Wokingham Borough
NEWS Your magazine from Wokingham Borough Council
Spring 2016
In this issue‌
Online services for you page 5
Quit quitting and stop page 9
Take a walk this spring SHINE on page 22
www.wokingham.gov.uk
page 12
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Keeping in touch with us customerservice@wokingham.gov.uk www.wokingham.gov.uk (0118) 974 6000
Welcome “2016 and beyond is going to bring many challenges and even more difficult decisions than those we’ve faced in the past.
/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/signup
Also in this issue...
7
Thumbs up for Market Place improvements
15-18 Council Tax 2016/17
27
It CAN be you
31
What's On Guide
“On December 17, we learnt the devastating news that we were going to see a 50 per cent cut in our main grant compared to the 27 per cent average for unitary authorities; a sum of approximately £6.3million. “We were extremely concerned about what this meant for Wokingham Borough residents, and outraged that we were being penalised in this way.
“Government also presumes we will agree to the highest possible council tax rise for the next four years. If we don’t, our financial challenge will be even harder. We don’t wish to raise council tax levels but our hand has been forced.
“We certainly didn’t take it lying down. Since December we’ve been fighting for a fairer settlement. With the support of local MPs we made several representations to Ministers.
“Looking ahead, the future looks bleak because we face a total loss of government grant by 2019/20 and extra clawback of business rates to pay for the negative grant. It has never been more important to plan for the future.
“And last month (February) central government announced these proposals would go ahead as planned. However Ministers listened to our concerns and agreed a transitional grant of £2.1million for 2016/17 and again in 2017/18. “Whilst this transitional grant is welcome it is only available as one-off payments for the two years. Services have to be paid for every single year and the difficulty comes when that money is no longer available and the savings have to be made as originally planned. The savings we need to make by 2019/20 are exactly the same whether we had the transitional grant or not and we lose £20million and move into a negative grant of £7million. By then the government ongoing grant will have been cut by 74 per cent, and residents will be paying 91 per cent of the costs of running services. The impact of inflation, and demographic changes like increased demand for adult social care, will make our challenge even more difficult. “Central government has changed the way it does its calculation and now includes income from council tax payers. Our residents pay more council tax for local services than any other unitary authority almost 80 per cent of our services are funded by you rather than government grants.
“We’ve worked hard to save in excess of £36.5million in the past five years, while also protecting services. But we’re not going to be able to continue to do this.
“While this is negative news, I do want to share some of the highlights that make our Borough a great place to live. We’ve made steady improvements in Children’s Services (page 28). On page 22, you can find out more about the 2,000 people who have already discovered the secret of staying younger. “There is so much is going on in our libraries across the Borough (page 11). Our successful BME Forum is going from strength to strength and it’s not too late to get involved (page 11). And I extend my congratulations again to Bridges Resource Centre in Woodley with its outstanding Ofsted inspection (page 20). “The way we deliver our services will be changing, so make sure you keep up-to-date with all the latest Council news by visiting our website at: www.wokingham.gov.uk/news. You can also follow us on Twitter (@WokinghamBC) or like us on Facebook (facebook.com/ wokinghamboroughcouncil). “You can get in touch with me via email at: keith.baker@wokingham.gov.uk" Cllr Keith Baker Council Leader
Editorial: Communications Team at Wokingham Borough Council Design and printed by: Digital Solutions on uncoated FSCM 75gsm paper Cost: 7p per person / 19p per household To advertise in Wokingham Borough News, or 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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Spring 2016
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Find o tips o ut more n rec by vis ycling itin www .woki g: ngh gov.u k/recy am. cling
Top tips for recycling and reducing household waste
In a bid to encourage you to recycle more, we have come up with these top tips. In at number 10…
Don’t pay twice - Say NO to doorstep traders
10
When someone takes rubbish away from your property, you have a legal duty of care to take reasonable steps to ensure its disposed of responsibly. If your rubbish is found fly-tipped you could be prosecuted.
9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Follow these tips to prevent illegal dumping GET INTO A ROUTINE Take your recyclables (that can't be recycled at the kerbside) to the local recycling bank
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
NEVER buy or sell at the door. Bona-fide traders will not knock on your door ALWAYS ask where rubbish is being taken ALWAYS ask for a receipt on headed paper ALWAYS obtain an estimate on headed paper giving details of the waste disposal Check the trader has a valid waste carriers licence. Anyone who carries waste should have a licence
Remember 1. 2. 3.
Keep the chain on your door, challenge and check for ID and references You are under NO obligation to let anyone into your home Never take someone’s word if they tell you any work needs doing. Trading Standards recommends getting various quotes and asking around, listen to others recommendations
Report it • • •
Thames Valley Police - 101 to report a crime or 999 if an emergency Wokingham Borough Council - (0118) 974 6000 to report fly-tipping Wokingham and West Berks Trading Standards (01635) 519 930 if you have any concerns you have been misled or believe you are becoming a victim of fraud
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Shared Building Control Service expansion After a successful first year as a merged service between Wokingham and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Building Control Solutions is expanding to take in two more authorities.
Wokingham and the Royal Borough merged their building control services in April last year, and are working with colleagues from Reading and West Berkshire to expand the partnership further later this year. The services are being merged to provide a more resilient and efficient service better able to compete in the commercial market.
Building Control Solutions provides a service to developers and builders to ensure their work complies with building regulations. More information: www.buildingcontrolsolutions.co.uk
Securing our long-term prosperity and popularity With significantly more housing needed in the Wokingham Borough, we are working on a blueprint to ensure the new homes are built in the right places and come with the right schools, roads and other facilities to ensure this remains a great place to work and do business. An independent assessment of the area’s housing needs published last year, known as the Strategic Housing Market Assessment, showed the Borough will have to accommodate about 850 new homes a year up to 2036. To ensure these homes are properly planned, we are updating our Local Plan, which sets out the principles of where and how the homes should be provided. The Local Plan will be produced in conjunction with a wide range of organisations as well as input from public consultation and engagement. The initial stages in the production of an updated Local Plan will be to agree the overall principles of how the houses should be provided - for example whether they should be in large scale developments or through more piecemeal smaller sites - and also to identify potential land for development. We have issued an invite to individuals or organisations to put forward potential housing sites and these will be assessed to see whether they are appropriate for development.
We are committed to working as closely as possible with residents as we update the Local Plan, and anybody who wants to be kept up-to-date and involved in its production can email: LPU@wokingham.gov.uk More information: www.wokingham.gov.uk/localplanupdate
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Spring 2016
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Online services for you Did you know you can now set up your own online account on our website, to access some Council services and make requests? We’ve initially focused on online requests for our most popular services such as waste. Via your online account you can now order a new recycling box or report a missed collection, for example. This is just the start. You will soon be able to do even more via your online account - watch this space for details of additional services and requests coming online this year. By using an online account we can keep you informed about the progress of your enquiry by email or text message, and you can track progress via your online account. Once logged in, you can also see a map of where you live which shows information about your area such as your local councillor and your waste collection days. To set up your own online account visit: https://selfservice.wokingham.gov.uk/register
Executive view
Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, Executive Member for Resident Services “By creating your own online account you can do much more at a time that’s convenient to you. You can also track the progress of your enquiry at any time of the day or night via the online account. So far we’ve made a number of self-serve processes easier for you to use. And during the coming months you will see even more online services available 24/7.”
Your Wokingham Borough News! We asked all our readers in the Winter edition of Wokingham Borough News what they liked and disliked about the magazine. And thanks to all of you who took the time to complete the survey. Over 90 per cent of those who responded to the survey read it cover to cover, with 82 per cent saying they found it interesting. And 88 per cent thought the news was up-to-date. Receiving the magazine through the letter box is still the most popular option (77 per cent); while 20 per cent would prefer to receive by email. You also gave us your ideas of what you’d like to see featured in future editions, so we will do our best to cover these over the coming year. One suggestion we received was for more information about walks in the area – so please check out page 12 and 13 for details about our health walks happening around the Borough.
We’re always looking at ways to improve the magazine. You don’t have to wait for the annual readership survey, you can let us know your comments and suggestions at any time by emailing: communications@wokingham.gov.uk Wokingham Borough News is delivered to more than 64,000 households and a number of community venues. If you would like to advertise in it, please email: communications@wokingham.gov.uk or call (0118) 974 6010.
