Wokingham Borough

NEWSYour magazine from Wokingham Borough Council

www.wokingham.gov.uk

In this issue...

New wastecollection service

page 4

Jubileeceleberations

page 10

Learning togetherachieving success

page 24

Spring 2012

Includes

informatio

n on

council ta

x

page 15

Keeping in touch with usPhone: (0118) 974 6000

Fax: (0118) 978 9078

Email: wokinghamdirect@wokingham.gov.uk

Text/SMS message: 07786 200 974

Website including webchat:www.wokingham.gov.uk

Visit us Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 5pm at the Civic Offices, Shute End,Wokingham RG40 1BN.

Social networking sites:

www.facebook.com/wokinghamboroughcouncil

www.twitter.com/wokinghambc

Looking Local iPhone and Android app –Report abandoned vehicles, fly-tipping andvandalism, or check out events, job vacanciesand the latest travel information. Go to appstore and search for the free Looking Local app.

Email and text updates – Register at:www.wokingham.gov.uk/online

Information kiosks – Available at Woodleyand Lower Earley libraries and the Civic Offices.

Looking Local – Access local information and services using your digital televisionremote control. www.wokingham.gov.uk/looking-local

2 www.wokingham.gov.uk

We’d like to hear what you think of Wokingham Borough News, and in particular if you would like tocontribute to future editions. Please also give your views on our socialnetworking sites and what else youwould like to use them for – send us amessage on Facebook or an email to:communications@wokingham.gov.uk

Editorial: Communications Team atWokingham Borough Council.

Print: Herald GraphicsPrinted on Ability Offset 80gsm FSC.

Cost:7p per person/19p per copy.

Welcome

“Over the past few months we have come a long

way in developing a new vision and a set of

principles and priorities that will determine and

shape our work as we move into 2012 and beyond.

You can read more about this on page 19.

As well as this work, we have beenstriving to set a sound budget – achallenge in the current climate as weare required to find savings whichequate to £4.5million for 2012/13(see pages 15 to 18).

Despite this, we have much to beoptimistic about. We have invested inour schools over the past year – withfour primary schools seeingimprovement and expansion (seepage 9). With the rebuild of WaingelsCollege now complete, we’ve alsocommitted millions of pounds to TheBulmershe and St Crispin’s schools.

And it’s not just young people whoare benefitting. With an ever ageingpopulation, we’ve now completed anolder people housing scheme atAlexandra Place. And Beeches Manorwill shortly be completed too.

This year, the regeneration ofWokingham town centre will gather

pace (see page 13) and the firstdevelopment by our housingcompany will start work in Shinfield(see page 5).

Don’t forget next month’s changes toour weekly waste collection service –make sure you are up to speed withhow these will affect you (see page 4).

We’re also hoping to build on lastyear’s community spirit of the RoyalWedding as we look forward to thisyear’s Diamond Jubilee and Olympiccelebrations. Keep an eye out forevents in your local area.

I’m always happy to hear from youabout how we can improve things forour residents. Please email me at:david.lee@wokingham.gov.uk”

Cllr David LeeLeader

“Being Mayor of Wokingham Borough is aprivilege and, in my second term of office,I’m frequently reminded why our Boroughis officially one of the best places in thecountry to live.

“I’ve been lucky enough to visit manyschools and have met good teachers andhappy, motivated pupils. I chaired a QuestionTime event for our primary and secondaryschools during Local Democracy Week where it was a pleasure to hear pupils askingintelligent and probing questions of businesses,MPs and local politicians. I also attended theBorough Youth MP election where two of ourvery own aspiring young politicians were votedin by our secondary schools.

“Christmas celebrations started with the annualprimary schools’ carol concert at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre where the roofwas raised by 400 children accompanied by gifted young musicians from thefirst-class Maestros Corelli orchestra.

“I met many of you over the Christmas period at events organised by and forthe community; highlights included serving lunch at the WADE day centre forthe elderly and attending the launch of the wonderful Giving Tree appeal thatsaw many of you buying gifts for children in need around the Borough.

“I continue to be cheered and amazed by the wonderful people of the Boroughand I look forward to meeting many more of you in the coming months.”

Cllr Dianne King e: annmarie.bonwick@wokingham.gov.ukBorough Mayor t: (0118) 974 6004

3

Mayor’s view

Who’s your local councillor?

Check out our website for details about yourlocal councillor. If you don’t have access tothe internet, please call us.

t. (0118) 974 6053www.wokingham.gov.uk/cllr-database

Helping to lower blood pressureFollowing the festive season’s indulgences, our residents took the chance to havetheir blood pressure checked for free. The special event organised by the Counciland The Stroke Association also provided stroke prevention advice.

The Stroke Association’s Peggy Johns said: “We had a really positive day and took64 people’s blood pressures. It was a great opportunity to kick-start the year.”

A stroke is a brain attack which happens to around 1,600 people in the Berkshirearea each year. Regular exercise, healthy eating, giving up smoking and avoiding

excessive drinking all helpto control blood pressureand many other healthconditions. Too much saltin your diet can also leadto high blood pressure – six grammes of salt a dayis the maximumrecommended intake,which is around one levelteaspoon.

www.stroke.org.uk

In this edition

New waste collection service . . . . . . . . . 4

Hillside Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Business is blooming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 & 7

Inspire Wokingham – Living the Legacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Parish profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 & 11

Focus on fostering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Council tax info. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-18

Transforming our services. . . . . . . . . . . 19

Learning togetherachieving success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Elections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Protecting your money from fraud . . . 28

Diamond Jubilee celebrations. . . . . . . . 30

What’s on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Cllr Dianne King with Yout

h MP Sumaiya Karim (left)

and Deputy Charlotte Pugs

ley

4 www.wokingham.gov.uk

Next month (April 2), VeoliaEnvironmental Services will be takingover our new waste collection service.

RecyclingWeekly kerbside recycling collectionswill help you recycle more and divertwaste away from landfill.

Recycle in existing black boxes.

Executive viewCllr Gary Cowan, ExecutiveMember for Environment

“By extending our kerbside recyclingscheme and introducing the bluesacks for household waste, we aimto increase our recycling rates across

the Borough and turn more of our waste into aresource. It will also save us nearly a million poundsto invest in front line services.”

Household wasteYou will receive 80 official blue sacks and aninformation leaflet including your collection dayby the end of March. These sacks are to be usedfor waste (except green waste) that cannot berecycled, no other bags will be collected

Garden wasteThe opt-in garden waste scheme will berolled out to the whole Borough. There’s anannual charge of £60 covering thefortnightly collections from a wheeled bin.Alternatively, you can buy 75-litrecompostable sacks for £1 each from yourlocal library or Civic Offices from March 26.Green bags will no longer be collected.

Wheeled bins will only be available to those residents who can storethem within their property boundary.

Reg ister for a wheeled bin by calling Veolia Environmental Services:t. (0118) 909 9360

Yes please:

• All food and drink cans

• Paper/card

• Plastic bottles (no lids)

• Aerosols

Collection:Black recycling boxes and blue sacks will be collected at the sametime using a special vehicle that keeps waste separate fromrecycling . You must place your blue sacks and black boxes at theedge of your property by 6.30am on your collection day. Please referto the instructions on your blue sacks.

No thanks:

• Glass

• Tetrapak (waxed paper containers)

• Carrier bags

• Plastic tubs, pots and trays

Newwaste collectionservice iscoming

Recycling will be even more rewardingAn exciting change is coming to all residents in WokinghamBorough. You’ll soon be able to earn Recyclebank pointsevery week you recycle. Look out for your registrationpack in the post towards the end of March. There’s 300Recyclebank points up for grabs, just for registering.

How do I take part?Carry on recycling each week as normal, then tell us thatyou’ve recycled. We don’t need to know what you’verecycled. By doing this each week you will earn 10 points.Each month, residents who report will earn a bonus basedon the amount of recycling collected in the Borough.

There are three easy ways to tell us you’ve recycled:online, by phone or smartphone app (both iPhone orAndroid). Very quickly you’ll soon earn enough pointswhich can be exchanged for rewards online or by phone.

Points can be redeemed against special offers and discountsin local shops, cafés, restaurants and leisure facilities. Eachyear, you could earn rewards worth up to £75.

www.recyclebank.com

HERE’S A QUICK SUMMARY:

For more details about the new service, visit our website.

t. (0118) 974 6000e. wokinghamdirect@wokingham.gov.ukwww.wokingham.gov.uk/waste-changes

The first development being built by our housingcompany is under way in Shinfield.

Wokingham Housing Ltd is a company whollyowned by us, set up to help meet local housingneeds.

The first scheme will see ten flats for people withlearning disabilities and two bungalows for older peoplebuilt on a former mobile home site at Hillside Park, Shinfield.

The new homes, which are to be built to a high environmental standard, will berented to people we nominate and will be ready in the autumn.

In the longer term, Wokingham Housing Ltd will be involved in a range ofdevelopment and regeneration projects and will offer new housing options forlocal people.

