Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were submitted from David Chopping, Gary Cowan, John Halsall, Nicky Jerrome, Julian McGhee-Sumner and Stuart Munro.

To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 19 February 2015.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 19 February 2015 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

To receive any declarations of interest.

Councillor Tom McCann declared a Personal Interest on the grounds that his daughter was employed by a company involved with the Wokingham Town Centre Regeneration Project.

Councillors Malcolm Richards, Chris Bowring, Lindsay Ferris and Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey declared Personal Interests in the amendment proposed to Agenda Item 91.2 Motion 366 on the grounds that discussion around the amendment could have centred on the Elms Field and they were all members of the Planning Committee.  None of these Members voted on this item.

To answer any public questions

A period of 30 minutes will be allowed for members of the public to ask questions submitted under notice.

The Council welcomes questions from members of the public about the work of the Council

Subject to meeting certain timescales, questions can relate to general issues concerned with the work of the Council or an item which is on the Agenda for this meeting.  For full details of the procedure for submitting questions please contact the Democratic Services Section on the numbers given below or go to www.wokingham.gov.uk/publicquestions

In accordance with the agreed procedure the Mayor invited members of the public to submit questions to the appropriate Members.

Question

What is being done to improve South Lake, specifically the dam?

Question

What is being done to improve South Lake, specifically the dam?

Answer

South Lake is a beautiful amenity for local residents to enjoy on their doorstep.  As well as grounds maintenance responsibilities, Wokingham Borough Council is also responsible for ensuring the safety of residents through the ongoing and regular maintenance of the dam.  Regular inspections plus site engineer visits ensure that appropriate work is carried out in the interests of safety under Section 10 of the 1975 Reservoirs Act.  These works are crucial to enable the continuation of regular and thorough monitoring of the site as a whole.

The following works have recently been completed:

·         Clearance of small pathways from the bottom to the top of the embankment to maintain a clear access route along the bottom of the embankment.  This was to ensure the continuity of regular checks for issues such as animal burrows, seepage, instability or any signs of irregularity;

·         Health and Safety works carried out to all trees highlighted within a recent tree inspection of the area.

In addition, screening from the top of the embankment is a concern for residents who overlook this area.  We will therefore be erecting a form of screening which will be permanently attached to the inside of the fence to protect the privacy of residents.  We hope this will also prevent planting along the embankment which may impede safety inspections.

Supplementary Question

Are there any other improvements planned for South Lake?

Supplementary Answer

Indeed, in addition and in response to a local petition, we are working with the South Lake Angling Club to trial a form of chalk treatment at South Lake in an attempt to promote the breakdown of sediment and reduce the odour highlighted by residents.  This may also incorporate some reed planting at the appropriate time.

We will continue to work closely with residents and local ward members to ensure that we communicate any works on site and are able to continue to fulfil our health and safety obligations.

I would be happy to arrange a meeting with the Council Officer dealing with this so that you could monitor progress direct.

Question

In order to build their part of the Winnersh Relief Road, Wokingham Borough Council will have to use some land by the motorway bridge on Reading Road which is owned by the Highways Agency.  What is the current status of the negotiations to buy the land?

Question

In order to build their part of the Winnersh Relief Road, Wokingham Borough Council will have to use some land by the motorway bridge on Reading Road which is owned by the Highways Agency.  What is the current status of the negotiations to buy the land? 

Answer

The Highways Agency wrote to Mr John Redwood MP on 24 February 2014 advising that the land was deemed to be surplus to their requirements and with the intention that the land be sold to the Council for the provision of the relief road.  The sale of the land will be at market value in accordance with Treasury guidance ‘Managing Public Money.’

Supplementary Question

Presumably this requires some negotiation to reach a price acceptable to both.  When last have you had any contact with the Highways Agency?

Supplementary Answer

This is a two part question.  Of course there is also the District Valuer who can step in and arbitrate between the two of us.  When was the last time; I cannot actually tell you. I will find out and get back to you if that is ok.

To receive any petitions which Members or members of the public wish to present.

The following member of public and Member presented petitions in relation to the matters indicated.

The Mayor’s decision as to the action to be taken is set out against each petition.

To receive any announcements by the Mayor.

Council noted the pre-circulated list of Mayoral and Deputy-Mayoral engagements.

To receive a presentation from the Chief Fire Officer, Andy Fry.

This is expected to be approximately 20 minutes in duration after which there will be an opportunity for Member questions of no more than 15 minutes in duration.

The Council received a presentation from Andy Fry, Chief Fire Officer of Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS), Deputy Chief Fire Officer Trevor Ferguson and Area Manager Gene Ashe.  In his presentation the Chief Fire Officer referred to why the Fire Authority had reviewed and reset its policy direction and outlined the financial situation.  He also outlined the Strategic Commitments and Policy Statements and what the RBFRS had to offer in terms of assets and interventions.

Following the presentation, Members asked a number of questions relating to:

o   what else the Fire Authority would like the Council to do to strengthen partnership working;

o   working with the Council to link Councillors with their local fire stations;

o   working with primary school aged children;

o   combining of Ambulance and Fire Service as first responders;

o   recruitment and retention.

The Chief Fire Officer answered these questions at the meeting.

Members thanked the Chief Fire Officer for his presentation.

To consider a report asking Council to approve Councillor Kate Haines non-attendance at meetings on the grounds of her ill-health up to 25 September 2015.

RECOMMENDATION Council is recommended to:

1)         note that Councillor Kate Haines has not been able to attend meetings of the Council due to ill-health since her attendance at a meeting of the Adoption Panel on 25 September 2014;

2)         extend its sympathy to Councillor Haines and send her its best wishes for a speedy recovery;

3)         approve Councillor Kate Haines’ non-attendance at meetings of the Council due to ill-health until her current term of office ends on 10 May 2015 and up to 18 September 2015 if she is subsequently re-elected at the forthcoming election pursuant to Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972.

