Bracknell Forest Council formally adopted the Unison Anti-Racism Charter, with an event to celebrate its launch and signing taking place on 23 June 2025. A work plan is being developed for the year, informed by the annual Workforce Monitoring report that is to be finalised in quarter 2.
Highlights for each Council Plan priority during quarter 1.
Engaged and healthy communities
Extensive refurbishment works completed at Hawthorn Academy Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) temporary site. Successfully passed pre-registration Ofsted inspection, ready for the first cohort of students in September 2025.
Equality objectives finalised following public consultation and stakeholder engagement. Set out in the ‘All of Us’ Equality Scheme for 2025 to 2029 for Cabinet approval in July 2025.
Children Looked After Sufficiency Plan completed following final consultation, to be published on the website.
Numerous community events supported including Bracknell Half Marathon, VE Day, Pride, Cycle Festival and World Cafés held across the borough.
Statement of Community Involvement adopted, setting out how residents can get involved in local planning matters.
Visits to Everyone Active leisure facilities exceeding target in quarter 1 from groups including children and young people, older people and those with a disability.
Cross-council team working together with local partners to provide support to the Afghan Resettlement Programme, to provide transitional accommodation.
Larchwood, Bracknell Forest Council’s short breaks children’s home, has been rated good by Ofsted for the fourth year.
News item: Larchwood rated good by Ofsted.
New residents’ magazine ‘Your Bracknell Forest’, delivered to households in April or early May 2025. Renamed in line with residents’ feedback and redesigned in a new and more modern style.
News item: Read the spring edition of Your Bracknell Forest.
A new Communities Partnership delivery group, chaired by Involve Community Services with more than 20 organisations, developed an engagement plan for the Communities Strategy. This includes summer events and an online consultation.
News items:
Cabinet approves 10-year physical activity, sports and leisure strategy, along with a supporting 3-year implementation plan.
News item: Cabinet approves physical activity, sports and leisure strategy.
Thriving and connected economy
Highways and Transport Capital Programme for 2025 to 2026 approved by Cabinet - associated design and construction work is well underway.
UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation secured for 2025 to 2026 and delivery programme endorsed by the Local Partnership Group.
Healthy Workforce event held recognising Panasonic, Afton Chemicals, and Cadence with foundation-level Healthy Workplace Awards.
Local government career events in schools have been well received, and plans are underway to expand work experience opportunities for young people.
The Local Transport Plan 4 (2025 to 2037), amended through public consultation, approved by Cabinet in April for its formal adoption by Council in early July.
News item: New plan for greener and safer travel.
Green and sustainable environment
The council’s 2025 to 2030 Climate Change Strategy formally adopted by Council, with action already underway across services.
Energy efficient, retrofit heating schemes have supported 30 households this quarter.
Bracknell Forest’s 2025 Climate Emergency UK score published – a significant improvement on the previous result and above the single tier local authority average.
Two new rapid EV chargers have been connected at Birch Hill shops, alongside 2 additional fast chargers - creating a mini-hub.
Several ranger sites supported national “No Mow May” campaign led by charity Plantlife, allowing grass and wildflowers to grow, providing food and shelter for animals.
A range of bus services have been enhanced across the borough network to deliver extensions to existing routes (157, 158, 598, X94) to serve more areas, increases in frequency (108, X94) and more reliable operations (53, 156).
Waste recycling station for small electricals set up at The Look Out, encouraging more residents to recycle.
Residents, businesses and community groups can choose to green their streets following launch of the tree sponsorship scheme.
News item: Greening Bracknell Forest’s streets.
Cabinet agreed to the kerbside glass recycling scheme. Plan is now being developed to provide households with a new slim-line wheelie bin for glass recycling. Flats will be provided with larger communal bins.
News item: Councillors agree glass kerbside recycling scheme.
Ambitious, resilient and sustainable organisation
Bracknell Forest Council declared an underspend against its approved budget for the 2024 to 2025 financial year.
Asset Management Plan adopted by Cabinet in June 2025, setting out how the council will manage its property assets to support local priorities, stimulate growth, and generate income in innovative ways.