Wokingham Housing Ltd is committed to making a real contribution towards thesocial and economic wellbeing of the Borough – it’s an exciting future.

Spring 2012 5

Hillside Park

Wokingham Housing Ltd’s first development

Executive viewCllr Angus Ross, Executive Member for Strategic Highways and Planning

“It is essential wemaintain an opendialogue with ourtown and parishcouncils, residents andother communitygroups as we considerall developmentproposals and

especially our SDLs. We are consideringthe best method of establishing a two-way forum for their discussion and believe that this will result in best practice that we can consider employing for any other major developments in the Borough. I lookforward to ensuring an active dialogue withcommunities that will be part of, or affectedby, new major developments. My aim isthat we can all work together over the lifeof the projects to obtain the best possibledevelopment design and to minimise theimpact on existing communities.”

Planning for our futureWork continues to make sure our plans for the future of the Borough will secure strongand well-supported communities, as well as reflecting the latest national policies.

As well as the Strategic Development Locations (SDLs) – the main four areas ofdevelopment until 2026 – we are developing a document to take forward policies inthe Core Strategy. The Managing Development Delivery Development Plan Documentwill allocate sites for different uses including housing and transport outside of theSDLs. It will also provide policies covering a wide range of issues including design, carparking, size of dwellings and flooding.

To make sure you are aware of the latest planning news, register your details with us.

e. policyandplans@wokingham.gov.uk

Eustace Crescent updateLast September, residents of EustaceCrescent flats gave us their views aboutthe future of their homes. The flats sufferfrom damp and drainage problems and asurvey suggests that at least £1millionwould need to be spent to resolve existingproblems, with any more problemsneeding even more money to fix.

Respondents to the consultation last yearshowed a preference for demolishing thebuildings and work is now under way withindividual tenants to discuss their housingneeds, with the aim of re-housing allresidents by March 2013.

These images are computer generated andtherefore not necessarily an accurate

representation of the final building.

Creating opportunitiesto nurture young talent

With more young people chasingfewer jobs, we are looking to raisethe profile of apprenticeshipsthrough our own recruitment andwith partner businesses.

We recruited apprentice Laura Pearce last year and are lookingto recruit more like her in the future.

We’re encouraging businesses to follow our lead by askingcompanies that we work with to take on apprenticeships as partof their contracts. Some have already done so, including BalfourBeatty which has taken on four young people, and discussionsare on-going with other businesses. We will also be holding roadshows to help businesses recruit apprentices.

Coming soonWe’re in the process of producing a Business Directory which will providea comprehensive list of organisationsoffering support and advice to thebusiness sector.

Want a copy? Register your interest now.

t. (0118) 974 6030e. communications@wokingham.gov.uk

Customer Service Assistant LauraPearce joined the Borough Councilthrough an apprenticeship schemelast summer.

During her apprenticeship, Laura has helped to manage our emailcorrespondence, resolve customercomplaints and gather customerfeedback.

Laura said: “This has given me the opportunity to work in anenvironment that I enjoy – helpingcustomers. As a young person it isnot easy to find employment intoday’s job market and this will giveme a step up on the career ladder.”

Laura has an external apprenticeship support consultant and training assessorwho monitor her apprenticeship regularly and provide access to the QualityCredit Framework (QCF) training that will give her a recognised qualification.

e: andrew.nicholls@wokingham.gov.ukt: (0118) 974 6018

Case Study

6 www.wokingham.gov.uk

Business is bloo

Executive viewCllr Liz Siggery, Executive Member forExternal Services

“This is agreat startto 2012 forWokinghamBorough,bringing avariety ofjobs into ourcommunity

at this economically difficulttime. We have worked hard toraise the profile of the Boroughthrough many different routesand that hard work is nowshowing results.”

Spring 2012 7

Five hundred and fifty new jobs are to be created with the opening of a new storage and distribution centre this spring. Food supplier Brakes has confirmed it will be moving into a new 207,000 sq ft warehouse in Suttons Business Park, Earley.

Brakes is one of the UK’s biggest suppliers to the food service industry, includingrestaurants, pubs and hotels, as well as schools and hospitals.

The new distribution centre will offer a variety of roles including warehouse operatives,drivers and management and administration positions.

This follows Tesco’s announcement that it is developing a dry goods distributioncentre at the site of the former Courage Brewery, which should create up to1,000 jobs.

New jobs comingto the Borough

Local partnership workingtogether for the local economyThe Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is one of 39 business-ledpartnerships across the country and pulls together key players from business, local authorities,education and the community sector.

The aim of Thames Valley Berkshire LEP is strong collaboration between these sectors acrossBerkshire and beyond. It has rapidly built momentum and is capable of informing and influencingnational government. By promoting employment and skills, and ensuring the delivery of the infrastructure required to support economicgrowth, the LEP aims to make our area the best place to live and work as well as an attractive place to do business. The plan is to makeThames Valley Berkshire the most enterprising area in the country, enabling it to compete with the world.

The government recently announced details of a £500million Growing Places fund, available to all local enterprise partnerships acrossEngland, with an allocation of £10.87million for Thames Valley Berkshire. This will give our Local Enterprise Partnership the opportunity to make its own decisions based on local infrastructure priorities. Discussions are already under way with everyone involved to identifyhow best to use this funding.

www.thamesvalleyberkshire.co.uk e: andrew.nicholls@wokingham.gov.uk

Wokingham Borough businessman Mark Ashwell who is on the Thames Valley Berkshire LEP’s

Executive Board and also Chair of the Wokingham Borough Business Skills and Enterprise

Partnership said: “We are collaborating to ensure that the Thames Valley Berkshire LEP remains

the engine room of the UK economy by prioritising projects such as investment in jobs and the

implementation of superfast broadband across the area. We are also actively working with

education providers at all levels to promote the idea of work-ready school, college and

university leavers and our Employment and Skills Forum is already up and running.”

ming this Spring

With the Olympics just around the corner, why not get involvedin the Wokingham Borough’s sporting celebrations?

8 www.wokingham.gov.uk

Inspire, Engage and Involve

The Berkshire School Games is well under way with over 50 schools in the WokinghamBorough taking part. Aiming toencourage more competitivesport and activity in schools andin young people’s daily lives, the

Games are being held in recognition of theOlympic and Paralympic Games.

The Borough’s winning schools are going onto represent us in the county finals atBradfield College in April and Windsor inJune.

Good luck to all the schools involved!

Lisa McGuiganSchool Sport Network Managert. 07770 731421e. lmcguigan@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk

Getting set

What’s on?See Inspire Wokingham’s websitefor all the latest sport and leisurenews and events in the Borough.www.inspirewokingham.com

We were lucky to get a visit from Olympic Gold MedallistJonathan Edwards who made a special visit to look at how thelegacy for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games is starting to take shape. Heading to Henley Rowing Club, hejoined students from The Piggott, a get set network school, atan indoor training session. Students are being coached by amember of the club.

Olympic legend

Executive viewCllr UllaKarin Clark, Executive Member for Internal Services

“With the 2012 Olympic and ParalympicGames getting closer, now is the time to get involved. Visit the Inspire Wokinghamwebsite and get yourself along to one of the

many events taking place as we lead up to this momentousevent. These games are a once in a lifetime opportunity andwe look forward very much to enjoying the celebrationswith our residents.”

Inspire Wokingham – Living the Legacy

Young AmbassadorsWe’ve 18 young ambassadors in the Borough who areworking hard to spread the word of the Olympic andParalympic values and promote the games in London.

Working in their ownschools as well asfeeder primary schools,they are now planninglots of events andassemblies. They’ll alsohave a huge role toplay at the BerkshireGames.

Spring 2012 9

More than a class act

Executive viewCllr Rob Stanton, Executive Member for Education Services

“We are all aware of the current difficultfinancial times we are facing. But we havecontinued to invest in our schools andthis is a sign of our commitment toensuring all our children and youngpeople have the best opportunities available to them.”

Work has started on a new £5.5million science block, amulti-use games area (MUGA) and a range of refurbishedspaces at St Crispin’s School in Wokingham. There will benine new laboratories as well as a lecture theatre andimproved teaching spaces.

The MUGA, which will be built first, will replace the existingtennis courts and provide students with four tennis andnetball courts.

Headteacher Alex Biddle said: “We have already created an outstanding teaching and learning environment atSt Crispin's and know that we can achieve so much morefor our current and future students. The science block andother new facilities will make a huge difference to ourschool – it’s very exciting.”

We’ve also submitted planning applications for expansions ofThe Colleton, Winnersh and Hawkedon primary schools, which aredue to be considered by Planning Committee this month (March).These expansions are required to give every child needing a placethe best possible opportunity to attend a school near to theirhome.

More investment is being ploughed into Woodley schools with£6million agreed for The Bulmershe School to help acceleratefurther improvements in teaching and learning.

All building work has been managed by our Property Services Team.

St Nicholas Primary School in Hurst is already benefitting from new classrooms and a school hall thanks to a £2.4millioninvestment. Headteacher Christine Hyatt (pictured below) said:“The new rooms are light, spacious, warm and fit for purpose. Thenew hall is wonderful – all 136 children can now beaccommodated in the same room together for assemblies. It’sbeen sensitively designed and the original features have beenincorporated into the new build including old inscription stones.

“Many local residents were extremely supportive, despite beinginconvenienced by the building work, and I’d like to thank themfor their patience. Staff morale is extremely high and the childrenare noticeably happier. They’re all very proud of their newbuilding. Needless to say, they love it!”

St Nicholas Primary School

Millions and millions of pounds are being invested in our schools.From primary school expansions and refurbishments to a completerebuild of a secondary school inWoodley, there’s never been abetter time to be a student in theWokingham Borough.

St Nicholas Primary School

Wokingham has always had a reputation for doing bigcommunity events extremely well: just look at the continuingsuccess of the May Fayre and the Winter Carnival, as well asrecent additions such as the Food and Drink Festival.

But 2012 is set to top it all, with the town’s celebrations for theQueen’s Diamond Jubilee aiming to be not just the best in Berkshire,but amongst the best in Britain.

Wokingham Town Council has been planning events sinceNovember. Cllr Gwynneth Hewetson, Chair of the volunteer working party, said:“I’ve been involved with many community events over the years, and I’ve neverencountered such a degree of enthusiasm before; support from businesses, charitiesand churches to private residents and their associations has been astonishing.”

The weekend will begin on Saturday June 2 with what will possibly beWokingham’s largest-ever concert, as the massed ranks of the WokinghamJubilee Chorus take to the stage in Elms Field performing a selection of workswith royal associations and patriotic favourites – we can safely assume thatLand of Hope and Glory will be making an appearance.

The day of the Jubilee itself will begin with a parade by the Corps of the RoyalElectrical and Mechanical Engineers, exercising their right, as Honorary Freemenof the town, to march with drums beating and flags flying. It will be followed bya traditional Civic Parade to All Saint’s Church for a service of thanksgiving.Church bells will mark the beginning of the Big Jubilee Lunch.

Market Place and surrounding streets will be packed with chairs and tables forpeople to enjoy lunch. Local restaurants will be offering a Jubilee Platter at £5 a person.All you need to do is pick your food and find a place to eat. Restaurants will be spillingout onto the pavements, so there will be plenty of room for everyone. Alternatively,you’re welcome to bring your own Jubilee picnic.

Street entertainers, dancers and musicians will be on hand to entertain you whileyou eat, before leading the crowds – pied piper-like – to Elms Field for a massivefree concert. Children’s acts will be followed by top local bands playing sets fromevery decade of Her Majesty’s reign. So, whether your preference is for LonnieDonnegan, the Rolling Stones or Queen, you’ll be happy.

With more in the pipeline, why not sign up to receive updates?

www.jubilee.wokingham-tc.gov.uk (0118) 978 3185

10 www.wokingham.gov.uk

Doing Her Majesty Proud –Wokingham Town’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations

For other town and parish councilJubilee events in theWokingham Boroughsee page 30

Let’s make

June 3 an

event to

remember for

a generation!

Time is valuable and saves livesA real need for a 4x4 response vehicle in rural locationsled the Swallowfield and Spencers Wood CommunityFirst Responder (CFR) scheme to fundraise for a vehiclethat can respond to 999 medical emergencies in the localarea in any weather conditions.

And since November, the CFR’s brand new BMW X3vehicle – the first of it’s kind in Berkshire – hasresponded to an average of eight category A calls eachmonth.

CFRs are volunteers who are trained by the ambulanceservice to act as a first response to 999 emergencies. Allare trained in basic life-saving skills, including use of anautomated external defibrillator, to provide early andoften vital intervention for patients while an ambulance isen-route. CFR kit and training are paid for by donations.

We caught up with Ian Hammond (pictured below) whoset up the CFR scheme:

1977 Silver Jubilee celebrations in Lowther Close in Wokingham(Photo courtesy of The Wokingham Times)

Spring 2012 11

Street partiesFor the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee many of you willwant to have a street party, just like you did for theRoyal Wedding last year. It’s a great way to get toknow your neighbours and come together to celebratethis occasion.

If you intend to hold a street party, please let us knowso we can give you the latest advice. Organising small,private street parties is very simple and generally doesnot include activities that need a licence, such asselling alcohol or providing certain types ofentertainment. We will be waiving the TrafficRegulation Order fee – so to close your street will befree! However, safety is paramount. We need to makesure the emergency services can get through.

www.wokingham.gov.uk/street-parties

“We are a strong and diverse team. Some of us are retired, but others are mothers, or working full-time. Our range of skills has allowed us to raise the money we needed for this 4x4 through avariety of avenues including the national lottery and local donations and events. We would like tothank all our sponsors for their support.

“It’s a brilliant achievement where community participation effectively works to help that samecommunity. We’ve also been nominated for a Prime Minister’s Big Society Award. We have nowacquired a South Central Ambulance Service compatible Terrafix hand held device for use by ourresponders. This gives us better information on the case and accurate navigation to the addressaiding response time improvement.

“If you are able to support us, or are interested in volunteering for the CFR, please get in touch!”

0800 587 0207 e. cfr@scas.nhs.uk www.swallowfieldresponders.co.uk

Changes to the BlueBadge SchemeThe Blue Badge Scheme enables people with severe mobilityproblems to park close to where they need to go. Severalchanges were introduced to the parking scheme on January 1this year to reduce fraud and make it easier for blue badgeholders to park in designated areas.

The design of the badge has changed allowing for enhancedsecurity features such as holograms, barcode and a digitalphotograph, making it harder to forge.

It is now possible to check eligibility and apply for new bluebadges at: www.direct.gov.uk although residents are stillable to apply directly to the Borough Council.

There’s a £10 charge for new blue badges and renewals, to partially cover the cost of producing the badges and the administration of the reformed parking scheme.

t: (0118) 974 6000www.wokingham.gov.uk/blue-badges

Our pledge to childrenin careThere are many reasons why a child may end up in our care. Weall have a role to play in ensuring those children have the sameopportunities as we would want for our own children.

A pledge has been developed by our Corporate Parenting Board,Children in Care Council and some of the children in our care.

We promise to:

• Help children understand their past and why they are in care

• Help children keep in contact with their family and friends

• Have an up-to-date care plan

• Make sure they have a place at a school that will help them dotheir best

• Support their education plan and subject /career options

• Involve them in decisions and plans made and make sure theyunderstand them.

www.wokingham.gov.uk/pledge

12 www.wokingham.gov.uk

Thanks to everyone who gave their views on the future of Fosters residential home inWoodley.

Whilst the highest standard of care and support is provided, the age and poorcondition of the building means it requires substantial work to make sufficientimprovements for it to meet an acceptable quality of accommodation. Any workwould not only cause disruption to the lives of residents but also be limited in termsof what it could achieve.

We have an opportunity to offer a much better standard of accommodation to ourolder residents in the Borough, in a way that meets their needs and aspirations.

Over 16 weeks we’ve been speaking and listening to residents, their relatives andother people involved in their care and support.

Our Executive will consider all comments at its meeting later this month (March 29).

The future of Fosters residential care home

Spring 2012 13

Your comments on the multi-million poundscheme to regenerate Wokingham towncentre are now online. Overall, more than70 per cent of respondents supported the regeneration concept, with othersexpressing support subject to reassuranceon some issues of concern.

The main comments concentrated on:market town feel, traffic and parking, open space, shops and pedestrian access.

Work continues apace as we respond to your comments as detailed plannedapplications are prepared. Applications to refurbish Peach Place will be submittedby the summer, with proposals for thewider regeneration scheme being

submitted towards the end of 2012. You’llhave the chance to give your views on theapplications as part of the formal planningconsultation process.

The recent Portas Review, commissionedby the government to look at how toimprove high streets and town centres,highlighted the need for a mix of uses tobe brought into town centres to create along term future for high streets. We’llwork in line with the key recommendationsto create a positive future for existing andfuture retailers, businesses, residents andvisitors alike.

www.wokinghamregeneration.co.uk

Major highway improvementsaround Wokingham station

Wokingham town centre regeneration gathers pace

Executive viewCllr Matt Deegan, Executive Memberfor CommunityDevelopment

“Our vision clearlysets out ourcommitment to theregeneration of our

town centres and increasing thevibrancy of our local communities.We want to help increase trade andsupport business growth – and weare starting in Wokingham.

“Watch out for the planningapplications later this year – this will be your chance to have a further say on our plans.”

Executive viewCllr Keith Baker,ExecutiveMember forTransport

“The link road is an opportunityto improve theroad junctions inthe immediatevicinity of the

station and improve facilities forthose arriving on foot, by bicycle andby bus. The link road would makesignificant improvements to combatcongestion in Wokingham, especially at the level crossing.”

We’re planning improvements to the road network around Wokingham railwaystation and you have until April 6 to giveus your views.

The link road is an essential part of ourtransport aspirations and another steptowards the regeneration of Wokingham.Having the link road in place, along withthe new junction improvements aroundthe station, should help to reduce delays at Barkham Road level crossing and thetraffic bottle neck that appears daily onlocal roads.

