To receive Mayor’s Announcements.

(a)      Former Councillor and past Mayor Ron Jewitt

The Mayor paid tribute to and remembered a former councillor and Mayor, Ron Jewitt.  Ron Jewitt was elected to Reading Borough Council at the first election of the reconstituted Council in 1973 and continued to be a member until 1991, representing Caversham  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

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

The Minutes of the meeting held on 15 October 2024 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

To receive petitions in accordance with Standing Order 8.

(a)      Susanne Clausen presented a petition in the following terms:

Save Open Hand Open Space: Protect Reading’s Cultural Lifeline at Brock Keep

Brock Keep, a vital heritage building and home to Open Hand Open Space (OHOS), is under threat. For over 40 years, OHOS has been a cornerstone of Reading’s  ...  view the full minutes text for item 30.

Questions in accordance with Standing Order 10.

(The full text of the questions and replies was made available  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31.

Report by Executive Director of Resources

Further to Minute 42 of the Policy Committee held on 18 December 2024, the Executive Director of Resources submitted a report setting out a review of the performance of Brighter Futures for Children Limited (BFfC) in delivering Children’s Services and an assessment of future options.  Attached to the report at  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.

Report by Chief Executive

The Chief Executive submitted a report on the Government’s English Devolution White Paper, which set out a range of Policies that the Government was proposing to reform Local Government.  The most significant proposal was for devolution to Strategic Authorities covering all areas of England, and for reorganisation of local government  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

Report by Executive Director Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services

Further to Minute 9 of the Licensing Applications Committee held on 14 November 2024, the Executive Director of Economic Growth & Neighbourhoods submitted a report on the revised Statement of Gambling Licensing Principles (Gambling Policy) to cover the period 31 January 2025 to 30 January 2028. The following documents were appended  ...  view the full minutes text for item 34.

Report by Executive Director for Children’s Services

Further to Minute 23 of the Adult Social Care, Children’s Services & Education Committee held on 16 October 2024, the Executive Director for Children’s Services submitted a report on the Youth Justice Plan 2024-25.  The report explained that the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and a condition of the Youth Justice  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.

Report by Director of Finance

The Director of Finance submitted a report regarding the Council Tax support scheme, estimated Council Tax collection rate and Council Tax base for the 2025/26 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 36.

Report by Executive Director of Resources

The Executive Director of Resources submitted a report setting out the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel, following its meetings on 8 October 2024, 12 November 2024, 10 December 2024 and 18 December 2024, in relation to the scheme of Councillors’ Allowances for 2024/25.  The Panel’s recommendations were set out  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

Report by Executive Director of Resources

The Executive Director of Resources submitted a report on the draft Pay Policy Statement for 2024/25.  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 38.

Councillor R Singh to move:

This Council notes that:

1. The new Labour Government's review of the National New Hospital Programme (NHP), as announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the July mini-budget, has cast a shadow of uncertainty and potential delays over the much-anticipated redevelopment of the Royal Berkshire Hospital.

2. The redevelopment of the Royal Berkshire Hospital is included in the NHP and was expected to deliver much-needed improvements to an ageing estate that currently struggles to provide modern healthcare services.

3. NHS bosses and local health authorities have raised concerns that any delay in the redevelopment programme may risk patient safety. It is critical that Reading residents have access to modern, safe, and well-equipped healthcare facilities.

This Council expresses its deep concern regarding:

?      The uncertainty introduced by the Government's decision to review the NHP, particularly about the Royal Berkshire Hospital's redevelopment, has led this Council to believe that any delays in the project could significantly compromise the quality of healthcare for Reading residents.

?      NHS trusts and local healthcare authorities have highlighted the risk to patient safety and service quality posed by the redevelopment if it is not delivered in a timely manner.

This Council calls on:

1. The Leader of the Council to write to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to express the Council's concern about the potential impact of any delay in the redevelopment of the Royal Berkshire hospitals on the health and safety of Reading residents.

2. The Council Leader write to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care for a timeline for when this development can realistically be delivered, as the review will significantly impact patient safety and care.

3. The Council Leader write to Reading Central MP Matt Rodda and neighbouring constituencies, asking them to raise the issue in parliament.

4. The Council Leader write to the Reading Central MP asking him to report regularly to the Council, outlining any risks, delays, or issues that may arise during the process.

This Council reaffirms its unwavering commitment to ensuring that Reading's residents have access to modern, safe, and efficient healthcare services. We will continue to advocate for swift progress in the necessary hospital redevelopments, leaving no stone unturned in our efforts.

In accordance with Standing Order 14(10)(a), Councillor R Singh received the consent of the Council to alter his motion, as follows:

‘Delete the word “has” in the first paragraph starting with the words “The new Labour Government's review of the National New Hospital Programme…”’

‘Add a new paragraph after paragraph  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.