This item was withdrawn as Councillor Kate Haines was present at the meeting.

To receive a report from the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee on the work undertaken by the Management Committee and the Overview and Scrutiny Committees over the past year.

RECOMMENDATION:  That the report from the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee be noted.

The Council considered the annual report of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee and Overview and Scrutiny Committees as set out within the Agenda.

Tim Holton introduced and summarised the report, highlighting some of the key activities undertaken by all the Overview and Scrutiny Committees over the municipal year. 

He thanked all Committee Members for their involvement and Democratic Services for their support.

Members, Officers and the public were encouraged to submit scrutiny review suggestions for the next municipal year and were reminded of the criteria for such suggestions.

Michael Firmager also paid tribute to all the Members and Officers who had been involved in the work of the Committees and supporting them over the year.

It was proposed by Tim Holton and seconded by Michael Firmager that the report be noted.

Upon being put to the vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That the report from the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee be noted. 

To receive a report from the Chairman of the Health and Wellbeing Board on the work undertaken over the past year.

RECOMMENDATION:  That the report from the Chairman of the Health and Wellbeing Board be noted.

The Council considered the Health and Wellbeing Board Annual Report 2014/15 as set out within the Agenda.

Keith Baker introduced the report and summarised the work of the Health and Wellbeing Board over the previous year.  He also highlighted that the Health and Wellbeing Strategy had been refreshed and informed Members of a funding transfer from NHS England. 

It was proposed by Keith Baker and seconded by Charlotte Haitham Taylor that the report be noted.

Upon being put to the vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That the report from the Chairman of the Health and Wellbeing Board be noted.

To receive a report from the Chairman of the Audit Committee on the work undertaken over the past year.

RECOMMENDATION:  That the report from the Chairman of the Audit Committee be noted.

The Council considered the annual report of the Audit Committee as set out within the Agenda.

Guy Grandison introduced the report and highlighted key changes which had had an impact on the work of the Committee, including the creation of a Shared Internal Audit Service with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council and the transfer of Benefit Fraud Investigations to the Department of Work and Pension’s Single Fraud Investigation Service. 

It was noted that the Committee received regular training which Overview and Scrutiny Committee members were also welcome to attend.

Councillor Grandison thanked Members, Officers and Ernst & Young for their hard work.

Chris Smith thanked Officers for their responses to the challenge offered by the Committee.

It was proposed by Guy Grandison and seconded by Chris Smith that the report be noted.

Upon being put to the vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That the report from the Chairman of the Audit Committee be noted.

To receive a report from the Chairman of the Standards Committee on the work undertaken over the past year.

RECOMMENDATION:  That the report from the Chairman of the Standards Committee be noted.

The Council considered the Standards Committee Annual Report 2014/15 as set out within the agenda.

Rob Stanton introduced the report and detailed the work of the Committee throughout the municipal year.  He highlighted that it was important that Members were mindful of making declarations of interest when required.

He thanked the members of the Committee and Officers for their hard work and support.

Pauline Helliar-Symons reiterated the importance of declaring interests and encouraged all Members to attend the training session which would be held later in the year on the matter.

It was proposed by Rob Stanton and seconded by Pauline Helliar-Symons that the report be noted.

Upon being put to the vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That the report from the Chairman of the Standards Committee be noted.

To note those reports received from Members on Outside Bodies as circulated in the agenda.

RECOMMENDATION:  That the reports from Members appointed to Outside Bodies be noted.

The Council considered the annual reports from Members appointed to outside bodies as set out within the Agenda.

It was proposed by UllaKarin Clark and seconded by Parry Batth that reports from Members appointed to Outside Bodies be noted. 

Keith Baker suggested that Overview and Scrutiny review the participation on all of the Outside Bodies to ensure that value was being added. Prue Bray commented that this was something which scrutiny was currently considering. 

Parry Batth emphasised the importance of the appointments adding value to the organisations.

Upon being put to the vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That the reports from Members appointed to Outside Bodies be noted.

To receive any statements by the Leader of the Council, Executive Members and Deputy Executive Members.

In accordance with Procedure Rule 4.2.24 the total time allocated to this item shall not exceed 20 minutes, and no Member shall speak for more than 5 minutes

Keith Baker, Leader of the Council

First I would like to offer my congratulations to Councillor Prue Bray, Leader of the Opposition, for being selected as the Parliamentary Candidate for Rochester and Strood for the Liberal Democrat Party.  As Leader of the Opposition she has a vital role to play in this Council in questioning the actions of the administration.  We are often reminded of this fact by Prue during debates here in this Chamber, many times. I actually have every faith in Councillor Bray being able to fight a vigorous campaign in her new home whilst continuing to be an effective Leader of the Opposition.  I am sure she will be comforted in knowing that we will not be following in the footsteps of her colleague Clive Jones, the Parliamentary candidate for Wokingham, in putting out press releases saying she is not capable of doing both roles.

My second point is a more serious point.  As we are all aware, the issue of child sexual exploitation has been exposed in nearby Oxfordshire.  When this happened it triggered all Councillors to pose the simple question, could it happen here?  After all we are all corporate parents so we all have a responsibility.  Following both main political parties raising their concerns to me, the Director of Children’s Services recommended commissioning a review focusing on how well WBC are responding to the emerging concerns about children’s sexual exploitation, and prevention etc.  This will extract learning from Rotherham and Oxfordshire as well as other cases. As Leader of the Council I am totally in agreement with this approach.  This was communicated to the Opposition on 9 March and included a request for a nomination from them for a Councillor to work with the Lead Member in defining the terms of reference.  Now children’s sexual exploitation or CSE is such a serious issue that it has absolutely no place in party politics.  So I was surprised that after this communication, which agreed to the Opposition’s request, there was a flurry of activity by them over the following days; a website article, personal calls to the press and now we see a question to the Executive meeting on 26 March, all repeating this same request for this review.  All this many days after they had the answer.  Now I know that Councillor Bray will say that this is all legitimate because it provided transparency but transparency should not be selective.  Despite knowing the answer several days before their public activities, not once, not once did they mention it had been agreed and that they were going to be involved in setting the terms of reference.  I firmly believe the reasons simply did not stack up. 

