Slough’s first ever State of the Borough debate was held during the summer. More than 100 people came along to Slough and Langley College on Thursday 17 July 2025 to be part of a free public debate for all present to hear views from a range of local people on questions from local people.
The debate covered three themes based on questions submitted in advance:
- young people – opportunities, activities and education
- the role of the council in Slough
- our town centre.
A panel of nine speakers formed of community spokespeople, political leaders, youth representatives and faith leaders took to the stage to answer questions, with two independent facilitators co-ordinating the discussion. The Mayor opened the event and introduced each of the three themes.
The independent facilitators were:
- Sbba Siddique, Director Asian Star Radio, Founder Knit Your Socks Off, Women's Health Advocate, and
- Tom Conlin, Trustee of Slough Council for Voluntary Service.
The panel consisted of:
- Cllr Dexter Smith, Leader of the Council (Conservative), Slough Borough Council
- Cllr Pavitar Kaur Mann, Leader of the Labour Group and Councillor for Britwell, Slough Borough Council
- Cllr Sabia Akram, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group and Councils Champion for Women and Equalities, Slough Borough Council
- Dr Arshad Jarral, Chair of the Slough Faiths Standing Together and Thames Valley East Masaajid Council
- David Sparrow, Creative Lead at Art Beyond Belief and Chair, Slough Faith Partnership
- Naomi Bailey, Assistant Principal Student Services at Windsor Forest Colleges Group (Slough and Langley College)
- Jamie Green, Slough CVS Chairman
- David Essien, Member of Slough Youth Parliament
- Omar Mahamoud, Young Ambassador, SCF (Slough Children’s First).
A wide range of questions were asked by attendees before, during and after the event. The event organising team has been working with colleagues across the council since the event to respond to the questions.
The next steps are to look at developing the way the council engages with people to continue to work together on making Slough a better place for all. Based on the responses to the State of the Borough event, topics to be covered in future engagement activity will include antisocial behaviour, community safety and housing.