Wokingham is already one of the worst-funded councils in England, writes Clive Jones – MP for Wokingham.
Now the Labour government wants to take away the household support fund — £900,000 of money meant to help the people who need it most.
Some of this money pays for meals for children on free school meals during the holidays. These meals make a big difference for families who are struggling, serving healthy meals to children to give them the best start in life.
Our area is full of caring people who want to support their neighbours. That’s why the Liberal Democrat council chose to use this money to help families on the lowest incomes.
It’s the right thing to do, and they will do everything they can to keep this support in place.
Taking away this funding would hurt children and families who are already facing
hard times. We should be helping them, not making life harder.
This isn’t just about money — it’s about making sure no child goes hungry.
I have already written to the minister responsible, urging them to reconsider this
decision that will impact families in our area.
Liberal Democrats making gains in Wokingham
Congratulations to Mike Smith on his election as the new Liberal Democrat councillor for Maiden Erlegh and Whitegates ward. His victory marks a significant milestone, as the Liberal Democrats now hold a majority on Wokingham borough council.
The by-election took place due to the sad death of Conservative councillor Norman Jorgensen. Norman was an outstanding local representative who served his local residents with care and sincerity. My thoughts are with his friends and family.
Back in 2016, the political landscape in Wokingham looked very different. The Liberal Democrats had just five councillors compared to the Conservatives’ 48. What a transformation we’ve seen in less than a decade.
Under Conservative leadership, residents experienced the rollback of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision, a drastic reduction in bus services, and unchecked development by private builders. The lack of a coherent local plan allowed speculative development to flourish, often without proper infrastructure or community benefit.
Today, the picture is much brighter. Thanks to Liberal Democrat leadership, a comprehensive new Local Plan is nearing approval — one that will curb speculative development and protect our local environment.
For the first time in years, bus services are expanding instead of shrinking. Our SEND team has grown, ensuring that more children receive the support they need.
We are also investing in new council-owned housing for adults and children, helping address critical local needs. After years of asset sell-offs under Conservative rule, we are now reclaiming
control over essential services.
By investing in publicly managed adult and children’s care, we are disrupting the costly private market and providing affordable, high-quality alternatives. Most importantly, this means more vulnerable local children can stay within their own communities.
None of this progress would be possible without the trust and support of Wokingham residents. The Liberal Democrats now hold majorities on Wokingham borough council, Earley town council, and Wokingham town council — a testament to our growing grassroots support.
Whether or not you align with Liberal Democrat policies, we promise to continue
working tirelessly for the people of Wokingham. Keep an eye out for our regular Focus leaflets, which include contact details for your local councillors and campaigners.
We’re always here to listen and to help.
