.5million Fosters Independent Living Scheme is progressing well. The external structure is largely completed and internal works are gearing up to finish well-designed homes for older people, unable to continue to live easily in their current homes. The building will contain 34, one-bedroom, self-contained apartments with communal lounges, a café and on-site support and care.

This project benefits from £1.5million of government subsidy as well as the Council providing the land free to ensure the rents are affordable for the residents who will move in.

As well as these two major schemes, WHL will deliver a number of smaller projects on Council-owned land that can be better used across the Borough. In total these 45 homes on 12 sites, will be largely completed by April next year. Thereafter we intend to have an ongoing supply of 50 to 70 new homes every year.

Our programme is made up of supported housing for vulnerable people, social and affordable rented and shared ownership (partbuy/ part-rent) properties, as well as homes for intermediate rent (around 80 per cent of market rent) and private sale.

WHL's vision ensures this programme of development offers a mix of homes that enable people on different incomes to access mainly subsidised housing at prices they can afford.

In future, WHL intends to develop purpose built private rented housing that will be owned and managed by a trusted, ethical landlord.

In developing new homes, WHL has established a set of values around which to operate and help build a reputation to be proud of. It aims to be reputable; to build high quality homes and services; to be expert in designing and building homes; to act commercially using its resources wisely to create fair profit margins; and to ensure it is progressive in driving positive change in the building and management of housing.

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Spring 2017

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In the last two years work has focused on achieving planning permissions and starting to build, however this forms only one piece of the jigsaw. The other key element in achieving WHLs objectives is getting the housing management arrangements right. Building a reputation is essential and achieved through effective and efficient management and maintenance of its homes for our residents and the organisation.

Many of the homes WHL builds will be purchased by other wholly-owned Council housing companies, like Loddon Homes, a Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) registered Housing Association. Ensuring the management and maintenance arrangements are sound and well considered, has involved putting in place processes and procedures that cover all areas of managing and maintaining homes.

To support this we are working on having a fully digital service that enables tenants to make payments, book gas servicing and report repairs all through smart phones or online, as you would expect from a 21st Century landlord.

Deliberately small organisations, WHL and Loddon Homes work closely in partnership with others who are experts in their fields, ranging from architects who design our homes to the contractors building them and the agents managing them.

All our partners are carefully selected, considering reputational merits and values that these organisations operate within. We are fortunate that two of our partners form part of the Council.

Our housing service, which manages more than 2,600 Council homes, provides management and maintenance services and Optalis, an award winning care provider based in the heart of Wokingham, is delivering the care packages where relevant in WHL schemes and will be the principle care provider at Fosters Independent Living Scheme.

You can follow WHL on Twitter @WokinghamHL

Find out more about WHL or Loddon Homes at: www.wokingham housing.co.uk

Executive view Cllr Julian McGhee Sumner, Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing "With the completion of two flagship schemes, at Phoenix Avenue and Fosters Independent Living, Wokingham Housing Limited (WHL) will start to build up the reputation for high quality housing that it aspires to. WHL is increasingly focussing on providing the right mixture of housing types and sizes to meet the needs of the Borough, as well as to provide an income stream to the Council."

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Spring 2017

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Self-service and new opening times in our libraries New self-service machines will be introduced at six of the Borough's libraries in April this year.

The introduction of self-service was a key part of our Library Offer, which was adopted following public consultation last summer. Self-service will make it easier for people to check-out and return the items they borrow and will free up some valuable staff time so that our libraries can be open for longer each week.

Self-service will be available at Wokingham, Woodley, Lower Earley, Twyford, Winnersh and Finchampstead libraries as part of changes that include an overall extension of opening hours by 17 and a half hours. For those people who would like some help getting used to the self-service or would just rather deal directly with someone, there will still be some members of staff on duty during all opening times.

The Library Offer sets out what residents can expect when using our libraries. The ambition is for the Borough's libraries to continue to be welcoming and vibrant places that people are drawn to. We want to protect the clearly valued heritage of our library services whilst evolving naturally to offer more and more opportunity for residents of all ages to engage in activities and access services. The libraries will be flexible and adaptable in terms of their space and their uses, aligning seamlessly with other services in their area.

Executive view Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, Executive Member for Resident Services "We know residents still love using our libraries so by introducing these new self-service machines we will be making it easier to borrow books and return them. The new opening hours will also offer greater access to one of the Borough's greatest resources."

For more information on how to use self-service and the new opening hours, please ask within any of our libraries or visit our website at: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'libraries').

New adult services partnership We've entered into a new partnership with The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead to deliver adult services together. Under the new partnership agreement Optalis Ltd, our social care company, will be expanded by both councils to provide adult services across the two boroughs.

Optalis was created by us in 2011 as a way of giving the Council more opportunities to enhance some of our care provision. The agreement sees the two councils as shared owners of Optalis Ltd - initially on a 45:55 split (Wokingham Borough owning 55 per cent, the Royal Borough owning 45 per cent). This is due to be adjusted to equal ownership after two years.

The partnership will have a number of benefits, including greater resilience, improved service provision, and a greater potential for innovation through sharing of best practice.

Adoption plans approved We've approved plans for the Council to become part of a regional adoption agency known as Adopt Thames Valley (ATV).

We're currently part of Adopt Berkshire, a partnership of four Berkshire local authorities set up in 2014, which received a 'good' adoption judgement from Ofsted in 2015.

The plan is to develop ATV as a shared service between seven local authorities (Bracknell Forest, Oxfordshire, West Berkshire, Windsor and Maidenhead, Wokingham, Swindon and Reading) along with two voluntary adoption agencies (PACT and Barnardo's).

The local authorities and voluntary adoption agencies are designing the new service to cover a larger area, building on the success of Adopt Berkshire.

ATV is being created with support of the Department for Education, which has given funding to help the partner organisations work together to develop a new service that delivers excellent results for children and adopters.

Oxfordshire will host the service, but the local authorities involved will have a governance role and maintain accountability for it.

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Spring 2017

Mapping local parking restrictions

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Public consultation is due to start soon on our new mapped Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs), as part of our plans to introduce civil parking enforcement (CPE) across the Borough from this autumn.

TROs are legal documents showing parking restrictions. They will give us the muscle to enforce these restrictions when we take over their responsibility from the Police who currently do this job.

Instead of traditional-looking TROs written in paragraphs, we're presenting them as online maps to make them easier and quicker to understand.

The consultation invites feedback on the way the TROs are presented, not their content. This is because they are visual representations of existing parking restrictions, not new ones.

During the next few weeks we intend to apply to the Department of Transport (DfT) for permission to take on these CPE powers, as well as put the contract out to tender to run CPE in the Borough.

CPE will give us the muscle to tackle parking hotspots causing problems for residents and businesses, and prevent parked cars from obstructing roads and pavements to make things safer for pedestrians and drivers.

It will also help make better use of off-street parking locations. We plan to review many of the current parking restrictions - including requests for new ones - once the new scheme has bedded in.

More information will be published later in the year.

Reducing the risk of flooding An important step toward better flood risk management has been taken with the adoption of a Sustainable Drainage System (SuDs) strategy.

The SuDs strategy sets out the long-term vision for managing flood risk in the Wokingham Borough and sets out local requirements for sustainable drainage and the suitability of various SuDs options.SuDs are modern drainage systems and practices that are designed to provide more sustainable drainage than the older practice of running water off in pipes to water courses.

The strategy will be used to ensure developers properly plan to alleviate flood risk by having a proper drainage system in place. Now it has been adopted all planning applications will have to show that their proposed developments meet the requirements set out in the strategy. The strategy will also be used to ensure water quality is maintained in the Borough and also focusses on biodiversity issues.

The SuDs strategy will ensure the major development being planned for the Borough through the Local Plan Update is carried out in a sustainable way that minimises flood risk.

More information www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'SuDs')

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Spring 2017

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A day to remember The team at the Wokingham Register Office plays a key role in helping couples get married, or those wishing to renew their vows If you don't wish to have a religious ceremony, there is more choice than ever before about where you can get married and what your ceremony will look like.

Within our Borough we have a number of venues authorised to hold legal ceremonies ranging in size, location and cost to suit all tastes and budgets (you don't have to live in the Borough to get married here). If you want to hold a ceremony in a place that is not licensed, we can help with that too we can provide a legal ceremony followed by a Renewal of Vows or Commitment Ceremony.

The ceremony room at our Shute End offices

Apart from a few set legal words, the rest of the order of service is up to you. When you book your ceremony we will work with you to help you design the wedding of your choice. We have an experienced team of registrars who care about making your day special.

All our team are registered with the General Register Office and with a pool of people to call upon, we will never let you down through sickness or emergency.

Making it happen • Contact and book your venue (see our website for more information) • Call us to book your Registrars • Book your Marriage Notice Appointment • Plan your ceremony!

More information: • www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'marriage') • registrars@wokingham.gov.uk • (0118) 974 6554

Marvellous Festival returns!

This summer (July 29 and 30) the family-friendly Marvellous Festival will be returning to Dinton Pastures Country Park in Hurst for another weekend of fantastic music and entertainment for all the family, young and old.

People are set to descend on the country park and enjoy music performed by world-class tribute acts inspired by Take That, Madness, Elton John, Coldplay, Phil Collins, Adele, Prince, The Beatles, Bryan Adams, Foo Fighters, Fleetwood Mac, Queen, ABBA, the music of Motown and James Brown.

There will also be a fun fair, big kids' village, big top arena, food and drink stalls and a Napoleonic re-enactment to keep the family entertained.

One of this year's highlights is sure to be the last ever performance from The Great Pretender, a Freddie Mercury tribute artist, who will be closing the festival with a showstopping performance on the Sunday evening. Definitely not to be missed!

Tickets cost £60 for the weekend (£30 for children) or £38 (£19 for children) for day tickets (Saturday or Sunday) with weekend, camping/glamping packages also available.

Visit: www.marvellousfestivals.com to book yours now!

Congratulations to Michele Munro from Wokingham who has won two tickets to the Marvellous Festival.

Tickets will be on their way to you shortly!

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Spring 2017

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Hug in a Mug goes from strength-to-strength A group of people with learning disabilities together with Optalis colleagues from Woodley, Wokingham and Earley Learning Disability Day services, have seen their community project go from strength-to-strength.

The group, called Focused Friends, came up with an innovative way of reaching out to local people who may be experiencing loneliness by providing them with a Hug in a Mug. The idea behind the Hug in a Mug project was to fill mugs with various treats (tea, cookies and chocolate), add a note of best wishes and deliver them to people in need who might be feeling isolated. Once the treats had gone the mug would be a constant reminder that they are not alone, along with the good wishes and an unpressured stepping stone to link with the wider community.

The Focused Friends decided together where the mugs would be distributed and what would go in them, as well as collectively designing and arranging the printing of the mugs and pens.

The first 50 mugs were then delivered to people living on their own within the Borough. After running the project for almost a year with fundraising and donations, the Focused Friends group received money following a successful bid from the Partnership Board Learning Disability Development Fund.

The Hug in a Mug project was trialled by linking with Wokingham Community Hospital. In 2015 the group raised more funds to enable the two Older People's wards to benefit from similar gifts. The group did the same last year. Ward Administrator, Sally

Focused Friends with their Hug in a Mugs

Focused Friends deliver Hug in a Mugs to Wokingham Hospital Maloy said: "Generous gifts from donors like you enable us to give patients a Christmas to remember."

Jennie Grieve, from the Learning Disability Partnership Board said: "We are very pleased to have supported the Hug in a Mug project.

The Focused Friends group has worked hard to get their idea off the ground. It's been great to see them get involved and thinking about how they can make a difference to other vulnerable groups.

Well done Focused Friends!"

Kelly Story, Senior Support Worker at Optalis Day Service in Wokingham, said: "Receiving the funding has been absolutely amazing and we are all very grateful. This is the first stage of the project which will eventually help us to give 200 people in our local area a Hug in a Mug."

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Spring 2017

Not just roads…

Our Highways Team does far more than design, build and maintain roads across the Borough.

It looks after an impressive portfolio of road gullies, bridges, traffic lights, junctions, street furniture, as well as the land they all stand on.

This is why we protect and manage this precious £4billion worth of highway assets to make sure they work properly and do what our residents need them to, both now and in the future.

Our new Highway Asset Management Policy and Strategy covering until 2019, agreed by our Executive at the end of last year, outlines how we will continue to care for our highways assets.

You can read it on our website by searching for 'Highways Asset Management'.

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What are the Borough's highway assets?

Roads and footways • 736km roads (including 8km motorway) • 764km roadside footpaths • 5km linking footpaths • 53km off-road cycleways • 9km on-road cycleways • 322 traffic-sensitive streets (the busiest streets for cars and bus routes) Street lights • 6,113 columns with bulbs Traffic management • 40 traffic light junctions • 61 pedestrian crossings

Street furniture • Signs • Fencing • Bins • Bollards • Benches • Street name plates • Cycle stands Structures • 249 (including 166 bridges) Drainage • 29,879 road gullies • Sustainable drainage systems (SUDS) • Ditches

Your mobile phone can kill New laws have started this month (March) doubling the penalties for using a mobile phone while driving. If caught, drivers will now get six points on their licence and face a £200 fine.

A campaign by the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is urging drivers to avoid distractions, such as sat navs, and never use a mobile phone at the wheel.

Research suggests that if you are using a mobile phone while driving, you are four times more likely to be involved in an accident. Ignoring this could have devastating consequences, as highlighted by the tragic incident last year on the A34 in Berkshire.

Mobile phones can be a significant distraction and substantially increase the risk of a road traffic collisions.

Despite it being illegal for the past 15 years, the number of drivers who own-up to using mobile phone has dramatically increased.

There has also been a big rise in drivers sending texts, emails or posting on social media. The law is clear. Do not use a hand held mobile phone, in any manner, while driving or stopped with the engine on. If you need to make or take a call, text, post, or email, please ensure you park safely and turn off your engine first.

More information: http://think.direct.gov.uk/mobile-phones.html

Keep up-to-date about the roads being built in our Borough, to go with the new homes and communities, at: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'major developments')

Executive view Cllr Malcolm Richards, Executive Member for Highways and Transport "Our Highways Asset Management Policy helps us be more effective in looking after our highway infrastructure. It also helps our residents, businesses and visitors better understand why these assets contribute to the Borough's economic growth and the needs of our communities within it."

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Spring 2017

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Community Navigators Voluntary and community groups provide a vast range of help and support in the Wokingham Borough - but finding your way to the right place is not always easy - which is where the new Community Navigators are here to help.

Community Navigators are volunteers who can provide a friendlyface, listening ear and a guiding hand to help people find activities, services or support they could benefit from.

They offer informal support designed to help people keep themselves healthy, active, independent and involved in their community.

Currently there are navigators based at four GP surgeries (Wokingham Medical Centre, Brookside GP Surgery in Earley, Wargrave Surgery and Swallowfield Surgery) and as the scheme grows more locations will be added.

GPs and other professionals are referring people to the navigators scheme but you can contact them yourself or on behalf of a friend, neighbour or family member.

If you would like to know more about the scheme please call (01344) 383 515, visit: www.involve.community/navigators.php on Twitter @involve_WB or Facebook: involve-Bracknell Forest & Wokingham Borough.

Community Navigators in action: 84-year-old Mrs Jones (not her real name) went to her local GP because she was suffering with mobility issues and was feeling isolated. Her GP referred her to a Community Navigator who talked through Mrs Jones' situation and then helped her get in touch with the local Age Concern and Age UK groups. As a result, she is due to move to more suitable accommodation, is getting out more, and feels happier and healthier.

Are you a good listener?

Are you a good listener who would like to spend some spare time helping local people?

VOLUNTEERS

WANTED

If so, becoming a volunteer Community Navigator could be for you. Navigators provide non-judgemental, independent guidance to help people find their way to the right community and voluntary activity or group.

Their role is to listen and to help people help themselves.

As a Community Navigator, you will be part of a team of volunteers who work with individuals to identify their needs and signpost them to appropriate sources of support in their communities. You will receive all the appropriate training and support needed to fulfil the role.

