Greens back cycling in station underpass

FINALLY, Labour-run Reading Council is consulting on opening Reading station underpass to cyclists.

This is one of the many missing-links in Reading’s cycle network.

This should have done the first time round when the station underpass was opened but better late than never.

Support cycling and respond to the consultation on the council’s consultation website https://consult.reading.gov.uk/

Spotlight on Katesgrove Green councillor Doug Cresswell

The local Green Party has selected hard-working Councillor Doug Cresswell to stand again for Katesgrove Ward in the local elections in on Thursday, May 4.

It’s been fantastic working hard alongside Doug.

We’ve made a difference in a short space of time, and having Doug elected for four more years would retain the active, year-round representation for Katesgrove residents.

Katesgrove Green Party councillor Doug Cresswell says: “It’s been an honour to represent the people of Katesgrove and stand up for them on the council.

“We have worked hard on rubbish problems, road safety and supported residents.

“It will be a privilege to stand again for election on Thursday 4 May.”

Green Party Councillor Josh Williams supporting refugees

If a single person offers a room in their house to a refugee who about increases in ‘spending power’ for local councils, Council Tax increases are what they were referring to. Fast forward four months, and I expect they hope you’ve forgotten about it.

I wrote at the time that by refusing to acknowledge the importance of public services and by refusing to provide local councils with a realistic funding solution, particularly for essential social care services, the burden for protecting local services would fall on people struggling with their own household budgets.

Being conscious of this – and we know that it is always those on the lowest incomes who are hardest hit by inflation – this year we are proposing to add a £75 hardship payment for those eligible for an already enhanced Council Tax Support Scheme in Reading.

This is three times the Government’s guidance and means eligible residents will have their Council Tax bills reduced by £75 this year (to check for eligibility go to www.reading.gov.uk/council-tax).

Budget presentations can be dry old affairs, full of spreadsheets and numbers. But what sits behind them are the things that make a difference to people’s lives.

Whether through access to modern new transport, leisure, cultural, educational or care facilities, or by supporting those under the biggest strain during the cost of living crisis, I believe our new budget underpins our ethos of ensuring that Reading realises its full potential and that everyone who lives and works in our amazing town can share in the benefits of its success.

Volunteer Corner

n Could you spare a few hours of your time to help a family with a seriously ill child access safe and comfortable transport?

We will be attempting to change this at Reading Council’s budget meeting so that no one is dissuaded from offering a room to a refugee because of fear that they will lose their single person’s discount.

Other local authorities have done this and we think Reading should do so as well.

We want to see a fairer town for all.

Greens are the second largest party in Reading

Fortunately, there’s now real, constructive opposition to Labour on Reading council. Following the local elections last May there are now more Green councillors than Conservatives.

There is a growing team of hard-working Green councillors standing up for residents across the town.

If you’re keen on being part of the change in Reading, get involved and help us make Reading fairer, greener and cleaner: reading.greenparty.org.

uk/get-involved

By Green Party councillor Rob White, leader of the main opposition group on Reading Borough Council

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity is looking for volunteers to join our new Reading Care Team, providing essential transport for families.

Volunteer Drivers help to provide additional support to the families they work with by providing safe, comfortable and reliable transport, enabling them to travel safely to healthcare appointments, school and to other activities.

They are looking for volunteers based in Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Reading and the surrounding areas to assist with travel across the area.

n The Salvation Army is seeking volunteers to help support their older persons groups on Wednesday 11-1pm.

Approximately 20 people both male and female, play games, chat and have a hot meal together. The role would be to join in board games and show friendship. They are a very friendly group with a cross-section of people - faith/no faith. Everyone is valued and appreciated.

n Berkshire Vision provides vital practical and friendly support, sport and activities to visually impaired children and adults, and their families in Berkshire.

Every three years they conduct a full survey of all their members asking their opinions on multiple subjects. We need to contact more than 1,000 members and we can only do this with a team of volunteers to help

If you would like to be involved by volunteering to make some of these phone calls they would love to hear from you. We are looking for volunteers to help between March and the end of May n For details of opportunities to volunteer visit: rgneeds.me. Want to get in touch? Drop us an email at volunteering@rva.org.uk or call 0118 937 2273.