Spring 2015
Wokingham Borough
NEWS Your magazine from Wokingham Borough Council
In this issue‌
Better care and support page 8
Elevate your future
page 17
Countryside on your doorstep page 4
Road to better highways
page 23
www.wokingham.gov.uk
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Keeping in touch with us customerservice@wokingham.gov.uk www.wokingham.gov.uk (0118) 974 6000 07786 200 974 facebook.com/wokinghamboroughcouncil @WokinghamBC youtube.com/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/online
Also in this issue...
Welcome Our Borough is a great place to live and work and we are proud of our achievements over the past year – many of which you will read about in this magazine. Our government grant has been decreasing year-on-year and this impacts on our Borough. And it will come as no surprise that we remain the lowest funded unitary authority in England. We receive £156.43 per head of the population, compared with the national average of £346.30. That’s more than double what we receive, yet we provide the same statutory services (such as social care, education, waste, and highways) for people living and working in the Wokingham Borough as elsewhere in the country. Each year setting a robust budget gets harder and harder as we have to cover the funding gap whilst facing the increased demands on our services from our growing population. We are efficient and have saved in the region of £31.3million since 2010, but it gets harder the more efficiencies we make.
7
New relief road for Shinfield
11-14
Council tax and budget
19
The national headlines in December said we would get an increase of £3.1million (2.6%) from government, but the reality is very different. This year’s grant includes £4.25million for the Better Care Fund, which we didn’t receive last year and is ring-fenced. In effect this ‘increase’ is immediately wiped out as we have no choice but to fund this additional service passed on from the NHS.
Our biggest financial challenge is implementing the Care Act, and you can find out more about this on page 8. Yet despite this, we have been able to freeze council tax levels for the coming year (2015/16) because we are resourceful and have been forward planning to safeguard our future for many years now. There are so many in our Borough willing to give up their time for free to help others. On page 21 we hear from Phil Evans and his wife Di who are both volunteer drivers; and on page 9 from residents Jon Halson and Gordon Veitch who helped us improve the waste and recycling section on our website. 18-year-old Nicole Margetts also tells us more about becoming an Apprentice Skills Advisor at Wokingham Elevate, after visiting it for her own careers advice (page 17). Keep up-to-date with all the latest Council news on our website at: www.wokingham.gov.uk/news. You can also follow us on Twitter (@WokinghamBC) or like us on Facebook (facebook.com/wokingham boroughcouncil). Alternatively, you can contact me via email at: keith.baker@wokingham.gov.uk Cllr Keith Baker Leader of the Council
Elections this May
21
Driving force changing lives
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Editorial: Communications Team at Wokingham Borough Council Design and printed by: Digital Solutions on uncoated FSCM 75gsm paper Cost: 6p per person / 16p per household To advertise in Wokingham Borough News, or for any other queries about this magazine including delivery, please contact: communications@wokingham.gov.uk. A pdf version of this magazine is available online at: www.wokingham.gov.uk/boroughnews
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Sweet taste of success Talented culinary students from Addington School are delighting staff and guests at our Shute End offices with their tasty treats at their community café, which was officially opened by Great British Bake Off quarter finalist Martha Collinson. Students are running the weekly café in the former staff restaurant on Thursdays, between 10am and 1.30pm during term-time, serving up their cakes, filled rolls and hot drinks. There are also plans to expand their menu. Not only is the experience teaching them how to run and work in their own successful business, but it is also giving them credits towards their City and Guilds hospitality qualification. They are also involved in every aspect of the business behind the scenes, from researching the market to developing their menus, and making sure they have enough stock to meet the hungry
Park and ride open soon Work is going well on our two much-awaited park and ride schemes - 579 spaces at Mereoak Lane in Grazeley, and 390 in Wharfedale Road near Winnersh Station. The two sites are being built simultaneously. They will also offer blue badge holder bays, cycle and motorbike parking, and eventually electric car charging points. Once the new Wharfedale Road site is open, Loddon Bridge Park and Ride will close.
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demands of their customers - the staff at Shute End are no exception. It is a registered food business, and has been awarded a four star on its first assessment – out of a possible five. It is also subject to the same legislation and rules as any professional business. Student Ayse Akyildiz said: “Getting ready for the opening we learnt about business plans and health and safety. As well as all about customer service and most importantly how to bake good cakes!”
Free swimming is back Children and young people aged 18 and under living in Wokingham Borough can swim for free during school holidays this year, simply by showing their library card.
but only one free session per day. Sessions may be limited to an hour at busy times.
It applies to Carnival Pool, Loddon Valley Leisure Centre and Bulmershe Leisure Centre, and started February half-term.
Free swimming is available during any public session relevant to your age group.
If you don’t have a library card, it’s easy and free to join. Visit any Wokingham Borough library and complete an application form.
More information: www.wokingham.gov. uk/freeswimming
Under-18s will need a signature from a parent/ guardian who will also need to show proof of address. 18-year-olds present their own ID. You can swim as many times as you like during the holidays,
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Countryside on your door Our Borough already has a fantastic array of public open space and countryside sites to enjoy the open air, from the smallest children’s play area to our largest country park. And more are planned... Whether you use our parks for fun or fitness, and our footpaths for leisure or a healthy route to work, we want to maintain and improve your opportunities to enjoy the Borough’s open spaces.
As many as 12 sites ranging from two to 60 hectares are planned, totalling more than 163 hectares (a hectare is equivalent to one and a half football pitches). And the good news is, some are open already.
We’re opening new nature reserves and planning new walking, cycling, and riding routes, as well as protecting the public green space you already enjoy. We are looking forward to consulting with you about them.
Sports hubs
These are just some of things we are doing:
Again as part of the SDLs, we’re working with developers to create four sports pitch hubs with enough car parking and changing facilities in line with national best practice. They will also boast a selection of sporting facilities likely to include senior and junior football, and hockey pitches.
