 Teacher strikes impacting schools
We're working closely with schools to understand the impact strike days may have on them. Although headteachers can ask staff who will be striking, Union members don’t have to give this information until the day of the strike.
Headteachers may not know until the morning of strike days what the schools’ full arrangements are.
Each school in the borough will be affected differently, depending on how many staff are absent due to strike days, as well as other issues such as staff illness.
In preparation, schools are putting together plans of what and how it will be able to offer education on strike days, and we are supporting the Department for Education in its advice to prioritise vulnerable learners. Strike days affecting borough schools:
- Wednesday 1 February 2023
- Thursday 2 March 2023
- Wednesday 15 March 2023
- Thursday 16 March 2023
You should by now have received information from your child’s school on how they will communicate plans for strike days to parents/carers. Please make sure you have familiarised yourself with this and if you haven’t received information, or are unsure of anything, please contact the school directly.
 Government fund your area by £30million less than average
Your borough continues to receive the least funding from central government per resident of any unitary authority in the country – about £30million below the national average.
This follows the announcement of this year’s Local Government Finance Settlement, which sets how much funding an area will get from the government. Wokingham Borough receives less than other areas because it is perceived by central government as having low-deprivation.
If funded at the average, your borough would receive an additional £30million of government support.
The disproportionate allocation of funds from central government to local councils across the country means Wokingham Borough council tax payers will continue to make a higher percentage contribution than any other unitary authority to fund services.
We continue to lobby government to make change on this. More information on our financial situation can be found on Engage Wokingham Borough.
 Suspected “cuckoo” drug dealers thrown out of nest
Three suspected drug dealers have been kicked out of a council house in Wokingham where it's believed they were living without permission while exploiting the tenant for personal gain.
Following reports of noise and other anti-social behaviour by members of the public, we joined forces with Thames Valley Police to secure a partial closure order on the property, on the town's Norreys estate, which runs until 6 April.
During this time, only specific people including council staff or police officers may enter while anyone else will be prosecuted. We’ll visit to check no-one is breaching this and keep working with the police and others to crack down on this problem, known as “cuckooing”.
The trio occupying the property, who had local links but weren’t tenants, were arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences and being concerned in the supply of class A drugs. They’re now subject to a criminal investigation.
Report anti-social behaviour to us or concerns about crime and exploitation to the police, either via their website or by calling 101. Call 999 if you think you or someone else is in immediate danger.
 Make sure you’ll be able to vote
At this year's local elections on Thursday 4 May, all eligible and registered voters must remember to bring photo ID to be able to vote.
We’ve just launched a dedicated page on our Engage Wokingham Borough platform, which explains the new requirements to help you prepare for polling day.
Although you have to be 18 to vote, you can register from the age of 16. The deadline to register is Monday 17 April.
This week (30 January to 5 February) is the Electoral Commission's Welcome to Your Vote Week, which aims to encourage more young people to participate in elections.
This year’s theme, Our Democracy, will emphasise that democracy is for everyone and affects everything around us. It hopes to inspire young people to realise their voice matters and they can play a part in shaping their community.
 Thank you for donating to the reverse advent calendar appeal
Wokingham Borough Mayor Cllr Caroline Smith is praising and thanking everyone who generously took part in the reverse advent calendar appeal for her chosen charity of the year, Wokingham Foodbank. Donations received at the council’s Civic Offices weighed more than 657 kilograms – the equivalent weight of four adult-sized reindeer*.
The appeal collected twenty-four food and festive items for the Wokingham Foodbank who donated onto local people struggling with the cost of living, rising energy, fuel and food prices. It was open to everyone to take part, including borough councillors, residents and people who work, study or provide services to Wokingham Borough.
Read more about the donations received and find out how the donations helped a local young family by visiting our news site.
*Calculated using The Measure of Things website. Based on each adult reindeer weighing approximately 166 kilograms. Donation weight figures from Wokingham Foodbank and include donations received during the six-week run up to Christmas.
What you might have missed
- Are you looking to work on your fitness? Short beginner walks organised by The Ramblers' Association are being held across the borough. Search your nearest location on the Wellbeing Walks page. All walks are over easy terrain and at a steady pace to suit everyone.
- The Joint Minerals and Waste Plan for Central and Eastern Berkshire was adopted by councillors earlier this month. We have worked with Bracknell Forest, Reading Borough and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead councils to produce the Joint Minerals and Waste Plan which covers our administrative areas. This strategic document will guide decision-making and activities around mineral extraction and waste management across the Central and Eastern Berkshire authorities until 2036
- There’s a new menu to check out at the Coffee House at Dinton Pastures
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