Philip Mirfin, Executive Member for Regeneration and Communities

The last month has been an incredibly important month to town centre regeneration.  We successfully secured planning consent for the new shops and the public square at Peach Place and have been talking to our residents about our other proposals for Wokingham  ...  view the full minutes text for item 103.

To receive any statements from the Directors of Council Owned Companies.

Alistair Auty, Non-Executive Director of Wokingham Housing Limited

This is an update from Wokingham Housing Limited.  When the Chairman of WHL last reported it was to notify Council that planning had been obtained for the Eustace and Fosters’ sites.  These are progressing with Eustace moving towards the selection of a contractor and Fosters going through the detailed design phase.  Construction starts at Eustace in late August and is scheduled to last for 75 weeks and Fosters in November.  We have an additional six applications in planning with others in the pipeline, though smaller than the two flagship schemes these account for 31 units.  Thus by the end of next year we could have as many 133 units built, under construction or identified.  Our existing MD Robin Fielder will be standing down at the end of May and after a detailed recruitment process we have his replacement Bill Flood contracted to start on 18 May.  Robin has been an excellent MD and we may be fortunate enough to have him serve as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of our subsidiary Loddon Homes.  On that front our consultant David Williams is guiding the Board through the process of applying for registered provider status.  This is an important phase.  If we can achieve this we will have the ability to potentially secure grant funding for future affordable housing schemes from the Homes and Communities Agency.  I should just point out, on the Fosters front this is the second extra care facility in Woodley.  Finally the Chairman of WHL attended an Audit Committee meeting earlier this year to discuss matters of governance.  All Directors are committed to keeping regular dialogue with its key shareholders.

Anthony Pollock,Non-Executive Director of Optalis

I am speaking in my capacity as Chairman of Optalis, our social care business.  I am pleased to report that we are ahead of budget for this year by some 38% and that cash flow is well under control.  I am also pleased that we have contributed to our Council savings for next year and we are contributing £250,000 towards the Commissioner’s savings targets.  We are making significant progress in connection with recruitment of more staff because we need them in order to be able to expand the business.  We are doing a lot of work with recruitment.  Our staff retention is better than similar businesses in the Borough.  On the business development front we have won a contract to provide extra care housing support in a neighbouring borough and we are also advising a Labour council somewhere in the north of England on the setting up of a local authority trading company.  So we are using the lessons that we have learnt to generate extra income and we are also working with the Commissioner of Wokingham Borough Council in connection with other services that we night assist the Council with.  We have been working particularly in the last few months in developing our partnership working with the Commissioner and his team and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 104.

To answer any member questions

A period of 20 minutes will be allowed for Members to ask questions submitted under Notice

Any questions not dealt with within the allotted time will be dealt with in a written reply.

In accordance with the agreed procedure the Mayor invited Members to submit questions to the appropriate Members

Question

A “pilot” programme was established at Dinton Pastures working with Job Centre Plus and Pinnacle People to give long term unemployed people a chance to improve their skills and self-esteem through a volunteering programme.

Can the Executive Member for Environmentplease give me an update as to how this has progressed?

Question

A “pilot” programme was established at Dinton Pastures working with Job Centre Plus and Pinnacle People to give long term unemployed people a chance to improve their skills and self-esteem through a volunteering programme.

Can the Executive Member for Environmentplease give me an update as to how this has progressed?

Answer

Thank you for the question and the opportunity to explain what this is about.  Pinnacle People delivered two contracts on behalf of Job Centre Plus.

The first was Mandatory Work Related Activity (MWA), which offered a 4 week work placement for 30 hours a week.

The second contract was Community Work Programme (CWP), which offered a 6 month work placement for 30 hours.

On the first there have been 534 starts at the projects, around 60% of these starters sustained work for the 4 week period.

On the second there have been 283 starts which have led to 20 jobs, 4 of which have sustained beyond 6 months so far.

Operational outcomes for the service in a typical month included:

•           Visiting and litter picking 10 countryside service sites

•           Filling 2 skips with rubbish

•           575 volunteer days

•           Other tasks included litter picking, painting, cutting back vegetation, stocking wood and kindling for the café, ditch clearance, leaf raking and playground maintenance.

The partnership programme has supported the long term unemployed gain workplace skills, in some cases sustainable jobs and in addition have made a significant improvement to the local environment.  A downturn in client referrals means that the programme ended on 8 March this year.

I would like therefore to take this opportunity to thank Pinnacle People for their work to support long term unemployed people in our community and the productive partnership working with the Borough Council.  I would also like to thank Council Officers Andy Nicholls and Lucy Jellis for their hard work in ensuring that the project was a success and also David Lee for his efforts to establish the programme and the initiatives when this was first discussed.

We will continue to research ways in which we can continue to help our long term unemployed and vulnerable people in the Borough and we believe that environmental enhancement programmes are a positive area to concentrate on.

Question

Where in the capital plan is the money for the Twyford Community Hub?

Question

Where in the Capital Plan is the money for the Twyford Community Hub?

Answer

The Twyford Community Hub, as you know, is a project led by a local voluntary group called the Polehampton Trust. 

The Trust owns the Old Polehampton Boys School in the centre of Twyford.  It is this building that the Trust wants to renovate and extend to become a community hub. 

Within the Community Hub, the Polehampton Trust has indicated that they could provide an alternative location for the Wokingham Borough Council Library within Twyford.  They have also designed space for the History Society, the Theatre Club and possibly the Town Council as well.

This option is being considered as part of the Council’s Asset Review Programme, that Mark mentioned recently, which includes the potential utilisation of capital and revenue resources that could be generated from maximising the value of the current library site should the library services be relocated within the Community Hub. 

