 Support the Fair Funding Deal campaign
Another English council declared itself effectively bankrupt this week. Nottingham City Council says it's unable to deliver a balanced budget for next year.
We're not in that situation but have raised similar issues to the ones highlighted in Nottingham as part of our Fair Funding Deal campaign. This includes increased demand for children's and adults' social care and the impact of inflation.
Last week's Autumn Statement included no new money for social care services, or any general local government funding beyond what we already know. Concerns about councils not being properly funded were raised in the House of Commons this week.
We believe the Government continues to put an unfair burden on you, our residents.
You get at least £30million less towards your services than an average council, that's £400 less per household on average. Contact your MP and Government boss for councils Michael Gove to call for change. We're calling for:
- Mr Gove to come to the area and understand the true state of local finances
- Future funding settlements matching local needs for vulnerable children and adults (where most of Council Tax goes)
- Funding being for longer periods of time, to allow us to plan better
What you can do to help the campaign and your borough
We ask you to do one thing. Contact your MP and Michael Gove calling for a better deal for our area. It takes less than 30 seconds.
Join almost 1,000 residents who have backed the campaign and sent a letter so far.
Press the relevant link below and it will open a new email with the pre-written call for a better deal. All you have to do is send it:
 Reminder – festive events this weekend
There’s a host of festive events taking place across the borough this weekend, including:
Remember, you can use free bus travel every Saturday in the borough in the run up to Christmas to help you attend local events and support local businesses. This is paid for by a Government grant.
 Protect your child against flu by visiting vaccine bus
A vaccine bus will be visiting Loddon Valley Leisure Centre in Lower Earley from 10am to 1pm on Tuesday 5 December to give flu vaccinations to children.
Getting vaccinated for flu early can protect children and help stop the virus spreading to friends and family.
All school-aged children in England (from Reception to Year 11, or all year groups in special education needs school) are offered a flu vaccination.
If your child has not had their flu vaccine, or missed their appointment at school, don’t worry – it's not too late to catch up.
This service is by appointment only and offers children the painless nasal spray flu vaccine, as well as the injectable option for those with religious, dietary, cultural or medical concerns.
To book, complete the consent form sent via a link from your child’s school, or send an email.
 Cold weather warning in place to Tuesday
A cold weather warning has been issued for the borough, in place to Tuesday (5 December) lunchtime.
Top NHS tips to keep warm and well at this time of year are:
- Heat your home to a temperature that's comfortable for you. If you can, this should be at least 18°C in the rooms that you regularly use
-
Check in on vulnerable groups, including people aged 65 or older, with medical conditions, pregnant women and children under five. Remember that other people, such as older neighbours, friends and family members, may need some extra help
- Make sure they're stocked up with enough food supplies for a few days, in case they cannot go out
- Get your flu and Covid-19 vaccines if you’re eligible
- Ensure you’re getting all the support you’re entitled to
It also means we’re likely to be running gritters around the borough to keep the roads safe and our homelessness team can provide accommodation to any rough sleepers.
To report someone who may need help, call 0118 974 6000 (option 4, then 3) or 0800 212 111 if you're calling outside office hours.
 Flag raised to mark White Ribbon Day
The White Ribbon flag has been raised above our offices in Wokingham to mark White Ribbon Day and the beginning of 16 days of activism to end violence against women and girls (VAWG).
We were awarded White Ribbon Accreditation earlier in the month by White Ribbon UK, the leading charity engaging men and boys to prevent violence against women.
This launches an organisational commitment to end violence against women and girls, led by our three male directors.
During the 16 days of activism, a vigil will be held in Wokingham marketplace tonight (1 December) at 7pm.
People are invited to join the borough and town mayors to light up the town square with electric candles or torches in memory and support of those affected by VAWG.
What you might have missed
Our email newsletters are here to keep you informed on the services which matter to you. Here’s everything we’ve sent in the last week:
If you’re interested in any of the above, sign up for email updates on our website.
|
