 Join call for better social care funding
We are backing calls for better social care funding and are asking residents to join us.
We believe people with learning difficulties, physical disabilities, mental health problems and other care needs will be under threat unless the Government increases funding to the adult care sector properly.
Increases to Employer National Insurance Contributions and the National Living Wage that were announced in the Budget will add an £3.5million per year to the cost of providing adult social care in the borough – but have not come with adequate funding increases.
This is on top of inflation increases over recent years and has left councils and businesses providing care to those who need it most facing financial crises.
To call the Government’s attention to this issue, we’re working together with the Berkshire Care Association (BCA) to ask for fairer funding for adult social care.
You can help by signing the petition on the UK Government and Parliament petitions webpage.
 Not long left to register for Winter Fuel Payment
Pensioners need to be registered for Pension Credit by 21 December if they want to get a Winter Fuel Payment this year.
If you’re over State Pension age and on a low income, you may be entitled to Pension Credit, a benefit that can top up your weekly income. If you’re eligible, even for a small amount, it means you could get £200 or £300 through the Winter Fuel Payment.
Claiming Pension Credit could also unlock other valuable benefits, including help with Council Tax, housing costs and health-related expenses.
Go online or call the Pension Credit helpline to see if you're due.
 Shopping at Shinfield is a Lidl bit easier
A long-awaited Lidl supermarket has opened on Beke Avenue in Shinfield - and just in time for Christmas!
The ribbon was cut last Thursday (5 Dec) by pupils from Shinfield Infant and Nursery School alongside Jimmy Peter, a banksman from the Tinnelly Construction team who oversaw the build.
Jimmy has become a much-loved local figure for keeping the footpath through the site clear and greeting everyone with a smile and a chat as they pass. Residents recently raised money to buy him and his colleagues a festive hamper.
The new store is open from 8am until 10pm (Monday to Saturday) and 10am until 4pm on Sunday. It has a 1,305 sq m sales floor with features including a bakery, baby-changing amenities and electric vehicle charging points.
The store was planned for the site as part of our Shinfield Parish major development, which in turn is part of our Local Plan to meet the borough's future housing, employment and other needs.
As well as providing a community amenity, it's set to create up to 40 new jobs.
 Dinton footpath upgrades complete
Work to make the footpaths at White Swan Lake at Dinton Pastures more accessible is complete.
The upgraded footpaths from the overflow carpark to River Loddon bridge, and from the overflow carpark to Herons Water Lake, are now open to the public.
The project is fully funded through revenues raised by our country parks.
 Success for borough’s first Climate Action Week
A groundbreaking week held to raise awareness of how residents can help tackle the climate emergency proved to be a big success.
The borough’s first Climate Action Week (18 to 23 November) was organised jointly by our teams and Woodley Town Council, with more than 200 residents taking part in the free events.
The week involved a community litter pick, charity shop fashion show, information sessions and activities for children.
Both councils declared climate emergencies in 2019, making a commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. Our latest Climate Emergency Action Plan sets out goals and the current progress for each action.
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