Presently there are no resources allocated within the Council’s Capital Plan but there is approximately £20,000 of S106 resources allocated for Library Services in Twyford.

Supplementary Question

Do you think you are misleading residents in this particular case about progressing the project when there is actually no money in the Budget; or is this just a case of smoke and mirrors?

Supplementary Answer

We are certainly not misleading the public.  We have been consistent in the discussions with various stakeholders in the group, that this is a joint project.  The Borough Council have been very supportive in terms of planning and in terms of supporting the mechanism around the meetings.  We need to get to a joint agreement about the library and the Polehampton site as a whole.  We have been consistent with them throughout that this a joint venture.  It is not just a replacement of the library and as I have said before the funding is partially covered by the Council’s Asset Review Programme and the potential reuse of the library site.

Question

For several years residents of South Lake have had to live with the stink coming from the lake itself and we have raised this repeatedly. In the current year’s budget there is £10,000 allocated for clearing vegetation but it hasn’t been spent and is being carried forward to next year. With warmer days coming, when is this council going to take action and sort out the South Lake stink?

Question

For several years residents of South Lake have had to live with the stink coming from the lake itself and we have raised this repeatedly. In the current year’s budget there is £10,000 allocated for clearing vegetation but it hasn’t been spent and is being carried forward to next year. With warmer days coming, when is this Council going to take action and sort out the South Lake stink?

Answer

Thank you Kay for raising this point again.  In part I did cover this matter in the public question earlier.  Although two visits from the Environmental Health Service observed no notable issues of odour from the lake, the Council does recognise that this is a concern for local residents.  After much investigation and discussions with local residents and yourself the proposal is: first, all debris and stagnant vegetation is cleared; following this a boom is to be installed across the lake which will prevent leaves migrating to that corner of the lake preventing build-up of leaf sediment.  Subsequently a maintenance regime will include an annual chalk treatment that will also break down any future deposits.  It is hoped that this will eradicate the issue but the area will be carefully monitored and future maintenance may be adjusted to meet the needs of the residents and you.  This is being funded from revenue budgets.  Health and safety works relating to the recent report and the recommendations by the Supervising Engineer include vegetation clearance and tree works and an element of this funding may be carried forward into the new financial year.

Supplementary Question

Fourteen years ago this lake was maintained regularly by just one man and there was no smell.  It has got worse every year since then.  Why has not enough money been allocated for maintenance and why do my residents have to endure this revolting smell every year in this otherwise beautiful area?  We have been told about the chalk.  Will this actually get rid of the smell or will it just take the first layer off and make the lake more alkaline and less acidic which is actually making the lake less environmentally friendly for the wildlife. 

Supplementary Answer

I think I have answered most of the points to that already.  All I will say about the treatment is that we have had expert advice and we believe that this has a fair chance of being successful, but as I said again we will be monitoring it and I do hope that what we do will have a continuing ability to maintain this at levels that we can afford.

Question

In the 2015/16 Medium Term Financial Plan the funding for either a rebuild or refurbishment of Bulmershe Leisure Centre has been deferred for 2 years until 2017/18 – Why?

Question

In the 2015/16 Medium Term Financial Plan the funding for either a rebuild or refurbishment of Bulmershe Leisure Centre has been deferred for 2 years until 2017/18.  Why?

Answer

I think in part you saw the answer to this question last night but you will of course understand that the capital scheme in the MTFP beyond the budget agreed at Council is speculative in nature and represents our best understanding of possible future requirements.  The deferral of the funding marker for the Bulmershe Leisure Centre within that is a means of ensuring clarity regarding our approach to the continued provision of leisure facilities in Woodley.  The provisional Capital Programme had originally set funding aside at £7m in 2016/7 and £5.7m in 2017/8; based upon a full rebuild or refurbishment of the Centre.  These timings were originally determined prior to this Council’s assumption of the lease and the operational management being transferred to 1Life, and were thus not based upon a full assessment of the sustainability of facilities at Bulmershe nor the economics of their enhancement in the short-term.

There is not as yet a consensus of the best options for improving Bulmershe – these will be determined once we have begun the appropriate high impact consultation that such proposals warrant.  To be clear there is no preferred model at this time - options must be widely considered, including within the context of the renewal of the wider leisure contract.

We remain completely committed to the provision of high quality accessible swimming and sporting facilities at Bulmershe and support for the needs of Bulmershe School and the recent works which I referred to earlier and what you saw last night will ensure that we sustain the existing facilities over the next three years during which the consultations on options and the parallel process of re-procuring the leisure contract will be undertaken.

Supplementary Question

The report on the alternatives for Bulmershe Leisure Centre has been around for two years now, if not longer.  I can see no reason why Woodley should not have the same quality facilities as the remainder of the Borough.  Again Woodley is short changed.

Supplementary Answer

It was you I saw last night was it not?  The transformation that we have provided there and the investment that we and 1Life have put into that facility, which I believe is now better than many of the other facilities in the Borough, that money has been invested for the benefit of Woodley.  It will be put to good use.  It will not be thrown away in the short term whilst we consider what is best for that centre for the people of Woodley.

Question

Park and ride is a way of reducing traffic.  At the moment our park and ride sites are looking to be a single destination. Is the Council looking at the possibility of adding multi destination ?buses which could serve other locations such as the new town centres and stations to elevate car parking problems? 

Question

Park and ride is a way of reducing traffic.  At the moment our park and ride sites are looking to be single destination.  Is the Council looking at the possibility of adding multi destination ?buses which could serve other locations such as the new town centres and stations to elevate car parking problems?

Answer

As you know we are building two Park and Rides at the moment and there is a third one on the cards.  In the past our Park and Rides would always have been single destination but it is my plan as part of the Parking Strategy, not only for the Borough, but for the town centre, to look at the possibility of working with bus companies and having multi destinations which would take in, as I say, Wokingham town centre.  Why should we be sending everyone to Bracknell and Reading?  Also it will help stations such as Twyford where CrossRail will be coming in a few years’ time and they already have a parking problem so yes it is something we will be seriously looking at.

Question

Information on the WBC website about S106 developer contributions has not been kept up to date and one of the reports is missing, this is not very open and transparent of the Council.

However going by what has now appeared on the website, the February 2015 report of developer contributions by parish shows £5.3M of S106 contributions received or owed to WBC for Woodley, how much of this has been identified in the capital program for the next 3years?

Question

Information on the WBC website about S106 developer contributions has not been kept up to date and one of the reports is missing, this is not very open and transparent of the Council.

However going by what has now appeared on the website, the February 2015 report of developer contributions by parish shows £5.3M of S106 contributions received or owed to WBC for Woodley, how much of this has been identified in the capital program for the next 3 years?

Answer

Thank you Tom for giving me the opportunity to explain how much we are spending in Woodley.  I do apologise on behalf of the Officers and myself regarding the S106 information not being updated on the website.  I get it in hard copy as does Prue every month so there is no secret.

Of the £5.3m, the following has been identified in the capital programme.

Active Projects on 14/15 Capital Programme:

- Environment ** - £102k

- Community / Leisure - £172k

- Libraries - £7k

            - Education - £173k

**Environment Includes. Transport, Cycleways, Crossings, Public Rights of Way, Road Safety

Pending Projects on 15/16 onwards in the Capital Programme:

            - Environment - £996k

            - Community / Leisure - £349k

            - Education - £2.8m

There is stuff which is at Feasibility project stage, but it always happens, as Angus pointed out earlier, things do tend to change but they are at the feasibility change stage at the moment and they are not projects on the Capital Programme and they are:

            - Environment - £128

- Community / Leisure *** - £367k

            - Libraries - £64k

            - Total £0.6m

*** Community / Leisure Inc. Woodley Town Centre, Public Toilets, Civic Space, Play Areas

The money which has been recently received, which is awaiting allocation is £200,000.

Supplementary Question

Could you just tell me first what that actually totals up to?  That would be very handy.  I assume you have got that as a bottom number. 

My supplementary question is, of that amount money (as it is extremely difficult for local people to understand) where and when this money is being allocated when the Council allocates its Capital programme and changes it at a whim.  As an example the Bulmershe has been bounced for 2 years.  I hope this Council undertakes to spend this money in time and in calendar year and to budget.

Supplementary Answer

It may surprise you that my colleague there will not let me change anything at a whim.  The last time I was asked I remember I had somebody ask about the Winnersh relief road.  They asked where the money was for it and I explained very clearly the Winnersh relief road money, because it would change priorities and it was coming forward sooner, would appear on the Capital Programme.  Now with regards to you finding out, this information is all available.  It is not hidden anywhere.  Prue gets this information; she can ask for it, she is on SCiWG.  There is no  ...  view the full minutes text for item 105.6

Question

I am frequently asked what is happening about the Community Hub/Library in Twyford. I know that this is not my Ward but it does affect my residents. Could you please provide me with an update on progress so far and an estimated date when something might happen?

Question

I am frequently asked what is happening about the Community Hub/Library in Twyford. I know that this is not my Ward but it does affect my residents. Could you please provide me with an update on progress so far and an estimated date when something might happen?

Answer

I will not repeat what I just said about the funding to Dee.  Since December, well since the last meeting in December, we have had two meetings with the interested parties which are Twyford and Charvil Town Councils; the Twyford Village Partnership; the Theatre Company; the Polehampton Trust themselves; and the History Society.  Discussions also continue with the Police about their interest in jumping into the Hub.  Since Christmas we have agreed the minimum spec with the architect.  There has been a detailed site survey which was jointly funded by all the interested parties which shows a sign of their commitment and that enabled the architect to tweak the plans, including moving the building slightly because we discovered that the railway line was not quite where we thought it was.  It would have been a bit unfortunate otherwise.  The architect has redesigned the building as a result and we discussed it at the last meeting and have agreed the redesign.  Conversations are ongoing with the Listed Building Officers because obviously this would be an adjustment to a listed building in the Polehampton building itself.  The architect is doing further refining of plans as a result of those conversations and we hope to submit for planning application shortly.

Separately somebody who is connected to the Polehampton Trust has made a nice model of the building and we are hoping to provide that to local groups in the area so the local residents can get a better idea of what is being planned.

Supplementary Question

It is just a point of clarification because I know when you answered Councillor Tomlin you mentioned something about the assets.  Is any of that going to be used to assist the funding of the Community Hub Library?

Supplementary Answer

Just to be clear, we are looking at the whole site and if we do move the library into the Library Hub building that will free other land on the site so we are looking at what we can do with that land to generate revenue to actually enhance the money available to support the Community Hub, but in the end it will be a mixture of fundraising from the various different bodies, local funding and also contributions from the Borough so it is a joint project.  At the end of that I would expect that we should have some form of joint governance over the whole thing so that the building is owned and operated by local residents and that they have a real engagement in the whole Hub and are interested in keeping it going. 

Question

I have found the introduction of modern.gov into the Council's website a great help especially when searching previous council agendas and minutes for relevant information. Would the Executive Member for Resident Services please indicate what future enhancements we can expect using this new software? 

Question

I have found the introduction of modern.gov into the Council's website a great help especially when searching previous council agendas and minutes for relevant information. Would the Executive Member for Resident Services please indicate what future enhancements we can expect using this new software?

Answer

I think I am becoming the new Keith Baker, being asked all the questions.  The new software has already made it easier for members of the public to access Council information and more easily become involved in local democracy through a clearer website, better search and automatic notification of specific items registered as an interest.