Coming soon We will soon be launching a new microsite which will be a one-stop shop for all Council news, blogs, videos, photos, and statements. We will tell you more about it in the next edition of Wokingham Borough News. In the meantime if you would like to sign up to receive Council news by email and text message visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk/signup You can also follow us: /wokinghamboroughcouncil @WokinghamBC
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Driving forward Regeneration
Since securing planning consent for the first phase of the Carnival Pool redevelopment last August we’ve been getting ready to start on site in April. This phase will see the construction of a new 529 space multi-storey car park with part of the ground floor used as a new bowling alley. The project, which kickstarted with funding from the Thames Valley Local Enterprise Partnership’s Growing Places Fund, will ensure enough parking in the right places across the town centre to support the town's growth. Wokingham will offer a better shopping experience and improved leisure facilities such as the proposed new boutique cinema and a fantastic new play area. You may have already seen some preparatory work during the past few months, including ground surveys. We’ve also made improvements to the Wellington House car park on Elms Road. This will provide alternative temporary car parking while the new facility is built and the existing Carnival Pool car park is closed. As the new multi-storey car park is constructed to the rear of the site, alongside the railway, there will be no impact on the existing leisure centre and bowling alley which will remain open throughout. The new car park is expected to be completed in early 2017. We submitted the planning application for the Elms Field proposals back in November. It’s expected to be considered by the Planning Committee this month (March).
We’ve also been talking to you about the detailed designs for Peach Place. With you we’ve been looking at ideas for landscaping and layout of the new square. We've also had discussions on materials such as brickwork and render, and the approach to shopfront design. During the coming year you will start to hear more about phase 2 of the Carnival Pool proposals, as we look in more detail at extending the leisure centre and other uses for the site. More information: www.regenerationcompany.co.uk
Executive view Cllr Philip Mirfin, Executive Member for Regeneration and Communities “It’s a really exciting time for Wokingham as the regeneration starts to move from the drawing board to delivery. “You will start to see real changes happening in the town centre during the next few years as Wokingham realises its potential as a great place to visit and enjoy.”
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Spring 2016
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Thumbs up for Market Place improvements It’s a thumbs-up so far for plans to improve Market Place in Wokingham. We’re working with Wokingham Town Council on this project. And at two public events, officers from both councils talked through emerging ideas for Market Place, based on comments received so far, set within the context of the site’s constraints. People attending were overwhelmingly positive about the plans, and happy this area is being maintained and safeguarded as the heart of the town. They were also very supportive about proposals to include high quality natural paving stones. More than 35 people also attended a workshop to discuss materials, street furniture, and signage - for both Market Place and the new public square in Peach Place, which will be created when the latter is redeveloped in 2017. The main feedback received was the desire to ensure the public spaces are flexible, both at Market Place and Peach Place, so they can be used for a variety of events and different types of markets. There was also interest in creating public art to reflect the town itself and the key events from its history.
While Market Place and Peach Place are separate projects they will complement each other. It's envisaged common themes would flow through the town. Detailed plans for Market Place will now be drawn up and shared publicly in the next few months as we move ahead with this exciting project. In the meantime, visit our website to view the display material and feedback from the sessions. More information: www.wokingham.gov.uk/town-centre
Queen's 90th birthday: Come and join Wokingham’s Community Celebrations Remember the Jubilee in 2012 and the fantastic weekend we all enjoyed, celebrating the Queen’s 60 years on the throne? Well let’s party again and celebrate the Wokingham way. On June 12, Wokingham will join the rest of the nation to celebrate the Queen's 90th Birthday. Wokingham Town Council is opening up Broad Street from 1pm for a community street party followed by the annual International Street Concert. Throughout the day, come and enjoy… • Civic Parade: St Sebastian Brass Band will lead the Town Council to All Saints Church • An afternoon street party and concert featuring entertainers, children’s activities and local musical acts including Rock Choir and Bruce Neil with local restaurants and mobile food outlets offering a taste of the Commonwealth From 6pm the International Street concert will include music from: Pauly Zarb, Marmalade and Bob Marley Tribute act ‘The Trenchtown Experience’ Join us Bring family, friends and colleagues together for a picnic lunch and enjoy the afternoon and evening here in the town centre. Bring your chairs and share in all the fun.
More information: Cllr Gwynneth Hewetson, Chair of Arts and Culture Committee 07785 243 199 / gwynneth.hewetson@wokingham-tc.gov.uk
Keep an eye on Wokingham Town Council’s website: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk
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Taking control of parking regulations We hope to introduce civil parking enforcement (CPE) across the Borough in May 2017 and are currently working on our application to the Department for Transport (DfT) to do this. This means we will be able to legally enforce parking contraventions such as parking on double yellow lines, grass verges or pavements, double parking or parking across dropped kerbs. We will be able to tackle parking hotspots causing problems for residents and businesses, and prevent parked cars obstructing roads and pavements which will also make things safer for pedestrians and drivers. It will also help to make better use of off-street parking locations, and we can introduce better parking schemes for residents and businesses once the scheme has bedded in. Thames Valley Police currently has responsibility for parking enforcement in our Borough, but are supporting us taking it on as this will bring the Borough into line with all the other Berkshire councils. We will be running a consultation later this year linked to our DfT application, and hope you will take part. The whole application process takes 18 months, with an Act of Parliament involved.
Executive view Cllr John Kaiser, Executive Member for Planning and Highways “For the first time where and what times you can park on the road will be shown as easy to read maps on our website, and the appeals process against penalty charge notices will also be more transparent.”
They also cover automated external defibrillators to show how easy they are to use.
Previous attendees say:
Saving broken hearts What do you do if someone is choking or having a heart attack? How do you perform CPR? Any of us could find ourselves in these life or death situations at any time - and doing the right thing quickly and confidently could make the difference.
“Thoroughly enjoyed the evening, found it very beneficial and have the confidence to think I would know what to do in an emergency situation.” “Excellent course; well delivered and made interesting.” “Course was just right in terms of its length, good mix of video and trainer instruction. Very enjoyable and useful.”
Heartstart Swallowfield offers free training to give people the skills they need in a medical emergency.
The next sessions are due to be held at Victory Hall in Farley Hill on March 23 and May 25; and at the Methodist Church, Rose Street in Wokingham, on April 26 and June 28.
The evening sessions, which are led by fully qualified Heartstart instructors, last two-and-a-half hours and are a mixture of video, demonstrations and hands-on practice.
More information: • www.heartstartswallowfield.co.uk • 07768 068 270
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Quit quitting and stop You can escape its clutches. You can regain your life. There are now fewer smokers than ever across the Borough, with record numbers now ditching the nicotine. Smokefreelife Berkshire has a variety of proven support to help. Some of its clinics are drop-ins if you’re too busy to make an appointment. Others you are able to book in advance. There will be a clinic near you. They are in pharmacies, GP surgeries, local markets, fitness centres, supermarkets, libraries, community centres, dental practices and many other venues. If you have mobility problems, suffer ill health or are housebound, you can get online video chat support, or even a home visit. Quitting is all about finding what works for you! The service also offers free, weekly one-to-one or group sessions for 12-weeks, as well as a free weekly supply of nicotine replacement therapy. Woodley friends Viv Andres and Jan Parsons, both 69, stopped smoking together last autumn after visiting the mobile Smokefreelife Berkshire unit in the town’s shopping centre.
Viv said: “It really helped having each other going through it, and the support we get from our weekly visits to the mobile unit is brilliant. Everyone is really friendly.”
9 Wok .8 per resi ingha cent o den f mB the ts smo oroug Eng lowes ke - on h la t ave nd. Th rates i e of rage e nati n The mobile clinic parks in i n 18.5 Engl onal the centre of Woodley an per Shopping Precinct on cen d is t Tuesdays, from 9.30am to 3pm, and Fridays from 9.30am to 4pm.
Advisor Sirfraz Khan is on hand to encourage quitters and provide free nicotine replacement (NRT) aids such as patches, gum and mouth sprays. “The secret is to be supportive and not lecture, said Sirfraz, himself a former social smoker.
Both had smoked for years; Viv about six cigarettes a day, while Jan 30 to 40 daily.
“People do sometimes fall off the wagon but that’s OK. These things happen. We don’t judge them. They can start again. It’s all about building trust.”
Jan had managed to stop once before but sadly a family bereavement knocked her off course. That is, until the two friends joined forces.
Smokefreelife Berkshire is a service from Solutions 4 Health, commissioned by the county’s six local authorities including Wokingham Borough.
“If I can do it anyone can,” said Jan, “a cliché but very true. It’s great not smoking.”