Greenways
The North and South Wokingham SDLs will be served by a new A network of paths designed for everyone to use. They would link sports hub on the Grays Farm site on Heathlands Road. We have rural and urban areas initially in Shinfield, Arborfield and purchased the site, but the business will continue to trade there Wokingham and eventually the whole Borough – in part linking until September 2017. with existing bridleways and byways. The area beside the Oakbank School campus at Ryeish Green will They would be great routes for getting to school or work, but also become a sports hub for Shinfield and Spencer’s Wood, while for fun at weekends and summer evenings. some of the remaining Ministry of Defence facilities in Arborfield will be revitalised and enhanced. And a new dedicated mini-sports We are currently at the start of the project, talking to landowners, hub will be created at the Hogwood Village site. interest groups and parish councils, thinking about the planning application process, and finalising our plan of action. Wildflower meadows
Our Countryside Service currently manages more than 80 hectares of wildflower grassland across the Borough – roughly the size of This is a long distance path alongside the River Loddon, linking the 120 football pitches. River Blackwater Path in the south of the Borough. It would also eventually link with the Thames Trail, in the north, across the River But during the next decade we hope to create a further 100 Thames in Oxfordshire. hectares, mainly in the new public countryside sites.
Loddon Path
We know people want it, because they told us this in our consultation about our Rights of Way Improvement Plan. Linking to the Greenways would create circular cycle, bridleway and walking routes. And like the Greenways, Loddon Path would be designed for everyone to use. We are currently carrying out a feasibility study on the path.
Public countryside sites
As well as new local services, schools, and open spaces, the four new Strategic Development Locations (SDLs) in the Borough will include new large public countryside sites created by the developers. These sites will consist of natural habitats and mainly informal footpaths to provide both new and existing residents the opportunity to experience Wokingham Borough’s countryside at close quarters. They will have car parks and link to our footpath network.
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doorstep
Executive view
Cllr Angus Ross, Executive Member for Environment
Community orchards
There are four in the Borough: Swallowfield, next to the Riseley Village Tea Room; Twyford at Stanlake Meadow; Wargrave at Kings Field, and Dinton Pastures Country Park in Hurst. There is a rich history of orchards locally, but by reintroducing and reviving old apple varieties it also helps people understand the links between growing food and healthy eating.
“These new schemes not only protect our Borough’s natural greenery for future generations, but it also means people can enjoy them at their leisure, get fit in them, and use them for sustainable travel. It’s a win-win for everyone – residents and the environment.”
They also enhance public spaces and help wildlife. Some 250 fruit trees have been planted, and we hope to develop more. More information: www.ccberks.org.uk/community-orchards
Allotments
To complement those already managed by town and parish councils, we plan to create a network of new allotments for the new SDLs. No smaller than 0.4 hectares each, some as large as 12.5 hectares would be established across the Borough.
The map shows SDL and other development greenspaces (including new public countryside sites and sports pitches) as well as existing country parks and nature reserves
Working with town and parish councils
We are working with them to make sure we get the most from their and our green spaces. This involves looking at future management arrangements so they provide good value and best meet the needs of local people. One example is Redhatch Copse – an area of ancient woodland part of the University of Reading’s redevelopment of Sibley Hall – which is about to be transferred to Earley Town Council.
Key Charvil Country Park
Dark Green Existing, open to the public Green New, open to the public Amber Planning agreed, not built yet
Please also see our SDLs update in this edition of Wokingham Borough News (page 6).
Red Proposed
Dinton Pastures Country Park
North Wokingham SDL
South of M4 SDL South Wokingham SDL
Arborfield Garrison SDL
California Country Park Please note: Existing public rights of way and town and parish green spaces are not shown on the map.
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Latest on our Strategic Development Locations Plans for the Strategic Development Locations (SDLs) are going well. South of M4 As much of the housing coming to this area now has planning consent, we’re looking in detail at the community and sporting facilities to be provided. This is being done in collaboration with local residents and interested groups, including Shinfield Parish Council. Arborfield The planning application has been submitted for the new secondary school at Arborfield. This school will cater for children moving to the new homes in Arborfield SDL, as well as existing families in places such as Finchampstead, Arborfield, and Barkham. Planning applications have also been submitted by both the Arborfield Garrison Landowners’ Consortium, and the Marino Family. North Wokingham We’re refining the proposed route for the North Wokingham Distributor Road. Building work has started on homes and accompanying infrastructure at Kentwood Farm (first phase known as Mulberry Grove - pictured below). A nature reserve is being created as part of the plans (please see page 4 and 5), and improvements made to nearby roads. A planning application to build 780 homes, a new primary school, and other infrastructure and community facilities at Matthewsgreen and 300 homes at Keephatch Beech were due to be considered at the end of February. We are also considering a business case for a new park and ride at Coppid Beech.