It has also introduced new levels of transparency about attendance at meetings, details about Councillors including the ability to add additional information such as timing of surgeries and social media contact information.  I must make a note before everyone dives into attendance at meetings items, that is only since Modern Gov has started so do not assume that because your Councillor has no attendance it means they have not attended anything.  It has only been updated actually in the last couple of weeks.  We are not going to retrofit all the old agendas and meetings and stuff onto the site but it will track attendance going forwards. 

It is important to the Council that residents got the first set of improved services.  In the coming months the Council will use the system to deliver improvements within the organisation including:

• Substantial reductions in the volumes of printed paper used at meetings.
• Improved information security because of less paper
• Easy access to calendars.  You can already see the calendar on the website so you can see when the council meetings are.
• Key information such as the constitution and year book which will improve the efficiency of processes such as setting up meetings.
• More efficient processes of administration for essential Councillor items.
• Automated reminders and tasks to ensure maximum attendance at meetings and attention to key tasks.
• Proper workflow so things can get approved properly.
• Less money spent on postage and document delivery.

Future enhancements include:

• Incorporation of the Council’s e-petition scheme into modern.gov.
• A workflow process which should speed up the passage of formal reports to Council and Committees.
• In association with the Council’s elections software inclusion of election results on Councillors’ webpages.

A period of 20 minutes will be allowed for Members to ask questions in relation to the latest circulated volume of Minutes of Meetings and Ward Matters

Question

I read with interest today in the Wokingham News about how wonderful our housing is, and I would just like to ask I think Councillor Kaiser, it says here Wokingham Council spent £96million buying back its housing stock so it could collect all the rents and reinvest the money in social housing.  Can you tell me how well that has worked Councillor Kaiser, and I suppose on behalf of my colleague over here have we spent any in the houses in Woodley?

Answer

Well I think David you will know being involved with Wokingham Housing in the past, that we have the opportunity to refurbish one of our less salubrious buildings which is now called Phoenix rather than Eustace Crescent that has allowed us to do that.  That will provide 72 living accommodations and we are doing Fosters as well and we also have a programme that we would never have been able to do in the past, where we have been looking at some of our older, less desirable social housing where we will be looking to refurbish that across the Borough.  thank you.

Question

Thank you Councillor Kaiser for your comments because my thing is my residents in South Lake feel that they have been disenfranchised by the recent withdrawal of the Number 19 bus; their only direct route to both the Royal Berkshire Hospital and GP Surgeries.  One of my residents this week informed me that it had cost her £40 in one week to go to the doctor and to go to the hospital which is an incredible amount for pensioners.  The elderly, less mobile residents have to drive or get someone else to drive them for essential medical appointments and the young mothers have to either walk or get someone else to drive them.  When will this service be restored and when will South Lake residents be treated fairly?

Answer

I think I answered that earlier.  We did not change the bus route, Reading Buses did but I would be quite happy to work with you to consult Reading Buses to see whether or not they would reinstall that route.

Question

I drove down one of the main roads in Lower Earley today on my way home and would like to congratulate Councillor Kaiser on the lovely road surface that it will be when it is finished.  However, when I got home to Fairwater Drive that was a different world entirely.  There were signs all along Fairwater Drive indicating that the length of the road will be repaired or should have already been repaired by now.  Woodley Town Council had a report from Reading Buses to say that Fairwater Drive is the worst road to drive on in Woodley.  We have now discovered that only about 10% of the road will be repaired from the roundabout by Bulmershe Leisure Centre to the top of Antrim Road.  Once again the residents of South Lake and in particular one of my residents who rides a motorbike up there and puts his life in danger every day, would like the whole of Fairwater Drive to be repaired.  When is it going to be done and residents of South Lake treated fairly?

Answer

It may surprise everybody in the Chamber but I do not wake up in the morning and think I will not do that road.  I mean we want to do as many of the roads that we possibly can but we have an issue, two issues first of all.  The first is we are the lowest funded authority in the country.  The other issue, as I said earlier on, Wokingham Borough road network’s unique problem is serving the high level of car ownership.  It means it is trickier to maintain.  Nobody is going to thank me for resurfacing roads when we are doing major work on places like Showcase Cinema where the whole traffic will grind to a halt.  We have to do it in phases.  Unfortunately as it we do it, it will appear that it is going on forever because as we finish one phase we will do another;  but unfortunately that is the situation we are in.

Question

Can you guarantee that the grass in Twyford will be cut and kept at a reasonable length this year so that small children and small animals do not get lost?  It was an absolute disgrace last year.

Answer

As we have reported and as scrutinised by the Overview and Scrutiny the grass cutting regime has been reviewed and will be prioritised.  What I cannot do is guarantee the weather and as to whether they can get on to cut it.  But I can assure everyone that there will be a more selective scheme this year for cutting the grass.  Also we will be looking at areas where we can allow the grass to grow and wildflower meadows for the attractiveness that they will provide.

Question

At the beginning of 2014 Wokingham Borough Council launched two initiatives to help local unemployed people realise their potential and take control of their lives.  The Strive Programme was run in partnership with the local housing association who share the cost and help with promotion and provide intensive support to disadvantaged people enabling them to use their skill and passion to start their own business.  Can the Executive Member for Economic Development and Finance please give me an update?

Answer

Yes I can.  This programme is running and has provided some real success stories.  It has been a good example of cross-Council working.  The Strive Programme has also provided opportunities for some of our former looked after children to start their own businesses.  In 2014 a total of 15 residents graduated from the Strive 2014 course.  Since then 10 have managed to launch their own businesses and have orders or have already provided services to their customers. The Strive Programme is run by a social enterprise called Enterprise Q who deliver an 11-week course offering a unique programme of dynamic, practical and interactive learning.  Local businesses have supported the programme through mentoring and the graduates have also formed a self-help group using social media. 

The examples of some of these businesses which have been started are:  childcare business; an interior design and soft furnishing business; a commercial cleaning company; a party planning and on-line video messaging business aimed at children; and a start-up street food business.  All these have been successful.  They have obtained new customers and have been making sales.

