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Council in talks with Government about Exceptional Financial Support
We've begun talks with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities about a financial support package needed for the council to deliver our crucial plans for financial stability.
The council's financial challenges are well documented and due in large part to historical local and national decisions going back many years.
This left the council with extremely low financial resilience, with reserves in April 2023 at an unaudited £10m – the lowest known reserves of any unitary authority. Since then, rising demand and costs for services – particularly social care – have put all councils under severe pressure.
As part of our robust approach to achieving financial stability going forward, we have recently undertaken a forensic reconciliation of the budget and balance sheet transactions – the first for many years – which has uncovered more historical costs which weren’t previously budgeted for.
Over the past year, robust and achievable plans have been put in place to transform the council, with a new Council Plan; a balanced budget for the current financial year; and a comprehensive service transformation programme already in progress to achieve savings this year and over the medium-term.
Despite this, such low reserves make the council’s position untenable in the short-term – unless additional financial support is agreed to provide the council with the time needed, in the medium-term, to deliver our plans to become financially stable.
Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from Government is effectively short term support. Access to additional funding at this point would give the council a breathing space to deliver our planned transformation programme.
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General Election: ensure you're registered to vote
With the General Election set for 4 July, we’re reminding people to ensure you’re registered to vote.
- If you’re not already registered to vote or have recently moved address, the last date for registering for this election is Tuesday 18 June at 11.59pm. Registering to vote is easiest online via www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
- The deadline for receiving new postal vote and postal proxy applications is 5pm on Wednesday 19 June
- The deadline for receiving new applications to vote by proxy (not postal proxy or emergency proxies) is 5pm Wednesday 26 June.
You now have the additional option to apply online to vote by post or proxy at https://www.gov.uk/how-to-vote You will also need to prove your identity when applying to vote by post and proxy, by providing your National Insurance number (or a reason why one cannot be provided). Paper copies of application forms can still be requested by contacting the Local Elections Helpline via 01628 683868 or electoral.registration@rbwm.gov.uk
For more information about eligibility to vote in General Elections, visit www.electoralcommission.org.uk
Photo ID
By law, you need to bring along and show accepted photo ID in order to vote at a polling station. If you don’t already have an accepted form of photo ID and wish to vote in person at a polling station, you can apply by 5pm on Wednesday 26 June for a free Voter Authority Certificate. Visit www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID or call 0800 328 0280 to apply or check the full list of accepted forms of ID.
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Find out more about fostering
Could you become a foster carer and make a difference for a local child in your community? We need more foster carers to provide a secure, stable and supportive home for children in care. This Foster Care Fortnight, we hear from the team at our in-house independent fostering agency, Achieving for Children, which provides foster care services for the Royal Borough, Kingston and Richmond councils.
What’s is fostering and why consider doing it?
Fostering can be an incredible journey, you are providing a safe and caring home to children in our local community who for many different reasons can't live with their family. As a foster carer, you will look after children, in your own home, as part of your family. This will be full time, or at weekends and sometimes during school holidays. This is a valuable and rewarding paid role.
Who can become a foster carer?
There are lots of myths about fostering, but there are actually not as many requirements for people to become foster carers, these are the main ones:
- Have a spare room - it could be in your house, flat or rented/housing association accommodation
- Are 21 or over - there’s no upper age limit
- Single people from all backgrounds and gender identities are welcomed
- Are a full time resident in the UK (or have leave to remain)
- Have the time to care for a child or young person - often on a full-time basis, so if you work, your hours need to be flexible
- Have some previous experience of looking after children
- Have a strong support network of family and friends
- Are in good physical and mental health - if you have a disability, you can still foster as long as it doesn’t prevent you from carrying out the caring tasks
- Pets are welcomed
Why foster with Achieving for Children?
- Incredible range of training
- Local support, allocated social worker and foster carer support groups
- Mentoring offer
- Mockingbird support fostering initiative
- Competitive financial benefits
Want to know more?
Our website has lots of information about the process and opportunities, we are also available via phone and email, make contact with us for an informal chat. Email us at fosteringenquiries@achievingforchildren.org.uk or call 020 8547 5355.
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Ami's fostering story
Ami, of Maidenhead, has fostered with Achieving for Children for six years.
She said: “It’s been the most incredible adventure; each and every child and young person who has joined our family and then moved on has stayed with us in one way or another. Their stories become our stories and their incredible personalities, struggles, strengths, challenges, smiles and joys shape our lives and the lives of our birth children in the most wonderful way.
