Calls for Action on Racial Equality in Reading

A Reading resident has urged the council to deliver on promises to tackle racism, after two public commitments in recent years.

Reading Borough Council has twice pledged action: a March 2024 motion in support of Black women and a March 2026 Anti-Racism Statement promising measures and published progress.

At full council on 13 October, Claudette Maharaj, founder of the TRIYBE community interest company, asked what has been done. She said: "This council has twice committed to tackling racism: through its March 2024 motion in support of Black women, and its March 2026 Anti-Racism Statement, which pledged action, not words, measures to eliminate gaps in outcomes between racial and ethnic groups, and published progress."

"Six months on, no action plan or progress report has been published on the council's anti-racism statement page."

"Meanwhile, national evidence consistently shows Black people experience worse outcomes in maternal and mental health, school exclusions and the criminal justice system, and Black heritage residents in Reading report the same patterns across our publicly funded services, including the council's own services and Public Health."

"Will the council leader state what specific, measurable actions the Council has taken since March, as a direct result of the Statement, to reduce these gaps in the services it delivers?"

Council leader Liz Terry listed four commitments: to speak out and act together; to change systems and structures; to listen, learn and educate; and to celebrate and amplify voices. She said the council has worked with the Alliance for Cohesion and Racial Equality (ACRE) and is addressing health and education inequalities.

Cllr Terry said: "For maternity services, we working with service providers, service users and support organisations to 'reduce the unwarranted variations in care and address inequalities experienced by certain communities'."

She added: "These actions demonstrate our ongoing commitment to promoting equality and tackling racism across our services and partnerships. In every aspect of the council's work be that children's services or our own staff we strive to take the action needed to stamp out racism and injustice."

"While progress has been made, further work is needed, and we will continue to co-design future actions with community organisations and residents. I welcome any community organisation that wishes to participate in this work to get in touch with the council."

Ms Maharaj welcomed the detailed reply but pressed for a published progress report and for Black heritage organisations to be formally involved in shaping and monitoring it. Cllr Terry said a report and action plan will be devised for the 2027/28 municipal year and she agreed to consult with community groups.

Black History Month events in Reading include: the Caribbean contribution to the RAF exhibition at Reading Museum until Saturday 31 October; a photography show at Reading Biscuit Factory Culture Mix Arts until 31 October; global flavours at the Sanctuary Cafe, London Street, 23-25 October; Barber Shop Uncut at Reading Rep on 23 October; and a free pop-up exhibition at Battle Library until Tuesday 3 November. The full programme can be found on the council website here.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter