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 3, which ends with the words “well-equipped healthcare facilities”, as follows:

4.       The Government made an announcement on Monday 27 January 2025 delaying the New Hospital Programme.”

and reword the two subsequent bullet points, under the original point 3 as follows:

“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.”’

‘Change the word “the” to “any” in the second line of the first paragraph following “This Council calls on.”’

The following amendment was moved by Councillor Terry and seconded by Councillor McEwan and CARRIED:

‘Delete all words with the exception of the first sentence in the last paragraph of the motion, which reads:

“This Council reaffirms its unwavering commitment to ensuring that Reading residents have access to modern, safe, and efficient healthcare services.”’

Resolved –

This Council reaffirms its unwavering commitment to ensuring that Reading residents have access to modern, safe, and efficient healthcare services.