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South Wokingham Following public consultation last year, we’re refining the proposed route of the South Wokingham Distributor Road. Construction work is well underway at Montague Park, with some of the 650 homes already finished and families moved in. This site will also include a new primary school and neighbourhood centre. More information: www.wokingham.gov.uk/SDL Community Infrastructure Levy We’ve successfully argued for one of the country’s highest Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) rates, which will help us provide the right schools, roads, sports facilities, community centres, play areas and other facilities for these new homes. In the past this funding came from Section 106 developer agreements, but from April this year it will all come from CILs. As well as this CIL funding, we’re still aiming for 35% of the new homes to be affordable. More information: www.wokingham.gov.uk/cil
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Road to new community and science park Work has started on the Shinfield Eastern Relief Road which, when finished, will ease traffic from the centre of the village created by the new homes and Thames Valley Science Park, part of the South of M4 Strategic Development Location (SDL). In partnership with the University of Reading, we secured almost £25million for the road, which is being built by the University and will run eastwards in an arc from a new bridge over the M4. The money allows the relief road to be built at an early stage of the SDL and will provide access to the Thames Valley Science Park - a real boost to the local economy as the development will bring several hundred new jobs as well as building on our reputation as a great place to do business. Detailed proposals for the first building, which provides flexible laboratory and office space alongside shared facilities such as a café and meeting space, have been consulted upon at an event in February. The road will link to a new roundabout serving the Thames Valley Science Park. From here it will continue south, crossing Cutbush
Bulmershe – it’s the one that we want! Songs from Grease echoed round the new £3.5million multi-purpose block at Woodley’s Bulmershe School when students performed the musical at the building’s official opening ceremony. The state-of-the-art facility has got the lot – a new hall with retractable seating, four classrooms, two IT suites, new sixth form centre, smart reception area and new offices. We’re investing £6million across the school to give students and staff the latest learning and teaching facilities to further improve standards. The scheme is now in its final stages with the design and technology receiving a facelift, as well as new windows and cladding.
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M4
SHINFIELD
Lane, to a new junction with the A327 Arborfield Road, east of Parrot Farm. This new road will connect Reading’s urban area to the north, and the A327 Arborfield Road south east of Shinfield. Once the new six-lane bridge over the M4 is finished, the existing A327 Black Boy Bridge will be temporarily closed and refurbished; then reopened for pedestrians, cyclists and northbound buses to use. A series of badger tunnels will be built at strategic points under the road, and special fencing erected. It is hoped the whole scheme will be finished by summer next year. More information: • www.southofm4.com • www.ThamesValleySciencePark.com
Executive view Cllr John Kaiser, Executive Member for Planning and Highways “We’re making sure the infrastructure for this and the other new communities being created across our Borough are ready before these new homes are built. But these new roads will also relieve our existing network, which has some of the busiest routes in the UK.” The former sixth form centre is being redesigned as a new learning support and inclusion unit. A new roof has already been fitted. Some 12 classrooms and hallways have been refurbished, with more planned, and the dining hall enlarged and renovated. And for those summer nights there is also a new outside piazza and sixth form garden. It’s electrifying!
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Better care and support in Wokingham Borough The Care Act introduces new rights to care and support services from April this year. What does it mean for people in the Borough? ‘Care and support’ describes help for adults with things like washing, dressing, eating, getting out and about and keeping in touch with friends or family. Many of us will need care and support at some point in our lives and, if people can afford to, they should pay at least something towards its cost. For the first time everyone will be assessed by the same national standards. It also means more people will be entitled to care and support. The changes are designed to help people better plan for the future, and give them greater control over the help they receive. Needs Any decisions about a person’s care and support will consider their wellbeing and what is important to them and their family, so they can stay healthy and remain independent for longer. Everyone’s needs are different. They may be physical or emotional. They may find the support they need comes from something else going on in the Borough. We fund a wide range of community-based services to help people stay well and healthy such as physical activities, support groups and specialist advice and information. There are also numerous clubs, activities and help and support services offered by voluntary organisations in the Borough. We also have a one-stop online window to all these things on our website at: www.wokingham.gov.uk/win. Carers ‘Caring’ for someone covers lots of different things, including taking them to regular appointments, or keeping them company when they feel lonely or anxious. Carers may be able to get a personal budget to spend on things that make caring easier; or practical support like arranging for someone to step in when they need a short break. A carer’s assessment will look at the different ways caring affects their life and work out how they can carry on doing the things important to them and their family. Carers can even have an assessment for help, despite the person they care for not being eligible for help from us.
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Deferred payment This scheme allows someone who is eligible for social care service, and who enters residential care, to keep their property during their lifetime. We help to pay their care home fees, and recover the money from the proceeds when the property is sold - either when the person chooses to sell their home, or after their death. Consultation on charges The Care Act introduces new rights to services. We’re currently asking for views on whether we should charge for them. Please take some time to let us know what you think. This consultation closes on May 5, and you can give your views online at: www.wokingham.gov.uk/careactconsultation. Free online access is available in Borough libraries. If you need help accessing the consultation, please contact Customer Services on (0118) 974 6000. More information: • www.wokingham.gov.uk/careact • @WBC_CareAct
Executive view Cllr Julian McGhee-Sumner, Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing “For the first time, everyone across the country will be assessed by the same standards. And more people will be entitled to care and support. It’s all about giving people greater control over the type of help they want, so they can better plan for their future.”
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You say, we do Local residents have been working with us, helping to redesign our website to make it easier and faster for you to find the information you want, and do the things you need. Thanks to them, you may have noticed the waste section of our website has completely changed; much simpler with clear visuals making it easier to navigate. We’re now working on the planning section, with their help, and will focus on transport and countryside next. The whole website will eventually be redesigned to be more user-friendly. Our user testers were given set tasks to find out certain information, and we then analysed how they did this to show us what’s needed to improve the site.
“The tasks we are set are things people would typically use the site for, such as finding out the opening hours of a particular waste centre,” he said.
Jon Halson from Swallowfield is one resident who has been helping.
“I’m now also helping with the new planning section. We want to make it easier to find planning applications.”
“Thanks to the changes, my 84-year-old father could now easily access the waste page,” he said. “The new visuals tell a story.
If you would like to be a user tester please email: nicholas.spencer@wokingham.gov.uk
“When I tested the old waste page it took me two to three minutes to find out about brown bin collections. On the new one, no more than 20 seconds. “I enjoyed taking part. It’s good the Council is listening to customers like me.”
Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, Executive Member for Resident Services
Gordon Veitch from Finchampstead says he also enjoys the experience.