“To get to know these young people and children and get to play such a privileged role in their lives at such a tricky time in their stories, is the best and most exciting and fulfilling adventure we could ever have hoped for.
“Fostering has been such a positive influence on our birth children’s experience and they are growing into better people for it, for knowing and caring for our foster loves. The training aspect is also a huge plus. The professional support network is there to guide you through each stage.”
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Successful prosecution over illegal vapes and cigarettes
A shop has been left with a court bill of more than £5,000 for having on sale illegal vapes and cigarettes, following a Trading Standards investigation and prosecution by the Royal Borough.
J&E Traders Limited, in St. Leonards Road, Windsor, pleaded guilty to three charges at Reading Magistrates’ Court on 26 April 2024.
In August 2023, 873 illegal vaping products were seized by the Trading Standards team. These products are illegal because they have a larger than permitted capacity and do not contain the required product information, labelling and health warnings.
On this date, 520 illegal cigarettes were also seized. They did not conform to the requirements for permitted colour of packaging for cigarettes, material, shape, opening and contents of packets and the appearance of cigarettes.
J&E Traders Limited must now pay total fines of £1800, a victim surcharge of £720 and the Royal Borough’s costs of £2914.80. The court also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the illegal vapes and cigarettes.
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Essential maintenance works on the Royal Windsor Way
This week we’ve been carrying out overnight essential maintenance work to the A355 and A332 Royal Windsor Way, to protect this key transport link for years to come.
Unfortunately the last scheduled overnight session had to be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. This work will now take place on Friday 24 May. Unfortunately the last scheduled overnight session had to be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. This work will now take place on Friday night, 24 May.
To safely and efficiently carry out this important work it will be necessary to close parts of the road between he B3024 Dedworth Road roundabout in the south, and the roundabout at the junction with the M4 in the north, from 9pm until 5am. Both roundabouts will remain open.
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Calling all jobseekers - attend our next jobs fair!
A jobs fair will take place at Maidenhead Library on Tuesday 28 May from 10.30am to 1pm.
Jobseekers will have the opportunity to meet local employers and find out about their current vacancies. There’s no need to book, just turn up on the day.
Employers who wish to attend the event should contact DWP-library@rbwm.gov.uk or berks.employerteam@dwp.gov.uk
For more information, please visit our employment support webpage.
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Bin collections are normal this bank holiday weekend
We collect household waste and recycling on bank holiday dates (excluding Christmas and New Year)
If your bin is due to be collected this bank holiday (Monday 27 May), please put it at the kerbside by 7am on the day, as usual.
For more information about what can go in each bin, visit our waste webpage.
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Half term fun at our libraries
If you’re looking for fun family activities during half-term then look no further than your fantastic local library!
Tuesday 28 May
- Datchet Library - 4 - 5pm Collage
- Windsor Library - 3pm Stories and Craft
Wednesday 29 May
- Old Windsor Library 2.30pm Collage
Thursday 30 May
- Ascot Library 11am Craft activity
- Cookham Library 2.30pm Collage
- Windsor Library 10:30am Stories and Craft
Read more here
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Visiting London over the Bank Holiday? Why not park in Vicus Way?
If you’re planning a city break to London over the bank holiday, did you know our Vicus Way car park in Maidenhead has a super-affordable parking offer for weekend leisure trips?
If you arrive after 4pm on Friday, you can park until 11am on Monday for just £10 – the smart choice whether you're heading to the capital or spending the weekend in our Royal Borough.
Catch the train at Maidenhead station (a convenient five-minute walk away), with regular services to Paddington and Windsor (via Slough).
Vicus Way is a spacious, modern parking base outside ULEZ – vehicle entry 5am to 8pm, exit 24/7.
Read more here.
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Opening times at pharmacies will change this bank holiday weekend
If you need a local pharmacy for minor illnesses this weekend, remember opening times will vary. See the pharmacy opening hours of those across Berkshire.
You can also find medical advice and support on NHS Frimley’s Health and Care website which might save having to find an open pharmacy. And having a well-stocked medicine cabinet could also save you that trip.
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This week our campaign focuses on community support
Our 'Ageing Well and Living Independently' campaign aims to give you and your loved ones the best advice for keeping well and highlight support of how to live your best life, whilst ageing in the borough.
This week focused on community activities and support for residents, as well as support for carers.
Next week, we're focusing on falls prevention and household assistance.
