The leader of the main opposition on Reading Borough Council has accused the ruling Labour Party of failing to tackle the town's serious challenges as councillors prepare to decide the draft 2026/27 budget this month.
It is the first budget to be funded through a multi-year funding settlement from the government, which will see the council receiving £42.8 million for essential services.
Council Tax is set to rise by 4.99 per cent, the maximum allowed without a referendum, including a two per cent precept to pay for adult social care.
The council will spend an extra £4.7 million on adult social care and £3.8 million extra on children’s services.
The administration says carbon emissions in the town have fallen by 54 per cent since 2005 and the council’s own footprint by 73 per cent since 2008. It is also seeking to invest £1.557 million in solar panel installation.
Reading’s new housing programme has delivered 421 new homes since 2014, with plans for a further 362 before the end of 2029.
But councillor Rob White, the leader of the opposition on the council, has accused Labour of failing to tackle the core issues and reminded voters there is an election this year. Cllr White is up for election this year.
“This is yet another pay more, get less budget from this Labour-run council.
“We need a government that funds councils properly so they can deliver decent public services.
“We need measures from Labour that support people through the cost of living crisis, not above inflation council tax increases.
“We need action that tackles the housing crisis in Reading, delivering affordable and council housing, rather than bending over backwards for developers.
“And we need proper action to insulate homes, keep people warm and cut Reading’s carbon emissions, rather than half-hearted measures which have caused carbon emission reductions to stall in the town.
“The choice at May’s council elections in Reading is clear. Do you want more managed decline under Labour? Or do you want to party that will tell the truth, work with you to improve your local area and say when this Labour government isn’t providing enough funding to meet the level of need in the town. If you agree that Labour is failing Reading, then vote Green in May.”
Liz Terry (Labour, Coley) has pointed out that 70 per cent of the council’s net service expenditure goes to providing children’s and adult social care services.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
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