Statement: 'Ridgeway Council' drop-in event in Calcot

Councillor Justin Pemberton, Executive Member for Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation, has issued the following statement today (Monday 23 June). It follows comments by the Member of Parliament for Reading West and Mid Berkshire about a public engagement event held in Calcot last week.

We are disappointed that one of our local MPs has decided to comment publicly on our public engagement relating to the Ridgeway proposal without seeking to discuss her concerns with us directly.

Wednesday's event at the Beansheaf Centre was the first of many events we'll be running over the next few weeks. I understand that over 50 local people came along to give us their views in person. A range of opinions were expressed but, on balance, the views of those spoken to were positive, and residents were engaged and informed about the benefits the formation of a new unitary authority might bring for the people of West Berkshire.

As you know, proposals for Local Government Reorganisation is about who is best-placed to deliver vital local services. As set out in the Government's invitation for proposals, existing council areas should be considered the building blocks for proposals, as these established administrative boundaries have a track record of public services provision. One of the key metrics for new unitary authorities are financial sustainability, and any proposals that involve boundary changes, or that affect wider public services, such as fire and rescue authorities, are likely to involve additional costs and complexities of implementation.

Going forward, we have planned an extensive program of engagement events, which will take place either during the day, in the evenings, or at weekends. This will help us to make sure that as many local people as possible can participate. We will also be holding a hybrid Community Forum event in Theale in the evening, which will further expand opportunities for people to have their say. Details of these events are published in our newsletter and on the Ridgeway website, and we have left material about the proposals available in libraries and other community facilities, too.

We would suggest that the comments Olivia Bailey has made about the Ridgeway map not including the whole of West Berkshire are inaccurate. The map in question includes the names of some of our larger centres of population for context. West Berkshire is a district of over 60 parishes, and it would not be practical to name every single one on a map being used purely for illustrative purposes.

All local MPs, including Olivia Bailey, have been invited to discuss our proposals with us, and we would reiterate that Miss Bailey is welcome to meet with us do so. This is a historic opportunity for local government, and we want to engage positively with our community and to secure the best outcome for our district. We hope that all residents, elected officials and other stakeholders will join us in this endeavour.

 

You can find out more about events happening in West Berkshire and across the proposed Ridgeway Council area online.