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There's still time to get your spring Covid vaccination
According to the latest UK Heath Security Agency figures (16 May), the rate of positive Covid cases are increasing across all age groups and regions.
If you’re aged 75+ or have a weakened immune system (ages six months to 74) you can get your vaccination at either your GP or local pharmacy, by visiting the online NHS booking portal. Get the extra protection you need. The spring vaccine roll out ends on 30 June.
If you can’t get online, call 119 for free. Translators are also available via 119.
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Royal Borough Community Spotlight
Here are just some of the upcoming community events and volunteering opportunities in the Royal Borough.
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Knowl Hill Badminton Cub - we currently have vacancies for new players! We meet every Monday from 9.45am to 11.45am at the Village Hall. For further information, please contact Sandra on 07742 895683.
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Unites for Humanity (Saturday 25 May 12noon - 4pm) - New Windsor Community Association, Hanover Way, Windsor SL4 5NW. The YUSRA community are running this fun afternoon, there will be lots of activities for families including BBQ, Henna stall, arts and crafts, face-painting and bouncy castle. Proceeds raised will go to support Global Helping Hands for Palestine. Contact 07914 513431 or 07812 162033.
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Come and discover the wonders of the pond and meadow here at Braywick this half term. (Tuesday 28 May). Come and explore these habitats with traditional pond dipping and sweep netting techniques under guidance from our Rangers. Pond Dipping 10am to 11.30am and Minibeast Safari 2pm to 3.30pm. Thursday 30 May: Pond Dipping 10am to 11.30am and Minibeast Safari 2pm to 3.30pm. No experience or own equipment needed, dress for the outdoors and weather on the day, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Best suited for 4 -11 year-olds but anyone is welcome. Pond Dipping is wheelchair/pushchair accessible, Minibeast Safari involves some steps so is not wheelchair/pushchair accessible. For more information visit.
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Royal Reminiscence, Dementia-friendly mornings (Last Wednesday of each month from 10.30am) – Pug Yard Learning Centre (please use the entrance on St Alban’s Street). If you know someone in the Borough living with dementia, or awaiting a dementia diagnosis, join us on the last Wednesday of the month at Windsor Castle to talk all things royal. Sessions are fee, informal and include refreshments. Come along on to hear and share stories about the Castle. For more information visit, or call Amy on 07860 612393.
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Talk by author Peter Williams (Wednesday 5 June, 7pm) - Maidenhead Library. Learn more about author Peter Williams and his book Titan of the Thames - The Life of Lord Desborough. It links to our local studies collections and of course the history of Maidenhead. Supported by Friends of RBWM Libraries. Copies of the book available for purchase and signing by the author on the evening. For more information visit.
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Table Top Sale (Saturday 8 June, 12pm to 3pm) - Cox Green Community Centre, 51 Highfield Lane, Maidenhead SL6 3AX. Come along and grab a bargain and tea/coffee and cake. Children entry free. For more information, please contact us on 01628 636715 or email.
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Volunteers needed for Maidenhead’s Big Read Group. For the past six years we've proudly organised the annual Maidenhead’s Big Read festival, in celebration of the World Book Day. Our aim is to support local schools and families in encouraging broader reading habits among Reception to Year 7 students, fostering a passion for reading, especially among those who may be hesitant or reluctant to read. We urgently need at least six additional committee members. We usually meet via Zoom in the evenings every six weeks. For more information visit.
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If you have an upcoming not-for-profit community event or appeal for volunteers you’d like to promote in this newsletter, simply send basic information about your event to communications@rbwm.gov.uk and it could be shared with more than 21,000 local residents.
You just need to include a brief description, when and where it takes place, and a link to a website/social media page/contact where people can find out more.
To see further volunteering opportunities in the borough, or for another way for community organisations to promote volunteering opportunities, please visit RBWM Together.
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Our consultations - have your say
We regularly hold consultations and surveys to get your views on proposals within the Royal Borough.
Participating, sharing ideas, and giving your feedback is the best way to ensure your views are heard.
Our current consultations are:
Partner consultation:
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Local Travel Updates
Council highways works:
- Essential overnight road maintenance work on the A355 and A332 Royal Windsor Way, on Friday 24 May, will see parts of the road closed from 9pm to 5pm. Please see the above article for further details.
For details of further council works on highways, visit our website. For full local roadwork details, including work by utility firms, please visit the One Network website.
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Keep in touch
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