It has so far helped more than 2,000 people stop smoking. More information: • www.smokefreelifeberkshire.com • (0800) 622 6360 • Text QUIT 66777
10 Spring 2016
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Council tax reduction scheme is changing Every council has to operate a council tax reduction scheme to help people on low incomes pay their council tax bills. Each scheme is different, and will have different rules and levels of award. Councils have to look at their schemes each year and decide if it’s still appropriate or needs to be changed in any way. As you know we face huge financial challenges. We recently asked you what you think about our scheme. Taking both into account, we’ve decided to amend our scheme. From April 1, the following changes apply: • Everyone on the scheme will pay at least 10 per cent of their council tax bill
a higher council tax band you will only be able to get help up to the cost of a Band D property
•
If you have other adults living in your property that aren't your partner, you may receive a lower award in the amount of council tax reduction you get
You will see these changes in the council tax bills issued this month (March) and will apply from April 1. More information: • (0118) 974 6000 • benefits@wokingham.gov.uk
• Council tax reduction will only be paid to the level of a Band D property. So if your property is in
New sexual health website coming soon A Berkshire-wide sexual health website will be launched in April. Available will be a range of information on sexual health issues, where to find services, opening times and where to go if you need further help. We’ve been working with partners in other local authorities, as well as providers, to develop the content to ensure it’s informative and easy to find out about the wide range of free and confidential services available to you locally. As well as information you will be able to order home testing kits for HIV and Chlamydia. More information safesexberkshire.nhs.uk
How well do you know the Borough? Take this short quiz to see how well you know Wokingham Borough. 1. What is the population of the Wokingham Borough? 2. What is the local life expectancy at birth for males and females? 3. What is current rate of smoking in the Borough? 4. What is the estimated rate of any mental health disorder in children 5 to 16 for the Wokingham Borough? 5. How many live births in the Borough per 1,000 females aged 15 to 44 years were there in 2014? 6. What is the local rate of Diabetes? 7. How many residents over the age of 65 years were predicted to have had a fall in 2015? 8. How many car miles in millions were travelled in the Wokingham Borough in 2014? All this data and much more can be found in our online Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA). Our JSNA is a collection of data and information and aims to tell the one true story about Wokingham Borough. Anyone can access this by visiting: http://jsna.wokingham.gov.uk How well did you do in the quiz? The answers are on page 25.
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Celebrating our diversity For more than ten years the Wokingham BME Forum has been celebrating diversity successfully within the Borough and providing a voice for the 24,000 residents with a black or minority ethnic heritage. The Forum meetings are open to everyone, and are an opportunity to provide information and discuss issues about our services and how we support our BME residents. In the past the Forum has received regular updates on issues such as educational attainment, health services and the
ongoing housing developments. It has also been a place to discuss sensitive issues within the community such as racial abuse, radicalisation and the threat from terrorism. A Healthy Lifestyles Project has tackled the higher prevalence of circulatory diseases, such as coronary heart disease (angina and heart attack) and stroke, within the BME community which can be prevented by simple changes in lifestyle such as physical activity and a healthier diet. This project has proved a big hit with residents, attracting a strong mix of male and female participants of all ages. Each year the Forum celebrates Black History Month with a range of events and activities. There are displays in the council offices highlighting a particular element of history or achievement within the BME community, such as historians and authors, and the contribution of soldiers from different ethnic heritages to the First World War. The month always closes with the hugely popular taster and performance evening which showcases different artistic performances and foods. If you are interested in knowing more about the work of the BME Forum, or if you would like to become more involved with its activities, please get in touch. More information: • Ashwani Gupta (0118) 974 6790 • ashwani.gupta@wokingham.gov.uk
Surjit Singh Jutla, Chairman of Wokingham BME Forum
Libraries foster learning for all Our libraries are a haven for book lovers and wonderful spaces for relaxation and leisure; but they are also places that foster learning and development for people of all ages. From courses, events and activities to ensure children of all abilities learn and love to read, through to talks and events aimed at older people, our libraries prove age is no barrier to learning. Among the schemes to help support strong younger readers is the popular Summer Reading Challenge. It encourages children to read a set number of books, to help reduce the decline in their reading skills during the long holiday. Other more targeted schemes include the Literacy for Everyone project which helps children who may find reading a little more difficult. A free book is given to every child up to three-years-old as a part of the Bookstart scheme, which encourages families to continue reading with their children by joining the library. They can also take part in Rhymetimes and Storytimes to encourage a lifelong love of words and stories. Our libraries are also perfect venues for adults to continue their learning - either for leisure or to help gain employment and life skills.
Several community learning courses are run at the Borough’s libraries directly by us and Bracknell and Wokingham College. These cover areas such as skills to help find employment, and basic maths and English for parents to help them support their children’s education.
The re com 's still ti draft ment o me to n L ww w.w ibrary our O o uk/c kingha ffer ons ulta m.gov. tion
The Library Service runs a popular loan service for books for groups that meet in libraries and in the community. Book groups and reading aloud groups meet regularly in a number of branches, helping to enhance enjoyment of literature and also to combat social isolation. More informal opportunities for learning are provided through talks on subjects such as art history and through partnership with groups such as the local family history society. More information: • www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries • Pop into your nearest library and ask for details
12 Spring 2016
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Take a walk, get to know the Wokingham Borough better (and enjoy the benefits!) We've developed a series of health walks to encourage you to walk with others. There are 16 walks each week (some are highlighted opposite), led by trained volunteers. The walks are of varying lengths and speeds, and will introduce you to some areas around the Borough. Any walking is better than none, however building up to a brisk walk is the goal. By walking briskly your heart beats a little faster than normal, your breathing is deeper and you will experience a warm glowing feeling. You are encouraged to walk at your own pace so you can slowly build up your strength. If you haven’t exercised in a while try the short strolls on Tuesdays or Wednesdays as a starter. You can try any of the walks. Just turn up on the day about 10 minutes before the start time. You will recognise the leaders by their bright red shirts. All of the walks have been graded and every route has a walk leader, and a back marker to keep everyone safe, and on track. If you have not exercised recently or are recovering from an illness, please see your health professional or GP beforehand. It may be advisable to start with the stroll, if returning to exercise/activity. Length
Difficulty
Stroll
1 mile
Flat, no hills or stiles
Easy
2 to 3.5 miles
Mostly flat
Medium
2 to 3.5 miles
May involve small hills
Hard
3 to 4 miles
May involve hills, stiles/steps
More information: • www.wokingham.gov.uk/sports • Healthwalks@wokingham.gov.uk • (0118) 974 3729
Executive view Cllr Julian McGhee-Sumner, Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing “Walking is an easy option for most of us, with minimal cost, and can be very enjoyable. It can also help to reduce blood pressure, risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease and other conditions and is a great way of enjoying other people’s company whilst walking and talking.”
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Spring 2016
Day
Time
Grade
Meet
Walk
Monday
10am
Medium
Redlands Farm Car Park, Wokingham, RG41 4DX
2.7 miles (50 to 60 minutes) Walk around Sand Martin's Golf Course
Monday
6.30pm
Medium
Maiden Centre Car Park, Lower Earley, RG6 3HE
3 miles (50 to 65 minutes) Around paths of Lower Earley
Tuesday
10am
Easy
Dinton Pastures, Hurst, RG10 0TH
2.8 miles (45 to 60 minutes) Walk around Dinton Pastures lakes
Tuesday
10am
Medium
Cantley Park, Wokingham, RG40 5TU
2.3 miles (45 to 60 Minutes) Through fields and woods
Wednesday
10am
Hard
Royal County of Berkshire Sports and 3.5 miles (55 to 65 minutes) Social Club, Sonning, RG4 6ST Thames Tow Path towards Reading
Wednesday
10am
Stroll
California Country Park, Finchampstead, RG40 4HT
1 mile (30 minutes) Shorter walk around the lake
Thursday
10am
Easy
CResCent Community Centre, Lower Earley, RG6 4HB
2.8 miles (45 to 65 minutes) Through Laurel Park and round Maiden Erlegh Lake
Thursday
10am
Hard
Henry Street Garden Centre, Arborfield, RG2 9JY
3.6 miles (55 to 70 minutes) Beautiful walk, stunning views
Friday
10am
Medium
Comet Way, Woodley, RG5 4LY
2.1 miles (45 to 60 minutes) Lanes and Ashenbury Park
Friday
10am
Hard
Car Park, School Lane, Wargrave, RG10 8JS
2.7 miles (45 to 55 minutes) Various routes around the countryside
Saturday
10am
Medium
Tesco Car Park, Wokingham, RG40 2NS
3.8 miles (60 to 75 minutes) Discover Wokingham’s countryside
Sunday
10am
Easy
Dinton Pastures, Hurst, RG10 0TH
2.8 miles (50 to 70 minutes) Around the country park lakes
Tips for the walks ü
Bring a bottle of water to keep hydrated
ü
In summer it's advisable to use sunscreen and wear a hat
ü
Please wear sturdy boots or shoes that are comfortable for walking. Some paths may be muddy or rough
ü
It's best to wear lots of thin layers so that you can remove them if you get warmer
ü
If you have any medical conditions please check with your doctor before walking
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Spotlight on… Charvil Regular health walker Diana Bentley gives us her take on the weekly walk in Charvil. “Charvil Country Park health walk is, in my opinion, one of the most attractive walks on the programme. Every Monday at 10am we start at the car park on Park Lane, Charvil. “The walk, approximately three miles, is flat and meanders through meadows, lakes and alongside the River Loddon. During late summer, we have seen water lilies on the lake, numerous water fowl and wild flowers. The paths have been greatly improved and generally the paths are wide enough for two people to walk side by side and chat - if they have enough energy to walk and chat. “The sight and sounds of the goods train slowly grinding along the tracks and small planes passing overhead remind us that we are never too far from civilisation and the hustle and bustle of daily life.”
14 Spring 2016
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Mayor’s View “I am more than halfway through my term as Borough Mayor, and I now understand why previous Mayors have used words like ‘privilege’ and ‘honour’ when describing the role. “I was elected as Mayor in May to serve as Chairman of the Council and also as the first citizen of the Borough. It has been a whirlwind ten months having attended more than 150 engagements. “Being the first citizen means welcoming royalty and dignitaries, including HRH The Duke of York who came to unveil the new War Memorial at Woodley. “However, I have been most touched by the people of our Borough. I have seen how hard our local businesses work, and how committed our voluntary sector is to ensure we have an enjoyable and fulfilling life. “I have visited care homes, and schools and, been welcomed into places of worship of all
SPLASH into swimming this Easter From this Easter, children and young people can buy a year-long pass to swim at any of our 1Life centres during the school holidays, for just £25. Also on offer at Carnival Pool, Loddon Valley Leisure Centre and Bulmershe Leisure Centre is a weekly pass for youngsters for just £5. This allows them unlimited swimming at public sessions relevant to their age group throughout the Easter holidays. Those children eligible for free school meals will still be able to enjoy free swimming at any of our pools operated by 1Life. Visit our website for more information.
faiths. I have experienced all ‘the arts’ our Borough has to offer from singing to orchestral concerts, to acting and art exhibitions. “I have welcomed new citizens and handed out awards to exceptional residents, including a WWII Veteran receiving his Legion d’honneur on his 101st birthday. “It’s been a wonderful time. My personal privilege and honour comes from experiencing first-hand the diverse and generous nature of our community and from being asked to represent all our residents as the first Sikh Mayor of the Wokingham Borough. I am greatly looking forward to the months ahead.“ Cllr Parry Batth Borough Mayor More information: • mayor@wokingham.gov.uk • (0118) 974 6004
Flood Action Groups If your community suffers from flooding, or at risk of flooding, forming a community-based group to work on behalf of local residents is an effective way to minimise the impact of flooding. Flood Action Groups are composed of local residents, and are a representative voice for their community on flood-related issues, working with local authorities and agencies to find ways to help reduce flood risk. They have already proved very effective in communities across the Borough. They can do things like: • Address concerns over a number of issues, for example highways infrastructure they feel is not working properly • Be aware of what’s happening with routine maintenance to help reduce flooding • Be involved in discussions on future flood risks in their community • Recruit Flood Wardens • Create wider awareness of the parish flood risk
And don’t forget anyone who attends 1Life’s swim school can also swim for free.
• Help reduce the impact on the community should flooding happen
More information: • www.wokingham.gov.uk/swimming • Carnival Pool (0118) 977 0007 • Bulmershe Leisure Centre (0118) 926 8733 • Loddon Valley Leisure Centre (0118) 931 2066
If you are interested in setting up or being part of a Flood Action Group in your parish, please email: flooding@wokingham.gov.uk.
• Report into the Council's Emergency Operations Centre when flooding happens
Information on 2016/2017 Council Tax
Message from the Council Leader “2016/17 and beyond is going to bring many challenges, and even tougher decisions. “We’ve seen a devastating 50 per cent cut in the Council’s main grant compared to the 27 per cent average for unitary authorities; a sum of approximately £6.3million. This continues our status as the lowest funded unitary authority in the country. “Funding from central government has always been biased towards deprivation. As a consequence an area like ours, with low levels of deprivation, received little in terms of government grant. As a result, the services we provide are almost exclusively funded by our council tax payers (80 per cent). “We’d been planning for a bad settlement, but in fact it ended up being much worse than predicted. Central government changed the way it does its calculations and now includes council tax income when arriving at the grant cut calculation. “We’re certainly didn’t take it lying down. Since December 2015 when government announced its proposals, we’ve been fighting for a fairer settlement for our residents. With the support of local MPs we made several representations to Ministers. As Leader of the Council I met with the Minister and John Redwood MP met with the Secretary of State. “In February 2015 central government announced these proposals would go ahead as planned. However Ministers listened to our concerns and agreed a transitional grant of £2.1million for 2016/17 and again in 2017/18. “Whilst this transitional grant is welcome it is only available as one-off payments for the two years. Services have to be paid for every single year and the difficulty comes when that money is no longer available and the savings have to be made as originally planned. The savings we need to make by 2019/20 are exactly the same whether we had the transitional grant or not and we lose £20million and move into a negative grant of £7million. By then the government ongoing grant will have been cut by 74 per cent, and residents will be paying 91 per cent of the costs of running services. The impact of inflation, and demographic changes like increased demand for adult social care, will make our challenge even more difficult. “The new settlement hits you three times over. Firstly you have to pay the largest contribution through council tax towards local
services because of past poor settlements; then your significant contribution is used to calculate the grant reduction. Lastly, government also presumes we will agree to the highest possible council tax rise for the next four years (2 per cent council tax, 2 per cent adult social care precept) when calculating future cuts in grants. If we don’t, the level of cuts will remain the same, and our financial challenge will be unmanageable as we have to make savings equivalent to the difference - all brought about by severe reductions on an already meagre grant allocation. We don’t wish to raise council tax levels but our hand is forced. “We’re being penalised for being efficient, self-sufficient and embracing a responsible approach to housing demand; because although currently we can plough this money back into services and regeneration, by 2018/19 it will be cut by at least a third and national consultation is already underway to consider its future. “Changes will need to be made. We will continue to look at every aspect of the work we do. We will have to look at generating more income and moving some non-statutory services towards paying for themselves. We will also have to look at more joint working with our neighbours. “For the first time last year we carried budget engagement sessions across the Borough and residents were invited to comment on some of the options being considered to save money or increase revenue. I’d like to thank everyone who took part, as lots of useful information was gathered. We hope to carry out a similar exercise later this year. “We will make it work, despite the difficulties, and continue to provide high-quality services at the lowest possible cost. “I hope this four page pull-out helps to explain more about our budget for the coming year.”
Cllr Keith Baker Leader of Wokingham Borough 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 2016/17 - £113MILLION
DIVISION OF SERVICES Children’s social care
4%
Adult social services (Health & Wellbeing)
1% 12%
19%
22%
2%
Statutory services e.g. adult social care, children’s services, waste collection and disposal, and highways
Cleaner & greener services (inc waste)
6%
Non-statutory services e.g. leisure, parks and open spaces, and bus subsidies
Housing
Highways and transport Libraries & community development
14% 0%
39%
81%
Other frontline services Corporate and democratic core Debt charges & investment income
www.wokingham.gov.uk Information on 2016/2017 Council Tax
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
2015/16 £1,246.21 ££54.63 £163.70 £60.66
2016/17 £1,270.39 £24.92 £56.57 £166.96 £61.27
Percentage Change 1.94% 2% 3.55% 1.99% 1%
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).