For more information about becoming a Community Navigator please contact Community Navigator Coordinator Marie Johnson-Hall on (01344) 304 404 or email: marie.johnson-hall@involve.community

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Spring 2017

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Exciting times ahead for Building Control Solutions Formed in 2015 as a partnership between the building control services of Wokingham Borough Council and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, BCS (Building Control Solutions) expanded last year to West Berkshire. And now the team is seeking new members of staff to help it build on its strong foundations and become increasingly innovative and competitive.

Unlike most local authority teams, building control (which inspects building work to ensure it is safe) provides services in competition with private sector companies. The merger of three local authorities' services has helped the competitiveness by increasing the range of specialist services offered and the ability to recruit and retain the right staff.

Further innovations will follow, with a new IT system being implemented to give customers greater online access to information they need and to provide a more flexible service. And, BCS is looking for new local recruits to help shape the service it offers. The team is interested in hearing from experienced surveyors as well as those keen to get into the industry and develop their skills.

Anybody interested can contact our BuildingControl Commercial and Operations Manager, Roger Paine, on (0118) 974 6239 or email: roger.paine@wokingham.gov.uk to find out more.

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Spring 2017

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Raise hope and foster dreams There are children in our Borough right now who desperately need loving homes We need more foster carers so every child can stay in the Borough and close to their families and friends. Sue from Crowthorne has been fostering with us for four years and readily admits she was reluctant when husband Les first suggested it.

"I was worried about the impact it would have on our family," she said. "But after talking to foster mums and their foster children at the swimming club I run, my concerns disappeared.

"And as a family we've never looked back. It's the most rewarding role I've ever had."

Sue, Les, daughters Siânnah (18) and Lauren (23), their six dogs and two cats, have opened their home to several children since they started and now share their lives with three teenage girls.

"It can often be an emotional rollercoaster, but when there's a positive outcome and you know you've had a major impact on that young person's life, it's a proud moment."

She cites examples of those 'proud moments' helping one of her foster children get into the college accommodation she wanted, and setting the other on the path to her dream of an army career.

"I'm not here to replace their mums, and they know that. I'm here to look after them on behalf of their mums. But they're part of our family and go on holiday with us and do everything a family would do."

The girls' family and friends are also welcomed into their home and regularly visit.

"Fostering is about caring, listening and supporting no matter what - it's about developing trust and bonds, working together and earning respect. The rewards are enormous."

"As a family we've never looked back. It's the most rewarding role I've ever had."

Sue says it works for her because she takes in children younger than her own, and wouldn't have started fostering unless her own daughters were supportive.

"You also make friends with other foster carers and their advice is invaluable," she said. "And the Council offers ongoing support and training so you have everything you need. "Being a foster carer lends to the Girl Guide motto 'be prepared'."

Our foster carers come from all backgrounds, genders, marital status, religious (or not) beliefs, and cultures. You simply need to be over 21, have a spare room(s), and be able to provide safe care, have some life experience and a 'can do' attitude.

More information: • http://fostering.wokingham.gov.uk • www.facebook.com/wokinghamfostering • fostering@wokingham.gov.uk • (0118) 974 6204

Executive view Cllr Charlotte Haitham Taylor, Executive Member for Children's Services "We're looking after 80 children, many of whom live with Wokingham Borough foster carers. But too many live out of the Borough because we don't have enough foster carers locally. You can help stop that, you really can make a difference."

2017/18 Council Tax information Message from the Leader of the Council "It has been widely reported that Wokingham Borough Council has to save almost £19million by 2019/20 despite responding effectively to austerity and funding cuts from central government since 2010. There is no easy way to bridge this gap - especially having already saved in the region of £30million during the past five years.

"So we're taking a radical and different approach to secure the Council's medium to long term future. This involves a number of different initiatives and the Council is bringing these together under the title of the 21st Century Council.

"This far reaching programme will make a significant contribution to the sound efficiency plan to deliver the necessary savings through staff reductions. Further savings will be made through various initiatives "By 2020 we'll see the complete withdrawal of the including closer integration between health and social care; continuing general government support grant. We're now in to ensure best value for money from our largest contracts; looking for year two of a multi-year finance settlement covering a four year period further opportunities to share services with other councils and to raise up to 2019/20. We took up this offer to give us some financial certainty and generate income such as through the Council's own companies. and some stability. However, we're under no illusions that this solves our challenges. We must, and will continue to, plan to make ourselves even "We face ongoing adult social care pressures the same as other local more efficient during this time. authorities around the country. The social care precept (3 per cent) will allow us to increase overall spending on adult social care from £41million "Coupled with the need to fund inflation and the growth in population to £44million. The 1.9 per cent Council Tax increase in 2017/18, means which predominantly affects adult social care, children’s services and an additional 48 pence per week for a Band D property and an extra 75p waste disposal costs, which are partially funded by Council Tax increases, per week for adult social care. there is still a budget shortfall. This needs to be met with further savings.

"For the second year running, we ran budget engagement events. I'd "It's a well-known fact that we are lowest funded unitary authority - an like to thank everybody who came to one of the sessions or took part unfavourable position we have held for a number of years. This has a in other ways. It's important that we have information about residents' severe impact on us. Some unitary authorities benefit from almost 70 attitudes as we make those difficult decisions. The budget sessions do per cent of their general service costs funded by government while for not give us all the answers but they do provide a useful indication of Wokingham Borough it's just more than 10 per cent. attitudes that can be explored further. We will run sessions later this year as we start the budget cycle for 2018/19.

"We're going to face some very difficult decisions - we're being forced to put up Council Tax; which we have no choice but to do. Our hand has "I believe that many of you understand the seriousness of our situation been forced to take this action due to the poor funding settlement we and that we're stretched financially. But I'd like to reassure you that we receive from central government. are working incredibly hard to deliver services to you despite the funding challenges we face. I hope this four page pull-out helps to explain more "The savings we have to make will mean that we have to make some about our budget for the coming year." pretty fundamental changes to the way we conduct our business. The pressure that we face to balance our books means we have to look at Cllr Keith Baker everything we do to see if we can do it more efficiently. We also need to Leader of Wokingham Borough Council look at how we can increase our income as well.

WHAT WE SPEND OUR MONEY ON? Did you know the majority of our money is spent on statutory services? We have growing costs year-on-year because of more residents and increased demand on services.

BUDGET 2017/18 - £113MILLION

DIVISION OF SERVICES - PER £100 SPENT £3 £11

17%

£1

£2 £6

Non-statutory services, e.g. leisure, parks and open spaces, and bus subsidies Statutory services, e.g. adult social care, children's services, waste collection and disposal, and highways

£22

£14 83%

www.wokingham.gov.uk

£1 £40

2017/18 Council Tax information

Children's social care Adult social service (Health and Wellbeing) Housing Cleaner and Greener services Highways and transport Libraries and community development Other frontline services Corporate and democratic core Debt charges and investment income

WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES Elements of a Band D Council Tax: Wokingham Borough Council (excluding social care precept) Wokingham Borough Council social care precept Parish precept (average) Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley Royal Berkshire Fire Authority *Percentage increases based on total 2016/17 Council Tax level, as per legislation The average total Council Tax bill for a Band D property (which includes the charges made by Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, Royal Berkshire Fire Authority and your town or parish council)

2016/17 £1,270.39 £24.92 £56.57 £166.96 £61.27

2017/18 Percentage Change £1,295.49 1.94%* £63.78 3%* £58.31 3.08% £170.28 1.99% £62.49 1.99%

£1,580.11

£1,650.35

4.45%

WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES Staffing costs £000 Schools and education Children's social care Adult social services (health and wellbeing) Housing Cleaner and Greener services (including waste) Highways and transport Libraries and community development Other frontline services (e.g. health and protection services, planning, revenues and benefits, countryside and leisure, rental income, etc.)

