Recently published Indices of Deprivation show that Bracknell Forest is in the 10% least deprived areas in England.
Bracknell Forest performs exceptionally well for Living Environment, ranking in the top 1% of local authorities.
Highlights for each Council Plan priority during quarter 3.
Engaged and healthy communities
Delivered planned activities to support carers and promote the Carers Rights Day. All secondary schools were visited to deliver activities and strengthen engagement with young carers.
A new Early Years setting opened and Uplands Primary had the official opening of their expansion through the school-based nursery grant from the Department for Education. A total of 3,700 children accessed entitlements during quarter 3.
The ‘Makesafe’ process review and improvements have been completed to identify children and young people at risk of, or experiencing exploitation, and provide appropriate support.
Several public consultations were open during the period including the:
- council budget 2026 to 2027
- 0 to 25 year learning improvement strategy 2026 to 2031
- domestic abuse strategy 2026 to 2032
- partnership stronger together communities strategy
- Warfield Community Hub
Trauma Informed Schools Award launched by the Virtual School to support schools to be trauma-informed and responsive. To date 5 schools and 1 alternative provision have signed up.
Good progress with delivery of the Community Safety Partnership Plan reported to the senior management and to Overview and Scrutiny's Crime and Disorder Committee.
96% of reception pupils were screened through the National Child Measurement Programme.
Contact at 12 months and 2 years met or exceeded the target under the Healthy Child Programme.
Mental health recovery outcomes strong with 78% people completing support continuing to manage their wellbeing independently at both 3 and 6 months.
Strong performance in homelessness prevention and reduction in households in temporary accommodation.
Over 530 volunteers registered with Involve for volunteering pool - significantly higher than target.
Bracknell Forest Civilian Military Partnership held an employers event on 8 October at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. This was attended by over 40 local employer and partner representatives. The focus was on how employers can support reservists, veterans, cadet force members and adult volunteers in the Armed Forces community.
Libraries saw significant engagement during the period including participation across all sites. They delivered Christmas activities plus the ‘Our Freedom Then and Now’ project, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
Work started on new social emotional and mental health school in All Saints Rise to create the Hawthorn Academy. This will provide 50 school places for 11 to 16 year olds with special educational need and disabilities (SEND).
News item: Work starts on new social emotional and mental health school building
Various community events were delivered including:
- White Ribbon Day raising awareness of violence towards women and girls
- Christmas activities
- community cohesion activities
News item: White Ribbon Day
Thriving and connected economy
The Human Resources team attended an event for 600 pupils (years 9 to 11) and ran a work experience week for care-experienced young people.
Apprenticeship starts across the borough year to date are above target and higher than the same time last year. This demonstrates increased engagement in vocational, job-related education pathways.
The annual target for workplaces signed up to the Healthy Workplace Alliance has already been achieved with 6 business signed up.
The regeneration of Coopers Hill has officially been completed. This includes 52 sustainable new homes, public open space, new paths and cycle routes on the edge of Bracknell town centre.
News item: Coopers Hill regeneration completed
Green and sustainable environment
Bracknell Forest schools climate conferences held, engaging pupils across 20 primary and secondary schools, creating pupil-led action plans.
Major tender for 400 residential electric vehicle (EV) charge points issued, supported by £50,000 government funding for cross‑pavement charging.
Bikeability training exceeded targets with over 1,000 pupils engaged across all levels so far this year.
Bus improvement measures under bus improvement plan delivered and free weekend bus travel over Christmas repeated. Journeys were up 43% compared to last year.
Over 36,500 Green Travel miles recorded through the eco-rewards scheme - above target and better than the same time last year.
Over 7,500 volunteering hours recorded so far this year with parks and countryside - above target and better than the same time last year.
Community Climate Action Grant scheme launched, offering up to £5,000 for organisations looking to initiate or support local climate change projects.
Biodiversity outcomes improved. First borough recording of brown hairstreak butterfly eggs and harvest mouse nests at Wildmoor Heath.
Ambitious, resilient and sustainable organisation
Final version of the 2025 to 2030 Asset Management Strategy published. This makes sure that decisions about the council's building and land assets reflect priorities on climate change response, affordable housing delivery and school accommodation for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Highways resilience strengthened through:
- completion of a £5.3 million carriageway resurfacing programme
- strategic transport model data collection project
- streetlight upgrades
100% of major planning applications decided within timescales and 83% planning appeals dismissed.
This exceeds the 66% national benchmark, providing confidence in planning application processes.
Integrated Impact Assessment Tool launched and used for 2026 to 2027 budget proposals to make sure the needs of all residents are considered fairly.
Freedom of Information (FOI) disclosure log launched, improving transparency and reducing duplicate requests.
Six-week public consultation on the proposed budget for 2026 to 2027 looks to protect vital services that residents need, as well as investing in our strong communities so they can evolve and provide additional support to people across Bracknell Forest.
News item: Have your say on our budget for 2026 to 2027
