To receive Mayor’s Announcements.

(a)        Holocaust Memorial Day

The Mayor invited the Council to join him in a minute’s silence in respect of Holocaust Memorial Day which was held on 27 January and to provide a period of reflection for the victims of the all too many wars that were currently being waged around  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.

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

The Minutes of the meeting held on 17 October 2023 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

Questions in accordance with Standing Order 9.

(The full text of the question and reply was made available on the Reading Borough Council website).

Questions in accordance with Standing Order 10.

(The full text of the questions and replies was made available on the Reading Borough Council website).

Report by Executive Director of Resources

The Director of Finance submitted a report recommending changes to the Council’s approach in respect of certain discretionary areas within Council Tax legislation in relation to empty and second home premiums. The Levelling Up and Regeneration Act allowed the Council to make further amendments to the levying of Council Tax  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

Report by Executive Director of Resources

The Director of Finance submitted a report regarding the Council Tax support scheme, estimated Council Tax collection rate and Council Tax base for the 2024/25 financial year.  The report explained that Section 33 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 and the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) (England)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 34.

Report by Executive Director of Economic Growth & Neighbourhood Services

Further to Minute 6 of the Licensing Applications Committee held on 1 February 2022, the Executive Director of Economic Growth & Neighbourhoods submitted a report on a revision to the Statement of Gambling Licensing Principles.  The minor change would be to refer to the new section about gambling premises in the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.

Report by Executive Director Children’s Services

Further to Minute 16 of the Adult Social Care, Children’s Services & Education Committee held on 18 October 2023, the Executive Director for Children’s Services submitted a report on the Youth Justice Plan 2023-24.  The report explained that the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and a condition of the Youth Justice  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

Report by Executive Director of Resources

The Executive Director of Resources submitted a report on the draft Pay Policy Statement for 2023/24.  The report stated that Local Authorities were required under Section 38(1) of the Localism Act 2011 (the Act) to prepare a Pay Policy Statement that articulated the Council’s policy towards the pay of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

Report by Monitoring Officer

The Executive Director of Resources submitted a report setting out the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel, following its meeting on 22 November 2023, in relation to the scheme of Councillors’ Allowances for 2024/25.  The Panel’s recommendations were set out in Appendix A to the report and had been reflected  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38.

Councillor Ennis to move:

That this Council expresses its concern and indignation at the ongoing failure of the owner of Reading FC, founded in 1871, to run the club in a sustainable and proper way, as evidenced by ongoing and repetitive English Football League sanctions against both the club and the owner. 

This Council also puts on record its support for the fan-led campaign, including ‘Sell Before we Dai’, and calls on the EFL and the future Independent Regulator to take the necessary action to end Dai Yongge’s ownership of Reading FC, obliging him to sell the club to new owners with a long term interest in the club and the town. 

This Council asks that the Chief Executive writes to the EFL to convey this motion and asking them further to take all possible actions towards developing a sustainable future for Reading FC and delivering a more robust model of football governance. The Chief Executive is also asked to make Berkshire’s MPs aware of the same so that they may be encouraged to lobby on behalf of the club.

Pursuant to Notice, a motion was moved by Councillor Ennis and seconded by Councillor Barnett-Ward and CARRIED:

Resolved –

That this Council expresses its concern and indignation at the ongoing failure of the owner of Reading FC, founded in 1871, to run the club in a sustainable and proper way,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.