The following challenges were being managed during quarter 2, 2025 to 2026.
Future government funding arrangements
The potential implications of future government funding arrangements should they be implemented are very significant for Bracknell Forest and likely to require 10% revenue budget cuts to be identified and implemented over the next 3 years. Difficult decisions will need to be made on future revenue and capital budget proposals - the council’s draft budget proposals are being drawn up, but are required to be published for resident consultation before detailed funding is known. Bracknell Forest Council’s political leaders unanimously asked central government to rethink the way it is proposing to spread funding across local authorities in response to a consultation called the Fair Funding Review 2.0. In September, Cabinet reviewed the council’s current in-year spending and what is in store for the next 3 years.
The government’s announcement on the future approach to Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) services and treatment of accumulated deficits on the dedicated schools grant is also unknown.
Children and adult's services
Children’s and adult’s services continue to experience increase in demand and recruitment challenges, alongside local health system pressures resulting in reduced funding available for both new and existing packages of care. Delivery is being managed very closely to ensure statutory services are delivered.
Completion of new homes
Completion of new homes in line with housing trajectory is below forecast for the current period, reflecting the reported weakening in the housing market due to a decrease in buyer demand for new dwellings.
At the time of the report, there were over 1,000 dwellings under construction, though it is difficult to predict the timescale for completion, due to a multitude of factors beyond the control of the council.
School places
Demand for specialist places and pressure on independent non-maintained special schools remains high. The continuing lack of Department for Education confirmation on the Forest View School for autistic children at Buckler’s Park remains a serious concern, though the council is funding feasibility work to keep options open and continues to lobby with support from the local MP.