There’s also a plan for a bus interchange atthe station, as well as better facilities forpedestrians and cyclists.

Demolition of 48 and 50 Reading Roadwould make way for the link road. We’veregularly been meeting representatives ofresidents and families to keep them up todate with proposals and this will continue.

Check out the consultation documents on our website and fill in our online form.We hope to submit a planning applicationin July.

www.wokingham.gov.uk/stationlinkroadt. (0118) 974 6000 e. slr@wokingham.gov.uk

be the first to believe in me.

Could you offer a warmand friendly home? The family placement team plays a vital role in supporting families.It is looking for people interested in fostering older children andsibling groups, and they also have a particular need for respite,parent and child, a supported lodgings and short break carers.People are also wanted as solo carers for young people withcomplex needs.

So, if you have room and are interested, why not get in touch?

t: (0118) 974 6204e: fostering@wokingham.gov.uk www.besomeoneamazing.co.uk

14 www.wokingham.gov.uk

We spoke to two families about their experiences of foster caring

Karen and Edward have been foster carers for three years.Karen had always wanted to foster because she grew up withher grandmother: “I grew up thinking you don’t need to beblood family to be family.”

Large families are part of both of their lives and they have nowfostered 13 children, who have stayed between one day andtwo years.

Karen says: “We went into this with an open mind and havedone respite and short term fostering, but are now keen to dolong term fostering.

“We give them a level of stability and make them feel loved,safe and comfortable. And if they can’t go back to their ownfamily, I want to get them as ready as possible for the future.”

Edward talks of a normal family life: “Everyone needs to knowthat nothing is perfect – a perfect family doesn’t exist but anormal family does. You all face joys, disappointment andhappiness. That’s life.

“I’d advise anyone considering fostering to go ahead. I getgreat satisfaction from knowing we are achieving what we setout to – they are happy!”

Janet and Iain have been fostering for 12 years and havefostered four children long-term.

Janet says: “All are very special in their own way. The thing isto get to know them – what makes them happy, what makesthem not so happy. You read the signs and learn so much.

“You need to be patient, love children and take pride in whatthe children do. You also need 100% commitment, as it doescome with challenges.

“You help them through their difficulties, just as you do allchildren. Find out what is bothering them and deal with it.Many times, your foster children cannot stand up forthemselves and your job is to help them.”

But the positives outweigh the negatives. “I’ve loved everyminute of it. It’s a privilege to do something I enjoy.”

Karen and Edward* Janet and Iain*

*Names have been changed to protect the families involved.

Read the full stories at:www.wokingham.gov.uk/fostering

be someone amazing, be a foster carer.

Message from the Council LeaderEveryone has tightened their belts in recent years. Wokingham Borough Council is no different. We’ve been workinghard to set a sound budget – a huge challenge in the current climate as we are required to find savings of around£4.5million for 2012/13. And this is on top of the £6.5million we had to save last year. Whilst the rest of the countryis facing significant service cuts, owing to careful financial management, we are able to protect the front-line servicesthat you rely on, as well as supporting the most vulnerable people in our community.

Our new vision outlines a set of principles and priorities that will determine and shape our work this year and in thefuture. And this is reflected in our budget this year with its strong focus on education, highways and Wokingham towncentre regeneration. Last year we protected front-line services by increasing efficiency and restructuring services todeliver savings. This will continue this year to secure our long-term financial sustainability. It’s not about cuts and savingsbut about better serving you and doing so efficiently. It’s these efficiencies that will provide the savings needed to giveus financial security.

I hope the information in this four-page pull-out helps to explain more about the budget.We can expect further reductions in future from central government. We are the lowestfunded unitary authority in the country per head of population. Please don’t forget thatas staff and councillors, we do everything possible to keep council tax increases to aminimum.

Cllr David LeeLeader of the Council

● Wokingham Borough receives £34million in centralgovernment grant but residents and businesses pay back over£55milllion in rates and taxes. (This excludes the money thatgoes directly to schools.)

● The Council receives from central government just £119.9 perperson compared with, for example, Slough, which gets £406.7and Reading £332.9.

● Approx 22p in every £1 the Council spends comes from centralgovernment – other councils get nearer 50p on average.

● The Council has saved almost £20million over five yearswhich includes £4.5m to be saved in 2012/13.

● Each member of staff serves approx 174 residents – one ofthe lowest in the country.

● WBC is the third lowest spending unitary council per head ofpopulation (£637). Reading spends £844 and Slough £860.

Financial Facts

Information on 2012/2013 Council Tax

Wokingham Borough Council’s Budget £103million45

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0Children’ssocial care

Adult social service(Community Care)

Housing Waste andstreet careservices

Highways(TechnicalServices)

Libraries Other frontline services

Debt chargesand investment

income

Corporate anddemocratic

core

20

39

1 2

127

125 5

What the Council spends its share of your council tax on

COST OF SERVICES PROVIDED

WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES

Elements of a Band D Council Tax: 2011/12 2012/13 PercentageChange

Wokingham Borough Council £1,199.24 £1,199.24 0.00%Parish Precept (average) £52.35 £52.71 0.69%Thames Valley Police Authority £154.30 £154.30 0.00%Royal Berkshire Fire Authority £55.66 £55.66 0.00%

The average total council tax bill for a Band D property (which £1,461.55 £1,461.91 0.025%includes the charges made by Thames Valley Police, Royal Berkshire Fire Authority and your town or parish council).

2011/12

Staffing Other Service Income NetCosts Costs (eg fees & charges Expenditure£000 £000 grants) £000 £000

Schools and Education 83,626 33,316 (116,942) 0

Children’s Social Care 11,947 16,175 (7,873) 20,249

Adult Social Services 11,687 43,178 (16,263) 38,602(Community Care)

Housing 254 26,797 (26,326) 725

Waste and Street 108 13,297 (1,135) 12,270Care Services

Highways (Technical Services) 1,184 5,573 (209) 6,548

Libraries 1,264 1,584 (553) 2,295

Other frontline services 6,519 12,797 (7,124) 12,192(e.g. health and protection services, planning, revenues and benefits, countryside and leisure, rental income etc.)

Corporate and Democratic 5,070 0 0 5,070Core (corporate management and democratic representation)

Debt Charges and 0 6,149 (1,579) 4,570Investment Income

Total Expenditure on Services 102,521

Transfer to/ from balances (1,314)

Total Budget 101,207

HOW THESE SERVICES ARE FUNDED:

General Government Grant 20,749

New Homes Bonus 0

Council Tax Freeze Grant 1,962

Collection Fund Surplus 0

Council Tax for Borough Council 78,496

101,207

2012/13

Staffing Other Service Income NetCosts Costs (eg fees & charges Expenditure£000 £000 grants) £000 £000

77,082 42,950 (120,032) 0

11,046 17,124 (8,224) 19,946

3,861 51,312 (16,541) 38,632

273 26,850 (26,306) 817

109 13,438 (1,678) 11,869

1,086 5,791 (261) 6,616

1,247 1,471 (390) 2,328

5,778 12,393 (6,370) 11,801

5,482 0 0 5,482

0 5,472 (842) 4,630

102,121

848

102,969

18,239

1,175

3,935

595

79,025

102,969

COUNCIL TAX LEVELS AND PARISH PRECEPTS

Parishes

Each town and parish council decides what it is going to spend.This is charged to the Borough Council and added to yourcouncil tax bill. Your final bill varies depending on how muchyour parish council charges (or precepts).

Council Tax Levels

The full council tax that you are required to pay covers theprecepts for Wokingham Borough Council, Thames ValleyPolice, Royal Berkshire Fire Authority and your parish council.The charge per band in each parish is listed over the page.