Corporate and democratic core (corporate management and democratic representation) Debt charges and investment income

2016/17 income Other Service (e.g. Fees + costs charges, grants) £000 £000

Net expenditure £000

Staffing costs £000

2017/18 income Other Service (e.g. Fees + costs charges, grants) £000 £000

Net expenditure £000

83,441 12,546 4,123

13,157 14,490 59,449

(96,598) (2,135) (20,036)

0 24,901 43,536

84,792 12,158 4,249

15,017 15,536 59,006

(99,809) (2,639) (18,585)

0 25,055 44,670

278 1,234

24,853 17,017

(24,838) (3,033)

293 15,218

274 1,368

24,092 16,999

(23,878) (2,922)

488 15,445

1,734 1,491

8,600 896

(3,260) (252)

7,074 2,135

1,730 1,391

8,961 892

(3,463) (240)

7,228 2,043

7,923

10,186

(4,174)

13,935

8,237

9,373

(4,674)

12,936

1,291

0

0

1,291

504

0

0

504

0

4,917

(401)

4,516

0

4,517

(851)

3,666

Total expenditure on service Transfer to/(from) balances

112,899 119

112,035 1,254

Total budget

113,018

113,289

20,552 2,110 4,764 100 85,492 113,018

14,099 2,104 4,726 700 91,660 113,289

HOW THESE SERVICES ARE FUNDED: Government support Transitional grant New Homes Bonus Council fund surplus Council Tax for Borough Council

COUNCIL TAX LEVELS AND PARISH PRECEPTS Parishes Each town and parish council decides what it is going to spend. This is charged to Wokingham Borough Council and added to your Council Tax bill. Your final bill varies depending on how much your parish council charges (or precepts). www.wokingham.gov.uk

Council Tax levels The full Council Tax that you are required to pay covers the precepts for Wokingham Borough Council, Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, Royal Berkshire Fire Authority and your parish council.

The charge per band in each parish is listed on the next page.

2017/18 Council Tax information

COUNCIL TAX LEVELS AND PARISH PRECEPTS CONTINUED Town / Parish

Arborfield & Newland Barkham Charvil Earley Finchampstead Remenham Ruscombe St Nicholas Hurst Shinfield Sonning Swallowfield Twyford Wargrave Winnersh Wokingham Town Wokingham Without Woodley

Precepts 2016/17 2017/18 £ 87,866 42,342 39,655 778,784 123,848 22,250 10,266 25,035 316,950 34,700 19,108 67,798 161,465 107,801 710,990 145,415 1,039,607 3,733,880

£ 95,150 46,342 40,715 812,780 126,944 23,150 10,266 30,000 341,047 35,568 19,308 77,921 168,345 110,521 766,961 145,543 1,081,303 3,931,863

Full Council Tax 2017/18 Band A 1,111.57 1,081.59 1,080.62 1,107.45 1,076.14 1,109.31 1,075.01 1,080.35 1,105.56 1,090.69 1,074.15 1,078.71 1,114.85 1,080.27 1,096.18 1,092.56 1,132.50

Band B 1,296.82 1,261.86 1,260.72 1,292.03 1,255.49 1,294.19 1,254.17 1,260.41 1,289.82 1,272.47 1,253.18 1,258.49 1,300.65 1,260.31 1,278.87 1,274.65 1,321.25

Band C 1,482.09 1,442.13 1,440.83 1,476.61 1,434.86 1,479.08 1,433.35 1,440.47 1,474.08 1,454.26 1,432.21 1,438.28 1,486.47 1,440.36 1,461.58 1,456.75 1,510.00

Band D 1,667.35 1,622.39 1,620.93 1,661.18 1,614.21 1,663.96 1,612.51 1,620.53 1,658.34 1,636.04 1,611.23 1,618.06 1,672.27 1,620.40 1,644.27 1,638.84 1,698.75

Band E 2,037.88 1,982.92 1,981.14 2,030.33 1,972.93 2,033.73 1,970.85 1,980.65 2,026.86 1,999.61 1,969.28 1,977.63 2,043.89 1,980.49 2,009.67 2,003.03 2,076.25

Band F 2,408.39 2,343.45 2,341.34 2,399.48 2,331.63 2,403.49 2,329.18 2,340.76 2,395.38 2,363.17 2,327.33 2,337.19 2,415.50 2,340.57 2,375.05 2,367.21 2,453.75

Band G 2,778.92 2,703.98 2,701.55 2,768.63 2,690.35 2,773.27 2,687.52 2,700.88 2,763.90 2,726.73 2,685.38 2,696.77 2,787.12 2,700.67 2,740.45 2,731.40 2,831.25

Band H 3,334.70 3,244.78 3,241.86 3,322.36 3,228.42 3,327.92 3,225.02 3,241.06 3,316.68 3,272.08 3,222.46 3,236.12 3,344.54 3,240.80 3,288.54 3,277.68 3,397.50

For details of the respective charges made by Wokingham Borough Council, Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, Royal Berkshire Fire Authority and your parish council for your property, please refer to your Council Tax demand notice.

DISCOUNTS AND EXEMPTIONS

COUNCIL TAX REDUCTION

Under powers previously granted by central government a provision was made for local authorities to set discounts between 0 per cent and 100 per cent for certain classes of empty property.

Information is available at: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'reduction') on our Council Tax Reduction Scheme, which is to help those on a low income to pay their Council Tax.

As from April 1, 2017 the following changes will apply: • 0 per cent where the property is empty and unfurnished (full charge payable) • 0 per cent where the property is empty and undergoing structural / major works (full charge payable)

ADULT SOCIAL CARE

This brings us in-line with other Berkshire authorities following a bench-marking exercise undertaken with some of our neighbouring authorities.

For details of all Council Tax discounts, exemptions and reductions for disabled residents visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'Council Tax')

RECOVERY For any unpaid Council Tax or business rates, once we have exhausted all avenues of debt collection, we are able to pass the debt to enforcement agents for collection. This incurs additional costs which are payable by the debtor.

If you are having difficulty in paying your Council Tax, or business rates, it is important that you contact the Council before this stage is reached.

We may be able to offer help through discounts, exemptions or reductions. Full details are available at: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'non payment') www.wokingham.gov.uk

The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has made an offer to adult social care authorities. ('Adult social care authorities' are local authorities which have functions under Part 1 of the Care Act 2014, namely county councils in England, district councils for an area in England for which there is no county council, London borough councils, the Common Council of the City of London and the Council of the Isles of Scilly.)

The offer is the option of an adult social care authority being able to charge an additional 'precept' on its Council Tax for financial years from the financial year beginning in 2016 without holding a referendum, to assist the authority in meeting expenditure on adult social care.

Subject to the annual approval of the House of Commons, the Secretary of State intends to offer the option of charging this 'precept' at an appropriate level in each financial year up to and including the financial year 2019/20.

APPEALS ABOUT THE COUNCIL TAX YOU PAY Visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'Council Tax appeals') if you wish to appeal that you are not liable to pay Council Tax.

2017/18 Council Tax information

APPEALS ON PROPERTY BANDING All property bandings are dealt with by the Valuation Office Agency, which is part of Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs. Details on appeals and queries are available at: www.gov.uk/council-tax-appeals.

Making an appeal against your valuation does not allow you to withhold payment of any tax owing. If your appeal is successful you will be entitled to a refund of any overpaid tax.

PENALTIES

COUNCIL TAX AND BENEFITS ENQUIRES

You are responsible for advising us, within 21 days, of any change in circumstances, which may affect your entitlement to a discount, exemption or a Council Tax reduction. Any person who has been requested by Wokingham Borough Council to supply information to identify the liable person, and that information is in their possession or control, is required to supply that information within 21 days. Any person who receives a request for information following the issue of a Liability Order, and that information is in their possession, is required to supply that information within 14 days of the request being made. Failure to notify or supply the information may incur an initial penalty of £70.

If you have access to the internet why not visit us at: www.wokingham.gov.uk? If you do not have access to the internet you can contact us by: • Emailing us at: ctax@wokingham.gov.uk or benefits@wokingham.gov.uk • Telephone: (0118) 974 6000 • Writing to us at: Wokingham Borough Council, PO Box 152, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1WJ • Visiting our reception desk at our Shute End office. Office hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION All major preceptors, as well as town or parish councils with budgets exceeding £140,000, who raise money through Council Tax have a statutory obligation to supply certain financial information with your Council Tax bill.

