Bracknell Forest reported as 4th best performing local authority area in the new Better Lives Index - a national framework assessing how well local areas across the UK support people to live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives. The council’s Chief Executive is invited to the official launch in November 2025 to share the details of Bracknell Forest’s success.
Highlights for each Council Plan priority during quarter 2.
Engaged and healthy communities
New specialist provision opened at Edgbarrow (5 places) and Hawthorn Academy (12 places) for Social, Emotional and Mental Health, increasing local capacity for children with additional needs.
Additions to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) action plan, addressing the broader areas for improvement raised by Ofsted, has been signed off by the Department for Education (DfE) and NHS England. The updated plan is now published on the council’s website.
5 new childcare settings opened, 3 offering extended hours and weeks to meet growing demand for flexible provision, and 2 providing traditional term-time schedules.
Over 2,300 responses received from residents from the Communities Strategy early engagement events, formal consultation on strategy to follow. Plus, consultations on the new exploitation strategy and all-age integrated autism strategy.
Bridgewell scheme completed, providing supported accommodation for adults with learning disabilities. Residents will start to occupy their new homes from October 2025.
Bracknell Forest libraries’ 2025 summer reading challenge engaged over 1,300 children with a completion rate of 69%. 140 new library memberships activated to enable children to take part in the challenge.
Bracknell Forest Culture and Community Day, Armed Forces Day and 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day commemorations held, supporting community engagement and cohesion across the borough.
285 young people participated in universal youth work, exceeding targets and broadening inclusion with targeted engagement among vulnerable groups supporting the delivery of the Youth Strategy action plan.
Community garden at Bucklers Park opened during the period - all 30 plots taken up by residents and a waiting list is already in place.
Over £50,000 additional income delivered for Bracknell Forest residents, through financial inclusion activity. The team supports residents to maximise their income and manage financial challenges through benefit support, debt advice and energy and grants assistance.
Review of Bracknell Forest Health and Care Plan for Adults complete and published. The plan describes the priorities for joint working between Frimley Health and Care Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Bracknell Forest Council for adults living in Bracknell Forest.
‘Thriving Communities’ partnership programme expanded to 2 additional communities, Priestwood and Garth and Easthampstead and Wildridings, enabling and empowering residents to improve their health and wellbeing.
Major milestone reached in the creation of new affordable and social rent homes in Bracknell town centre. ‘Topping out’ ceremony at the new Market Street development transforming a derelict wasteland into 169 new homes – 81 to be designated as either affordable, social rent or shared ownership.
News item: Topping out for affordable homes in Bracknell town centre
Design and build contractor appointed for Warfield Community Hub a multi-functional community facility for all age groups. Detailed design work has commenced in partnership with Warfield Parish Council and community.
News item: Warfield Community Hub public consultation
Thriving and connected economy
New Youth Skills Hub agreed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), at the Open Learning Centre to support younger people gain important skills to enable access into employment.
Annual review of the Bracknell Forest Cambium Partnership business plan approved by Cabinet, supporting further regeneration, community outcomes and sustainable economic growth across Bracknell.
Healthy Workforce Alliance meeting at the Waitrose Conference Centre, attended by 25 businesses. Bracknell Forest Council received the Healthy Workplace award recognising organisational leadership in workplace wellbeing.
The council’s human resources team promoted careers in local government by attending a school-based careers event, a careers event at the Lexicon, hosting a business insight day for Year 10 students and supporting a mock interview session at a local school.
Cabinet approved the Bracknell Forest Vision 2050 plan, a future-focused plan to guide the borough’s growth over the next 25 years. The Vision 2050 plan aims to make sure that Bracknell Forest remains a great place to live and work by focusing on sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation.
New employability skills programme from the community learning team launched at Bracknell Open Learning Centre. A wide range of courses available, some offering the chance to gain a qualification, plus a selection of computing courses to refresh or upgrade skills.
Green and sustainable environment
Supported Bracknell Forest Community Climate Action (BFCCA) group summits at the Kerith Centre and Wellington College. More than 220 attended the 2 events, an increase from 140 attendees in 2024.
Approximately 500 households have registered interest in the 2025 Solar Together scheme for Bracknell Forest residents, using collective bargaining power to access high-quality solar panels, battery storage and installation at competitive prices.
Teams attended various Summer of Fun events providing recycling and waste minimisation advice across the borough - new recycling points have been rolled out across 13 locations and 85% of flats are now benefitting from food waste recycling collections.
Supported Bracknell History Working Group and Bracknell Town Council to install new heritage display panels at key locations around Bracknell town. The first at The Parks, was also supported by Ringway, Calibre, Longacres and the local resident’s association.
15 workplaces registered for Cycle September 2025, 172 cyclists logged a ride and a total of 1,869 trips were recorded. 6 new secure, pre-bookable cycle lockers were also installed in the town centre.
The use of low temperature asphalt was increased within the 2025 to 2026 carriageway maintenance programme - now complete, alongside the expanded use of Gripfibre and Surface Dressing treatments to extend carriageway lifespan and reduce carbon emissions.
Parents and carers offered a wide range of summer activities across Bracknell Forest including events at Lily Hill Park, South Hill Park and Jennett’s Hill.
Ambitious, resilient and sustainable organisation
Over £2.2 million in Community Infrastructure (CIL) payments this quarter, remaining on track to meet the annual target of £3.16 million help deliver infrastructure to support development across the borough.
Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman’s annual review showed all upheld cases resolved with 100% compliance.
Charter+ Accreditation for councillor learning and development maintained, making sure councillors are equipped to meet the evolving needs of the community and contribute confidently to the council’s strategic objectives.