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We’d like to thank all of you who took part in our recent readership survey. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us tailor the magazine to how you want it. The majority of you told us you like to dip in for articles that interest you, although a large proportion still read it cover to cover.
Winter 2014
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See b Chri ack pa g st and mas w e re a coll cycling ste ecti cale on nda r
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In this issue… Winter Wellbeing
page 13 to 16
More please!
page 3
Executive view
Gorse Ride comes together page 20
All go for new ‘Fosters’ page 24
www.wokingham.go v.uk
94% of you say the content is interesting, and 86% believe the news is up-to-date.
“We’re making these changes to our website to create another way that you can interact with us independently, at a time that suits you. “Your experience of us is very important and we want to make sure it is positive, efficient and of the highest standard.”
Thank you for your feedback Some 96% of you who gave us feedback have complimented the new bin collection page on our website. More than 2,200 people rated it with comments such as “excellent,” “very useful” and “vast improvement” – most liking the way you can now use your postcode to find your collection dates.
And more than 80% prefer to receive it by post, as opposed to a digital version.
Thank you also for your thoughts on how we can present next year’s Christmas and new year collection date changes, which was really helpful.
You can share your thoughts about the magazine at any time. Simply email: communications@wokingham.gov.uk
More information: www.wokingham.gov.uk/binday
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Information on 2015/2016 Council Tax
Message from the Council Leader Our government grant has been decreasing year-on-year, which has a massive impact on the Borough. And it will come as no surprise that we remain the lowest funded unitary authority in England. Each time setting a robust budget gets harder and harder as we have to cover the funding gap and inflation, whilst facing the ever-increasing demands on our services from a growing population. However, I’m pleased to say that we have agreed a council tax freeze for 2015/16 which if you take into account our financial challenges, is a good achievement. Despite the ongoing austerity programme, we don’t shy away from our ambitions. We want Wokingham Borough to be a great place to live and work and we’re continuing to invest in the area, with almost £96million in capital projects this year alone. All of our major projects support our vision priorities including education, infrastructure, country parks, leisure and housing. We are an efficient authority and have saved just over £31million since 2010. We have the lowest staff ratio per head of population, which means our staff do more for our residents than any other local authority. During the past five years savings have been made by changing council processes and systems, and ensuring the Council is as efficient and lean as possible. We’ve also made changes in the way we buy services from third party providers, many of whom currently deliver services to local people on the Council’s behalf.
The challenges of the past few years will continue and these are compounded by the introduction of the Care Act – the biggest reform in social care for more than 60 years. Despite the financial pressures we have not cut any frontline services and we continue to focus on maintaining good quality services. Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults continues to be a top priority and our investments will help create sustainable communities for now and in the future. I hope this four-page pull-out helps to explain more about our budget for the coming year.
Cllr Keith Baker Leader of the Council
WHAT DO 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 2015/16 - £112MILLION
DIVISION OF SERVICES Children’s social care
3% 20%
4% 21%
12%
Housing Cleaner & greener services (inc waste)
2% Non-statutory services e.g. libraries, leisure, parks and open spaces, and bus subsidies
Highways and transport
6%
Libraries & community development
14%
Statutory services e.g. adult social care, children’s services, waste collection and disposal, and highways
Adult social services (health & wellbeing)
0%
38%
80%
Other frontline services Corporate and democratic core Debt charges & investment income
www.wokingham.gov.uk Information on 2015/2016 Council Tax
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WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES Elements of a Band D Council Tax: Wokingham Borough Council Parish precept (average) Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley Royal Berkshire Fire Authority 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).
2014/15
2015/16
Percentage Change
£1,246.21 £54.38 £160.51 £60.66
£1,246.21 £54.63 £163.70 £60.66
0% 0.46% 1.99% 0%
£1,521.76
£1,525.20
0.23%
COST OF SERVICES PROVIDED 2014/15
Schools and education Children’s social care Adult social services (health and wellbeing) Housing Cleaner & greener services (inc waste) Highways and transport Libraries & community development Other frontline services (e.g. health & protection services, planning, revenues & benefits, countryside & leisure, rental income etc) Corporate and democratic core (corporate management and democratic representation) Debt charges and investment income
2015/16
Staffing Costs £000
Other Costs £000
Service Income (e.g. Fees& charges, grants) £000
Net Expenditure £000
Staffing Costs £000
Other Costs £000
Service Income Net (e.g. Fees& charges, Expenditure grants) £000 £000
84,881 12,187 3,158
17,955 16,226 55,874
(102,836) (3,237) (15,481)
0 25,176 43,551
87,467 11,975 3,577
16,286 14,341 54,601
(103,753) (2,439) (15,327)
0 23,877 42,851
288 1,081
24,396 17,027
(24,668) (2,798)
16 15,310
268 1,156
24,512 17,189
(24,824) (2,778)
(44) 15,567
1,696 1,674 7,623
9,018 1,684 7,534
(3,229) (275) (4,513)
7,485 3,083 10,644
1,634 1,458 7,477
8,747 345 8,952
(3,260) (282) (3,368)
7,121 1,521 13,061
2,710
0
0
2,710
3,370
0
0
3,370
0
5,823
(342)
5,481
0
5,132
(342)
4,790
Total expenditure on services
113,456
Transfer to/(from) balances Total budget
0
417
113,456
112,531
HOW THESE SERVICES ARE FUNDED: Government support New Homes Bonus Collection fund surplus Council tax freeze grant
29,974 2,773 330 0
26,749 3,426 318 838
Council tax for Borough Council
80,379
81,200
113,456
112,531
112,114
COUNCIL TAX LEVELS AND PARISH PRECEPTS
Parishes
Council Tax Levels
Each town and parish council decides what it is going to spend. This is charged to the Borough Council and added to your council tax bill. Your final bill varies depending on how much your parish council charges (or precepts).