Since April 2013, this information can now be provided electronically rather than in a paper leaflet.

Simply follow the website link for each authority, listed below, if you would like to view their financial information.

ROYAL BERKSHIRE FIRE AUTHORITY

THAMES VALLEY POLICE

(0118) 945 2888 www.rbfrs.co.uk

EARLEY TOWN COUNCIL

(01865) 846 780 www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk

SHINFIELD PARISH COUNCIL

(0118) 986 8995 www.earley-tc.gov.uk

WARGRAVE PARISH COUNCIL

(0118) 988 8220 www.shinfieldparish.gov.uk

WOKINGHAM TOWN COUNCIL

(0118) 940 6084 www.wargrave.org.uk

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT PARISH COUNCIL

(0118) 978 3185 www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk

WOODLEY TOWN COUNCIL

(01344) 771 425 www.wokinghamwithout-pc.gov.uk

(0118) 969 0356 www.woodley.gov.uk

If you would like to receive the financial information for any of these organisations in a printed format, you should contact the organisation directly, using the contact information above.

BENEFIT FRAUD HOTLINE 0800 454 240 www.wokingham.gov.uk

2017/18 Council Tax information

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Spring 2017

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Keeping up-to-date with major developments All you need to know about the major developments taking place in Wokingham Borough is just a click away Thanks to updated and improved website pages you can find out all you need to know about the major developments (technically known as Strategic Development Locations) taking place in Wokingham Borough.

Interactive maps were added to the website recently to provide direct access to information about planning applications, construction progress, road building and all other aspects of the developments.

But these first generation maps were not as user friendly as we would have liked and, following feedback from residents, we have updated and improved them to give much easier access to the information people want.

We are also giving regular updates on the developments via our email newsletter that is sent to those residents who have signed-up to receive it. We will continue to hold community forums in each of the major development locations of Arborfield, North Wokingham, South Wokingham and Shinfield area.

To have a look at the interactive maps visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'major developments') and to sign up for the newsletters please email: communityengagement@wokingham.gov.uk

Building new communities As more people move into their new homes in the major developments across the Borough, our long-held aspiration of creating strong communities is being put into action.

There are now families living in Montague Park, Mulberry Grove and Matthewsgreen in Wokingham, Arborfield Green (on the former Garrison land) and in new developments that makeup the Shinfield major developments and we are working with partners to help them develop as real communities.

Montague Park is the most advanced of the new developments with more than half the homes now being lived in and local churches, voluntary groups, housing associations, and ourselves, have been busy bringing the new residents together.

Some people living in Montague Park have formed a small residents' group with a Facebook page and the first members of an Adopt-a-Street scheme have signed up to keep their neighbourhood litter free.

As well as attempting to bring people together through community events, we have been providing information to new residents on sustainable transport, ways to reduce waste and increase recycling and on local health and well-being opportunities.

Through 2017, we will be extending these community-building activities - in collaboration with partners - in Matthewsgreen, Arborfield Green and around Shinfield parish.

Residents of these areas who are interested in finding out more, or any community group that can help welcome our new residents, can email: communityengagement@wokingham.gov.uk.

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Spring 2017

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Helping to shape your Borough This summer you will be able to continue helping shape how the Borough develops We are producing a Local Plan Update, which will guide where development can and cannot take place in the next 20 years, as well as setting out what schools, transport improvements, sports, health and community facilities are needed to accompany the houses required.

The next stage in this process will be the publication of a 'Preferred Options Document' that will set out our initial thinking on the broad approach and locations for where development could go.

Residents will have an opportunity to comment on this document in the Preferred Options consultation this summer.

At the same time as the publication of the Preferred Options document, we will also publish our Statement of Consultation that will show how issues raised through public consultation will inform the Local Plan Update and why some issues cannot be considered.

The Preferred Options document will be informed by the findings from the public consultation which run last year (the Issue and Options consultation) during which residents were asked what factors were important to them when the Local Plan Update is being drawn up.

The responses to this consultation have been collated and the main issues that arose in the different topic areas have been published on our website (search for 'Local Plan Update').

The Preferred Options document will also reflect the work currently being done to assess the areas of land put forward for potential development. About 250 sites have been put forward and we have been visiting these to judge how suitable they are for development.

It is important to note that these sites are all those that have been put forward by landowners of developers and that most of them will not be developed.

A map of the potential sites is also available on the Local Plan Update website page.

The exact dates for the Preferred Options consultation have not been set but they will be publicised widely nearer the time. To ensure you receive updates please email: communityengagement@wokingham.gov.uk.

Shinfield adopts Neighbourhood Plan Shinfield has become the first parish in Wokingham Borough to adopt a Neighbourhood Plan following a referendum last year. The Neighbourhood Plan will now form part of the borough-wide development plan and will carry weight in the determination of planning applications in or affecting Shinfield Parish.

Wokingham Borough Council both had to define and agree what could and could not be included in the plan. Our primary concern was to be able to add additional policies specific to Shinfield parish which would enhance the existing Borough Council planning conditions, and this has generally been achieved.

Neighbourhood plans are prepared by town or parish councils, or neighbourhood forums. The plan can allow the community to have greater influence over development in its area. The plan contains a number of policies including housing, transport, access, the natural environment, community and recreation, and business and commercial development. The process to develop the Shinfield Neighbourhood Plan began in May 2012 and the Parish Council held workshops, public meetings and consultation to ensure local people's involvement.

The Plan is now part of Wokingham Borough's Local Plan, and the policies contained within it must be applied by law in determining planning applications. Of even greater significance is that the Parish Council will now receive 25 per cent of the Community Infrastructure Levy paid by developers to the Borough Council. It will be within the Parish Council's control over how this is spent across Shinfield parish; whereas previously these developer contributions were managed solely by the Borough Council."

Chairman of Shinfield Parish Council Cllr Peter Hughes said: "It has been a long and arduous process to finalise our Neighbourhood Plan, as Shinfield Parish Council and

More on the Shinfield Neighbourhood Plan can be found online at: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'neighbourhood planning').

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Spring 2017

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Town regeneration Changes coming to Elms Field

The next stage of Wokingham town centre's regeneration to get under way will begin this summer at Elms Field and The Paddocks car park Once completed, this phase will have created an area that will be buzzing with activity from dawn to dusk - and beyond. It will be a place for all with a new play area for children to enjoy, cafes, restaurants and shops as well as town houses and apartments.

Confirmed for this phase are the boutique Everyman Cinema, Aldi supermarket, Premier Inn hotel, as well as homes and a new town park with a state-of-the-art play area in the town centre.

The Everyman Cinema will bring the movies back to the town centre for the first time since The Ritz closed in 1991. It was added to the Elms Field plans following consultation feedback that showed residents were keen to see a cinema in the town centre.

Aldi is part of the plans because the town is growing - with about 4,000 homes being built, or on their way, during the next ten years in the major developments to the north and south of the town. The multi-award winning supermarket will also increase choice for all and help the town keep a greater proportion of residents' retail spend.

Premier Inn has been included to meet business and leisure demand identified locally, and will bring footfall into the town and help link the day and evening economies.

Work is due to begin this summer and it is expected to be finished in 2019.

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Spring 2017

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is full steam ahead What's happening now

At Carnival, work is progressing well on the new 529 space car park and it is due to open in May this year. The Carnival site has been identified as the best location for expanded indoor sport and leisure facilities in the town centre and detailed plans for the site will be publically available later this year.

At Peach Place you should have been able to see progress on the demolition of the old Peach Street façade. Work is also taking place on the former Rose Street car park on what will become a town square lined with shops, cafes and restaurants and flanked by houses and apartments.

Details of what is happening at Peach Place: •

Buildings to be demolished from the former Clintons unit and go up to, but do not include, the Redan pub (the Redan pub and Haka Chinese takeaway and Marks and Spencer remain open and accessible throughout the works)

•

The Peach Street pedestrian footpath nearest to the development will remain closed until construction of the new buildings alongside Peach Street is complete (expected completion is Spring next year)

•

The lane of Peach Street next to the development will remain closed until the affected buildings have been demolished and necessary work to services in this location are completed. It is expected the lane will be reinstated in June

• •

No diversion route will be necessary for Peach Street as the road will remain open throughout, although reduced to one lane.

