In light of recent events surrounding the Afghan Resettlement Programme (ARP), it is imperative that Bracknell Forest Council commits to full and proper scrutiny of how the scheme has been delivered locally.

We, the undersigned, call on the Council to:

• Hold a formal scrutiny session through the Overview & Scrutiny Commission
• Organise a public meeting where residents can ask questions and receive clear answers
• Reaffirm its commitment to free speech, and support the right of councillors and residents to raise legitimate concerns without being dismissed, silenced, or unfairly labelled

We believe this scrutiny must include:

• The scheme’s impact on local services, including housing, school admissions, SEND provision, and healthcare
• How safeguarding and vetting concerns are being addressed locally, given the Council has admitted it holds no vetting information and national reports have raised serious questions about the integrity of the process
• What mitigation measures the Council has put in place — or plans to — to manage risk, reassure the public, and support all residents fairly
• What commitment the Council will make about the hotel’s future use once the MOD vacates, including a clear undertaking that it will not be used for future resettlement schemes, asylum accommodation, or temporary housing without full public consultation and disclosure

The public deserves transparency on decisions that affect their communities. Councillors deserve full access to the facts. And residents deserve to know their concerns will not be ignored.

This is about openness, safety, and restoring trust in how local services are managed.

We urge Bracknell Forest Council to act now.