COUNCIL TAX LEVELS AND PARISH PRECEPTS cont’d

Town / Parish Precepts Full Council Tax2011/12 2012/13 2012/13

£ £ Band A Band B Band C Band D Band E Band F Band G Band HArborfield & Newland 80,165 81,800 981.56 1,145.15 1,308.75 1,472.34 1,799.53 2,126.72 2,453.90 2,944.67Barkham 24,000 34,000 955.18 1,114.37 1,273.58 1,432.77 1,751.17 2,069.57 2,387.95 2,865.54Charvil 37,618 37,618 957.15 1,116.66 1,276.20 1,435.72 1,754.77 2,073.82 2,392.87 2,871.44Earley 720,479 721,624 979.96 1,143.27 1,306.61 1,469.93 1,796.59 2,123.24 2,449.89 2,939.86Finchampstead 106,301 106,630 951.80 1,110.43 1,269.07 1,427.70 1,744.97 2,062.24 2,379.50 2,855.40Remenham 5,890 6,400 953.41 1,112.31 1,271.22 1,430.12 1,747.92 2,065.73 2,383.53 2,860.23Ruscombe 10,475 10,475 952.63 1,111.39 1,270.18 1,428.94 1,746.49 2,064.04 2,381.57 2,857.88St Nicholas Hurst 22,500 22,500 953.92 1,112.90 1,271.90 1,430.87 1,748.85 2,066.83 2,384.79 2,861.75Shinfield 210,825 212,753 970.67 1,132.44 1,294.23 1,456.00 1,779.56 2,103.12 2,426.67 2,912.00Sonning 31,317 31,654 965.29 1,126.16 1,287.06 1,447.93 1,769.70 2,091.46 2,413.22 2,895.86Swallowfield 13,000 13,000 948.55 1,106.63 1,264.73 1,422.82 1,739.00 2,055.19 2,371.36 2,845.63Twyford 59,552 59,552 952.64 1,111.41 1,270.19 1,428.96 1,746.51 2,064.06 2,381.60 2,857.91Wargrave 139,995 146,370 985.96 1,150.27 1,314.61 1,478.93 1,807.59 2,136.24 2,464.89 2,957.86Winnersh 105,880 107,881 957.75 1,117.36 1,277.00 1,436.62 1,755.87 2,075.12 2,394.36 2,873.23Wokingham 604,777 604,777 968.65 1,130.09 1,291.54 1,452.98 1,775.86 2,098.75 2,421.63 2,905.95Wokingham Without 121,520 143,382 969.79 1,131.41 1,293.05 1,454.67 1,777.94 2,101.21 2,424.46 2,909.35Woodley 1,132,410 1,132,983 1,015.90 1,185.21 1,354.54 1,523.85 1,862.49 2,201.13 2,539.75 3,047.70

3,426,704 3,473,399

For details of the respective charges made by Wokingham Borough Council, Thames Valley Police, Royal Berkshire Fire Authorityand your parish council for your property, please refer to your Council Tax Demand Notice.

EXEMPT DWELLINGS

Some dwellings are exempt, includingempty caravan pitches and houseboatmoorings. Other exempt properties are:

Properties occupied only by:

• Full-time students

• Student nurses

• Members of visiting forces

• People under 18

• People who are severely mentallyimpaired

• Diplomats

• ‘Granny’ annexes occupied by elderly ordisabled relatives

Vacant dwellings which:

• Are unfurnished (exempt for up to sixmonths)

• Are owned by a charity (exempt for upto six months)

• Are substantially unfurnished andrequire or are undergoing structuralalterations or major repairs (exempt forup to 12 months)

• Are left empty by someone who hasmoved to receive personal care in ahospital or home or elsewhere, wherethe person is unable to manage aloneand the move is permanent

• Are left empty by someone who hasmoved in order to provide personal careto a sick or disabled person who isunable to manage alone

• Are waiting for probate or letters ofadministration to be granted followingthe death of the owner or tenant (andup to six months afterwards)

• Are repossessed

• Are left empty by a liable person who isa trustee in bankruptcy

• Are empty because their occupation isforbidden by law

• Are left empty by full time students orstudent nurses

• Are waiting to be occupied by aminister of religion

• Are left empty by someone who hasgone to prison for a reason other thanthe non-payment of council tax or fines

• Form part of a single property and maynot be let separately due to planningrestrictions.

DISCOUNTS

The full council tax is charged on the basisof two adults living in a dwelling. If thereis only one adult living in a dwelling (astheir main home), a reduction in counciltax of 25% can be claimed. If a dwelling is furnished but there is nobody normallyliving in it (e.g. a second home) then theowner will be entitled to a reduction of 10%in their council tax. For certain dwellings,including caravans and boats, this secondhome reduction increases to 50%.

Other dwellings where a 50% discountmay apply are:

• The second homes of people who areliable for council tax on dwellings providedby an employer (tied accommodation)

• A property that remains unoccupied andsubstantially unfurnished. The discountlasts for a maximum period of sixmonths after the statutory exemptionhas expired.

Certain people are not counted whenlooking at the number of adults residentin a dwelling.

These are:

• Full-time students, student nurses,apprentices and youth training trainees

• Patients resident in hospital

• People who are being looked after incare homes

• Severely mentally impaired people

• People staying in certain hostels ornight shelters

• 18 or 19 year olds who are still atschool, and those who leave schoolafter March for the months up toNovember

• Careworkers working for low pay(below £44/week) usually for a charity

• People caring for someone with adisability or long term illness who is nota spouse, partner or child under 18

• Members of visiting forces and certaininternational institutions

• Members of religious communities –monks and nuns

• People in prison (except those in prisonfor non-payment of council tax or afine).

If your bill shows that an exemption ordiscount is allowed, you must tell thecouncil of any change of circumstanceswhich affects your entitlement tothat discount. If you fail to do so thecouncil can impose a financial penaltyon you. The level of penalty is fixed bygovernment.

PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

If you, or someone who lives with you, needs a room or extrabathroom or kitchen, or extra space in your property toallow the use of a wheelchair indoors or has had adaptationsto meet special needs arising from a disability, you may beentitled to a reduced council tax bill. The bill may be reducedto that of the property in the valuation band immediatelybelow that shown in the valuation list for your property (e.gthe bill for a dwelling in Band C would be calculated as if thedwelling was in Band B). These reductions are available totry to ensure that disabled people do not pay more tax onaccount of space needed because of a disability.

If your home is in Band A, the lowest tax band, your counciltax will be reduced to 5/9ths of the Band D tax.

If your home has any special fixtures which have been addedfor a disabled resident which reduce the home’s value andyou do not think they have been taken into account in thevaluation of the property, you should contact the ListingOfficer at the Valuation Office. (See section on Appeals.)

COUNCIL TAX BENEFIT

Council tax benefit helps you to pay your council tax billwhen you are on a low income. Any savings below £6,000(£10,000 for pensioners) are ignored when working outbenefit. Council tax benefit is a means-tested benefit. Youwill be required to provide originals of all documents neededin connection with your claim.

COUNCIL TAX AND BENEFITS ENQUIRIES

How to contact us:

If you would like further details about any of the issuescovered in this leaflet, or for any query about your bill orbenefit, please contact us by:

● Telephone on the number shown on your bill orbenefits letter

● Writing to us at: Wokingham Borough Council PO Box 152 Shute End Wokingham RG40 IWJ

● Visiting our Reception Desk at the Shute End office.Our office hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

● Emailing us at: ctax@wokingham.gov.uk benefits@wokingham.gov.uk

APPEALS ABOUT THE COUNCIL TAX YOU PAY

You may also appeal if you consider that you are not liableto pay council tax, for example, because you are not theresident or owner or because your property is empty, or if amistake is made in calculating your bill.

If you wish to appeal on these grounds please write to theCouncil Tax Office, Wokingham Borough Council, PO Box152, Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 IWJ.

If you are still unhappy with the decision you have a furtherright of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal.

APPEALS ABOUT VALUATION

Valuation of the property for council tax is dealt with by theListing Officer of the Valuation Office Agency, an agency ofHer Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.

New taxpayers have a period of six months in which to makean appeal, providing an appeal on the same grounds has notbeen dealt with for a previous taxpayer for the property. Incertain circumstances, a new six month period in which anappeal can be made is allowed. This occurs when:

● The property is structurally altered so that its value ischanged.

● The area around the property is so changed that itadversely affects the valuation of the property i.e. majorroad changes.

● The mix of the property alters i.e. a property comprisingpart business and part domestic use becomes whollydomestic.

● Where the Listing Officer alters the valuation band foryour property without a proposal having been made bya taxpayer.

Appeals or queries about council tax valuation should bemade to:

The Listing Officer, District Valuer and Valuation Officer,Kings Wharf, 20-30 Kings Road, Reading, Berks RG1 3ER.Tel: 03000 501501.

Making an appeal against your valuation does not allow youto withhold payment of any tax owing. If your appeal issuccessful you will be entitled to a refund of any overpaid tax.

REVENUES AND BENEFITS ON THE WEB

If you have access to the internet then visit us at:www.wokingham.gov.uk

You will find more details about the various discounts,exemptions and benefits mentioned in this leaflet.

You can download copies of our forms and other usefuldocuments, so that you can make a claim for any type ofdiscount, exemption or benefit without having to wait forus to post these documents to you.

BENEFIT FRAUD HOTLINE: 0800 454 240

Spring 2012 19

To reduce the cost of services, we’ve combined ourenvironmental health and licensing services with WestBerkshire Council.

Staff previously employed by Wokingham are nowemployees of West Berkshire Council. By rationalisingfunctions and preventing duplication, each local authoritywill save £130,000 a year.

The new service will have greater resilience in emergenciesand will be able to provide a consistent level of service tothose who live, work and visit the area, with the best aspectsof each department taken into the new combined service.

A Vision forWokinghamBorough‘A great place to live, an even better place to do business’ sums up our vision for the Borough.

Developed with residents, businesses and partners, the visionbrings together principles and priorities to determine and shapeour activities over the coming year and beyond.

We’ve agreed to focus on:

● Facilitating the regeneration of our towns and increasing thevibrancy of our communities

● Creating an environment that allows businesses to thrive andprovides the conditions needed for economic growth

● Working with partners to maintain our outstandingperformance as one of the best authorities in the country foreducational attainment

● Delivering well-designed development and strong communities

● Providing you with the most effective services to meet yourneeds despite the funding cuts

● Investing in prevention services to support more vulnerableresidents to become self sufficient and self reliant.