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 over the page.
www.wokingham.gov.uk Information on 2015/2016 Council Tax
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Council tax levels and parish precepts continued Town / Parish Precepts Full Council Tax 2015/16 2014/15 2015/16 £ £ Band A Band B Band C Band D Band E Band F Arborfield & Newland Barkham Charvil Earley Finchampstead Remenham Ruscombe St Nicholas Hurst Shinfield Sonning Swallowfield Twyford Wargrave Winnersh Wokingham Town Wokingham Without Woodley
86,289 38,342 38,572 735,213 122,408 21,420 9,766 22,500 264,470
86,280 38,342 39,451 747,387 122,410 21,420 9,766 22,500 277,919 34,400 31,459 18,540 18,303 58,599 58,598 152,841 154,937 107,801 107,801 625,492 665,195 143,925 143,925 1,010,532 1,030,349 3,507,749 3,559,403
1,026.05 998.13 999.27 1,023.07 994.81 1,025.35 993.52 994.81 1,020.47 1,008.84 993.29 993.65 1,030.07 999.29 1,011.96 1,011.60 1,050.81
1,197.05 1,164.47 1,165.80 1,193.58 1,160.61 1,196.24 1,159.10 1,160.60 1,190.55 1,176.97 1,158.84 1,159.25 1,201.75 1,165.83 1,180.61 1,180.19 1,225.94
Band G
Band H
1,368.06 1,539.07 1,881.09 2,223.10 2,565.12 3,078.14 1,330.83 1,497.19 1,829.91 2,162.61 2,495.32 2,994.38 1,332.35 1,498.90 1,832.00 2,165.08 2,498.17 2,997.80 1,364.09 1,534.61 1,875.64 2,216.66 2,557.68 3,069.22 1,326.41 1,492.22 1,823.83 2,155.43 2,487.03 2,984.44 1,367.13 1,538.03 1,879.82 2,221.60 2,563.38 3,076.06 1,324.69 1,490.28 1,821.46 2,152.63 2,483.80 2,980.56 1,326.41 1,492.21 1,823.82 2,155.42 2,487.02 2,984.42 1,360.63 1,530.71 1,870.87 2,211.03 2,551.18 3,061.42 1,345.12 1,513.26 1,849.55 2,185.82 2,522.10 3,026.52 1,324.39 1,489.94 1,821.04 2,152.14 2,483.23 2,979.88 1,324.86 1,490.47 1,821.69 2,152.90 2,484.12 2,980.94 1,545.11 1,888.47 2,231.83 2,575.18 3,090.22 1,373.43 1,332.38 1,498.93 1,832.03 2,165.12 2,498.22 2,997.86 1,349.28 1,517.94 1,855.27 2,192.58 2,529.90 3,035.88 1,348.80 1,517.40 1,854.61 2,191.80 2,529.00 3,034.80 1,401.08 1,576.22 1,926.50 2,276.77 2,627.03 3,152.44
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
RECOVERY
Since April 2014, a property that is unoccupied and substantially unfurnished (two items or less of furniture excluding white goods) can be awarded a 100% discount for a maximum of 28 days while it remains unoccupied.
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 the property still remains unoccupied and substantially unfurnished after the 28 days have expired, then full council tax will be payable. Please note that a change in ownership or tenancy does not give rise to a new discount period when the property has remained unoccupied during this time.
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/counciltax
For details of all council tax discounts, exemptions and reductions for disabled residents visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk/counciltax
COUNCIL TAX AND BENEFITS ENQUIRIES If you have access to the internet why not visit us at: www.wokingham.gov.uk?
COUNCIL TAX REDUCTION Information is available at: www.wokingham.gov.uk/benefits/tax on our Council Tax Reduction Scheme, which is to help those on a low income to pay their council tax.
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
If you do not have access to the internet you can contact us by: • 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. • Emailing us at: ctax@wokingham.gov.uk or benefits@wokingham.gov.uk
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.
APPEALS ABOUT THE COUNCIL TAX YOU PAY Information is available at: www.wokingham.gov.uk/counciltax/ appeals if you wish to appeal that you are not liable to pay council tax.
www.wokingham.gov.uk Information on 2015/2016 Council Tax
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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
(01865) 846780
www.rbfrs.co.uk/stats.asp#section7
www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk
EARLEY TOWN COUNCIL
SHINFIELD PARISH COUNCIL
EARLEY (0II8) 986 8995
(0118) 988 8220
www.earley-tc.gov.uk
www.shinfieldparish.gov.uk
WARGRAVE PARISH COUNCIL
WOKINGHAM TOWN COUNCIL
(0118) 940 6084
(0118) 978 3185
www.wargrave.org.uk
www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk
WOKINGHAM WITHOUT PARISH COUNCIL
WOODLEY TOWN COUNCIL
(01344) 771 425
(0118) 969 0356
www.wokinghamwithoutparishcouncil.gov.uk
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 Information on 2015/2016 Council Tax
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RWT_A4 Advert_Layout 1 19/01/2015 17:41 Page 1
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Spring 2015
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17/02/2015 16:46:11
16 Spring 2015
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Roll up, roll up Blue bags
You should receive your 80 blue bags for household waste by the end of March. If you don’t, please get in touch with us. This is your allocation to last you until the end of March 2016. If you’ve already registered as a larger household of five or more, you will automatically receive your additional bags by the end of July. If you are a new resident, or you need to register as a larger household, please contact us. And if you have some left over from last year, you can still use them.
