The Minutes of the meeting of 9 March 2023 were confirmed as a correct record.

Minutes of the Community Safety Partnership meetings held on 2 February 2023 and 20 April 2023.

The Minutes of the following meeting were submitted:

Community Safety Partnership – 2 February 2023 and 20 April 2023.

Questions submitted pursuant to Standing Order 36 in relation to matters falling within the Committee’s Powers & Duties which have been submitted in writing and received by the Head of Legal & Democratic Services no later than four clear working days before the meeting.

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

A report requesting the extension of the partnering contract with Wokingham District Council to deliver repairs and maintenance work to its housing stock for a further two years.

The Committee received a report which sought authority for the Council to extend the current partnering contract with Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) to deliver its repairs and maintenance work to its housing stock for a further two years until 31 March 2025.

The report explained that on 31 March  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

A report providing an update on the Council’s ongoing work in relation to fire safety in tall buildings and the partnership with the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The Committee received a report which provided an update on the Council’s ongoing response in the private sector, following the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017.  This included action taken in relation to privately-owned high-rise residential blocks within the Borough boundaries and our partnership with the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

An update on the National Highways Grant Funding Allocation of £250k per annum for Reading Borough Council to invest on Highway Assets on the M4 Motorway designated diversion route through Reading for 2023/2024 and 2024/2025.

The Committee received a report that updated the Committee on the National Highways Grant Funding Allocation of £250k per annum for Reading Borough Council to invest on Highway Assets on the M4 Motorway designated diversion route through Reading for 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 financial year periods.

The report explained that Reading  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

A report providing the approved 2022/2023 Annual Status Options Reports (ASOR) for carriageways, pavements and structures and updating the Committee on the proposed inspection regime for the Public Rights of Way in Reading.

The Committee received a report setting out the approved 2022/2023 Annual Status Options Reports (ASOR) for carriageways, pavements and structures and gave an update on the proposed inspection regime for the Public Rights of Way (PRoW) in Reading.

The report explained that the Asset Management tool was used  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

A report updating the Committee on progress on the Allotment Rent Review and seeking approval to consult on changes to Allotment discounts and rent.

The Committee received a report which set out progress of the Allotment Rent Review and a consultation on changes to allotment discounts and rents. 

Since 2020 the service had sought the opinion of tenants on potential rent and discount changes through the August 2020 Allotment Consultation and ongoing work on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

This report informing the Committee of progress to date on trials to explore the alternatives to using glyphosate to control unwanted vegetation across the borough.

The Committee received a report which provided an update on trials that took place between May 2022 and October 2022 to explore the alternative to the current weed control practice of using glyphosate to control unwanted vegetation across the borough.

The report explained that the Council remained committed to reducing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.