We’re committed to making this a reality and have developed abudget in line with these priorities.

www.wokingham.gov.uk/vision

Joint Environmental Healthand Licensing Service

Andy Couldrick, previously Strategic Director of People Servicesand responsible for leading the Borough’s Children’s Servicesthrough a period of rapid change and improvement, wasappointed as the Council’s Interim Chief Executive inDecember 2011.

“The coming financial year promises both opportunity andchallenge. You’ll read in the rest of this magazine about theprogress we’re making on improving our town centres,delivering new communities with the necessary supportingroads, schools and services, and expanding existing schools todeal with increasing demand from a fast-growing population.

“These remain priorities and, as we all continue to face a difficultfinancial situation, we need to continue to find new ways toprovide the services you depend on in a cost-effective manner.

“None of this can be achievedwithout the support and collaborationof our community partners. It’s bymaking the most of the resources wehave between us that we will achievethe very best results for everyoneliving, studying or working in theWokingham Borough.”

Andy Couldrick

20 www.wokingham.gov.uk

Beeches Manor specialist dementia care andsupported living housing development inWokingham will be completed this spring.

Built by Housing 21 in conjunction with theBorough Council, Beeches Manor will provide18 specialist extra care apartments for peoplewith dementia. Along with communalfacilities including lounge, kitchens andactivity rooms, as well as 24-hour care andsupport, residents will enjoy apartmentsthat are both spacious and comfortable.

A further eight apartments for people withlearning disabilities will provide independentliving together with staff facilities. Housing21 will provide round the clock care andsupport for those with dementia.

t: (0118) 974 6082e: carol.lovell@wokingham.gov.uk

Local residents are helping to keeptheir streets and local area free oflitter and rubbish through the Adopta Street initiative.

We offer support, along with townand parish councils, as well assupplying litter pickers, hi-visibilityjackets, bags and gloves. We’ll pickup any litter collected, clear largeritems and deal with reported graffitiand fly-tipping as quickly as possible.

Volunteers can do as much, or aslittle, as they want with no set timeor schedule for the litter picking theycarry out. It’s a great opportunity toget to know your neighbours.

t: (0118) 974 6491e: dave.allen@wokingham.gov.uk

Keep Wokingham Borough Tidy – Adopt a Street

Executive viewCllr Julian McGhee Sumner –Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing

“Extra care housingis a real alternativeto residential care,and is somethingwe’re working withour partners toprovide more ofacross Wokingham

Borough. We know most peoplewould rather, given the chance, havetheir care available to them in theirown homes, when they want it. Andthat's what extra care housingdelivers, with the independence andpersonal choice associated with livingin your own home.”

Wokingham Borough Council’s Strategic Director of Commissioning Stuart Rowbotham(left), Mayor Cllr Dianne King and DavidWilliams, Head of Strategy and Developmentat Housing 21

Supported living in the WokinghamBorough

Royal seal of approvalAlexandra Place received a royal seal of approval when Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester officially opened the development of high-quality homes for older people in Woodley.

Alexandra Place provides 46 one-bedroom apartments and 18 two-bedroomapartments, including ten apartments for people with dementia. The comfortablehomes enable older people to live independently and with their own belongings.

t: (0118) 974 6760 e: housing.needs@wokingham.gov.uk

Spring 2012 21

Your services, your sayYou don’t have to wait for elections to have your say on services inthe Wokingham Borough – the Citizen’s Panel and the Youth Paneloffer residents regular opportunities to get involved.

“A child's greatest achievements are possible in play, achievements that tomorrow will become her basic level of real action and morality.” Lev Vygotsky

Play a valuable role in shaping the lives of future generations – by choosing a career in Early Years Childcare and Playwork youwill see that it is so much more than child’s play.

Children need a variety of positive role models from all walks of life and backgrounds. Our children’s workforce is made up of adiverse combination of gender, cultures, abilities, age and experience. If you have the right blend of personal qualities and skills,matched with passion, enthusiasm and enjoyment in working with children, this could be a career tailor-made for you.

Work as part of a team to support children from birth to five years of age in a pre-school or day nursery. Or, consider playworkwith four to 11 year olds at after school clubs or holiday play schemes.

Prefer being self employed from home? Then becoming a childminder will provide you with a professional home career opportunity.

Continual professional development is available through a varied programme of training and qualifications to ensure you are ableto offer the best quality care, learning and play experience for those children in your care.

Speak to the Early Years Childcare and Play Workforce Development Team on: (0118) 908 8260 or email: earlyyearsandchildcare@wokingham.gov.uk

Katie James, 37, aCommunity DevelopmentWorker who lives in theNorreys area, tells us why shejoined the Citizen’s Panel:

“I became involved in theCitizens’ Panel because Iwanted to be more aware ofwhat was happening withinmy local community and across the Borough. It has enabledme to give my view on a range of services including wastecollection, transport and customer care. I feel it’s a greatway for Borough residents to give honest feedback andopinions.”

Case StudyThe Citizens’ Panel was established in 1999, with the Youth Panelfollowing in 2010. Responses from these panels play an importantrole in helping us shape our services around the needs of localresidents. Members of both panels complete a number ofquestionnaires each year, choosing to complete paper questionnairesthat are sent to their home or electronic surveys on our website.

Each questionnaire asks for the panel members’ opinions on arange of services which, in the past, have included waste collection,transport and use of open spaces.

We’d like to hear from more residents interested in joining thepanels. Please complete the relevant registration form:

Citizens’ Panel at:http://consultations.wokingham.gov.uk/cp/cp.htm

Youth Citizens’ Panel at:http://consultations.wokingham.gov.uk/ycp/ycp.htm

t: (0118) 908 8229

Early Years, Childcare and Play in Wokingham

Three Safer Places Champions Mark Savage, Philip Pearce and John Hennessy havebeen recruited thanks to funding from the Community Safety Strategic Group.

Employed by Support Horizons, their role is to promote the Safer Places scheme atcommunity events and to go on reconnaissance visits to shops and businesses, someof which have already agreed to sign up.

Under the scheme, shops and other businesses agree to become havens where anybody who feels at all concerned or threatenedcan go for a helping hand. Staff in these shops are trained to help vulnerable adults. They will offer a friendly face and, if necessary,can contact friends, family or even the emergency services. The scheme is gaining a national reputation and we are regularlycontacted by other local authorities for advice on setting up similar schemes.

t. (0118) 974 6976

SHINEadds polish

22 www.wokingham.gov.uk

“Having retired, we were looking for something to take up. Weboth fancied T’ai Chi and a SHINE poster caught our eye. Wereally enjoyed meeting new people and the gentle but extensiveexercise for body and mind. Afterwards you feel really relaxed.We are now in the advanced class and feel we would do ourselvesproud in any Chinese park.

Clive (front) and Margaret (middle row, far right) with friendsfrom SHINE

Clive tackles the climbing wall

Safer PlacesChampions!

“We then started Nordic Walking in Dinton Pastures. It’s a greatstart to the week with the bonus of the water fowl and other wildlife.

“When Margaret was due a knee replacement, the physio wasimpressed with her muscle tone and this aided her recovery, backto walking after just three months! She also enjoys Pilates. All theclasses are so well run and appropriate to our age group.

“The added bonus has been the sociability, as groups often meet forcoffee after the sessions. There are meals out and we’ve really gotto know and support each other. We all enjoy retirement and thiscompensates for missing the companionship of work colleagues.

“So well done to the SHINE initiative and long may it continue.How did we ever fit work in?”

t: (0118) 974 3726 e: shine@wokingham.gov.uk

Clive and Margaret Boys, a retiredfirefighter and nursing sister fromWoodley, are converted to the benefitsof SHINE – an activity programmeespecially tailored to people over 50.

Clive tells us why:

Spring 2012 23

Improve your skills with LearndirectLearndirect offers courses designed to improve your skills andknowledge, including IT, English, maths and work skills. Some have exams and others earn a certificate.

Want to get involved?Do you have an interest in your community’s issues? Could you work withyoung people?

Wokingham Youth Offending Service (YOS) volunteers work alongside professionalsto ensure residents’ views on crime and disorder are heard. Their work helpsyoung offenders understand the effects of their actions on the local community.Volunteers experience YOS work first hand, provide valued support and gaininsight into the reasons young people offend.

Wokingham YOS works with young people who are subject to a court orderfollowing an offence. It aims to stop offending and re-offending, as well asoffering rehabilitation and helping public protection.

There are currently 14 volunteers working in a variety of roles, such as acting asan ‘appropriate adult’ for young people who have been detained in custody or

sitting on a community referral order panel for youngpeople negotiating a contract of community payback.

Volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds,typically live or work within Wokingham Boroughand have a keen interest in addressing the issues thataffect the local community. Could this be you? Ourvolunteers are supported with training and networkmeetings as well as expenses. Why not get in touch?

t: (0118) 974 6672 e: joanne.drinkwater@wokingham.gov.uk

Raksha came to Learndirect in 2010as she was keen to improve herqualifications and job prospects. Sheenrolled on the ECDL ITQ Level 2programme which covers Word, Exceland PowerPoint and passed all theonline tests. As a result, she gained afull Level 2 IT qualification whichhelped her to secure job interviews.

She then decided to update her English and maths qualifications. Even after securinga banking job, she continued to learn online at home and passed both English andMaths at Level 2. This meant that she had gained the equivalent of seven GCSEs inless than six months.

Raksha’s storyThe Work Skills programme helps peoplelooking for work and the short coursesinclude writing a CV, completingapplication forms and letter writing. All Learndirect courses are free for those in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance or with qualifications below a full Level 2,except for the Information TechnologyQualifications which have a refundableregistration fee.

Learndirect is in Wokingham Library andBracknell Open Learning Centre and hastutors to guide and support you throughyour learning.

t: (0118) 978 8069e: learndirect@wokingham.gov.uk

Coming to aplace near youThe mobile children’s centre has been out andabout around the Borough to areas wherefamilies find it more difficult to get to one of our children’s centre.

And even Peppa Pig dropped in recently tojoin in the fun!

Keep a look out – it’s coming to a place nearyou very soon.

www.wokingham.gov.uk/childrenscentres

Learning Together Achieving SuccessShinfield St Mary’s School has come a long way over the past couple of years.

Recent SATs results illustrate this. Literacy at key stage two puts the school above average in both Borough and national results, whilst maths is above national averages and in line with the Wokingham Borough.

The school’s community links also continue to grow and, with a strong emphasis onmusic, it recently hosted rehearsals for other local schools in preparation for theannual concert at the Hexagon. Carols in local garden centres were also a hit.

All of this is in addition to the routine school day. Eager to learn, pupils have goodbehaviour and a broad and balanced curriculum is offered. Whilst the school placesimportance on academic development, social and moral development is also high onthe agenda. School trips and after-school activities enrich pupils’ learning further. Anactive school council is involved in many aspects of school life, including the recentrecruitment of Headteacher Clare Wagstaff and improvements to facilities.

Clare said: “Our pupils enjoy the friendly atmosphere and there’s an exceptionally good relationship between staff and pupils. Our teachersregularly go that extra mile to help support and encourage pupils on their journey through school life. Everyone who visits the school isimpressed with the vibrant approach to learning – please come and see for yourself.”

The partnership between the infant and junior school is verystrong with regular open days, as well as joint events including a Jubilee celebration in June.

Over the next year, investment by the Council and the Diocese isbeing channelled into the school which will result in improvementsto the facilities.

The rate of improvement at Shinfield St Mary’s is fast. Solidfoundations are in place and the school is optimistic about thefuture, and set to go from strength to strength.

24 www.wokingham.gov.uk

Come and see the school at work on the first Tuesday of the month (term-time only).

t. (0118) 988 3663e. admin@shinfield-st-marys.wokingham.sch.ukwww.shinfield-st-marys.wokingham.sch.uk

Open mornings

Year 5 pupil Nyah Paris said: “We have enjoyable activities before and after schoolwhere we can learn new skills and meet new friends.”

Parent Becky Garroch said: “The transition for my son from the infants has been verysmooth and successful due to the commitment of theteachers in making the children and parents welcome and keeping us informed. He enjoys school and is able to share with us the topics he is studying through hishomework and targets.”

Her Majesty’s Inspector’s letter to pupils: “What a change! This time you all greeted me by name and talked enthusiastically about school life andwhat you’re learning.”

Miriam Rosen, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, said: “It is good to know that pupils are able to take onresponsibilities and make a valuable contribution to school life.”

1 in 3 women who get breast cancer are over 70, so don’t assume you’re past it.A lump isn’t the only sign of breast cancer. If you’re worried about any changes to your breasts, tell your doctor straight away. Finding it early makes it more treatable and could save your life.

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26 www.wokingham.gov.uk

Extended opening hoursand new menu at the Rainbow Café

The café, which is in the heart of theWoosehill community at the AcornCommunity Centre in Fernlea Drive, haslaunched a new menu and extended itsopening hours due to popular demand.

Its doors are now open from 9.30am until5pm on weekdays and 9am to 5pm onSaturdays.

Teas, coffee and cake are served atcompetitive prices and light lunches areavailable as well.

This year is a busy one for our electorate. As well as local elections in some Borough andparish wards on May 3, there will be a completely new election on November 15 for aPolice and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for the Thames Valley Police Area.

There will be a national information campaign about how to vote for the position of PCC.

Poll cards will be sent to eligible voters one month before each voting day.

Postal votes will be sent out around 10 days before each voting day. Please make sure youcomplete all parts of the form and return it with your Ballot Paper. Incorrect or incompleteforms will be rejected. Where more than one person in the household has a postal vote,be sure to complete the right form. And don’t be tempted to sign for anyone else!

New polling stations:

● Woodley: St. John’s Church Centre has moved to St. John’s Ambulance Centre

● Wargrave: Woodclyffe Hall, Wargrave has moved to The Pavilion, Wargrave

The annual canvass, where we send a form to every household to check and update the details, will be at least a month early thisyear. Please look out for it over the summer and return it as soon as possible.

Please let us know of any changes to your circumstances. Remember that paying council tax does not automatically register youto vote, as the criteria are different.

t: (0118) 974 6522 / 23 e: electoralservices@wokingham.gov.uk

An exciting election year ahead!

Customers are able to enjoy theirrefreshments in the modern, bright andcolourful café, which is a real suntrap, oroutside in the seating area with lovely viewsover parkland – so why not pay a visit?

The café also caters for children’s partiesheld within the community centre and arange of party menus are available to suitmost tastes.

e. jennifer.harper@wokingham.gov.ukt. (0118) 977 6713

There is now even moreto tempt you to theRainbow Café and evenmore opportunity topop in and enjoy sometasty treats.

Reproduced with kind permission of theElectoral Commission

The Safe Communities Survey is undertaken every year to giveyou the chance to comment on crime and disorder and theimpact it has on your life.

The results are used by the Wokingham Community SafetyPartnership to identify priorities for action in order to keep theBorough safer for everyone.

More than 800 responses were received in the latest survey.While residents’ actual experience of crime remains low,responses indicated that the top three crimes they experiencedwere vandalism of property (73), fraud (75) and burglary orattempted burglary (58 instances).

The survey asked questions about the safety items people have.Whilst most residents have window locks and smoke alarms andalways lock up their house or car, there are still some who never

Stay safe

Spring 2012 27

Optalis: improvingservices for older people

Both Cockayne Court and Pinehaven Day Centre will beoffering new services to their existing customers, as well aspotentially opening up access to the surrounding area inorder to prevent social isolation and promote a ‘socialnetwork’ in the community for older people.

Plans include:

● Optalis’ home care services (currently located in Wokingham towncentre) moving to a converted area of Cockayne Court, allowingbetter support to its residents, Pinehaven Day Centre, andcommunity-based services throughout the Wokingham Borough.

● After seeking the views of their current customers about whatthey want to see in the future, services will continue to cater fordementia and older people, but will offer more flexibility with achoice of morning, afternoon or all day sessions. The centre willalso adjust its opening hours and will trial weekend opening. AnActivities Coordinator will source desirable, quality activitiesbased upon customer feedback.

● Refurbishing Cockayne Court’s large, previously underused,communal lounge into a café-style environment where olderpeople can meet. The Activities Co-ordinator will also arrangeevents to take place here.

Building improvements to Cockayne Court are set to be completedby summer 2012.

t. (0118) 974 6832 e. info@optalis.org www.optalis.org

New, independent adult social care company Optalis has beenworking hard to develop and improve services for older peoplewithin the Finchampstead area.

do this and there are still a lot of people who leave valuableitems visible in their homes and cars.

Wokingham Borough is a low crime area, but it is not a ‘no crime’area. Residents need to maintain their high standards of safetyin order to keep crime as low as possible.

Protecting your money and making sure it goes to theright people and services drives the work of theCouncil’s specialist Business Assurance InvestigationsTeam. Formed in January 2010, the five-strong teaminvestigates alleged fraud in areas such as housingand council tax, housing tenancy including the sub-letof council properties and disabled blue badges. It alsoindependently investigates any allegations of internalfraud or misconduct.

Protecting your moneyfrom fraudFocus on theBusiness AssuranceInvestigations Team

28 www.wokingham.gov.uk

Investigators use different techniques to ascertain if an allegation is true. This couldbe home visits, surveillance, or using technology to identify undeclared income andcapital. If a benefit claimant fails to declare income, savings or assets, either theirown or a partner’s, we will find out. Fraud takes money away from vital services forour most vulnerable residents and we are committed to identifying this andprosecuting where appropriate.

If you suspect anyone of committing any of the offences detailed above, please call the confidential hotline on: 0800 454 240 or report itonline at: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for ‘report benefit or other fraud’). Any reports or allegations of fraud can be anonymous.

