Strategy & Finance

The committee recommends and monitors the Town Council’s budget and advises on financial management as well as other matters which do not fall within the remit of the Environmental Services Committee.

This Committee has responsibility for:

• Strategic direction for the Council
• Financial planning, management and monitoring
• Use of IT
• Grants to support community activities
• Grant support for South Hill Park Arts Centre
• Property management and insurance
• Contractual matters
• Health and Safety
• Liaison with partners / statutory agencies
• Communications, including newsletter
• Twinning
• Production of a Neighbourhood Plan
• Other projects

The Strategy & Finance Committee works closely with the Budget Monitoring Group which monitors day to day income and expenditure and is the first point of discussion and scrutiny for financial matters. The Strategy & Finance Committee normally meets four times a year.

• View upcoming events/meetings
  To view meeting agendas/info click on each event title.
• View past events/meetings
  To view meeting minutes/agendas click on each event title.

Members

Guy Gillbe  
Old Bracknell
Labour

M: 07789 095939

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Guy Gillbe

Elected in a July 2022 by-election, and then a full term in May 2023, Guy moved to Bracknell in 2015, first living in Jennett’s Park, then Wildridings, and now Easthampstead. Attracted to Bracknell by its New Town ethos, Guy is determined to defend its founding philosophy – an abundance of green space, close-knit communities, and ease of travel by walking or public transport – at the same time as making improvements based on the collective experience gained since its inception.

With a background in operations for the charity sector, Guy wants to bring forward his experience of working with families in hardship. As a proud resident of Easthampstead, he wants to stand up for what he considers to be one of the jewel communities of our borough.

In his spare time, Guy feels the best way to understand Bracknell Forest is by walking it, so he enjoys his time as an avid rambler with his partner Emily…and their pet dog Pip! However, he still partakes in the thrills of being an obsessive F1 fan. Guy is also a councillor for Easthampstead & Wildridings on Bracknell Forest Borough Council.

Chairman

Anna Keen  
Garth
Labour

T: 01344 420079 (office hours only)

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Anna Keen

It is a privilege to be your Labour councillor. I will continue to work with you to ensure that all members of our community can enjoy our recreation areas and play facilities, with opportunities for exploring, learning and fun for everyone.

I have lived in Bracknell for most of my life, with both parents successful local Labour Councillors. I have been a teacher in Bracknell for over 20 years and also lead the Board of Trustees of a local scout group. I am passionate about nature and conservation.

I am proud to live, raise my family and work in Bracknell and proud to represent my constituents to make Bracknell a very special place to belong.

Vice Chairman

Megan Wright  
Town Centre and The Parks
Labour

T: 01344 772700

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Megan Wright

Megan has a background in nursing and for the past 13 years she has been running a children's charity that operates in Kenya.

She is looking foward to joining the Town Council and being part of the team that keeps Bracknell green, clean and accessible for all.

Member

Kathryn Neil  
Jennett's Park
Labour

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Kathryn Neil

I was first elected in 2019 to represent Jennetts Park as part of the Great Hollands North ward and have enjoyed representing the interests of residents in ensuring quality services and value for money from the council.

I grew up in Sandhurst, have lived in Jennett’s Park for over 10 years and have worked for a number of organisations and companies in Bracknell- including the council in their transformation team a number of years ago. So, I understand what is so brilliant about Bracknell Forest and our community; as well as the challenges we have experienced and how to get the best outcomes for residents.

We are so lucky to have the green spaces, facilities and community spirit that we do and it is important that we maintain and protect these for all residents and the wider community.

Member

Iskandar (Kandy) Jefferies  
Bullbrook
Labour

T: 01344 420079 (office hours only)

Member

Roy Bailey  
Town Centre and The Parks
Labour

T: 01344 420079 (office hours only)

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Roy Bailey

A former Thames Valley Police Superintendent, Oracle Business Consultant, university lecturer and teacher, Roy has a doctorate in Criminal Justice and has published papers on policing and policing governance.

Roy has previously served on both the Borough and Town Councils and he is delighted to be able to offer his services once again to Bracknell residents.

He has been a school governor in Bracknell for over 30 years and has been Chair at Fox Hill School for several years.

Roy loves Bracknell’s green spaces and play areas. He looks forward to supporting the Council in all its endeavours to maintain the highest of standards and service delivery to everyone in Bracknell Town.