Luckley Path has closed and it is expected this road will remain closed whilst the Peach Street footpath restriction is in place because of the increased number of pedestrians using the southern footpath. This will be reviewed as the work progresses and access reinstated when appropriate. Pedestrian access along Luckley Path will be unaffected Pedestrian crossings will remain at Marks and Spencer's and Market Place with timings reviewed to ensure the flow of pedestrians and vehicles can keep moving within the town centre

•

On road deliveries to Peach Street will not be permitted along the affected section of road and businesses will be told to use the delivery road to the rear of their properties or seek alternative methods. Dawnus (our contractor for the project) continues to work with neighbouring businesses to the site to keep them up-to-date with Peach Place development

•

Approval has also been sought to allow for temporary closure to the Rose Street footpath alongside the site. It is expected the footpath will be closed in sections to reflect the phasing of works. The first closure began on February 13 and further details will be published as the details are confirmed

To find out more about the project, key programme dates and useful information (such as where to park in Wokingham during the works) visit: www.regenerationcompany.co.uk.

Also keep an eye on our Facebook page for news and updates.

Executive view Cllr Mark Ashwell, Executive Member for Planning and Regeneration "The aim is to make Wokingham stand out as offering something different from our larger neighbours and we're confident we can create something that better reflects Wokingham's identity as one of the best places to live in the country."

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Spring 2017

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What is human trafficking?

Organised criminals prey on vulnerable people to make money, often bringing their victims to the UK from abroad. However, we know trafficking also happens within the UK and that children are increasingly vulnerable to exploitation.

Exploitation covers sexual, labour, domestic servitude, forced begging or stealing, and benefit claims.

In 2014 there were some 13,000 potential victims in the UK although only 2,340 of these were officially reported and rescued, according to Home Office statistics. Traffickers use the internet to lure their victims with hollow promises of jobs, education and even love.

debt bondage, sale or exploitation of children and forced or servile marriage.

While varied in nature, all involve one person depriving another person of their liberty, to exploit them for personal or commercial gain. Victims of trafficking rarely identify themselves as victims.

Police, social workers, immigration and local councils are working together to identify and safeguard these victims. It strengthens our arm if the public are aware of these human rights abuses and can spot and report them as well.

If you see or suspect slavery, report it to the police or us on Albania, Nigeria, Vietnam, Romania and Poland are the most (0118) 974 6000. likely countries of origin, but some victims are from the UK itself.

More information: Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery which also covers www.modernslavery.co.uk slavery itself, forced labour and domestic servitude as well as

Green motoring gathering speed We've installed six electric car charging points across the Borough; at our main offices at Shute End, at the Toutley Depot in Old Forest Road, as well as two each at Winnersh and Mereoak park and rides.

There are also plans to introduce more. Our regeneration of Wokingham will give us the chance to install new charging points in the town centre, with six electric chargers in the new Carnival Pool car park due to open in the next few months.

Since installing the first six chargers, there have been more than 2,000 charging sessions, powering vehicles to travel more than 177,000 miles enough to drive around the world seven times.

These machines can charge an electric car battery to 80 per cent full, in just 30 minutes.

We've also bought several electric cars for our environmental health staff to use when out and about, in partnership with West Berkshire Council.

We were able to install these rapid chargers thanks to a ÂŁ265,000 grant from the Department for Transport (DfT) and additional funding from the car firm Nissan.

All of this is part of our mission to be more financially and environmentally sustainable, and give people more green travel options.

For tips and information on wiser travelling, visit the My Journey Wokingham website: www.myjourneywokingham.com

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Spring 2017

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Wokingham Walk 2017 The second annual Wokingham Walk is almost upon us, so dust off your walking shoes, dig out your sunscreen and waterproofs, grab your family and friends and get involved!

The walk will take place on Sunday May 7 and has three routes of varying lengths to suit the whole family: five-miles, 10-miles and 15-miles, which all start and finish in Elms Field, Wokingham.

Walkers can start at any time between 9am and 11am. Bacon rolls, tea and coffee will be available all morning. The finish will be manned until 6pm and the entire route is marshalled. The 15-mile route will also have a drink stop.

All routes are mostly off-road on public footpaths, with only a small part of the route on footpaths next to roads. So, come and enjoy the countryside around Wokingham; give your step target a boost and have fun, whilst making money for charity. In its first year of the Wokingham Walk, 175 walkers made more than ÂŁ2,000 for charity from registration fees alone.

People can walk for fun, or organise their own sponsorship to raise funds for their own favourite charity. All profits from the event will go to the Borough Mayor Cllr Bob Pitts' chosen charity, which this year is Wokingham, Bracknell and Districts Mencap.

This local independent charity supports local families and people dealing with autism and learning difficulties. It has been serving our Borough since 1997.

Any money raised will go towards funding the Wokingham Borough Family Liaison Worker who provides preventative/early intervention support to families. The aim of the role is to help stop families reaching crisis point by providing personalised emotional and practical support to carers including one-to-one support.

Registration fees are ÂŁ15 for adults, ÂŁ5 for young people aged 12 to 17, and free for the under-12s. To register, or for more information about the walk and routes, visit: www.wokinghamwalk.co.uk The event is generously supported once again by Richard Worth.

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Spring 2017

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Focus on

Earley

Stretching from the M4 in the south to the bank of the Thames in the north, Earley is a place with much more than first meets the eye With much of the University of Reading, as well as the major businesses of Thames Valley Park (including Microsoft and Oracle Corporation) and Sutton Business Park, in its boundaries, Earley is at the cutting edge of technology, innovation and education.

But it is also a great place to live that provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature and great leisure facilities - with young people in particular well-catered for.

The green heart of Earley is the Maiden Erlegh Nature Reserve, where the lake is a popular fishing spot (permits available from Earley Town Council) and visitors can enjoy a seasonal wildflower butterfly garden. The park also has an Interpretation Centre and a tern nesting platform installed last year with the support of the Earley Volunteer Group. The nature reserve itself is known as 'the jewel in Earley's crown' and is a beautiful mix of a lake, stream, wildflower meadow and woodlands. This area has a countryside feel despite having 10,000 people living within a ten minute walk.

Other natural attractions in Earley include Meadow Park which also has a wildflower meadow as well as an aromatic garden and a couple of children's play areas and Marefield Pond. This is one of the few remaining farm ponds in the area and

is now maintained by the town council.

Football and other outdoor sports are provided at Laurel Park and Chalfont Park.

For the more active residents, Earley is also home to the Wokingham Waterside Centre at Thames Valley Park. The centre is a riverside, water sports and conference venue that offers canoeing, kayaking, katakanuing, bell-boating, dragon boating, stand up paddle-boarding and raft building.

And indoor sports enthusiasts are catered for at the Loddon Valley Leisure Centre, which has two swimming pools as well as squash courts, badminton courts, tennis courts, a gym, sauna and steam room.

One of the town's hubs is the CResCent Resource Centre which provides home for many of the areas community groups as well as a base for training and adult education courses.

Parkour (street running) park and a new children's play area.

Earley's residents benefit from a couple of popular annual events; the Earley 10k Run and the Green Fair that takes place in August in the Maiden Erlegh Nature Reserve.

The Earley Green Fair is Earley's main annual community event. It has been running for more than 20 years at Maiden Erlegh Local Nature Reserve on the piece Young people are particularly well-provided of grass that lies between Beech Lane and for, with Earley Town Council organising Maiden Erlegh Lake. youth activities at the Centrepoint Community and Youth Centre in the ASDA As its name suggests, the fair's main aim complex and the Silverdale Community and is to promote a greater understanding of Youth Centre at Maiden Erlegh School. environmental issues but the stalls are a mixture of environmental organisations, Sol Joel Park has been developed by Earley charity, and food and craft stalls for a Town Council to become a great fun village fete atmosphere as well as gently destination for young people. It features a imparting an important environmental state-of-the-art skate park as well as message.

