 Help others survive winter
Thousands of families across the area are struggling to make ends meet this winter.
Many are choosing between heating and eating.
Being cold or being hungry aren't choices people should have to make.
Donating to the Surviving Winter crowdfund will support organisations who stop people having to make choices like this.
Every £1 you donate will be matched by us and Wokingham United Charities.
If you give £100, it's like giving £300, or £20 like giving £60. It all makes a difference.
 Government urged to extend bus funding lifeline
We're urging transport secretary Mark Harper MP to meet us and discuss extending Government funding for bus services beyond 31 March.
The Department for Transport has extended various types of coronavirus recovery funding until then, and introduced a subsidised £2 cap on certain fares, but none of this help is confirmed from 1 April onwards.
If this isn't renewed, we can’t afford the hugely increased cost of subsidising all our local routes and will have to make tough decisions, as we’re facing unprecedented financial pressure and must protect key services like social care.
We’re doing our bit by redrafting our Bus Service Improvement Plan, a “vision” document that could help bid for funding in future. It calls for cleaner, greener, more reliable buses and further improvements to passenger satisfaction levels.
Please take the bus whenever you can – it’ll help keep services going, and it’s healthier and better for the environment too.
 Work starts on new Twyford Library
The new Twyford Library project has taken another step forward after we entered into a rent agreement for its new home.
We're going to lease the Grade II listed Old Polehampton Boys' School, in Polehampton Close, at a peppercorn (very low) rent for 99 years. This will bring the former school building back into community use for generations to come.
It was originally built to serve the village with money left by Edward Polehampton, a local man who made his fortune through portraiture and coach painting, and is now owned by educational and community charity the Polehampton Trust.
We've also appointed local firm Contract Trading Services to carry out a single-storey extension and accessible entrance, with further changes to make it as energy efficient as possible while preserving its historic character.
We're delighted to have reached two significant milestones in this scheme and look forward to sharing more news in due course.
 How to vote anonymously if your safety is at risk
We’re committed to ensuring that all residents who are eligible to vote at the local elections on Thursday 4 May, can do so safely.
If your name or address being listed on the electoral register would put you at risk, you can sign up to vote anonymously by downloading and completing an application form from the Electoral Commission.
From the May 2023 elections, voters will need to bring photo ID to be able to vote at a polling station. If you’re registered to vote anonymously, or plan to register anonymously, you’ll need to also apply for an anonymous elector’s document.
Once registered to vote anonymously, we will be in contact by post to explain the process and provide an application for an anonymous elector’s document to be filled out and returned.
Applications need to be submitted before 5pm on Tuesday 25 April.
 Volunteer recruitment event tomorrow
If you're looking for a way to contribute to the local community, find out about volunteering opportunities at an event this weekend.
Wokingham Volunteer Centre is running its recruitment fair at Wokingham Town Hall tomorrow (Saturday) from 10am to 1pm.
Just drop in and speak with more than a dozen charities about the roles, which can fit around work, family and other commitments.
 Ways to pay your Council Tax
There are lots of ways to pay your Council Tax that are fast, simple and safe. Our preferred methods are to set up a direct debit request, pay online or through the automated payment line.
Direct debit
This is our preferred method as it keeps costs down for you and us. It is also automatic and means you don’t have to remember to pay your bill each month.
You can set up a direct debit online. You will need your eight-digit Council Tax reference number, which you can find on your bill. You will also need your bank or building society details.
Pay online
You can make a one-off payment online on our website. Be sure to have your account number to hand.
Pay by phone
Call the 24-hour payment line on 0300 4560505. Have your debit or credit card details, Council Tax account number and how much you want to pay to hand.
Sign up for e-billing
You can sign up for e-billing and you will get an email whenever you have a new bill, instead of something in the post. This helps us save money and means we can spend more on other services.
School strikes - Wednesday 1 February
School strikes are happening on Wednesday 1 February.
Parents will hear from schools on arrangements at their school. Get in touch with your school office if you have not heard.
Apply for a grant to help with food and energy costs
We’re working alongside First Days Children’s Charity, Age UK Berkshire and Citizens Advice Wokingham to provide money to you if you’re struggling to buy food or pay bills.
You can apply for a £120 Household Support Fund grant easily online.
January can feel like a long month financially, reach out for support if you need it.
What you might have missed
Here’s every update we’ve sent in the last week:
You can sign up for any of the newsletters above on our website.
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