£1,525.20
£1,580.11
3.60%
COST OF SERVICES PROVIDED 2015/16
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
2016/17
Staffing Costs £000
Other Costs £000
Service Income Net (e.g. Fees + charges, Expenditure grants) £000 £000
87,467 11,975 3,577
16,286 14,341 54,601
(103,753) (2,439) (15,327)
0 23,877 42,851
83,441 12,546 4,123
13,157 14,490 59,449
(96,598) (2,135) (20,036)
0 24,901 43,536
268 1,156
24,512 17,189
(24,824) (2,778)
(44) 15,567
278 1,234
24,853 17,017
(24,838) (3,033)
293 15,218
1,634 1,458 7,477
8,747 345 8,952
(3,260) (282) (3,368)
7,121 1,521 13,061
1,734 1,491 7,923
8,600 896 10,186
(3,260) (252) (4,174)
7,074 2,135 13,935
3,370
0
0
3,370
1,291
0
0
1,291
0
5,132
(342)
4,790
0
4,917
(401)
4,516
Total expenditure on services
Staffing Costs £000
Other Costs £000
112,114
Service Income Net (e.g. Fees + charges, Expenditure grants) £000 £000
112,899
Transfer to/(from) balances Total budget
418
119
112,531
113,018
HOW THESE SERVICES ARE FUNDED: Government support Transitional grant New Homes Bonus Collection fund surplus
27,587 0 3,426 318
20,552 2,110 4,764 100
Council tax for Borough Council
81,200
85,492
112,531
113,018
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 2016/2017 Council Tax
Council tax levels and parish precepts continued Full Council Tax Town / Parish Precepts 2016/17 2015/16 2016/17 £ £ 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
87,866 86,280 42,342 38,342 39,655 39,451 778,784 747,387 123,848 122,410 22,250 21,420 10,266 9,766 25,035 22,500 316,950 277,919 34,700 34,400 18,540 19,108 58,598 67,798 161,465 154,937 107,801 107,801 710,990 665,195 145,415 143,925 1,039,607 1,010,532 3,559,403 3,773,880
1,062.18 1,239.20 1,416.24 1,593.27 1,035.28 1,207.83 1,380.38 1,552.93 1,034.58 1,207.00 1,379.44 1,551.87 1,060.05 1,236.72 1,413.41 1,590.08 1,030.26 1,201.97 1,373.69 1,545.40 1,062.41 1,239.48 1,416.55 1,593.62 1,029.44 1,201.01 1,372.59 1,544.16 1,031.68 1,203.62 1,375.58 1,547.52 1,059.89 1,236.54 1,413.19 1,589.84 1,044.36 1,218.41 1,392.48 1,566.54 1,028.49 1,199.90 1,371.33 1,542.74 1,030.95 1,202.77 1,374.61 1,546.43 1,067.32 1,245.20 1,423.10 1,600.98 1,034.60 1,207.03 1,379.47 1,551.90 1,048.85 1,223.66 1,398.47 1,573.28 1,046.89 1,221.37 1,395.86 1,570.34 1,086.12 1,267.14 1,448.17 1,629.19
1,947.33 1,898.02 1,896.73 1,943.43 1,888.82 1,947.75 1,887.30 1,891.41 1,943.13 1,914.66 1,885.57 1,890.08 1,956.75 1,896.76 1,922.89 1,919.30 1,991.23
2,301.38 2,243.11 2,241.58 2,296.77 2,232.24 2,301.89 2,230.44 2,235.30 2,296.43 2,262.77 2,228.39 2,233.72 2,312.52 2,241.62 2,272.51 2,268.26 2,353.27
Band G 2,655.45 2,588.21 2,586.45 2,650.13 2,575.66 2,656.03 2,573.60 2,579.20 2,649.73 2,610.90 2,571.23 2,577.38 2,668.30 2,586.50 2,622.13 2,617.23 2,715.31
Band H 3,186.54 3,105.86 3,103.74 3,180.16 3,090.80 3,187.24 3,088.32 3,095.04 3,179.68 3,133.08 3,085.48 3,092.86 3,201.96 3,103.80 3,146.56 3,140.68 3,258.38
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 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. 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. For details of all council tax discounts, exemptions and reductions for disabled residents visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk/council-tax
COUNCIL TAX REDUCTION Information is available at: www.wokingham.gov.uk/council-taxreduction 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 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 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.
APPEALS ABOUT THE COUNCIL TAX YOU PAY Information is available at: www.wokingham.gov.uk/council-tax if you wish to appeal that you are not liable to pay 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/council-tax-non-payment
COUNCIL TAX AND BENEFITS ENQUIRIES 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: • 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
ADULT SOCIAL CARE 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 a “precept” of up to 2% on its council tax for 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” in relation to each financial year up to and including the financial year 2019/20. In relation to the financial year beginning in 2016 the Secretary of State has determined (and the House of Commons has approved) a referendum principle of 4% (comprising 2% for expenditure on adult social care and 2% for other expenditure), for adult social care authorities. These authorities may therefore set council tax up to this percentage in 2016 without holding a referendum.
www.wokingham.gov.uk Information on 2016/2017 Council Tax
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
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 2016/2017 Council Tax
www.twitter.com/WokinghamBC Wokingham Advert 2.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2015
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Spring 2016
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Come Join In The Fun!
Come and experience Stagecoach! Give your child the chance to sing, dance, act and make new friends.
Wokingham & Reading East
01183 712998
www.stagecoach.co.uk/wokingham
www.stagecoach.co.uk/readingeast At Stagecoach Wokingham & Reading East, we believe in the potential of every child. We provide quality part-time training in the performing arts for children aged 4-18yrs. Our aim is to nurture and develop young potential through singing, acting and dance classes in Wokingham and Reading, stretching young imaginations and building confidence. Brand new Further Stages class from September 2015 for advanced students and those looking to progress onto full time Performing Arts training.
Age 6-18 Fun, confidence-building, educational classes in acting, singing and dance.
QUALITY TRAINING
ESTABLISHED 1988
600 SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE
READING BLUE COAT SCHOOL
An independent day school for boys, with a co-educational Sixth Form
Call us for an informal chat with our Admissions team Sonning Lane, Sonning, Berks RG4 6SU • www.rbcs.org.uk • 0118 944 1005
20 Spring 2016
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Outstanding Bridges spans years It’s another ‘outstanding’ rating from government inspectors for Bridges Resource Centre - a children’s short break unit in Woodley. The experiences of the children and young people living and visiting Bridges are outstanding, says Ofsted, as well as how staff protect them and the impact of the management team. 'This children's home provides highly effective services that consistently exceeds the standards of good,' says the report. 'The actions of the home contribute to significantly improved outcomes for children and young people who need help, protection and care.' The centre, in Colemansmoor Road, is consistantly ranked above the national average, and caters for disabled children and young people aged 8 to 18. And, it has been running for nearly 15 years. Services are flexible and include tea visits, overnight and
weekend stays, as well as short breaks to enrich the lives of children with special needs and support them and their families. Its facilities - which also include multi-sensory games, an art room and soft play cabin - provide a safe, fun and stimulating environment where children are encouraged to develop daily living skills. The centre is run by us and also supported by Friends of Bridges, which has charitable status. Ofsted has made no recommendations for improvement.
Phoenix Avenue takes shape Behind all that fencing at Phoenix Avenue in Wokingham, you can now see the footprints of the 68 new homes being laid out. The utilities, like gas and electricity, are being installed at the same time as the foundations and bases of the new buildings. The first part of our £12million project is due to be ready for its new residents early next year. The site overall will boast a range of one bedroom apartments to four bed houses, each with their own amenity space or private garden. The scheme is being developed on our behalf by our housing company, Wokingham Housing Ltd, with Hill Partnership as the contractor.
Fosters due to start on site Wokingham Housing Ltd is in the final stages of the tender process to choose the contractor to build this new Woodley extra-care scheme. Once appointed, the new contractor will start on the Fosters Lane site in the spring. Designed for older people, including dementia sufferers, the new facility will replace the former care home, which was demolished in 2013 because the building and its facilities no longer met the needs of our older Borough residents in the 21st century.
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Spring 2016
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22 Spring 2016
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SHINE on Two thousand people across the Borough have already discovered the secret to staying younger as their age increases, by enjoying the health benefits of SHINE. SHINE is a specialised exercise programme offering fun and varied sports and physical activities for those aged 60 and over. Since launching nearly a decade ago it and its members have gone from strength-to-strength, with now more than 60 daytime classes held every week. But from this April SHINE is changing, so that it can keep up with its members, and includes new membership classifications and the introduction of a cashless system to pay for classes. Please see our website for more information.
What’s stopping you? “I don’t have the time.”
Make physical activity part of your daily routine - even if it’s just a few minutes. Some activity is better than none.
“I’m too old.”