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More information: • customerservice@wokingham.gov.uk • (0118) 974 6000
Garden waste renewals
This year we’ve changed the way you renew your brown bin collection service for garden waste. By now you should have received a letter explaining the new process. The price remains at £60 for collections between April 1 and March 31, and can be renewed: • Online at: www.wokingham.gov.uk/renewal • By calling: 0845 303 9485 • By BACs, telephone transfer and home banking • By post • In person Once you have paid, we’ll send you a coloured sticker to display on the back of your bin. If you don’t, it won’t be collected. More information www.wokingham.gov.uk/gardenwaste
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Visible house numbers save lives House numbers not clearly visible on properties could be risking the lives of their occupants in an emergency, claims the Finchampstead Neighbourhood Action Group (FNAG). Even when there is a house number, it’s not easy to find when it is in small numerals on a front door 50 yards down a drive, says the FNAG. All emergency services have this problem, and could be delayed in reaching you or your family.
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So if your house has a number or name, make sure it is plain to see by someone in a moving vehicle from either direction. Large clear numerals are best. If your house is set well back, fix the number to the front gate or fence – anywhere it can be seen easily and quickly. If you do have to call the emergency services, open the gates and leave lights on. Ideally leave someone at the front to flag them down. It all saves time.
If you do need to call 999 for an emergency service, please take these actions quickly because a First Responder may well be at your property within minutes. Don’t let your number be up for the sake of a house name or number that cannot be seen.
17/02/2015 16:46:18
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Elevate your future Young people visiting Elevate Wokingham seeking advice on education, employment and training will be helped by someone who knows exactly what they are going though. Nicole Margetts (pictured), 18, is now an Apprentice Skills Advisor at the Wokingham Library-based hub, after visiting it for her own careers advice. Qualified advisors are on hand offering a wide range of advice and guidance for young people - including those disadvantaged and vulnerable, and those underemployed. Advisors undergo years of training and are qualified to degree level, so have the know-how to help. The hub also has three confidential interview rooms, a break-out area, and ten computers free for young people to use.
“I had finished my A-levels and had come into Elevate for a careers interview because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do,” said Nicole. “There was a welcoming atmosphere which made me feel less anxious about my situation. I got some good advice, and a few weeks later my advisor sent me the information about the chance to actually work here as an apprentice. I applied, and here I am.” Nicole is full-time. She not only works face-to-face helping young people but says she has seen her own skills base grow from her other duties which include writing and editing the hub’s website, managing its social media, updating the video screen and mastering Outlook. She is also studying for an NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration. Elevate Wokingham is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 10am and 5pm, and Wednesday 10am until 1pm. We are running it with Adviza, Optalis, Wokingham Job Support, Job Centre Plus and National Careers Service with a £600,000 grant from central government and the Thames Valley Local Enterprise Partnership.
Defibrillators for schools
Executive view
Our elected members have unanimously voted to encourage local schools to install automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for their pupils and communities.
Cllr Charlotte Haitham Taylor, Executive Member for Children’s Services
Only schools can decide to buy this equipment. However, the Department of Education (DfE) has now announced a scheme helping schools to purchase AEDs at reduced cost. We are updating our first aid policy for schools to reflect these new DfE guidelines and our position on AEDs.
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“Thanks to Elevate Wokingham, young people in the Borough are getting excellent support. It’s there for all of them, including those who’ve fallen through the gap in education, employment or training, so that they get the right help to move forwards.”
17/02/2015 16:46:23
READING BLUE COAT SCHOOL An independent day school for boys, with a co-educational Sixth Form
18 Spring 2015
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Come and take a look! Call 0118 944 1005 for an informal chat with our Admissions team Sonning Lane, Sonning, Berks RG4 6SU www.rbcs.org.uk
What’s On Culture month
Wokingham Town Council’s ‘Cultural Month of May’ is back: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk
…in your local library
Tuesday April 21
All activities are £2 per 15 minute session (Ages from 4+)
Meet author Sara Sheridan and hear about the inspiration for her crime novels. Woodley Library, 7.30pm, £5
Every Wednesday (April 22 to September 30)
Crime and cocktails
Thursday April 23
From the Crinoline to the New Look
Thursday April 9
Fashion in Photographs 1850 -1950, a talk with Jayne Shrimpton. Wokingham Library, 2pm, £5
Lower Earley Library, 10am to 11.30am, £2 - places must be booked
For more information and bookings call Wokingham Library on (0118) 978 1368 or Woodley Library on (0118) 969 0304
Manga Drawing Workshop
Thursday April 9
…In your countryside
For families with children aged four to 12. Phone to book a place. £3.50 per child Woodley Library, 9am to 10am Spencers Wood Library, 11am to noon Maiden Erlegh Library, 1pm to 2pm Winnersh Library, 3pm to 4pm
Saturday April 4 and Sunday April 5 Easter treasure trail - £3 Egg hunt on the water - £8 adults/ £6 children Dinton Pastures, 10.30am to 4.30pm, (Ages 4+)
Thursday April 16
Spring Watch Paddle
Animal Habitats
Illustrator session with Steve Antony For families with children aged eight and under. £2 - places must be booked Wokingham Library, 11am to 11.45am Woodley Library, 2pm to 2.45pm
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Twilight Club
Enjoy an evening on the lake using any variety of our boats or have a go at wild swimming, plus a BBQ. Dinton Pastures, 6pm to 8pm, £12 per person (Ages 4+) Booking is essential for all activities Phone: (0118) 974 6343 Email: dintonactivitycentre@wokingham.gov.uk Website: www.wokingham.gov.uk/dac
Sunday May 10
Dinton Pastures, 10.30am to 12.30pm, £8 adults / £6 children (Ages 4+) Saturday May 30 and Sunday May 31
Family Fun Weekend @ Dinton
A great chance to try what’s on at Dinton Activity Centre, and enjoy a BBQ.
