Bracknell council news
Bracknell council news, newest first: decisions, budgets, council tax, bins and services, each linked to the council's own papers.
Top story
Catchment areas could go at 14 Bracknell Forest schools from 2028
Distance, not catchment, would decide places at 14 council schools, Garth Hill included, from September 2028. The consultation closes on 2 December.
More stories
Schools
Bracknell SEND plan approved, unlocking a £29m deficit grant
Government approval of Bracknell Forest's SEND plan unlocks a £29m grant that clears 90% of a £32.4m deficit. About £3.4m remains, plus this year's overspend.
Roads
Bracknell Road Crowthorne: new 50 and 40mph limits approved
The council approved 50 and 40mph limits on the B3348 Bracknell Road and A3095 Foresters Way on 6 October, after Crowthorne Parish Council asked for a lower limit.
Council
Bracknell council this week: care charging consultation approved
Cabinet approved a 12-week consultation on adult social care charges on 13 October and adopted the school places strategy and a £6.76m SEND building plan.
Social care
Bracknell care charges: consultation on plan leaving 650 better off
Cabinet approved a 12-week consultation on 13 October. A flat £20 a week disability allowance would cut bills for 650+ people; about 35 may pay more.
Crowthorne
Crowthorne's Broadmoor pavilion: community asset bid refused
The council will not list Broadmoor Hospital's disused sports pavilion as a community asset. A charity wanted it as an arts and sports hub for 2,000 a week.
Council tax
Bracknell council tax relief for terminally ill: 3 Nov
Cabinet will decide on 3 November whether to answer a call for 100% council tax relief for terminally ill residents. Councillors backed it unanimously.
Transport
Bracknell bus survey: council reviews the routes it pays for
Routes 53, 108, 150, 156, 157 and 158 are under review ahead of new contracts in August 2028. Bracknell Forest's survey is open until 30 November.
Schools
The Pines School to get 50-place unit for autistic pupils
Bracknell Forest is hiring a builder to create 50 places for autistic pupils and those with learning needs at The Pines School in Hanworth, open by March 2028.
Council
Bracknell care alarms: weekly charge to rise to £6.19
Forestcare lifeline users in Bracknell Forest face a £6.19 weekly charge, up from £5.08, once their alarm goes digital before the January 2027 phone switch-off.
Council
Bracknell parking: 10-year contract, decided in private
Cabinet is asked on 22 September to approve a ten-year parking enforcement contract from 2028. The terms sit in a confidential annex.
Health
Bracknell dementia: 543 over-65s not on the register
NHS data puts Bracknell Forest's diagnosis rate at 60.9%, down from 63.9% in March 2025. The council's survey on its next dementia strategy closes 18 September.
Bins
Bracknell Christmas Bin Collections 2026: The Revised Days
Bracknell Christmas bins 2026: normal to 24 December, then every round later until 9 January. No garden waste 29 Dec to 11 Jan. Full table and tip hours.
Recycling
Bracknell Tip Opening Times: 8am to 6pm From 1 October
Longshot Lane opens 8am to 6pm daily from 1 October to 31 March, needs a booked slot and proof of address, and shuts 4pm on Christmas Eve. Hours under review.