Wokingham Borough Connect
 Budget engagement 2025/26
Like all local authorities, we are facing severe financial pressures as we start to look at how we can set a balanced budget, protect services and invest in your future.
We will set our budget for 2025/26 in February next year and are starting to look at the tough decisions as well as the opportunities available to us now.
Why you should take part
The process to set our budget starts with ideas for savings, income generation and areas for investment being considered now – and all residents have the opportunity to get involved.
We are seeking views on a few key questions that will help us plan for a secure financial future.
Taking the survey
You can find out more on our engagement website and take the survey by clicking the blue button below. The survey is open until 2 December.
Other ways to have your say
Over the coming months, the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committees (which are public meetings of elected councillors that residents are welcome to attend and ask questions of) will hold sessions to look in detail at the ideas we have so far and make recommendations on them.
The Overview and Scrutiny meetings at which detailed budget proposals will be discussed are:
- Community and Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Tuesday October 29, 7pm
- Community and Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Tuesday November 12, 7pm
- Community and Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Tuesday December 17, 7pm
- Community and Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee: January 20, 2025, 7pm
Questions can be submitted in advance of these meetings via the council’s website.
 Our vision for the borough's future growth
We’re getting ready to submit a new Local Plan for independent examination. This is our vision for how different aspects of the borough should grow and develop to 2040.
It includes the sites where new development such as housing should and should not be allowed, as well as policies on a range of subjects like transport, employment, green space and more.
Why should you take part
Before we send the plan for independent examination, you have a chance to read it and comment on whether it is sound and legally compliant.
We’ve already consulted extensively on the content of the plan, including proposed locations for new homes and accompanying infrastructure, and incorporated your feedback.
Taking the survey
The survey is open until Wednesday 13 November. All information is available on our engagement website.
Information sessions
If you'd like to find out more about our new Local Plan, 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
These sessions will provide the opportunity to talk to officers and councillors about the plan, and how to respond.
If you can't make either of those dates, our planning policy team can speak to you on request at our offices on Tuesday 5 and Wednesday 6 November (9.30am to 4.30pm).
 Electric vehicle charging strategy – closes this week
We are developing an Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Strategy for the borough, making sure that we continue to provide charging points where people need them, and want to hear your views.
Why should you take part
We want to make sure that the network of charging points we are building meets the needs of you, the people that need them. In just over a decade the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned and we want to make sure the infrastructure is in place as people make the switch.
Taking the survey
The consultation is in its last few days, closing on Sunday 27 October and further information about the new strategy along with your opportunity to take the survey, is on our Engage Wokingham Borough website.
 Youth future focus – extended to 6 November
Do you have any 11 to 18 year olds in your life? We want to hear from them about their life in the borough, including wellbeing safety, leisure, support networks and worries and concerns.
Why should you take part
This survey, jointly developed by us, Berkshire Youth and the Children and Young People’s Partnership, is an opportunity for young people to share their views on what is important to them, so we can understand the world through their eyes and make changes, where possible, to improve it.
How to take part
The survey is open to those aged 11 to 18 and closes Wednesday 6 November. If you have any questions or need an easy-read version, please email YouthVoice@wokingham.gov.uk.
As well as the full survey, we have also created a shorter version of the survey, with just eight questions.
 Extra time to have your say on getting active locally
The deadline for responses to our survey about the sport and exercise opportunities available locally has been extended.
We are working in partnership with Sport England to understand your views about physical activity, including what challenges you face in getting moving and staying active.
Why should you take part
The aim is to identify any gaps that exist and to make improvements so that everyone has the ability to get active and stay healthy.
Taking the survey
We are running a short survey, which is anonymous. You now have until Monday 4 November to share your thoughts.
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