Local Conservative councillors are committed to listening to residents and delivering on their priorities. That is what we have done in opposition, and I have been proud to champion residents’ views at Council meetings.
Both nationally and locally, Conservatives believe people are best placed to make decisions for themselves and their families. That includes how people travel, whether walking, cycling, using public transport, or driving.
One of the first actions of the Liberal Democrat/Labour coalition on taking control of Wokingham Borough Council was to more than double car parking charges and extend charging hours that were previously been free. Despite opposition from 4,000 residents and repeated demands from Conservative councillors for a rethink, the Liberal Democrats pressed ahead and have since increased charges year after year.
Business owners in Woodley and Wokingham tell us takings are down, with some forced to close. The Liberal Democrats have ignored these concerns, refused to take responsibility, and taken no meaningful action.
Last October, Conservative councillors proposed one‑hour free parking during major roadworks to help support local businesses. The Liberal Democrats rejected the idea on cost grounds, ignoring the cost of inaction as business rates are lost through closures. They have also scrapped free Christmas parking, replacing it with free bus fares that to take people out of the area encouraging shoppers to spend money outside the borough. A Conservative‑led Council would introduce one‑hour free parking to support our town centres and local businesses.
Residents’ views on 20mph speed limits in Woodley have also been ignored. While some roads should certainly have 20mph speed limits, such as outside schools, blanket reductions increase journey times and worsen congestion. Conservatives want greater focus on enforcing existing speed limits rather than imposing widespread 20mph zones.
Between 2019 and 2022 Conservatives almost doubled road maintenance spend (using the Boroughs own figures). In 2024/25 the Liberal Democrats were spending around £1.4m less than when they took control of the budget, according to the Council’s own figures submitted to Government, and also less than the Conservatives spent in 2021/22. The consequence is roads and pavements which are poorly maintained and are hazardous for everyone.
For many residents, cars are an expensive necessity. Conservatives support motorists while also protecting residents’ free choice over how they travel, not forcing people out of their cars through rising costs.
Sending children out of the borough is costly for the Council and disruptive for families, yet promised school expansions under the Liberal Democrats have faced repeated delays.
Liberal Democrats own record on education has been disappointing. Emmbrook School’s new Sixth Form building due to open in September 2025 has not even begun construction. Conservatives raised parents’ concerns and presented a petition to Council, only for the Liberal Democrats to water it down. At Bohunt School, Conservatives had approved fully funded expansion plans, including SEND provision, yet despite assurances delays continued until teenagers were told in July 2023, they would need to find alternative places in just two months.
P.S. – The Liberal Democrats have falsely claimed Conservatives do not support SEND schools. By contrast Conservatives have consistently pressed for more SEND places. In office Conservatives delivered the first new school in the borough for 50 years and expanded SEND provision at Addington School.
Vote for a better way. Vote Conservative on 7 May.
By Cllr Pauline Jorgensen