17/02/2015 16:46:27
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Spring 2015
Elections this May As well as the General Election, Borough Elections are taking place on May 7 in Barkham, Bulmershe & Whitegates, Coronation, Emmbrook, Evendons, Hawkedon, Hillside, Loddon, Maiden Erlegh, Norreys, Shinfield North, Shinfield South, Sonning, South Lake, Twyford, Wescott, Winnersh and Wokingham Without wards. The following parish/town councils will also be up for election: Barkham, Earley, Shinfield, Sonning, Twyford, Winnersh, Wokingham, Wokingham Without and Woodley.
Are you registered to vote?
Households across the Borough were sent a letter in February advising who is on the current Register of Electors. If your details have changed, or you have moved, please email: electoralservices@wokingham.gov.uk or call the helpline on: (0118) 974 6522/6523. You can also go online to register to vote at: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote If you would like to vote by post in the May elections, you must apply by 5pm on Tuesday April 21. Information can be found at: www.wokingham.gov.uk/postalvote or by calling (0118) 974 6522.
Interested in standing as an independent councillor?
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Useful information about what is involved in being a councillor can be found at: www.beacouncillor.org.uk or www.wokingham.gov.uk/candidates
Exciting times lay ahead for Wokingham Thanks to those of you who took the time out of your busy schedule, in February, to discuss in more detail our proposals for the leisure quarter on the Carnival Pool site. We’re now analysing all the feedback and will incorporate these into the final designs. We hope to submit the application towards the end of spring. Plans are also progressing well for the Elms Field phase of the project. And this month (March), we’re consulting further on our plans to ensure we have the right facilities in place for our rapidly growing town including exploring ideas for what could be included in the new town park. We are planning to retain more open space and more mature trees. At the time of Wokingham Borough News going to print, we were waiting to hear if our plans for Peach Place redevelopment (pictured above) had been approved. Things are moving at pace. Our new look website and social media sites will keep you up-to-date with all the latest news, including the planning decision on Peach Place redevelopment, and how to get involved in the Elms Field consultation. More information • www.regenerationcompany.co.uk • @RegenCompany
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Executive view Cllr Philip Mirfin, Executive Member for Regeneration and Communities “Once we receive planning approval, we will want you to get involved in the next steps for Peach Place Plaza. We want your help in shaping our plans for landscaping the public square, and develop ideas on how we could incorporate public art. We will also be looking for a new name for the square and development. Check out our new website for all the latest news.”
17/02/2015 16:46:30
20 Spring 2015
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Volunteer army marching for you We are very lucky to have a thriving, dedicated and experienced voluntary sector in our Borough – some 1,600 community groups and charities. Several thousand volunteers and hundreds of staff offer a range of community support to help keep you informed, safe and healthy or supported through ill health, crisis or lifelong condition. Some 350 volunteer drivers, from ten volunteer community car services, ensure vulnerable residents attend health and social appointments. See the article opposite for more details.
regulations and legislation. It also makes sure their voices are heard strategically. A joint initiative, The Coproduction Network, brings together vulnerable residents, charity and community groups, us, GPs and public health to ensure those people who need it have their say in shaping the types of care and support they want.
More than 400 new volunteers sign up each year with the Wokingham Volunteer Centre. It also helps those people who want to volunteer, but need extra support to do so.
The voluntary sector plans to offer early detection health checks, in partnership with public health, to all residents aged 40 to 64, with no known long-term conditions, to help them identify any underlying problems.
The Wokingham Foodbank opened nearly two years ago, and since then has supported more than 600 families - not just with food but access to many other avenues of support.
The new Care Act will also see changes. Please see page 8 of this edition of Wokingham Borough News for more about the Care Act.
Behind the scenes, we fund INVOLVE (formerly BFVA) with specialist staff to ensure the different voluntary sector groups can network, access training and funding, and keep up with current
More information: • clare.rebbeck@involve.community or (07809) 563 714 • www.involve.community
Promoting links between business and charity Wokingham Borough Mayor Cllr UllaKarin Clark has been working closely with the voluntary sector, during what are tough financial times for them. She recently hosted two events which signposted local groups to the support that is available across the Borough. In November, she thanked the voluntary sector at her annual reception at Sand Martin’s Golf Club. Among the speakers was Clare Rebbeck, Development Broker at Involve, who spoke about how they support the local voluntary and community sector by assisting with communication, development and funding.
She said: “I wanted to thank the voluntary sector for the often unrewarded, essential work they do. Many of us benefit directly or indirectly from their work and it’s important that they know that we applaud them. We must remember that times have changed and these groups must adapt in order to survive, but help and support is available through Involve and our thriving business community.” More information: • www.wokingham.gov.uk/mayor • Mayor@wokingham.gov.uk • (0118) 974 6004 • @WBCMayor
Cllr Clark has also been promoting links between businesses and charities. With traditional means of funding on the decline, these partnerships can help foster long-term sustainability. A second business to third sector networking event was held at Cantley House Hotel in Wokingham and has led to many businesses offering our local groups skills and advice.
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17/02/2015 16:46:32
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Driving force changing lives The Wokingham Volunteer Centre (WVC) wants to recruit more volunteer drivers. We spoke to husband and wife volunteer driving team Phil and Di Evans about why they do it. “For us we get an amazing amount of satisfaction,” said Phil from Wokingham, who is also a trustee at the WVC.
assist those less able to walk on their own into the consulting room where medical staff take over.
“After I retired from a career spent working with people, I missed that contact. Di had already started doing the volunteer driving and was enjoying it, so I gave it a go too.
“They become friends, and for those living alone we may be the only contact they see for weeks. They see it as a nice day out and love a good chat.”