When prosecuting cases of fraud, we look at the amounts of money involved and the levels of dishonesty.Investigators follow strict rules to ensure cases are managed in a fair and accurate way from beginningto end. They work closely with Thames Valley Police, The Department for Work and Pensions, HerMajesty’s Revenues and Customs and the UK Border Agency and will report other forms of suspectedcrime to these agencies. This can play a vital role in preventing further crime.

Allegations of internal fraud can vary from code of conduct issues to financial irregularities.

You can report suspected employee misconduct or malpractice on the confidential whistleblowinghotline: (0118) 974 6550 or by email: confidential.whistleblowing@wokingham.gov.uk.

Executive viewExecutive Member for Finance CllrAnthony Pollock

“Making sure thatmoney goes to theright people andservices is key tousing our resourceseffectively. Peoplewho claim benefitsthey aren’t entitledto are taking moneyfrom those who

really need it. Our investigations teamworks to strict guidelines to make surethese benefits are available to those theyare intended for and don’t end up in thewrong pockets. Tackling fraud, wherever ithappens, is a priority.”

Since April 2011, the team has identified £353,000 of housing and council taxbenefit overpayments. Investigations have resulted in nine prosecutions, sixcautions and 12 administrative penalties.

Spring 2012 29

A safe and practical place to changeWokingham is set to open its own Changing Place. This is a fully accessible toilet and personal care facility for people with disabilities and complex health needs.

It’s never too late to learn new skills – and adult communitylearning provides the perfect step into education.

Funding from the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) providescourses targeted at those most in need and we commissionexpert organisations such as the CResCent Centre in Earley,Bracknell and Wokingham College, the Workers EducationalAssociation (WEA), Dyslexia Action and the Karten Centreat Norwood, Ravenswood Village to provide courses incommunity venues across the Borough.

The programme covers a wide range of areas and includescourses for volunteers, families, parents and adults withlearning disabilities.

t: Felicity Stevenson on (0118) 974 3703e: lifelonglearning@wokingham.gov.uk

Jump into learning

The Changing Place, located in Alexandra Court in Wokingham town centre, will offer:

● a height adjustable changing bed

● a tracking hoist system to aid transfer from a wheelchair to the toilet

● adequate space in the changing area for a disabled person and up to two carers

We’ll be operating a membership scheme so that people whorequire access to the facility get appropriate training and supportto use the equipment. The Changing Place will be available tomembers seven-days-a-week from 8am to 5pm. You can registeryour interest in the scheme now using the contact details below.

t: Wokingham Partnership Board on 05600 766 114

e: admin@partnershipboard.org.uk

www.changing-places.org

Local financial help and support –now at Shute End, WokinghamCommunity Savings and Loans (CSL) Berkshire offersopportunities to Wokingham Borough residents who needfinancial support and are unable to get help from high streetbanks. It offers an alternative to people who may otherwisebe forced into considering companies who offer ‘paydayloans’ or very high rates of interest.

CSL also offers savings plans and provides people with theopportunity to support an ethical organisation owned andcontrolled by its members. The money is retained locally,supporting the local economy.

CSL will be operating from the Council Offices in Shute Endevery Friday from 10am until 1pm for customers interestedin either saving or taking out a loan.

t: Jayne Parsons at Community Savings and Loans,

on (0118) 958 5803

www.cslberks.org

ArborfieldJune 2Jubilee Fete.

CharvilJune 3Picnic in the Park at Charvil Village Hall.Organised by The Village Society forresidents and their families.

June 9Parish Council Day of Celebration at CharvilVillage Hall. Featuring performances ofFred in The Shed at 10.30am and 1pm.Free for Charvil youngsters. Evening eventfor adults including band and hog roast.

June 175k fun run from 10.30am, followed byVillage fete.

EarleyJune 3Civic Service at Earley St Peter’s Church.

Shinfield, Spencers Wood,Three Mile Cross andGrazeleyA programme of events to celebrateacross June 2, 3, 4 and 5, including schooltea parties and inter-denominationalchurch service.

June 4Family fun day featuring entertainers, funfair and stalls for all ages. Culminates withbeacon lighting event with live music, BBQand bar. Details in parish councilnewsletter and website.

SwallowfieldMay 25 to 27Jubilee Festival at All Saint’s Churchcelebrating the link between church andcommunity. Peformances of the originalSwallowfield Mummers play, floral displaysand a display of historical memorabilia areplanned, amongst others.

New at the Multi-Activity CentreThe MAC at Dinton Pastures hasintroduced a series of new clubs this year.

Dinton Discoverers is a programme for young people between eight andeighteen years who want a littleadventure in their lives. Exploring theirenvironment, members can take part in activities such as rock-climbing and raft-building as well as looking at theirfellow park-users such as amphibiansand reptiles.

Sessions cost £7 per person and the next planned event is Kata-Kanuing (or £20 for four sessions) to search outhidden Easter eggs on Black Swan Lake(April 14).

A new Junior Sailing Club will start onApril 22 along with an afternoon clubfor ladies.

For details on any of these clubs andmore:

t: (0118) 934 4424e: multiactivitycentre@wokingham.gov.ukwww.wokingham.gov.uk/macwww.facebook.com/wokinghammac

What’s on? 30 www.wokingham.gov.uk

June 4Swallowfield Street Party – offers of helpto the parish council office.

June 9Church Fete at Mead House,Swallowfield.

TwyfordKeep an eye out for the new village signby local designer Sally Castle.

An application has been made to theWoodland Trust for 420 wild harvesttrees for the community orchard. Ifsuccessful, they will be planted inNovember to mark the Jubilee and firstanniversary of the orchard at StanlakeMeadow.

Wokingham WithoutCommunity picnic event. Details to beconfirmed.

WinnershJune 16Traditional family fete with a Kings andQueens theme. Bearwood RecreationGround, Sindlesham. 1pm to 4.30 pm.Free entry, parking and many of theattractions.

WoodleyJune 3 Children’s party in the precinctorganised by the Woodley Town CentreManagement Initiative. Fancy dresscompetition rides and farm animals.

See page 10 for information aboutstreet party applications and jubileeevents in Wokingham.

Information available at time of goingto press. See your parish or communitynewsletter or website for up-to-datedetails.

www.wokingham.gov.uk/tp-contacts

Diamond Jubilee SpecialFind out how your local community will becelebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

What’s on?Spring into action at one of the manyevents in the Wokingham Borough

Spring 2012 31

Check out your local countryside

April 4

Easter Trail: Navigate a trail around California CountryPark with an easy to follow map answering thequestions to earn a chocolate treat! Ideal for familiesand suitable for pushchairs.

Pick up an entry form between 1pm and 3pm.£2.50 charge per child.

April 8

Easter Egg Hunt: Find an egg in California Country Park,bring it to the café and see if you are a winner!Children must be supervised. One egg per child.

From 12 noon. £1 charge.

May 5

Dawn Chorus: Join the Wokingham and Bracknell RSPBon International Dawn Chorus Day for an early morningstroll during the most energetic and bustling time ofday for birds.

5am Dinton Pastures Country Park. £1 charge (allproceeds to RSPB). Accompanied children free.

June 9

Family Fun Day: A chance to see what’s on offer atDinton Pastures’ Multi-Activity Centre. Try your handat everything from rock climbing to sailing, canoeing orrowing. Or have a go on a pedalo, Segway or easy glider.

10.30am to 4.30pm. MAC at Dinton Pastures CountryPark, £2 a go.

June 30

Bug Club (part of the Amateur Entomologists’ Society):Check out moths caught in a moth trap then join thebug hunt.

10.30am Meet a Moth, 2pm Bug Hunt, Dinton PasturesCountry Park. Free.

Look up your local library

March 29

A Gap Year for Grown-Ups:Tales from Malawi and Nepal – A talk by Marcia Watson about volunteering.

£2 charge. Wokingham Library, 6.30pm.

April 3

Discovering Archaeology: Come along andfind out about archaeology in WokinghamBorough. Drop-in event for families withchildren aged five and over.

Free. Lower Earley Library, 10am to 11.30am

April 23

Teddybear Storytimes: special storytimes forfamilies with children of all ages to celebrateWorld Book Night.

Lower Earley Library, Spencers Wood Library,Wargrave Library 4pm to 4.30pm andWokingham Library 4.15pm to 4.45pm

April 25

Book Chat: Come along for a coffee and swaprecommendations about your favourite books.

Wokingham Library, 10.30am to 11.30am

May 21

Broadmoor Revealed: A talk by Mark Stevensabout this history of Victorian crime and thelunatic asylum.

£2 charge. Wokingham Library, 6pm.

For details of these events and more, seewww.wokingham.gov.uk

www.facebook.com/wokinghamboroughcouncil

www.facebook.com/wokinghamboroughlibraries

www.twitter.com/wokinghambc

Your new recycling and waste collection service is coming…

The changes will include:

For more information about your recycling and waste collection services please visit:

www.wokingham.gov.uk/waste-changes

for Wokingham

new recycling and waste collection service