In 2015 the 12-week course for Strive began on 7 January and overall 60 local residents expressed an interest in the programme; 25 attended our taster session and there are now 28 residents enrolled on the course.  There are currently five residents on the waiting list and 40 residents have expressed an interest in attending an additional course. 

In summary this is a successful programme contributing to the development of new businesses but also to individual personal developments and I am pleased that we support it.

Question

The litter bins in Winnersh, especially in Winnersh Meadows, are not being emptied on a regular basis.  They seem to be emptied mainly when I go and talk to the people at the front desk or my residents call Wokingham Direct to get them emptied.  Isn’t there a regular schedule of them being emptied or are they hit by grass as is happening in Twyford at the moment?

Answer

The collection is not affected by the rain.  It is a regular programme but I will take up your particular point and ask the Officers concerned to contact you.

Question

My question is about Winnersh Crossroads one of the busiest junctions in the Borough which has very high pedestrian traffic.  On 20 February a resident reported to the Council that there had been an accident which had resulted in a set of pedestrian lights being demolished.  It took over a week and a reminder before someone came and picked up the bits from the pavement and we are now a month on and nothing else has happened.  I have a lovely picture of it here which I will give to you John in a minute.  There is no indication of when the lights are going to be functioning again.  Please can you take some action to get them repaired and please let all Winnersh Councillors know when it is going to happen and why it has taken so long?

Answer

Yes and I am a bit disappointed I must admit.  I would say I was not aware of that and I will take that up.  Travelling through the Winnersh Crossroads I am now finding it a lot easier and am finding that it takes a lot less time.  I think possibly we have now found a situation where the phasing of the lights is correct.

Question

I have recently delivered a survey to every household in Hawkedon Ward.  The response has been very positive and appreciative of what the Conservative Councillors have actually achieved in the Ward.  Following on from this will you commit tonight that in the very near future you will meet with me to discuss the possibility of resurfacing residential roads in Lower Earley and particularly in my ward of Hawkedon?

Answer

The simple answer to that is yes I will but I am sure I will get a request from every other Member.  I am currently at the moment looking at the schedule of work for this year and hopefully I might have some good news when I come back to the next meeting.

Question

My question is why is this Council even considering the development of a so-called “My Journey” app at the cost of around £100k for an app that no one wants and no one will use.  Is this yet another example of this Council wasting money?

Answer

It is a bit of a red herring because the app is not just an app it is part of the “My Journey” product that the Officers have actually built which will actually help us to extract more money out of developers.  But you are right there was a problem because it had not gone through our IT people and I have insisted it goes through them.  It has gone back to them and they are looking at it now and I will be bringing a paper forward in the not too distant future which actually details how “My Journey” works and what it does.  It is worth many millions of pounds to us.

Question

One of my residents wanted to get to a hospital the other day and he had a lot of journeys to do and if he had used either a bus service or used something else it would have cost him £40 a week.  He actually used the Readibus and was able to get there easily.  I would just like to confirm that this service is available in Woodley?

Answer

Yes I believe it is.

This Council supports the campaign from our members of Parliament, spearheaded by John Redwood, to urge the Highways Agency to provide noise mitigation measures when the M4 becomes a managed motorway between junctions 3 and 12.  This especially affects our residents in North Wokingham, Emmbrook, Hurst, Winnersh, Earley and Shinfield.

The Council considered the following Notice of Motion submitted by Norman Jorgensen and seconded by John Kaiser.

‘This Council supports the campaign from our members of Parliament, spearheaded by John Redwood, to urge the Highways Agency to provide noise mitigation measures when the M4 becomes a managed motorway between junctions 3 and 12.  This especially affects our residents in North Wokingham, Emmbrook, Hurst, Winnersh, Earley and Shinfield.’

After some discussion of the Motion, Norman Jorgensen in line with Rule 4.2.13.8, proposed that the Motion be altered as follows:

‘This Council supports the campaign from our members of Parliament, spearheaded by John Redwood, to urge the Highways Agency to provide noise mitigation measures when the M4 becomes a managed motorway between junctions 3 and 12.  This especially affects the majority of residents in the Borough.’

Upon being put to the meeting, the alteration to the Motion was accepted.

At this point in the meeting 9.45pm, an in accordance with Rule 4.2.13.11g) Paul Swaddle proposed that time limit for speeches on this motion be extended for 15 minutes in order to enable the debate on the Motion to continue.  This was seconded by Guy Grandison.

Upon being put to the meeting, the Motion was declared by the Mayor to be carried.

It was proposed by Lindsay Ferris and seconded by Prue Bray that the Motion be amended as follows:

‘This Council supports the campaign from our members of Parliament, spearheaded by John Redwood and Clive Jones, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Wokingham, to urge the Highways Agency to provide noise mitigation measures when the M4 becomes a managed motorway between junctions 3 and 12.  This especially affects the majority of residents in the Borough.’

Following debate of the amendment, upon being put to the meeting, the amendment to the Motion was declared by the Mayor to be lost.

Following considerable discussion, it was proposed by Paul Swaddle and seconded by Keith Baker that the Motion be amended as follows:

‘This Council supports the campaign from our members of Parliament, spearheaded by John Redwood and residents, to urge the Highways Agency to provide noise mitigation measures when the M4 becomes a managed motorway between junctions 3 and 12.  This especially affects the majority of residents in the Borough.’

The amendment to the Motion was accepted by the proposer of the original Motion.

Following debate, upon being put to the meeting, the amended Motion was declared by the Mayor to be carried.

RESOLVED  This Council supports the campaign from our members of Parliament, spearheaded by John Redwood and residents, to urge the Highways Agency to provide noise mitigation measures when the M4 becomes a managed motorway between junctions 3 and 12.  This especially affects the majority of residents in the Borough.

At this point in the meeting 10.00pm, in accordance with Procedure Rule 4.2.8, Council considered a Motion to continue the meeting beyond 10.00pm for a maximum of 30 minutes to enable further business on the Agenda to be transacted.  This was proposed by Prue Bray and seconded by Lindsay Ferris.