“That was two-and-a-half years ago, and I cannot imagine not doing it now.” Volunteer drivers transport people eligible under the scheme to their hospital, doctor and dental appointments. There are some 800 people registered for this service at WVC, and 44 drivers. Across the Borough there are another nine organisations offering a similar service - so there is a great need for drivers. “It’s more than just picking people up and dropping them off,” said Phil. “If they want us to, we will help them to book in, and
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Phil says the ‘job’ is very flexible. You can do as much or as little as your spare time permits. “Not only is it hugely rewarding, but it’s very humbling. Some are terminally ill and very poorly. One lady in particular is always smiling, so positive about things. It makes you realise that you have nothing to complain about. That sore toe you may have is just nonsense. “Sometimes you also find that by chatting they might make some casual remark and you pick up on an issue or problem they might not be aware of. You can then plough that back to the organisations that can help.”
Volunteer drivers should have a car suitable for elderly passengers, regularly serviced and road legal. Normal car insurance should suffice. New volunteers will need references and a DBS check. Drivers are reimbursed their petrol costs. More information: • www.volunteercentrewokingham.org.uk • (0118) 977 0749
17/02/2015 16:46:33
22 Spring 2015
Benefits update More customers across the UK are expected to start claiming Universal Credit during the coming year. This is likely to start affecting Wokingham Borough residents some time this autumn. We will update you when we know more.
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Thanks for your efforts Wokingham Borough is joint number one in the country for council tax collection. Business rates collection remains high. This is even more important now, as we retain some of the money collected rather than collecting it on behalf of - and paying it to - central government.
The Council Tax Reduction scheme will stay the same for 2015/16.
Both council tax and business rates pay towards providing services for Wokingham Borough residents.
Please remember that if your circumstances change, in a way that could affect the amount of benefit you receive, you must report it straight away.
More information: • Council tax: www.wokingham.gov.uk/counciltax • Business rates: www.wokingham.gov.uk/businessrates
Despite all the changes under recent welfare reforms, our benefits team is still processing claims in a timely manner, ensuring those customers who need help paying their rent, or council tax, get the support they need. More information: www.wokingham.gov.uk/benefits
Executive view Cllr Anthony Pollock, Executive Member for Economic Development and Finance “Universal Credit will replace work-related benefits, and the government says it will simplify the system and be easier for people to understand. It will be payable once a month into a bank or building society account, and claims will be made online.”
Grass roots public feedback Thank you to everyone who took part in our consultation to help us find the best way forward maintaining and managing our green open spaces across the Borough. We look after more than 3.5million square metres of grassland, trees and hedgerows in areas such as parks, sports pitches, cemeteries and verges.
Last summer this service came under intense pressure from faster than expected grass growth, caused by the warm and wet weather. Without extra funding for the future, we are now looking at how we can be smarter and more flexible with our existing resources if last summer’s conditions are repeated. Some 82% of people who took part in the consultation support the idea that certain areas should get mowing priority at times of high demand, citing their order of preference as children’s play areas, followed by parks and then sports pitches. Also at times of high demand, 64% of those who took part say we should adjust the frequency of our mowing to cut some areas more, while reducing it at others. We will soon finish analysing the results, and will then invite you to comment on any changes to the service being suggested. Watch this space!
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17/02/2015 16:46:37
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Road to better highways Be better informed out and about, when deciding which route to take… Station link road nearly there We’re on the home stretch of this major scheme in Wokingham, reorganising the Wellington/Station/Barkham Road junction to be controlled by traffic lights in tandem with the level crossing. This will also include Station Road becoming one-way, from Shute End down to Barkham Road. The final bit of work will reconfigure the Shute End junction. We are aiming to have everything finished by spring. More information: www.wokingham.gov.uk/SLR
Coppid Beech Roundabout on track When finished in early summer the Coppid Beech roundabout in Wokingham will be able to better manage ever increasing amounts of traffic, and be better for cyclists and pedestrians. We’re adding lanes to the eastbound off slip, its approaches, and on the roundabout itself. Traffic lights are being installed to the entire junction to also create better facilities for walking and cycling along with improved routes for them. More information: www.wokingham.gov.uk/coppidbeech
Loddon Viaduct part two The second part of this scheme on the A329M is planned for the school summer holidays, and this year will focus on the westbound carriageway towards Reading. The same work will be done as on the eastbound section last summer; new bridge joints, new permanent safety barriers, improved drainage and signs, and a quieter road surface. Measures to keep traffic flowing will be based on last year’s because they worked well. More information: www.wokingham.gov.uk/loddonviaduct
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Sutton Seeds starts Much-needed maintenance starts on this A329(0)/ A4 junction flyover from March 29, and is due to take up to three weeks. It has been scheduled to coincide with the school Easter holidays, when traffic is less busy, and engineers will be working 24/7 to replace its joints and resurface the whole carriageway. A contraflow will maintain two-way traffic at all times. The four slip roads feeding the Suttons Roundabout, on the A4 London Road below the flyover, will remain open.
Did you know? • Our Borough’s road network has the unique problem of serving one of the highest car ownership ratios in the UK - only 9% of local households are without one • Car ownership in our Borough is also one of the highest nationally for households having two or more cars. With house prices so high in the Thames Valley adult children don’t fly the nest on average until their 30s – while saving up to buy their own properties • We also have two major strategic routes cutting through the Borough – the A329M and M4 – so our already busy road network has to cope with even more vehicles • This year we will be overseeing some £33million on improving the Borough’s highways to better cope with current traffic levels and futures ones, as well as nearly £2.5million maintaining the roads from wear and tear and the elements • The new South East Permit Scheme introduced at the beginning of the year will help us to better c o-ordinate planned work by utility companies on our roads. However, this only applies to routine m aintenance – not emergencies such as a burst water pipe under a road.
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Care and support is changing for the better From April 2015, the new Care Act will help make care and support more consistent across England. If you receive care and support, or you support someone as a carer, you could benefit from the changes. Read more on page 8 of this magazine.
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