 Talk to us about our plan for future growth
We’re producing a new Local Plan, which sets out how new housing and other forms of development should be allocated over the years to 2040.
It includes proposals for large-scale development, which allows to secure affordable housing and infrastructure from the developers.
We’ve consulted on details like housing sites and policies, and are now inviting comments on the plan’s legal compliance before we submit it for public examination.
If you'd like to find out more in person, we're hosting two drop-in sessions on:
- Tuesday 29 October (4pm to 7pm), Pound Green Room, School Green Centre, Shinfield, RG2 9EH
- Thursday 31 October (6pm to 9pm), council offices foyer, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1BN
You’ll be able to talk to officers and councillors about the plan, and how to respond. If you can't make those dates, we can speak to you on request at our offices on Tuesday 5 and Wednesday 6 November (9.30am to 4.30pm).
 Help shape priorities for 2025/26 budget
We're starting to look at tough decisions and opportunities ahead of setting our 2025/26 budget in February.
The process starts with ideas for savings, income generation and areas for investment being considered now – and all residents can get involved.
Our Overview and Scrutiny Committees, public meetings of elected councillors, where residents are welcome to attend and ask questions, will hold sessions to look in detail at the ideas and make recommendations on them.
We are also seeking views on a few key questions that will help us plan for a secure financial future. The meetings at which detailed budget proposals will be discussed, which are also streamed live on our YouTube channel, are:
Questions can be submitted in advance of these meetings via our website.
In addition to the Overview and Scrutiny process, we are seeking views on how we can safeguard our financial future. Residents are being asked three questions, which are you can respond to on our Engage platform.
 Get the help you need to give up smoking for good
Did you know that you are five times more likely to quit smoking for good if you can make it to 28 days smoke-free?
In Wokingham Borough, we have one of the lowest smoking prevalence rates in the entire country, but we still want to do all we can to help.
And, Stoptober is back this October to encourage and support smokers to quit for good.
It has already helped more than two million people across the country to give up smoking, with lots of help and advice available from the NHS to get you started. Pop-up clinics run locally at:
- Morrisons Superstore, Woosehilll Shopping Centre, Smokefree van in car park, on Fridays, 9am to 5.30pm
- Woodley Library, on Thursdays, 9am to 7pm
- Tesco Wokingham, the pod outside entrance or inside Costa, on Fridays, 9am to 5pm
You can also find your nearest clinic online. Locally, free support can be accessed from Smokefreelife Berkshire, which offers a ‘Quitline’ with weekly consultation via text, telephone or video chat. There is also a free 12-week programme of nicotine replacement therapy with behavioural support.
Parts of the A329(M) will be closed overnight next week for resurfacing works to take place. The road will be closed in both directions between Winnersh and Coppid Beech roundabout from 8pm to 6am on 22 to 26 October.
For more information on the closure and diversion routes from Coppid Beech to Winnersh and from Winnersh to Coppid Beech select the links
 Local artists needed for community project
Are you an artist looking for a unique opportunity to showcase your talent and make a positive difference in the community?
We’re inviting local artists to join us on a community arts and culture project, which offers prospects for professional development and a chance to inspire young minds through arts-related activities in local schools.
You will also collaborate with renowned artists and designers, expanding your network and connections.
If you are interested in learning more, email WBCArtsandCulture@wokingham.gov.uk
What you might have missed
Here’s all our email newsletters from the last week:
You can sign up for these newsletters on our website.
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