To receive Mayor’s Announcements.

The Mayor made the following annnouncement:

‘Before we begin this evening’s proceedings, I would like us all to dedicate some time to remember the victims of the attack at Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester on Thursday 2nd October. I am certain I speak for everyone here this evening when I  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.

The Mayor to sign the Minutes of the proceedings of the previous Council Meetings.

The minutes of the meetings held on 24 June 2025 were agreed as correct records and signed by the Mayor.

To receive petitions in accordance with Standing Order 8.

Chloe Kidd presented a petition as follows:

Refurbish the Meadway Recreation Ground Play Area

A lone swing, an empty space where the zip line used to be, and an ageing slide – this is the children’s playground at the Meadway Rec in Tilehurst. The play area desperately needs some attention.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

Questions in accordance with Standing Order 9.

Questions on the following matters were submitted by members of the public:

Questions in accordance with Standing Order 10.

Questions on the following matters were submitted by Councillors:

Report by Executive Director of Children’s Services

The Executive Director of Children’s Services submitted a report setting out for approval the Reading Youth Justice Plan 2025-26, which was attached to the report at Appendix 1.

The report explained that the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 placed a duty on the Local Authority to produce an annual Youth  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

Report by Executive Director of Resources

The Executive Director of Resources submitted a report setting out the Council’s policy on pay for 2025/26 and information about changes to pay scales for the Council’s workforce.  The Pay Policy Statement was attached to the report at Appendix A.

The report explained that the Pay Policy Statement met the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

Report by Chair of Audit & Governance Committee

The Chair of the Audit & Governance Committee submitted a report setting out at Appendix 1 the Audit & Governance Committee annual report.  A summary of feedback from Committee and key Officer surveys was attached to the report at Appendix 2.

The report noted that the Audit & Governance Committee annual report set  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

Report by Director of Finance

The Director of Finance submitted a report setting out updated Budget & Policy Framework Procedure Rules and Financial Regulations for adoption.  The revised Budget & Policy Framework Procedure Rules were attached to the report at Appendix 1 and the revised Financial Regulations at Appendix 2.

The report noted that Council was responsible  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.

Councillor Terry to move:

We welcome the Labour Government’s decision to recognise Palestine as an Independent State delivering its manifesto commitment and taking a vital step to protect the viability of a two-state solution, which must be part of a wider plan for peace.  

Reading Council wishes to see an end to the intolerable suffering of the Palestinian people, unequivocally condemns the horrors of the October 7^th attack and calls for all hostages to be released. We believe that Britain must play a proactive role in promoting a just and lasting peace between a safe and secure Israel and a viable Palestine state. 

Reading Council believes the UK has a moral and legal responsibility to uphold international humanitarian law and act to prevent further civilian suffering in Gaza.

Hamas has been proscribed and sanctioned as a terrorist organisation. We urge that all hostages be released immediately and both sides agree to an immediate ceasefire. Our support for Israel’s right to exist and security of its people remains steadfast. But we demand that the Israeli government must change course – halting their offensive in Gaza and letting desperately needed humanitarian aid in.

The Israeli government’s relentless bombardment of Gaza, the offensive of recent weeks, the starvation, are utterly intolerable. Tens of thousands have been killed, including as they tried to collect food and water. This death and destruction horrifies us all. It must end.

Reading is home to a diverse community, with many of our residents celebrating different faiths. Every resident in Reading deserves to feel safe, celebrated and valued as part of our town no matter their faith or background and we will continue to champion Reading as a diverse and tolerant town.

This Council:

·         Welcomes the Government’s policy of seeking an immediate ceasefire, the safe return of hostages held by the terrorist group Hamas, as well as those held by the Israeli Government and the urgent need for a two-state solution.

·         Welcomes the recent steps towards a peace plan and calls on all parties to bring an end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and work to secure peace and a two-state solution.

·         Agrees that the Leader of the Council write to the Foreign Secretary to welcome the Government’s decision to recognise the state of Palestine as part of progress towards a two-state solution.

In accordance with Standing Order 14(10)(a), Councillor Terry received the consent of the Council to alter her motion.

The altered motion was moved by Councillor Terry and seconded by Councillor Eden and CARRIED as set out in the resolution below.

The following amendment was moved by Councillor McElroy and seconded  ...  view the full minutes text for item 30.