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Spring 2017

Budget conversation

27

Your feedback from our Budget Engagement sessions are now available online Last October, many of you attended one of the five engagement sessions across the Borough where you heard more about our difficult financial position and gave your views on how the authority should prioritise its spending.

The findings showed strong support for the priority of funding the protection of vulnerable adults and children and also for investing in prevention services - those that keep people fit, healthy and reduce isolation and the risk of physical / mental health problems.

People were less worried about keeping our Borough clean and tidy, maintaining our existing libraries and supporting sport, leisure and countryside services for all. There was also some support for increased fees and charges to protect services.

Although the findings represent the views of only a small proportion of the Borough's residents, they will be considered by senior council officers and councillors when they think about what changes to investigate further.

Some 110 people took part in the Budget Priorities activity at the open sessions, about 50 people in the activity at the Taster and Performance Evening and about 350 people in the activity at the Wokingham Careers Fair. The findings are all available for view on our website.

In the last edition of Wokingham Borough News we told you about our far reaching 21st Century Council programme which will make a significant contribution to our three-year savings plan. We'll become a leaner, more efficient council costing significantly less to run.

The programme's implementation is going well so far and by the summer we'll see some changes in the way that we work internally.

You should see availability and access to our services improve through digital channels as well as swifter resolutions to issues and queries.

More information www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'consultation')

Executive view Cllr Anthony Pollock, Executive Member for Economic Development and Finance "We have difficult funding decisions to make and it is getting harder and harder each year to set a balanced budget, due to our government funding being slashed.

"That's why it's important we have information about residents' attitudes as we make the decisions. This is the second year we ran Budget Engagement events and we had many more people take part, this is encouraging and we will build on this in future years to ensure we continue to involve residents in the decisions that affect them most."

Interested in starting up your own business?

This year, we will be helping residents who want to start their own business.

This will include providing training on a wide range of skills important for starting a business, from researching the market and business planning to marketing and managing risk.

Anyone interested should contact Andrew Nicholls, our Economic Development Officer, on (0118) 974 6018 or by emailing: andrew.nicholls@wokingham.gov.uk who will be happy to have a chat and explore how we can help.

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Spring 2017

www.twitter.com/WokinghamBC

Helping to create a Brighter Berkshire We're supporting Brighter Berkshire, a community led initiative, launched in January, which aims to help reduce stigma and improve everyone's mental health through the power of networks, collaboration, sharing positive stories and combining efforts across the county to make a big impact.

In the UK, at least one in four people will experience a mental health problem at some point in their life, and one in six adults have a mental health problem at any one time.

Maintaining our mental health and wellbeing is a challenge but physical activity and sport can be an amazing tool to reduce the daily stress and improve our mental health and wellbeing.

• • • •

thinking clearer sleeping better coping with changes in lifestyle preventing falls amongst older people

Our mental health wellbeing sports programme is a FREE service designed to help encourage positive mental wellbeing using sport and exercise, sessions including football, badminton, table tennis, walking and much more.

Find out more online at: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'mental health wellbeing').

Being physically active can help improve our mental health by:

Join in and tell your friends, colleagues and family. Have lots of conversations about this issue and help beat the stigma.

• feeling more energetic • feeling good about ourselves

Find out more about Brighter Berkshire online at: http://brighterberkshire.com

Helping those affected by suicide Local authorities are required by government to produce action plans to reduce suicide. One of the actions for us in the Wokingham Borough is to provide support for people bereaved by suicide.

We've joined up with a local group called SOBS (Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide) to ensure this. SOBS aims to meet the needs and break the isolation experienced by those bereaved by suicide. It is a self-help organisation which aims to provide a safe environment in which people can share their experiences and feelings, so giving and gaining support from each other.

The impact of bereavement by suicide is long lasting and many people do not find the opportunity to talk about it until many

years after. Anyone is welcome to attend a group regardless of how long it has been. SOBS support group meets in Wokingham every first Wednesday of the month.

Find out more about SOBS online at: www.uk-sobs.org.uk, emailing: sobs.support@hotmail.com or by calling the helpline (9am to 9pm, every day) on 0300 111 5065.

Other support available • CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) - A charity dedicated to preventing male suicide. Visit: www.thecalmzone.net or call 0800 58 58 58 • Samaritans - Whatever you're going through, call any time, from any phone on 116 123. Or visit: www.samaritans.org

We offer other help to reduce your daily stress, improve your wellbeing and allow you to get more active: Long-Term Health Condition Gym

SHINE

People living with long-term health conditions can use exercise and activity to help them maintain health and wellbeing.

SHINE is our over 60s physical activity programme, offering more than 60 activity sessions a week all over the Wokingham Borough. Activities range from Aquacise, Zumba, Nordic walking and many more. No joining fee and flexible membership options to suit you are available.

Sessions are delivered by a specialised instructor in a safe and relaxed environment. Visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'long term health conditions gym') to find out more.

For more information visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'SHINE').

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Spring 2017

29

a healthier Borough Walking for Health

Wokingham Active Adults

A free walking programme across the Borough. All walks are led by volunteer leaders and take place seven days a week. All walks are graded so you can work your way up from a short gentle stroll (20 to 30 minutes) to a three mile walk (about an hour).

Wokingham Active Adults is a physical activity programme aimed at people aged over 16. The sessions are adapted for all abilities so whether you want to get fit, stay healthy or try something new, there is a Wokingham Active Adult session for you! For more information visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'Wokingham Active Adults').

Visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'walking') to find out more.

People with additional needs We offer a range of multi-sport and multi-skills session, for adults and children with additional needs, across the Wokingham Borough. Sessions are inclusive and fun is the main priority. Call (0118) 974 3728 to find out more.

Mini-soccer sessions Fun and energetic football sessions for children aged four to seven are held on Saturday mornings at Cantley Park, Wokingham. This is a wonderful introduction to football for young children, and parents are encouraged to watch and cheer their children on. Visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'mini soccer') to find out more.

Wokingham Active Kids Held at both Loddon Valley and St Crispin's leisure centres, our Wokingham Active Kids multi-sport holiday camps are designed for five to 12-year-olds and are a great way for children to be physically active during the holidays.

All staff are trained and have been DBS checked. Prices start from £14 a day for members and £17 for non-members.

Visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'Wokingham Active Kids') to find out more.

We also offer health specific and prevention sessions: • Steady Steps falls prevention • Cardiac rehab sessions • Dementia friendly sessions Contact: sport@wokingham.gov.uk or call (0118) 974 3728 to find out more.

Anyone for tennis?

Tennis fans will be well served in Wokingham with new and improved courts opening at Cantley Park.

We're working in partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to significantly improve the current nine outdoor court tennis facilities with the addition of three new courts, floodlighting to six courts and a new clubhouse.

The work is due to be completed by late April / Early May (correct at the time of going to press).

This development will also include an electronic court access system linked to online court booking. This will provide easy access and affordable tennis for the community.

A tennis operator will manage the tennis court facilities, organise an exciting and varied programme of tennis activities for all ages and abilities, drive the sale of the pay and play activities and membership sales all year round. The cost of a family membership will be £65 per year - for all family members to play (additional charge for floodlighting). The club house will provide the opportunity to buy drinks, snacks and tennis equipment.

Further details can be found online at: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'tennis')

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Spring 2017

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Roll up, roll up Most households in the Borough should have received their annual supply of 80 blue bags (in two rolls of 40) to be used for household waste.

Residents who have already registered as a larger household, of five or more, will automatically receive their additional bags

by July. Any new residents to the Borough, or anyone needing to register as a larger household, can visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'rubbish') or by contacting our customer services.

As part of the kerbside recycling scheme, residents can also continue to recycle food cans, drink cans, paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and aerosols.

And any residents who need a new, additional, or replacement black recycling box can request one online at: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'recycling'). Please take glass bottles and jars to your nearest Bring Bank for recycling. For other items to recycle, visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'rubbish').

Also, by now residents who are part of the collection service (brown wheeled-bin) for garden waste will have received a letter and invoice inviting them to renew the service for 2017/18.

