October & November update – schools, parking and carols

Christmas is almost upon us so I have been getting along to school and community Christmas fairs with Park candidate Jamie Whitham and Melanie.

December also means Christmas carols. I am a rubbish singer, but the various carols services give me the opportunity to sing my little heart out without anyone noticing how bad I am. In between singing and eating I have been keeping busy in the Ward and in Council meetings – see below.

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Update in numbers:

Council meetings – 4
Surgeries – 2
School governor meetings – 3
Community meetings and events – 25
Enquiries and requests for repairs from residents -- unfortunately I can't get this information at the moment.

Some of our action:

- Greens say "fair pensions are worth fighting for"
- Greens call on Council to mark Arthur Hill Baths centenary by giving them a make-over
- Crescent Road free school moves forwards...a bit
- Reading Borough Council's home insulation rate lags behind national average
- Join the Green campaign for tighter controls on houses of multiple occupation
- Residents' parking in the east of Newtown
- St John's primary school expansion Q&A

Some of our results:

- Greens have living wage success just in time
- Help clear the Kennet Side as part of Reading RESCUE
- Litter picking in Palmer Park this Saturday
- we have continued to work on the bread and butter of local politics getting a fly tipping cleared, street lights fixed and graffiti removed.

Expenses:

None claimed.

Gifts to declare -- over the value of £25:

None.

My interests are published on Reading Borough Council's website.

Basic monthly councillor allowance (pay) including my Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA) for being group leader before deductions: £864