 Challenges as UK’s lowest funded unitary council
We’re facing huge financial challenges to ensure vital services are protected and our residents receive the help and support they need to keep their families safe.
As the lowest funded unitary authority in the UK, with one of the lowest numbers of staff per resident in the country, we continue to work to ensure sound financial management during these turbulent times.
The long term impact of Covid-19 and the cost of living crisis has put unprecedented pressure on our vital services. Increases in demand for statutory services for residents, including those with special education needs and disabilities, have also left us struggling financially.
The cost of living crisis is hitting our residents and hurting all local councils, as well as local businesses. Energy costs are increasing for the council as it is not protected by any price cap. This together with rise in inflation has resulted in the cost of providing council services to rise significantly.
 New responsibilities for moving traffic offences
We want to hear from you about our plans to apply to take over the enforcement of moving traffic offences across the borough. The consultation runs until 2 January 2023.
Moving traffic offences that would become enforceable by us include offences such as driving through a ‘No Entry’ sign, turning left or right when instructed not to do so and driving where and when motor vehicles are prohibited. These are currently only enforceable by the police.
By being able to carry out enforcement ourselves, we will be able to respond locally to areas we know are problematic. Then we could look to expand the enforcement we already do to maintain safe and accessible roads.
Enforcement would mainly be done using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras, with a penalty charge notice sent to the registered keeper. Any income would be put back into the scheme, with surplus used for other transport projects.
Last two weeks to have your say on potential waste changes
There’s less than two weeks to respond to the consultation on the future of waste collections. It closes on 5 December.
 Card from The King
Wokingham Borough Mayor Cllr Caroline Smith received a surprise last week, a card from His Majesty King Charles III.
The card was sent in response to the borough’s condolence messages including one from the Borough Mayor which were sent to His Majesty The King on the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
During the national 10-day mourning period observed in September, Wokingham Borough joined the rest of the country in mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Many residents signed the book of condolence at the council’s Civic Offices in Shute End. Handwritten and email messages were also accepted, printed and combined in the book of condolences.
The card from His Majesty King Charles III reads: “It was so very kind of you to send me such a wonderfully generous message following the death of my beloved mother. Your most thoughtful words are enormously comforting, and I cannot tell you how deeply they are appreciated at this time of immense sorrow.” The card was signed “Charles R”.
 Marking White Ribbon Day
To coincide with White Ribbon Day and the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November, we’ve reaffirmed our commitment to tackling all forms of gender based violence.
The council will be supporting domestic abuse charity Kaleidoscopic UK as they mark the day with a candlelight vigil in Wokingham Market Place to remember all those who have tragically lost their lives.
Residents are welcome to join the vigil from 7pm to 8pm and are invited to bring torches and battery-operated candles only.
25 November also mark the start of 16 days of action against gender based violence, an international campaign supported by the council which runs until Human Rights Day on 10 December. We’ve got a roadshow of events across the borough to promote this.
Help with cost of living if you’re seeking work
The cost of living help hub has all the latest advice on how to get support if you’re struggling this winter. We’re focusing on help with support while you’re looking for work and help to get employed this week:
What you might have missed
- We’ve relaunched our Community Directory, a free online search tool with information and advice from hundreds of local and national services. It has specialist advice sections for families, young people, adults and young people with special educational needs and disabilities
- Is your organisation looking to run a warm space this winter? We could support you to get going, as well as providing access to items and other resources. Contact our warm spaces team with what you’re planning to do and they'll see how we can help
- The Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner, responsible for ensuring local police meet the needs of community, is looking for responses for his local crime survey
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