Fees for 2017/18 have been frozen; £60 for collections between April 1, 2017 and March 31, 2018 with the bins being emptied fortnightly.

Residents can renew, or sign up: • online at: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'garden waste renewal') • by calling: 0300 456 0505

• by post, to the above address • in person at our Shute End offices Once a resident has paid, they will be sent a coloured sticker within 10 workings days, to display on their bin. Anyone who no longer requires the brown bin service can ignore the letter and invoice.

As the cost of taking the bin away is greater than its value, it will not be collected unless specifically requested.

75-litre compostable sacks costing £1 each are also available if residents don't want to use the wheeled-bin service. The bags are collected the same as if they were bins and are available across the Borough including council offices and libraries. Details are available on our website.

Another way to dispose of garden waste is to home compost. We are offering a £10 discount on a 220-litre home composter, available online at: www.getcomposting.com.

Executive view Cllr Angus Ross, Executive Member for Environment "We are now in our fifth year of using Blue Bags for household waste and black boxes for recycling. I do thank those residents who are careful to minimise household waste, especially food, and maximise the amount they recycle. I urge those who do not recycle or who are confused about what can be recycled to check on our website or call in; there are financial and environmental benefits in recycling. We are working on how we can extend the range of recyclable items collected at the kerbside, but meanwhile the current range is quite extensive."

Join Greenredeem and get rewarded for recycling Join Greenredeem today and get rewarded for recycling at home. Since Greenredeem launched, over 22,000 households regularly earn points for recycling and have been rewarded for their efforts.

Joining Greenredeem is free and can be done online at: www.greenredeem.co.uk, via our smartphone apps, or by calling 0844 409 9490. Once registered, follow the simple instructions and you’ll get points for taking part.

If residents interact with us and the weight of recycling collected in the community increases, a monthly bonus is also awarded.Points can be spent on rewards, used to enter our monthly prize draw, or donated to good causes*. Don't miss out - join today and get rewarded for recycling. *Donations are available from time to time, please see the website for details.

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Spring 2017

What's on this spring...

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Thursday March 23

Sunday April 16

Sunday May 7

June 3 and 4

An illustrated talk at Wokingham Library with Tony Weston about the turbulent history of this tranquil and idyllic National Trust Island.

6.30pm to 7.30pm, £4

Enjoy a relaxing morning canoeing on the lake at Dinton Pastures.

10.30am to 12.30pm, £8/£6

Head to Woodford Park for the annual 10k. Register before May 4 online at: www.barnesfitness.co.uk 9.30am

Head to Dinton Pastures for a weekend of family fun and try any of the activities on offer for just £2.

Dinton Activity Centre, 10am to 4pm

Brownsea - A Secret Island

Friday March 24

Mindful Parenting

Learn how to become a mindful and focussed parent through a talk at Wokingham Library with Parenting Success Coaching.

10am to 11am, £3 April 1 to September 27

Twilight Club

Take to the waters however you like, paddle, pedal, sail or swim. Hire any craft for £12, or go swimming for £3.50 (two month swim pass for £24).

11am to 5pm April 1 to October 1

Pay and Play Boat Hire

No experience necessary to hire out any of the canoes, kayaks, stand up paddleboards, and pedalos at Dinton Activity Centre.

11am to 5pm

Springwatch Paddle

Saturday April 22

Dawn Chorus

Join Friends of Lavell's Lake on a gentle dawn stroll and immerse yourself in the uninterrupted glory of birdsong.

4.45am to 8.30am, £1 donation Wednesday April 19

Heritage Walk

For adults and children aged eight and over, enjoy a walk around Wokingham and learn about the town's history.

Wokingham Library, 10.30am to 11.45am Thursday April 20

The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice

This is the story of the shy, reclusive Little Voice and her larger than life, out of control Mother, Mari.

Wokingham Theatre, 7.45pm, £12

Saturday April 1

Saturday April 22

Varied programme of music by Berkshire's premier wind band at All Saint’s Church, Wokingham. Tickets available at: www.trinityband.co.uk 7.30pm, £12

A chance to learn a variety of book binding techniques at Wokingham Library.

10am to 4pm, £10

Sunday April 2

Earley 10k

Spring Concert

Winnersh Litter Pick

Join Winnersh Parish Council at St Mary's Church Hall for the annual Borough-wide litter pick.

11am April 4 to 8

Groping for Words

Woodley Theatre at The Oakwood Centre presents this warm compassionate comedy by Sue Townsend. Tickets available at: www.woodleytheatre.org 7.45pm, £10/£5 April 4 to 11

Get Arty

Drop-in for art and craft fun with a springtime theme for children aged four to 11-years-old.

Various times and libraries across the borough (details online), £1.50 April 14, 15, 16 and 17

Easter Treasure Trail

Download a FREE treasure trail activity sheet from: www.dinton-pastures.co.uk

Book Binding Workshop

Sunday April 23 Head to Laurel Park in Earley for the UrbanX 10k run and the 2.5k junior event. Visit: www.runearley.co.uk 9.30am and 10.30am, £17/£6 Thursday April 27

Walking Book Group

Enjoy the fresh air, and a chat about books, with Wokingham Library as they walk around the lake at Dinton Pastures.

10.30am to noon, free

Woodley 10k

Thursday May 11

Family Fun Weekend

Author visit from Juno Dawson

Saturday June 10

Come and hear the award winning author talk about her books Margot and Me and her Mind your Head.

Books will be available for purchase.

Wokingham Library 4pm to 5pm, £3

Procession through the town followed by a fun afternoon for all the family, plus evening musical entertainment. Tickets available at: www.woodleycarnival.org.uk Noon to 10.30pm

Saturday May 13

Sunday June 11

Woodley Carnival

Jazz at The Oakwood Centre

Mini-Beast Safari

Join the Martin Hart Quartet at The Oakwood Centre in Woodley for an evening of live music. Tickets available at: www.woodleytheatre.org 7.45pm, £10

Search the meadow and woodland with the environment rangers and discover Dinton Pastures' smallest inhabitants.

2pm to 4pm, £8

Sunday May 17

June 13 to 17

For ages four and up, join the rangers to find out about the creatures living in and around Dinton's ponds.

9.30am to 12.30pm, £8

Woodley Theatre at The Oakwood Centre presents this thought provoking comedy. Tickets available at: www.woodleytheatre.org 7.45pm, £10/£5

Pond Dipping Discovery

Saturday May 20

Zentangle Workshop

Zentangle is an easy to learn and relaxing method of creating beautiful images from repetitive patterns.

Wokingham Library, 10am to noon, £5 Saturday May 27

Children's Fun Day

Head to Langborough Recreation Ground in Wokingham for a day of fun for children.

10am to 4pm, free Monday May 29

Lucky Sods

Saturday June 17

Winnersh Fete

Head to Bearwood Recreation Ground, Sindlesham for the annual Winnersh Fete. Fun for all the family with stalls, arena and children's events.

1.30pm to 4pm Saturday June 17

Summer Concert

Join Wokingham Choral Society at All Saint's Church, Wokingham as they perform various pieces. Further information at: www.wokinghamchoral-society.org.uk 7.30pm, £15/£5

Children's Fun Day

Sunday June 18

May 1 to 31

Monday May 29

Celebrate art, music, theatre and dance in Wokingham town. Includes Sunny Saturday's entertainment and the popular Theatre in the Park.

Visit: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk to find out more

Paddle board fitness taster sessions, relaxing stretches on the lake at Dinton Pastures with high intensity sprints and board exercises.

Drop-in between 11am and 5pm, £3

Meet a moth (10am) and head off on a bug walk (2pm) at Dinton Pastures with the British Entomological and Natural History Society (BENHS).

Free

Cultural month

Monday May 1

Horticultural and Gardening Day

Plant and flower sale in Woodley Town Centre.

11am to 3pm

Fun for children in Woodley.

11am to 3pm, free

SUP Fit Taster

Saturday June 3

International Street Concert Head to Broad Street, Wokingham for an evening of performances by artists from around the world.

6.30pm till late, free

Bug Club with BENHS

For a full list of events, or for booking informati on, visit the What's On Guide on our website