Member

Kwabena Adutwum-Quaye  
Town Centre and The Parks
Labour

T: 07988 515400

Member

Donna Sidebotham  
Harmans Water
Labour

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Donna Sidebotham

I have lived in Bracknell for nearly 20 years, entering the area into the Binfield side of Bracknell, then moving to housing association flats in Downshire Way. I then moved to Forest Park and have now lived in Harmans Water for 10 years.

I love Bracknell and I've become a strong part of the community. I became a school governor for Harmans Water school 6 years ago and also run my own company in Bracknell.

As a mother and dog mum to my 2 dogs, Swagger and Bonnie, I have great appreciation for the outdoor space and parks and am passionate about the environment and green living. My roots are from country living, but enjoy what Bracknell has to offer. I believe there is a great community, green space and you can always see trees where ever you stand.

I look forward to being even more active in the community and standing up for all the parks and open space can offer.

Substitute member

Cherise Welch  
Harmans Water
Labour

T: 01344 420079 (office hours only)

Substitute member

Paul Bidwell  
Old Bracknell
Labour

T: 07856 571529

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Paul Bidwell

I am delighted to be re-elected as a Bracknell Town Councillor for the third consecutive time, I have now been a Town Councillor since 2015. As Town Councillor for Easthampstead and Wildridings I will continue to work with the Community and Town Officers to ensure that all open spaces are a joy for everyone,. Bracknell is a great place to live but it is important that the upkeep of open spaces provides a safe environment, enjoyable for all.

I am also a Borough Councillor for Easthampstead and Wildridings (Executive Member for Economic Development and Regneration), Governor at Fox Hil Primary School and Chair of Age Concern Bracknell (Dementia Day Centre).

I hold a monthly surgery at Easthampstead and Wildridings Community Centre and look forward to discussing your community events, issues or just to catch up. I look forward to meeting as many residents as possible over the coming months,

Substitute member

Iskandar (Kandy) Jefferies  
Bullbrook
Labour

T: 01344 420079 (office hours only)

Substitute member

Jodie Watts  
Crown Wood
Labour

Substitute member

Imara Wright  
Priestwood
Labour

M: 07470 444412

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Imara Wright

I moved to Bracknell in 2013 when I was 8 years old, and enjoyed my time in Bracknell Forest primary and secondary schools.

I am now at University studying Politics and French, and I am very interested in the participation of young people in civil society.

As a councillor I hope to bring a voice to young people in Bracknell and make sure that we are not overlooked in key decisions about our future!

Substitute member

Upcoming meetings and events

Monday, 4th Dec 2023
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Additional Strategy & Finance Meeting

• Future Council meetings
• Strategy & Finance committee

Tuesday, 6th Feb 2024
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Strategy and Finance Committee

• Future Council meetings
• Strategy & Finance committee

Tuesday, 30th Apr 2024
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Strategy and Finance Committee

• Future Council meetings
• Strategy & Finance committee

Past meetings and events

Tuesday, 17th Oct 2023
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Strategy and Finance Committee

• Future Council meetings
• Strategy & Finance committee

Tuesday, 10th Oct 2023
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Strategy and Finance Committee POSTPONED TO 17/10/23

• Future Council meetings
• Strategy & Finance committee

Tuesday, 20th Jun 2023
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Strategy and Finance Committee

• Future Council meetings
• Strategy & Finance committee

Tuesday, 24th Jan 2023
7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Strategy and Finance

• Future Council meetings
• Strategy & Finance committee

Tuesday, 27th Sep 2022
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Strategy and Finance

• Future Council meetings
• Strategy & Finance committee

Tuesday, 14th Jun 2022
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Strategy and Finance

• Future Council meetings
• Strategy & Finance committee

Tuesday, 29th Mar 2022
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Strategy & Finance Committee

• Future Council meetings
• Strategy & Finance committee

Monday, 14th Mar 2022
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Strategy and Finance

• Future Council meetings
• Strategy & Finance committee

Tuesday, 25th Jan 2022
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Strategy & Finance

• Future Council meetings
• Strategy & Finance committee

Tuesday, 30th Nov 2021
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Strategy & Finance Committee

• Future Council meetings
• Strategy & Finance committee

Tuesday, 21st Sep 2021
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Strategy & Finance Committee

• Future Council meetings
• Strategy & Finance committee

Tuesday, 15th Jun 2021
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Strategy & Finance Committee

• Future Council meetings
• Strategy & Finance committee