You’re never too old to feel the benefit of exercise. You are likely to feel the benefits sooner than expected.
“I’m too tired.”
It will give you more energy, not decrease it. It will also help you sleep better.
What activities can you do? Gym, swimming, line dancing, Nordic walking, archery, Tai Chi, stretch and relax, standing or seated exercise, walking football, Zumba (and seated), Pilates, Aquacise, short mat bowls, and Latino dance. All activities take place at a range of locations across the Borough.
“My health isn’t good enough.”
“To keep fit, people should do at least two and-a-half hours of moderate intensity aerobic activities, plus muscle strengthening exercises, twice a week,” said Zumba instructor Sonia Cable.
What to wear? Loose and comfortable clothing is always best, and in colder weather opt for layers. Good fitting flat-soled shoes are the safest option for any session.
“Moderate intensity is when you’re working hard enough to raise your heart rate and break into a sweat. You’re able to talk for example, but you’d find it hard to sing the words to a song.
More information: • www.wokingham.gov.uk/shine • shine@wokingham.gov.uk • (0118) 974 3728
“Two and a-half-hours a week may seem like a big chunk to dedicate to keeping fit, but remember many of your daily activities can also count towards it such as Hoovering, walking up and down stairs, or taking the dog out. So SHINE can be an important part of all this.” How does it help your health? • Maintains your brain function • Reduces risk of heart disease • Improves your mood and self-esteem • Reduces the risk of falls • Weight loss and maintenance • Makes you stronger and more mobile • Helps to reduce high blood pressure • Manages or prevents diabetes • Meet new people and make new friends
Regular physical activity can help with most health conditions. Always check with your GP before starting any new SHINE session.
Executive view Cllr Angus Ross, Executive Member for Environment “SHINE is all about getting fit and meeting new people. The SHINE team is continually working to expand and improve the service and to provide lots of different types of physical activities that suit you. “I hope anyone aged over 60 who hasn’t yet joined a SHINE activity will be inspired to get involved! Those who enjoy SHINE already should also try to bring some friends as well; it’s a fitness but also a social event for those who come.”
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Spring 2016
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New School at Arborfield Garrison takes shape Work is progressing well on the new £32.5million secondary school at Arborfield Garrison despite the wet winter months. The initial ground works have been completed and a new drainage system, along with the foundations for the new building, have been installed. So far, around 15,000 tonnes of soil has been removed from the site along with more than 200,000 litres of rain water! Construction of the steel frame of the school is also now completed with more than 500 tonnes of steel used. A time-lapse video of construction is available on our Facebook page where you can see the work to date.
New grass cutting service Our new grass cutting service will help keep the Borough’s parks and open spaces looking good this summer. Earlier this year, we awarded our grounds maintenance service to ISS Facility Services under a contract designed to ensure a flexible service that will target grass cutting at areas of most importance to residents. It will maintain the grassland and wildflower meadows that have proved popular at Cantley Park (Wokingham), Ashenbury Park (Woodley) and at the Woosehill Spine Road. The contract includes a new performance management scheme focussing on customer satisfaction and the quality of the service provided. It also has a strong focus on enhancing biodiversity by providing areas of longer grass and wildflowers in which pollinators and other wildlife can flourish. To ensure public involvement in the service, the contract was designed with input from a public consultation held in 2014, during which you told us that you would welcome a more flexible grass cutting service targeting priority areas at priority times. Unlike previous grass cutting regimes in the Borough, the new service will not rely on a set schedule but will instead be based on cutting grass when and where necessary.
The new school will be run by Bohunt Education Trust and will initially cater for 180 Year 7 pupils. It will open in well-established legacy buildings on the garrison site before moving into its new buildings in 2017. More information: • www.Bohuntwokingham.com • www.wokingham.gov.uk/Arborfield-school
Budget choices You will have read earlier in this magazine about how we’re facing more and more difficult budget choices. And we moved last year to involve you more directly in decision-making. We held five budget engagement sessions across the Borough (in Wokingham, Lower Earley, Woodley, Charvil and Finchampstead) where you were invited to comment on some of the options being considered to save money or increase revenue. A summary of the findings have been considered by senior managers and councillors and is available online. At the sessions, residents heard a presentation setting out the financial issues we’re facing. You also had the chance to view potential options for change and discuss these with Council representatives. This was the first time we have carried out budget engagement in this way. Although the numbers attending the sessions were not all as high as we would have liked, some useful information was gathered. We hope to carry out a similar exercise later this year. More information: www.wokingham.gov.uk/budget-conversation
Executive view Cllr Anthony Pollock, Executive Member for Economic Development and Finance “Some interesting views came out of the budget engagement sessions; some of which we are now implementing. Setting the budget this year has been extremely difficult. “We will run these engagement sessions again this year and your views will be more important than ever as our financial challenges are not going away.”
24 Spring 2016
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Rem up f ember or o you u c a road lerts a r text a an sign n b w de o ut or Visi t: w ks acro traffic mail sign ww.wo ss the B and king up. or ww You ca ham.g ough. w.ro o n adw also vi v.uk/ sit: orks .org
Beat the traffic keep ahead Winnersh Relief Road
As with the southbound side we worked on two years ago, we will set up a contraflow so two lanes of traffic can move at all times. This will direct vehicles onto the opposite side of the carriageway not being worked on.
It is the start of the new Winnersh Relief Road which when finished in 2018 will run from the B3270 to the A329 Reading Road, and help take the pressure from Winnersh crossroads.
The four slip roads feeding the Suttons roundabout - on the A4 London Road below - will remain open. We will be replacing the flyover’s old and noisy joints, improving drainage and putting a low noise surface on the road.
If you use Lower Earley Way (B3270) you may have noticed a section of land next to it being cleared - between Mill Lane and Showcase Cinema roundabout.
The spot next to the B3270 now being worked on will initially be the access point to build the road. This phase of the project will run between the B3270 and B3030 King Street Lane. It is being built by Bovis Homes and Persimmon as part of a new housing development on the former Hatch Farm Dairies site. The road is due to be finished next year. We also plan to widen the B3270 between the Showcase Cinema roundabout and the new Winnersh Relief Road junction, and build the second phase of the project linking B3030 King Street Lane to A329 Reading Road.
Loddon Viaduct
Like Sutton Seeds above, this project was split into two and done during school holidays when roads are quieter. This summer will see us complete the A3290/A329(M) Loddon Viaduct work we started in 2014. The westbound carriageway towards Reading is our focus, and again there will be a contraflow so two lanes of traffic can move at all times.
The Easter school holidays will see us doing the final phase of maintenance and improvements to the A3290 Suttons Flyover.
Exact details of this and our traffic plans will be publicised nearer the time. We will be replacing the viaduct’s old and noisy joints, improving drainage and putting a low noise surface on the road. We are also installing improved new safety barriers.
This year we will be focusing on the section taking traffic away from Thames Valley Park (northern side).
More information: www.wokingham.gov.uk/roadworks
Sutton Seeds
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How well do you know the Borough? Here are the answers to the quiz on page 10... 1. 158,000 (based on the most recent data available) 2. For males it's 81.7 years and females it's 84.7 years (England average is 79.41 and 83.12) 3. Currently 9.8 per cent of people aged 18 and over smoke. This is the lowest of all upper tier local authorities in the country
Acclaims Building Services
4. 7.3 per cent of children aged 5 to 16 are estimated to have a mental health disorder (2014) 5. There were 62.3 live births per 1,000 females in 2014
At ABS we deal with all aspects of building maintenance above ground, specialising in plumbing and heating. Gas Safe registered, free quotes.
6. 5 per cent of the population aged 17 years and over are living with Diabetes 7. 7,163 people over the age of 65 years are predicted to have had a fall in 2015
8. 833 million car miles were travelled in Wokingham Borough in 2014
01344 40 90 92
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Outstanding Inspection results…
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ACROSS THE BOARD ISI 2015
EATON GRANGE Accepting Admissions for Y7, 8 & 9 for September 2016
Confidence and Success from 3 to 16... Book a tour with the Headteacher and discover for yourself the Holme Grange Way. ‘The School successfully fulfils its ambitious aims.’
(ISI report January 2015)
Heathlands Road, Wokingham, RG40 3AL 0118 978 1566 school@holmegrange.org www.holmegrange.org
26 Spring 2016
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Twyford high street is one of the best! 2015
Support your high street through Congratulations to Twyford, named third best thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk high street in the village category of the annual Great British High Street Competition, last year (November).
