I am deeply concerned about the future of Children’s and Adults’ Social Care in Wokingham Borough. It is troubling that the Council’s Liberal Democrat administration responds to attempts to highlight these issues with outrage and political attacks.
At last month’s council meeting, I said the Conservative Group supports the refurbishment of Suffolk Lodge care home and the abandonment of the costly Toutley care home project. As the Opposition, we scrutinise and challenge the administration’s decisions, but we also support those in the best interests of residents.
However, the Council has written off £1 million on design costs for the abandoned Toutley project, justifying it by stating £10 million would be raised from land sales. This was known in 2023, yet the land won’t be marketed until late 2025—an unacceptable delay. Had the sale been completed sooner, the funds could have been invested in vital projects today. This delay is part of a persistent pattern of inefficiency.
The Bohunt School sixth form is three years behind schedule. In 2022 and 2023 myself and other Conservative councillors raised concerns about delays, but the Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Schools and Children’s Services repeatedly assured us the School expansion would open in 2023, then 2024 and now 2026.
The Emmbrook School expansion remains stalled despite promises of funding. This was meant to open in 2025 yet there is still no clear commitment to go ahead with this scheme, capital projects cannot be delayed indefinitely, and costs must be controlled.
The most pressing issue is the Special Educational Needs (SEND) funding crisis. The Dedicated Schools Grant deficit has risen from £10 million in 2022 to nearly £40 million today. While last year the forecast for 2025/26 was £31.4m, it’s now forecast to be £60.8m. While government guarantees protect local taxpayers until 2026, the £2 million in annual interest payments fall on Wokingham taxpayers.
In 2023, the administration outlined plans to repurpose underused primary school capacity and expand SEND provision. However, only Addington School has seen progress, and other SEND units remain years away. The deficit continues to grow, and the new Director of Children’s Services recently shared that a borough-wide SEND needs analysis is underway, which the Liberal Democrats should have done in 2023. We cannot address the local capacity gap without first understanding residents’ needs.
Urgent action is needed to expand SEND capacity. The Council has agreements with developers for six new primary schools, many of which are no longer needed. These developers should be negotiated to provide SEND provision instead. Additionally, the £10 million from the Toutley land sale should be reinvested immediately in new provision
Instead of hesitation and inaction, the administration must ensure every taxpayer pound is used effectively. Challenges must be met with decisive action, not delay.
Given the scale of these challenges, the Council’s February budget does not adequately address Wokingham’s financial risks or urgent needs, particularly in SEND provision. For this reason, I voted against it.
I was dismayed to read a column from a Liberal Democrat Executive Member attacking the Conservatives for raising legitimate concerns about the Council’s spending priorities. The administration has ignored residents’ calls for change and is now attacking Opposition councillors for pointing out the problems caused by their management.
A culture of greater transparency is urgently needed. While we are the Opposition, your local Conservatives will continue to ask the tough questions of the administration to make sure you’re always getting the best deal.
By Cllr Charles Margetts