Upon being put to the meeting, the Motion was declared by the Mayor to be carried.

This Council fully supports the regeneration of Wokingham town centre on the basis that it continues to satisfy the 5 key principles:

.          To provide a thriving town centre

.          To provide an eighteen hour economy

.          To treat streets as places for pedestrian and cyclists

.          To provide active and accessible public spaces

.          To enhance the quality and heritage of the town centre.

This will be achieved by:

.          Continuing to put the local resident right at the heart of the regeneration process with an open and honest exchange that involves them in shaping how their town grows in the coming years

.          Continuing to ensure that residents are kept up to date on what is happening and how it effects them

.          Continuing to ensure that the regeneration remains viable and that it becomes something which benefits the community both financially and, more importantly, by delivering the facilities an ever growing and changing population needs

.          Creating a destination which offers something different from neighbouring towns and focusses on delivering a local market town experience for local people

.          Delivering a better mix and variety of retail offer within the town so it becomes a destination people want to come to rather than having to go elsewhere or compromise

.          Ensuring that the surplus income from this development is used to benefit the whole Borough and can be reinvested in delivering the things local people need on an ongoing basis

.          Ensuring the development responds to and integrates into the existing fabric of the town and remains flexible enough to continue to adapt to the ever changing needs of a local high street

.          Continuing to ensure that whatever is built is done so to the highest standards and to the highest quality and that it will stand the tests of time

The Council considered the following Notice of Motion submitted by Philip Mirfin and seconded by Mark Ashwell.

‘This Council fully supports the regeneration of Wokingham town centre on the basis that it continues to satisfy the 5 key principles:

.          To provide a thriving town centre

.          To provide an eighteen hour economy

.          To treat streets as places for pedestrian and cyclists

.          To provide active and accessible public spaces

.          To enhance the quality and heritage of the town centre.

This will be achieved by:

.          Continuing to put the local resident right at the heart of the regeneration process with an open and honest exchange that involves them in shaping how their town grows in the coming years

.          Continuing to ensure that residents are kept up to date on what is happening and how it effects them

.          Continuing to ensure that the regeneration remains viable and that it becomes something which benefits the community both financially and, more importantly, by delivering the facilities an ever growing and changing population needs

.          Creating a destination which offers something different from neighbouring towns and focusses on delivering a local market town experience for local people

.          Delivering a better mix and variety of retail offer within the town so it becomes a destination people want to come to rather than having to go elsewhere or compromise

.          Ensuring that the surplus income from this development is used to benefit the whole Borough and can be reinvested in delivering the things local people need on an ongoing basis

.          Ensuring the development responds to and integrates into the existing fabric of the town and remains flexible enough to continue to adapt to the ever changing needs of a local high street

.          Continuing to ensure that whatever is built is done so to the highest standards and to the highest quality and that it will stand the tests of time’

It was proposed by Prue Bray and seconded by Lindsay Ferris that the Motion be amended as follows:

‘This Council fully supports the regeneration of Wokingham town centre on the basis that it continues to satisfy the 5 key principles:

.          To provide a thriving town centre

.          To provide an eighteen hour economy

.          To treat streets as places for pedestrian and cyclists

.          To provide active and accessible public spaces

.          To enhance the quality and heritage of the town centre.

This will be achieved by:

.          Continuing to put the local resident right at the heart of the regeneration process with an open and honest exchange that involves them in shaping how their town grows in the coming years

.          Continuing to ensure that residents are kept up to date on what is happening and how it effects them

.          Continuing to ensure that the regeneration remains financially and economically viable and that it becomes something which benefits the community both financially and, more importantly, by delivering the facilities an ever growing and changing population  ...  view the full minutes text for item 109.

At this point, 10.15pm, the meeting adjourned for a short period in order for discussion of the proposed amendment as requested by the Mayor.

At 10.23pm the meeting recommenced.

At this point in the meeting 10.25pm, in accordance with Procedure Rule 4.2.8, Council considered a Motion to continue the meeting beyond 10.30pm for a maximum of 30 minutes to enable further business on the Agenda to be transacted.  This was proposed by Prue Bray and seconded by Tom McCann.

Upon being put to the meeting, the Motion was declared by the Mayor to be lost.

Following debate, upon being put to the meeting, the amendment to the Motion was declared by the Mayor to be lost.

Upon being put to the meeting the Motion was declared by the Mayor to be carried.

RESOLVED  That this Council fully supports the regeneration of Wokingham town centre on the basis that it continues to satisfy the 5 key principles:

.          To provide a thriving town centre

.          To provide an eighteen hour economy

.          To treat streets as places for pedestrian and cyclists

.          To provide active and accessible public spaces

.          To enhance the quality and heritage of the town centre.

This will be achieved by:

.          Continuing to put the local resident right at the heart of the regeneration process with an open and honest exchange that involves them in shaping how their town grows in the coming years

.          Continuing to ensure that residents are kept up to date on what is happening and how it effects them

.          Continuing to ensure that the regeneration remains viable and that it becomes something which benefits the community both financially and, more importantly, by delivering the facilities an ever growing and changing population needs

.          Creating a destination which offers something different from neighbouring towns and focusses on delivering a local market town experience for local people

.          Delivering a better mix and variety of retail offer within the town so it becomes a destination people want to come to rather than having to go elsewhere or compromise

.          Ensuring that the surplus income from this development is used to benefit the whole Borough and can be reinvested in delivering the things local people need on an ongoing basis

.          Ensuring the development responds to and integrates into the existing fabric of the town and remains flexible enough to continue to adapt to the ever changing needs of a local high street

.          Continuing to ensure that whatever is built is done so to the highest standards and to the highest quality and that it will stand the tests of time.

Due to time constraints Motion 367 was not considered and in accordance with Rule 4.2.8.1 was deemed to have fallen.