It was narrowly beaten by Brigg in North Lincolnshire and West Kilbride in Scotland. The competition champions and celebrates community groups and organisations working hard to revive, adapt and diversify high streets in towns, villages and cities across the land.
Improvements at Woodley Library
Make May purple Make May Purple is the Stroke Association’s annual stroke awareness month. Every May, friends, families and communities show their support for their loved ones who have been affected by a stroke and help to raise awareness and essential funds for the Stroke Association. Whatever you choose to do, whether it’s holding a bake sale, signing up to an event or getting sponsored to dye your hair, there are many easy ways for everyone to get involved. Sign up today for an action pack including a Make May Purple magazine full of great recipes, stories and fun ideas to share with your family, friends and colleagues. The Stroke Association has so far supported more than 1,000 Borough residents and their families and carers since October, 2009. You can get your blood pressure checked at our Shute End offices on May 25.
Step into the new enclosed courtyard garden at Woodley Library, created as part of a range of improvements. The new accessible courtyard has a new patio and water feature. When summer comes it will be used for events, as well as be a quiet haven for library customers to enjoy while reading a book. Other improvements carried out at the library include energy efficient lighting and a meeting room available for hire to community groups and local businesses.
More information: • 0303 3033 100 • www.stroke.org.uk
Comes to Dinton this July . . . In case you missed it in the last edition, the family-friendly music festival, Marvellous, takes place at Dinton Pastures this summer over the weekend of July 23 and 24. Located on the former Hurst Golf Course site, the festival will feature a variety of world-class tribute artists performing the music of Queen, T-Rex, Adele, AC/DC, Rod Stewart, Bruno Mars, Johnny Cash and more. Check the festival website for full line up. As well as day tickets, weekend camping and glamping facilities are available, along with a funfair, big kids’ village, food and drink stalls, and a stunning World War II Spitfire flypast!
Our congratulations go to Janette Rawlings from Earley who has won a pair of tickets to the festival. Enjoy!
Tickets are on sale now! www.marvellousfestivals.com Box office: (0118) 977 4350
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It CAN be you… May 5 is a busy day for democracy this year with elections for our Borough Council and parish councils, as well as a Police and Crime Commissioner. The Borough Council elections take place in the following wards: Bulmershe & Whitegates, Charvil, Emmbrook, Evendons, Finchampstead North, Finchampstead South, Hawkedon, Hillside, Hurst, Loddon, Maiden Erlegh, Norreys, Remenham, Wargrave & Ruscombe, Shinfield South, Twyford, Wescott, Winnersh, and Wokingham Without.
To find out what is involved in being a councillor visit: www.beacouncillor.co.uk. To stand for election you must submit a set of nomination papers. Download them from www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/ candidate-or-agent/local-elections-england-and-wales or collect them from our Shute End offices from March 18. Our Electoral Services can receive completed nomination papers between March 31 and 4pm on April 7. Sally Gurney (pictured) attended one of our information evenings last year and is now an independent Wokingham Town Council councillor for Evendons East. “I never thought a normal person like me could be a councillor. I never used to be political, and still am not, but I’ve always believed in proportional representation and transparency in decisions.” Sally says our briefing session was really helpful outlining what’s involved in the election process, offering advice, and also helping to fill in and check nomination forms. She says she is also thankful for the support she received from the Wokingham Independent Network.
“Being elected was amazing. I was elated, shocked and shaking. I love representing my ward and its people.
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“Don’t hold back. If you’re prepared to stand up for the town or your ward, then do it. You bring your life skills and interests to the role. It’s absolutely brilliant.” More information: • (0118) 974 6674 • julie.kent@wokingham.gov.uk • www.wokingham.gov.uk/become-a-councillor
Don’t miss out… With local elections taking place on May 5, and the EU referendum on June 23, now is the time to make sure you are registered to vote. If you have moved home recently, check you are registered at your new address; paying council tax does not mean you are. Registering to vote is quick and easy. Simply go to: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote and input your National Insurance number, date of birth and previous address. If you don’t have access to the internet, or would like more information, call our Electoral Services Helpline on: (0118) 974 6522/ 6523.
28 Spring 2016
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Steady improvements made in Children’s Services Our Children’s Services has made steady improvements to the quality of social care during the past two years says Ofsted. Improvements include ‘well-coordinated services that provide targeted and specialist help at an early stage to families, reduced caseloads, early signs the workforce is stabilising and good adoption services’.
Our adoption and post-adoption services received strong praise. When children need to be adopted this happens quickly. Children and their adopted parents are well supported and as a Council we are proud of this.
During a four-week long inspection, Ofsted found that when children are at risk of harm social workers recognise it and take appropriate action quickly to protect them.
Previously we relied on agency workers and found it hard to recruit and retain staff. However, a robust workforce strategy has tackled this and our current turnover rate is 14% for social workers - one of the lowest in the country. The report notes say our staff are ‘committed and positive about working for Wokingham’.
Ofsted inspectors noted Children’s Services leadership and governance is robust and effective and demonstrates many good elements. It also highlighted the vast majority of cases children and young people in need of help and protection receive an effective and prompt response. Families, children and young people are also able to get the early support they need when facing difficult problems. This helps them to make positive changes to improve their lives.
Concerned for a child? Do something If you have concerns about a child or young person not being properly cared for or you’re worried they may be physically, emotionally or sexually abused, or neglected, get in touch confidentially with our Early Help Hub. Children and their parents may need urgent help. If you don’t feel comfortable telling us, or you are not sure if you’re right, you can also speak to a police officer, teacher, health visitor, doctor or the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000. The most important thing is to tell someone who can help. If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 999. More information • (0118) 908 8002 • triage@wokingham.gcsx.gov.uk • www.wokingham.gov.uk/safeguarding
Executive view Cllr Charlotte Haitham Taylor, Executive Member for Children’s Services “The latest Ofsted report recognises that we have some strong working practices in Wokingham Borough and we know we are on the right track to becoming rated as 'good'. Further improvements are now in place across our whole service, and the positive effects are already being seen in children and young people’s lives. “Ofsted also praised our 'workforce strategy'. We've been investing in our staff to ensure we can operate a stable team at all levels. This is not only so much better for our children and young people but it also means that we do not have to rely on expensive agency staff. “I am really pleased the report recognised our 'good' adoption service.”
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Wokingham Borough, great place to live, great place to foster Could you care for a local child or support a young person when they need it most? We urgently need local foster carers for our children and supported lodgings carers for young people. Our Foster Carers are really important to us - we all work together to support local children and young people. If you are considering fostering, come direct to us. We offer excellent training, 24-hour support, and you will become part of an extensive, local support network. There are even support groups and social events for foster families throughout the year.
Foster Carers Sue and Les, said: “We absolutely love being Foster Carers; it’s an honour and a privilege to be asked to look after and care for the children . Although it’s a full-time job, challenging, and hard work at times, we feel so proud when we see the children in our care develop and achieve. Fostering enables us to be part of a wider family and our role is a valuable one within the Wokingham Borough team .”
Foster Carers Charlotte and Dean, said: “We went into fostering to help improve the lives of children by giving them a loving home which brings security, stability and the opportunity to experience new things. Hopefully in time this boosts their confidence and helps them grow into independent adults. We also now have a baby which presents completley different, but equally rewarding, challenges to a teenager. It’s the hardest job we have ever done but the children that have passed through our doors have opened our eyes and taught us a thing or two. We are really enjoying the fostering experience.”
We’re waiting to hear from you. You could make all the difference to a local child or young person. Come to our drop-in information events - full details on our website. More information: • (0118) 974 6204 • fostering@wokingham.gov.uk • http://fostering.wokingham.gov.uk • www.facebook.com/wokinghamfostering Wokingham Safeguarding Children Board has launched its own Twitter profile. Follow them at: @WokinghamSCB
Young carers: know your rights
Our new guide for young people explains their rights to an assessment and support in their caring role. Assessments can be daunting so the guide offers advice on who conducts them; what is involved and what happens once it’s been completed.
There are many young carers across the Wokingham Borough. They often look after a relative who has a condition, such as a disability, illness, mental health condition, or a drug or alcohol problem.
The guide also offers lots of information, and advice on a whole host of things such as emotional support, and breaks for young carers.
Most young carers look after one of their parents or care for a brother or sister. They do extra jobs in and around the home, such as cooking, cleaning, or helping someone to get dressed and move around.
Email us at: wokinghamyoungcarersproject@wokingham.gov.uk to request a copy of the guide.
