The Chair announced with great sadness that Margaret Cook (née Jones) had sadly passed away peacefully in her sleep on the 15th January 2025 following a long illness. Margaret was known locally as Meg Singh and was a Labour Councillor in Katesgrove Ward from 1972 until 1995, and previously lived  ...  view the full minutes text for item 56.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 20 January 2025 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To receive any petitions from the public and any questions from the public and Councillors.

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

This report sets out the results of the public consultation and the preferred option of using reserve cemetery land at Henley Road to maintain burial provision in Reading beyond 2030.

The Committee considered a report providing results of a public consultation on future cemetery provision and the Henley Road allotments. Appendix 1A and Appendix 1B to the report provided a summary of the consultation questions and responses. Appendix 1C provided additional information in response to the options set out in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 59.

This report seeks approval from the Committee, in its capacity as sole member for Brighter Futures for Children Limited, (BFfC), to agree an annual Business Plan and contract sum.

The Committee received a report, acting in its capacity as the Sole Member for Brighter Futures for Children Ltd (BFfC), seeking approval for the company’s Business Plan for 2025-2026. The Business Plan was attached to the report at Appendix 1.

The report noted that following the decision made at the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 60.

This report sets out the 2025/26 General Fund and Housing Revenue Account Budgets, Capital Programme and Medium Term Financial Strategy for recommendation to Full Council.

Further to Minute 45 of the meeting held on 18 December 2024, the Committee considered a report setting out for recommendation to Council the 2025/2026 Budget and the 2025/26- 2027/28 Medium Term Financial Strategy, and updating the Committee on the results of the budget consultation exercise, changes arising from the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 61.

This report sets out the Capital Strategy 2025/26 for recommendation to Full Council.

The Committee received a report setting out for recommendation to Council the draft Capital Strategy 2025/2026, which was attached to the report at Appendix 1.

The report noted that the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) revised Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities 2021 required the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 62.

This report sets out the Treasury Management Strategy Statement, Minimum Revenue Provision Policy and Annual Investment Strategy for recommendation to Full Council.

The Committee received a report setting out a Treasury Management Strategy for endorsement and recommendation to Council.  The Strategy required approval before the start of the new financial year in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy’s (CIPFA) Treasury Management in the Public Services: Code of Practice  ...  view the full minutes text for item 63.

The following motion will be moved by the Chair:

“That, pursuant to Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) members of the press and public be excluded during consideration of the following items on the agenda, as it is likely that there would be disclosure of exempt information as defined in the relevant Paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 12A (as amended) of that Act”

Resolved –

That pursuant to Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended), members of the press and public be excluded during consideration of item 65 below as it was likely that there would be a disclosure of exempt information as defined in the relevant paragraphs specified in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64.

The Committee considered a report in its role as sole shareholder, to consider a business case made by Reading Transport Limited for the purchase and development of a site.

Resolved –

That the proposal made by Reading Transport Limited to purchase and develop a site be approved.