The Chair announced with great sadness that former Mayor, Marian Absolom, had passed away on the evening of Saturday 19th October 2024. Marian had been Mayor of Reading in 1980/81.  The Committee stood for a minute’s silence in Marian’s memory and as a mark of respect.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 18 September 2024 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.

A questions on the following matter was submitted by a Councillor:

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

This report sets out a range of measures to assist in the mitigation of in-year budget pressures.

The Committee considered a report recommending a range of measures to assist in the mitigation of in-year budget pressures.  The report had appended a revised list of fees and charges, mostly recommended for implementation from 1 November 2024, with a few from 1 January 2025 where stated.  The report also  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.

This report sets out for approval a revised Social Value Policy to address issues identified in a review and to incorporate new procurement legislation and the National Procurement Policy Statement.

The Committee considered a report on a refresh of a Social Value Policy and related national Themes, Outcomes, Measures (TOMs) framework, which had been introduced to ensure the Council achieved best social value from its contracts.  The Policy had delivered 42 procurements, which had been recorded as providing benefits for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 30.

This report updates the Committee on the delivery of Skills, Employment and Training programmes organised by REDA in line with the planning policies which promote Employment and Skills Plans, designed to support local growth for both residents and businesses.

The Committee considered a report providing an update on the delivery of Skills, Employment and Training programmes organised by REDA (the trading name of Reading UK CIC) in line with the planning policies which promote Employment and Skills Plans, designed to support local growth for both residents and businesses.  The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31.

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 33 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 32.

The Committee considered a report recommending entering into block booked contracts for emergency accommodation.  The accommodation secured via block booked contracts would be used to meet the need of those experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping, ensuring a stable supply base of emergency accommodation at set prices over the life of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.