This month has its usual string of meetings, some the usual scheduled meetings and some with a unique character.
The next Full Council meeting has with it a string of questions for individual Executive Members. My own ones relate to Planning and Enforcement matters. These are required to filed in writing in advance of the meeting. This enables Officers to research the answers to ensure that the Exec members reply, which the public is able to observe, is technically and factually accurate. The challenge is always how to compress what can be a fairly complex answer into a response that a member can deliver in the allotted two minute response time. This time limit is strictly enforced by the Mayor who chairs the meeting. That explains both why the answer can seem quite short and if someone is stopped before they have delivered a complete answer, it may seem incomplete. What usually happens after the initial question is answered, is a supplementary question is asked. These ought to relate to the initial question and response, but that link offers a wide range of options for questions. Answers for supplementary questions are therefore a challenge. You might as an exec be fortunate to have one about a subject that you know in detail, but typically this is not the case. Hence, the usual offer of a written response. This ensures that the required accuracy is maintained. A full written reply may also be offered in the case of a complex initial question which cannot be adequately responded to in those two minutes. The Eagle eyed amongst you might notice that I have my phone running as a timer when I respond.
The Council is now starting the work required to deliver our Budget for the next financial year. This is a lengthy, but necessary process to ensure that the financial commitments and revenue are acceptable. The pressure on Local Government budgets is relentless, giving challenges, whether for statutory or non statutory items. Hard work for all over the next few months.
By the time you read this I will have visited the site of the next significant development around Wokingham, the are to the east of Tesco and south of the railway lien to Waterloo. Unfortunately, something on this scale will lead go some disruption for residents, but the aim is to keep this to the minimum.
Cllr Martin Alder, Executive Member for Active Travel, Transport and Highways