30 Spring 2016
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How are the new SDLs coming along? Major changes are coming to the Borough with new schools, roads, parks, play areas, community centres and sports facilities on their way alongside the new homes we need to provide. They will be in four major development areas (known as Strategic Development Locations - SDLs) in North Wokingham, South Wokingham, around Arborfield Garrison and in the Shinfield, Spencers Wood and Three Mile Cross areas - known as the South of the M4 SDL. These will bring approximately 10,000 homes to the Borough by 2026, as well as approximately £350million for infrastructure and new facilities. This financial contribution from developers is one of the highest in the country, and means the new homes get the schools, roads, sporting, community and other facilities needed to keep our Borough to be a great place to live. A Secondary School at Arborfield Garrison will be open for pupils this September, making use in the short term of the excellent educational and sporting facilities at the former garrison. A brand new building is also underway (see page 23 for details). Shinfield Eastern Relief Road (SERR) will link the A327 south of Shinfield with the Black Boy roundabout via a new road, and new bridge over the M4. Construction is going well, with a new bridge over the M4 craned into place at the end of last year. (see photo - right). New public nature areas must be created and their maintenance funded by developers of all major developments, and so far the following have opened: Langley Mead (Shinfield), Mays Farm (Three Mile Cross), Kentwood Farm (Wokingham) and Buckhurst Meadows (Wokingham). Montague Park Primary School on the new Montague Park off London Road, in Wokingham, will be the first of seven new primary schools coming in the SDLs. It will be open for its first pupils later this year.
Developer funding will also be the catalyst for: • North and South Wokingham distributor roads • Arborfield Cross relief road • Improvements at California crossroads and other key junctions • Community centres for North Wokingham, South Wokingham, Shinfield and Arborfield • Sports hubs with outdoor pitches at Ryeish Green and at Gray’s Fruit Farm in South Wokingham • Further public nature areas at all major developments • Allotments • Play areas and local parks • Improvements to country parks • Improved library services More information: www.wokingham.gov.uk/regeneration
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Spring 2016
What’s on this spring….. Woodley Woodford Park Leisure Centre will be running children's holiday camps and new adult courses. Sunday May 8
Woodley 10k
For entry and route details visit: www.barnesfitness.co.uk/events/ woodley-10k
March 23 to April 8
Easter Chicks Hunt
Hunt for the Easter chicks in shop windows in Woodley town centre. Free
Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) during Easter
Children’s Easter Holiday Activities
Earley Sunday March 20
EARLEY
Spring Watch Paddle
Romance in the Raj
A Meredith Towne costume presentation taking you on the fascinating journey of twenties fashion through the eyes of a young lady on the hunt for a husband in India. Wokingham Library 2pm, £5 charge.
Earley Fun Run
Saturday April 23
Sunday June 12
Masterclass with Melanie McGrath and Laura Wilson at: Wokingham Library 10.30am to 12.30pm, £5 charge.
10k run for adults and 2.5k for children (organised by Incurrro) at Laurel Park. Visit: www.runearley.co.uk
Go-Karting
Community go-karting event at Laurel Park. Saturday June 25
Community Fun Day
Laurel Park FC Community Fun Day. www.earley-tc.gov.uk
May 30 to June 3
Wokingham Walk in aid of Mayor's charity or a charity of your choice
Multi-Sport Camp*
Loddon Valley Leisure Centre, Lower Earley and St Crispin’s Leisure Centre, Wokingham. Come along and enjoy Have a fun-filled school holiday a wide variety of sports, including by the lake with a choice of Take part in a five (family-friendly rugby, athletics, basketball, multi-activity days or progressive with optional treasure hunt) or trampolining, swimming, judo, courses in sailing. Gain qualifications, 15-mile walk around Wokingham gymnastics, football and more. keep fit and active, develop starting in Elms Field. self-confidence and have fun. Entry costs Adults £15, children free, Option 1: 8am to 6pm, £25 per day (£21 with discount card) or £112 Wild Days (ages 8 to 13) £35 per visit: www.wokinghamwalk.co.uk (£95) for 5 days day / £157.50 per week to find out more. 9am Option 2: 9.30am to 3.30pm, £16 Adventure Days (ages 13 to 17) £46 Wednesday May 18 per day (£13.50) or £72(£61) for 5 per day / £207 per week days. Find out more at: Junior Sailing Scheme (ages 8 to 16) Jack Tar: Life in Nelson’s Navy An illustrated talk with Roy and www.wokingham.gov.uk/activekids £210 per week Lesley Adkins. Multi-Activity Centre, Dinton Wokingham Library, 2.30pm, Pastures, (0118) 974 6343 £3 charge Sunday March 27
View the park from a different perspective and enjoy a relaxing Monday May 2 morning canoeing on the lake Flower and Gardening Day Head to Woodley town centre to see followed by a coffee and freshly the Flower and Gardening Day in the baked cake in the Multi-Activity Centre at Dinton Pastures. town centre. 10.30am to 2.30pm, £8 adults, 11am to 3pm £6 children (min age 4+) Monday May 30 Wednesday March 30 and Monday Children’s Fun Day Fun day in Woodley town centre with April 4 The Twelfth Night free activities. Come along with the whole family 11am to 3pm and see The Twelfth Night performed Every Saturday by The Enchanted Players Theatre Saturday Market Group. Every week in Woodley town centre. Wokingham Library on Wednesday 9am to 1.30pm 30 from 2pm to 3.30pm and Woodley Library on Monday April 4 Third Saturday of the month from 2pm to 3.30pm Farmers Market Every third Saturday of the month in April 4 to 8 Woodley town centre. Reading FC Camp 9am to 1.30pm, Every Sunday in March and April, May 8 and 22, June Based at Madejski Stadium this camp is all about the beautiful game. 12 and 26 10am to 3pm, £25 per day (£21.25 Car Boot Sale with discount card) or £70 (£58.75) Regular car boot and table top sale in for 3 days the Woodley town centre. Wednesday April 20 8am to 1pm More information: www.woodleytowncentre.co.uk @WoodleyTCMI
Sunday May 15
Introduction to Crime Writing
Saturday May 14
Pond Dipping Discovery
Join the environment rangers to find out about the creatures living in and around Dinton’s ponds. Dinton Pastures, 10am to noon, £8
Visit:
www.wokingham.gov.uk/whatson to see more events. Library events can be booked by calling the relevant library. Contact details can be found at: www.wokingham.gov.uk/Libraries
What’s on in Wokingham March 18
7.45pm
April 1 12 to 16 May 1 to 31
8.30am 7.30pm
8pm
The Jigan cs Fantas c night of blues, folk and Americana music.
Emmbrook Sports and Social Club
Charity Golf Day In aid of the Macmillan Downshire Cancer Support followed by carvery lunch Golf Course and raffle. Hac vist and Chatroom Theatre produc on Wokingham of the internet playground. Theatre Cultural Month Lots of events across the Borough as part of Cultural Month. Visit: www.morearts.org.uk/culture
Various
Sunny Saturdays Children’s entertainment, Every Market From 2pm every Saturday during May Place Saturday May Day Great fun for all the family with Wokingham 2 2.30pm performances throughout the day. Town Centre 8 & 15
10am to 5pm
Theatre in the Park: My Friend Peter
Howard Palmer Gardens
28
10am to 4pm
Children’s Fun Day
Langborough Rec
Midday to 10.30pm
The Queen’s Birthday Street Party Civic Sunday parade followed by the Queen’s 90th Birthday Street Party in Broad Street, Wokingham and Interna onal Street Concert featuring Pauly Zarb.
16 to 25
7.30pm
Blue stockings This moving, comical and eye-opening story set at Girton College, Cambridge, in 1896, centres on the struggle Wokingham of four young women figh ng for educa on Theatre and self-determina on against the larger backdrop of women’s suffrage.
18
7.30pm
Wokingham Choral Society summer concert ‘Heroes and Villains’ choruses from musicals and operas.
June 12
Broad Street
All Saints’ Church
For more informa on please visit: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk
Be someone amazing Have you got the right ingredients to help a young person as a Supported Lodgings Carer? If you could support a young person, and give them the confidence to develop the life skills they need to live on their own, then you could make a difference that will last a lifetime. As a Supported Lodgings Carer, you can expect excellent training, support and generous allowances. ? d e t s e r Inte g@
sterin o f : l i a Em ov.uk g . m a h woking call or 6204 4 7 9 ) 8 (011
Âťhttp://fostering.wokingham.gov.uk
Be a Supported Lodgings Carer