Speech by Cllr John Kaiser, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Finance and Housing, seconding the Budget:

At the recent meeting of the Wokingham Borough Council Cllr John Kaiser Executive member for finance and housing ( and Member for Barkham) had good news to share and reassurance that the borough's finances are exceedingly well managed to ensure we can provide the services our residents need.

Lead Member for Finance, Cllr John Kaiser writes:

With other local councils getting into financial difficulties, it is important to give our residents in Wokingham Borough, confidence that we are in a strong position and are not at risk.

“With other local councils getting into financial difficulties, it is important to give our residents in Wokingham Borough, confidence that we are in a strong position and are not at risk.

Good news as the Toutley East proposals for 130 new energy efficient homes and a new care home take a step forward with the submission of an outline planning application for the site.

At last night's Council meeting Wokingham Borough Conservatives proposed changes to WBC Council Tax policies to benefit both young care leavers and those people who look after their vulnerable relatives.

The Conservative-led Borough Council in Wokingham has approved more than £205,000 in support for residents struggling to feed themselves and their families and to afford fuel to heat their homes.

We urge any council tax payers who know their circumstances have changed, or who are unsure if they may be eligible, to get in contact with the council to discuss. If their concern is a financial one our team are team are always happy to discuss options and there may be other discounts that the household qualifies for instead.

Since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic we have worked hard to support our residents who have faced a huge amount of pressure. No family or individual should go hungry in Wokingham Borough, now or in the future. We encourage anyone who is concerned about not being able to afford food for themselves, or their family, to contact our One Front Door service for immediate support.  
We’re very grateful for the local businesses and others in the community have made the offer to support families during half-term.

People having to self-isolate due to Covid-19 may be eligible to a £500 payment if they are unable to work from home.

Who is eligible?  These are the people who meet all these criteria: