The Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment backlog cleared and timeliness at highest level since 2022.
Engaged and healthy communities
Early Years funded nearly 3,000 placements - almost double compared to last year.
A new Housing Allocation Policy was approved following public consultation ready for launch in January.
The Disability and Access Advisory Forum ran a consultation to understand the experiences of people with disabilities in accessing services locally.
The Warfield Community Hub net-zero design and budget was approved by Cabinet, to be delivered in partnership with Warfield Parish Council.
The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) tuition service has transformed into the Access to Education (A2E) Service. Incorporating digital tools and tailored interventions.
The official opening event of Binfield Health and Community Centre was held in October.
A new carers’ support service for unpaid carers launched.
The Community Safety Plan for 2024 to 2027 was approved by the council’s Cabinet.
Additional smoking cessation clinics offered to increase engagement with priority groups and latest results show that over 70% achieve their 4-week quit target.
Thriving and connected economy
The ballot for Bracknell Business Improvement District (BID) renewal saw 85% voting in favour, securing the future delivery of value-added services to local businesses.
Residents were invited to feedback on the draft Local Transport Plan 4 (LTP4 ), which will guide transport improvements across the borough until 2037.
Free single bus rides on Thames Valley Buses and Reading Buses to support Christmas shoppers, extended to both Saturdays and Sundays.
Residents shared views on an updated Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) for planning, to shape how the council involves the local community in the planning process.
Council adopted the Economic Strategy and Town Centre Masterplans, both focussed on creating the conditions for a strong economy and the continued regeneration of Bracknell Town Centre.
Inaugural meeting of the Bracknell Forest Economic Partnership took place, with co-chairs elected from the local education and commercial business sector.
Bracknell town centre seasonal events programme included a Christmas market and a children’s Christmas grotto.
Green and sustainable environment
Public consultation on council’s Climate Change Strategy launched following community engagement and feedback.
Carbon literacy training delivered to the first cohort of council officers to support the delivery of the council’s climate change objectives.
The trial of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) in a waste collection vehicle has been successful. Park rangers are running a fully sustainable fleet with HVO and electric vehicles.
Woodland biodiversity enhancements were made at South Hill Park, plus the creation of more open water habitats.
Ambitious, resilient and sustainable organisation
The consultation on draft revenue and capital budget proposals started in December, continuing into the new year.
All units at the Bracknell Forest Cambium Partnership’s Coopers Hill development were sold by the end of December.
Further website improvements have increase document accessibility, user experience and improving transparency.
Complaint handling has improved following the implementation of the new policy and a new case management system is in development.