News

• New air quality education programme being rolled out to Reading schools
• Pupils taking part in fun, interactive sessions to learn about air quality
• Reading schools are invited to register for free sessions for their pupils

• Current £8m investment in roads follows completed £9m highways improvement programme
• Proportion of residential roads in good condition has risen from 35% to 80%
• Innovation is allowing carbon reduction alongside improvements

VISITS to the council’s four leisure centres are on the rise, approaching one million per year, reflecting the Council’s ongoing investment in new and exciting leisure facilities for residents.

• Ten organisations share £122,000 to support the physical and mental health of Reading residents
• People assisted through community projects on behalf of Council’s Adult Social Care service

• It will cost the Council £20.6 million extra next year to deliver services
• High inflation and more residents turning to the Council for support are behind the increased costs
• The Council nevertheless intends to continue its investment in modern new facilities for Reading 

• 18 people joined Reading Council's dedicated apprenticeship scheme in 2023, acquiring practical skills, and qualifications, and contributing to enhanced services for residents.
• National Apprenticeship Week 2024, themed 'Skills for Life', highlights the importance of apprenticeships in fostering lifelong skills development.

• Developer announced for £250 million regeneration of Reading's Minster Quarter
• Affordable homes, a new 'Hexagon Square,' a new community hub and local jobs, all form part of the major town centre scheme
• McLaren Living’s vision is for all-electric, energy efficient systems which maximise on-site renewable energy generation

• Plans to proceed with changes to vehicles allowed to use east Reading bus lane out for consultation

• Six Berkshire councils due to create new Berkshire Prosperity Board
• Councils aim to work together to secure funding and encourage investment into the county

Residents can now reserve or renew books in any of the town’s libraries with a new app.

• More British citizens living abroad now eligible to vote in a General Election following a change in legislation
• Those that have previously lived in or been registered to vote in the UK now have the right to vote in Parliamentary elections, regardless of how long they have lived outside the UK