Here are some important things to know ahead of the all-out Bracknell Forest Council elections this year, in what could be the most competitive election in years.

As many will know Bracknell Forest Council covers Bracknell, Sandhurst and the villages of Binfield, Warfield, Winkfield, Binfield and North Ascot.

In Bracknell Forest, all councillors are voted in during elections that are held every four years, with the last contest taking place in 2019.

The council has been controlled by the Conservatives for quite some time.

Out of 42 councillors, 37 are currently Conservative, with four Labour councillors and one Liberal Democrat.

In 2019, the Conservatives lost two seats to Labour and one to the Liberal Democrats, with a by-election for the Old Bracknell ward held in 2021 being won by Labour.

This year’s contest is predicted to be competitive as Labour could make gains, particularly in Bracknell Town wards.

Labour has only controlled Bracknell Forest in two stints, from 1973-1976 and 1995-1997, both when it was Bracknell Forest District Council.

The Conservatives have held control since then, with the council becoming an upper-tier local authority in 1998.

The 2023 election comes as the political map of Bracknell Forest has changed.

The area has been divided into 15 wards, compared to the 18 that exist currently.

The new wards are:

Binfield North and Warfield West

Binfield South and Jennett’s Park

Bullbrook

Crowthorne

Easthampstead and Wildridings

Great Hollands

Hanworth

Harmans Water and Crown Wood

Owlsmoor and College Town

Priestwood and Garth

Sandhurst

Swinley Forest

Town Centre and The Parks

Whitegrove

Winkfield and Warfield East

It means mention of Ascot as a ward has been removed for the first time in years.

The number of councillors has decreased by one, from 42 to 41 as well.

So far, it is known that two current councillors are standing down.

Councillor Thomas Parker (Liberal Democrats, Wildridings & Central) announced that he would no longer stand in autumn 2022.

Meanwhile, cllr Marc Brunel-Walker (Conservative, Crown Wood) publicly announced that he would be exiting council life earlier this year.

The vote will be held on Thursday, May 4 with results expected the following day.

This is the first year you will need to show photo ID to vote. Examples of valid ID include:

  • passport
  • drivers license
  • concessionary travel pass
  • PASS proof of age card

You can see a full list of valid ID on the Bracknell Forest Council website.

Photo ID is only required if you are voting at your polling station, which can also be found on the council website.

You can also vote by post without requiring ID.

Applications for a postal vote must be completed and sent off by 5pm, 11 working days before the election.