Given the very challenging financial position of the borough council, much has been achieved over the last four years that the current administration has been in place.
One of the greatest strengths of our area is what we can achieve when business, government and the community work together with a shared sense of purpose.
We live in extraordinary times of financial pressure for local government. In that context, Wokingham Borough Council’s setting a balanced budget last week is a considerable achievement.
Running a council necessarily involves a lot of reacting to pressures generated externally. To avoid a totally reactive approach, a clear idea of what you want to achieve is vital.
Adrian Betteridge ha joined the council executive with responsibility for active travel, transport and highways. It’s a subject close to his heart, as his first foray into local politics was campaigning to improve walking and cycling.
Last week saw a Wokingham Borough Council by-election in the Maiden Erlegh and Whitegates ward. The victory of the Lib Dem Mike Smith changes the political balance on the council- the Lib Dems now have a majority of councillors.
Lou Timlin has recently joined the Executive as lead member for Community Safety and Public Protection. This new role comes with a responsibility to ensure that everyone in our borough can live, work, and thrive without fear of harm
In a week in which we have another borough council by-election, it’s worth asking why people become involved in local politics, especially given the rather cynical view that some people hold of those who put themselves forward for public office.
Our mission is to nurture a great place to live, learn, work, grow and a great place to do business. All these strands support each other and in unison make Wokingham Borough our wonderful home.