This week, the Bracknell Forest Council held six meetings. The most impactful discussions took place during the Berkshire Prosperity Board meeting on Monday, 17 June 2024.

Key Decisions at the Berkshire Prosperity Board Meeting

1. Approval of Terms of Reference The board unanimously approved the terms of reference, which outline the governance structure and operational guidelines for the Berkshire Prosperity Board. These terms had already been approved by each of the six councils involved and were endorsed during the meeting. A key point of discussion was the need to review the declarations of interest clause to ensure the board remains quorate even if members need to withdraw due to conflicts of interest.

These terms of reference have actually been to each of the six councils and been approved by the councils. You're asked to endorse them today as the body that is they apply to. - Officer

This approval sets the foundation for the board's future activities and decision-making processes.

1. Priority Themes and Work Streams The board outlined six thematic work streams to focus on: health and inequalities, education and skills, affordable housing, sector development, strategic infrastructure, and net zero. Each work stream will involve collaboration among the six local authorities and other stakeholders to drive economic prosperity in Berkshire.

We've identified six thematic work streams that we would like to focus on: health and inequalities, education and skills, affordable housing, sector development, strategic infrastructure, and net zero. - Officer

These themes are crucial for addressing the diverse needs of the Berkshire region and ensuring sustainable development.

1. Business Board Establishment The board discussed the establishment of a Business Board within the first six months to embed strong, independent decision-making and advice from a diverse local business voice. This Business Board will support local decision-making and ensure that the perspectives of local businesses are considered in the board's activities.

We've been tasked by government to set up a business board within the first six months, and that's so that we can embed strong, independent decision-making and advice from a diverse local business voice. - Officer

This initiative aims to strengthen the collaboration between the public and private sectors in Berkshire.

Other Meetings

The Executive Committee: Commercial Property on Tuesday, 18 June 2024, Governance & Audit Committee on Wednesday, 19 June 2024, and Licensing and Safety Committee on Thursday, 20 June 2024 also convened, but no video was provided for these meetings.

The Schools Forum on Thursday, 20 June 2024 discussed several key issues, including funding arrangements for pupils not attending school due to permanent exclusions or medical reasons, and the provisional outturn of the school's budget. The forum noted the intention to implement the Department for Education's funding policy regarding permanent exclusions and agreed to further discussions on the approach to recoupment for medical needs.

The Executive meeting on Tuesday, 18 June 2024 also took place, but no video was provided.

The decisions made during this week's Berkshire Prosperity Board meeting are crucial for promoting economic prosperity and sustainable development in Berkshire. The focus on thematic work streams, business collaboration, and robust governance structures reflects the council's commitment to addressing local needs comprehensively and collaboratively.

This week, the Bracknell Forest Council held four meetings. The most impactful discussions took place during the Joint Waste Disposal Board meeting on Thursday, 13 June 2024.

Key Decisions at the Joint Waste Disposal Board Meeting

1. Reuse and Repair Strategy The board discussed the progress of the reuse and repair strategy, initially presented in March 2024. The strategy aims to reduce waste by encouraging the reuse and repair of items. A pop-up shop event at the Longshot Lane site was highlighted, where residents could purchase reusable items and participate in a survey via QR codes. This feedback will be used to refine the strategy, which will be revisited in the next meeting.

We've got a pop-up shop happening, a reuse pop-up shop happening at the Longshot Lane site on Saturday morning. - Officer

The strategy is part of a broader effort to promote sustainability and reduce landfill waste.

1. FlexCollect Trial Expansion The FlexCollect trial, which focuses on flexible waste collection methods, is set to expand in Reading from 24 June 2024. Initial data from Bracknell Forest indicates high participation rates, suggesting the trial's success. The expansion aims to gather more data and validate the trial's effectiveness.

Our initial bag count data suggests quite a high participation rate, which is really good. - Officer

The trial's success could lead to more flexible and efficient waste collection methods across the borough.

1. Large Electricals Reuse Trial The board approved a three-month trial to send large electrical items for reuse. This initiative aims to understand the volume of items suitable for reuse and their potential destinations. The trial will help determine the feasibility of expanding the reuse program for large electricals.

We undertake probably a three-month trial to understand the number of items that might be suitable for reuse. - Officer

This trial is part of the council's broader efforts to promote sustainability and reduce electronic waste.

Other Meetings

The Joint Public Protection Committee on Monday, 10 June 2024 also convened, but the transcript from this meeting has not been provided.

The Planning Committee on Thursday, 13 June 2024 met to discuss various planning applications, including the redevelopment of a garage block to provide new housing and the addition of two storeys to a commercial building for residential use.

The Joint Waste Disposal Board meeting on Thursday, 13 June 2024 focused on waste management strategies, including the reuse and repair strategy, the FlexCollect trial, and the large electricals reuse trial.

The decisions made during this week's Joint Waste Disposal Board meeting are crucial for promoting sustainability and improving waste management in Bracknell Forest. The focus on reuse, flexible waste collection, and electronic waste reduction reflects the council's commitment to environmental sustainability and efficient resource management.

This week, the Bracknell Forest Council held two meetings. The most impactful discussions took place during the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting on Tuesday, 04 June 2024.

Key Discussions at the Health and Wellbeing Board Meeting

1. Skimped Hill Development The meeting focused significantly on the new Skimped Hill development, a project aimed at addressing the increased demand for health services due to population growth in Bracknell Forest. Jane Worley Batty presented the plans for the Bracknell Forest Centre for Health, highlighting the integration of primary care, community services, and maternity services. The new centre will replace the outdated Skimped Hill Health Centre and will be built on a nearby brownfield site.

Key points included the benefits of a modular build, which allows for most construction to happen off-site, reducing noise and speeding up the process. The funding for the project is in the final stages of approval, with construction expected to start in August 2024 and completion aimed for March 2025.

The Bracknell Forest Centre for Health is a response to three key elements: population growth, integration of healthcare, and the need for modern clinical estates. - Jane Worley Batty

The development is seen as a critical step in improving healthcare delivery in the area, with a focus on creating a centralised hub for various health services.

1. Health and Wellbeing Strategy Update Hema presented an update on the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, focusing on Priority 3: Social Isolation. The discussion highlighted the ongoing efforts to address social isolation through multi-agency collaboration and the involvement of community organisations like Involve. The strategy includes initiatives such as the Friendship Ambassador program and the development of friendship tables to foster social connections.

Emma Presley from the Public Health team shared insights from behavioural studies on why some individuals remain socially isolated despite being mobile and not housebound. The findings emphasised the importance of motivation and the need for tailored support to encourage engagement in social activities.

Our delivery plan is iterative; as we learn, we try to put in things to learn more in terms of what needs to improve. - Hema

The strategy aims to leverage community assets and partnerships to reduce social isolation and improve overall well-being.

1. Review of Physical Activity Service Katja Mileva from London South Bank University presented the evaluation of the Bracknell Forest Health and Wellbeing Physical Activity Service. The service, delivered by Everyone Active, focuses on providing physical activity opportunities for individuals with long-term health conditions. The evaluation highlighted the positive impact on participants' physical and mental health, though it also pointed out areas for improvement, such as better marketing and more diverse activity options.

The service has been successful in engaging residents from deprived areas, but there is a need for better coordination with other health and social care services to maximise its impact.

The free or subsidised offer is valuable and makes a difference; it's worth extending. - Katja Mileva

Other Meetings

The Local Countryside Access Forum on Tuesday, 04 June 2024 also convened, but the transcript from this meeting has not been provided.

The discussions and decisions from the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting are crucial for addressing local healthcare needs and improving community well-being. The focus on integrated health services, social isolation, and physical activity reflects the council's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents in Bracknell Forest.

This week, the Bracknell Forest Council held three meetings. The most impactful discussions took place during the Executive meeting on Tuesday, 21 May 2024.

Key Decisions at the Executive Meeting

1. Youth Strategy 2024-2027 Audrey Johnson presented the Youth Strategy, aiming to provide a clear vision for youth services in Bracknell Forest over the next three years. This strategy includes revising the operating model of the Targeted Youth Support Service and coordinating youth work activities across the borough. The strategy has been extensively consulted with young people, families, and professionals, including schools, community groups, and external partners like the Parent Carer Forum.

Key points include leveraging external funding, such as £117,000 of time-limited grant funding, to create a cohesive youth work offer. Councillor Penneal raised concerns about future budgets and the celebration day for young people. Audrey Johnson assured that the strategy would leverage a range of funding sources and that the celebration day would be planned in consultation with young people. Councillor Jeffreys asked about resources for preventing exploitation, to which Audrey Johnson responded that a whole-system approach involving multiple partners would be employed. Councillor Wright inquired about reaching out to the traveller community, and Audrey Johnson confirmed that efforts would be made to engage all vulnerable groups.

The strategy aligns with the 2023 government statutory guidance, ensuring compliance and a thorough needs assessment. The strategy was unanimously approved, with Councillor Bailie and the leader expressing strong support for the comprehensive and collaborative approach.

The strategy will leverage a range of funding sources and ensure that the celebration day is planned in consultation with young people. - Audrey Johnson

1. Closure of College Hall Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) Duane Chappell presented the recommendation to close College Hall PRU, which is part of the Council's safety valve proposals. The closure is planned for 31st August 2024. A public consultation received 57 responses, with 35 opposing the closure. The main concern was the need for more specialist provision, which is already in the plan.

Councillor Penneal asked about the future of current pupils. Duane Chappell explained that Year 11 students would complete their education without disruption, and personalized plans would be in place for other students. Councillor Gilbee inquired about lessons learned from the inadequate Ofsted rating. Duane Chappell mentioned ongoing support and reflective work to improve future provisions. Councillor Jeffreys raised concerns about staff well-being, and Duane Chappell assured that HR and regular meetings were in place to support staff.

The closure was approved, with plans to redirect finances to new local SEND provisions, including a new SEMH school and special resource provisions for pupils with autism and communication needs.

Year 11 students will complete their education without disruption, and personalized plans will be in place for other students. - Duane Chappell

The meeting concluded with the approval of both the Youth Strategy and the closure of College Hall PRU, aiming to improve youth services and educational provisions in Bracknell Forest.

Other Meetings

The Bracknell Town Centre Regeneration Committee on Monday, 20 May 2024 convened, but we have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

The Overview and Scrutiny Commission on Thursday, 23 May 2024 also met, though the notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.

The decisions made during this week's Executive meeting are crucial for the community's development, particularly in youth services and educational provisions. These steps reflect the council's commitment to addressing local needs comprehensively and collaboratively.

This week, the Bracknell Forest Council convened for three meetings, with the most impactful discussions occurring during the Health and Care Overview and Scrutiny Panel on Wednesday, 01 May 2024.

Key Discussions at the Health and Care Overview and Scrutiny Panel

1. Enhancement of Sexual Health Services The council deliberated on enhancing the sexual health services by potentially adding a doctor and an additional nurse to the Bracknell clinic. The necessity for this enhancement was underscored by the high number of referrals to Slough, indicating a pressing need for more accessible services locally. Concerns were raised about the cost and availability of additional staff. The implications of this decision could significantly improve local service accessibility and reduce the need for residents to travel to Slough, which aligns with environmental goals by reducing travel. Here's a notable quote from the discussion:

   Enhancing our local services not only meets the immediate health needs of our community but also contributes to broader environmental objectives by minimizing travel requirements.

2. Digital and Promotional Improvements There was a unanimous agreement on the need for improvements in digital outreach and promotional activities for sexual health services. The inefficiencies in the current website and the lack of visibility of services at local youth clubs and schools were highlighted. Enhancing digital presence and clear communication were seen as crucial to increasing service uptake and awareness. This decision is expected to lead to better-informed residents and potentially higher engagement with sexual health services.

3. Involvement of Healthcare Professionals An interesting aspect of the meeting was the direct involvement of healthcare professionals who provided detailed insights into the operational challenges and successes of the current service model. Their input significantly influenced the council's understanding and decision-making process regarding future enhancements and resource allocation.

Other Meetings

The Environment and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel on Tuesday, 30 April 2024 and the Overview and Scrutiny Commission on Thursday, 02 May 2024 also convened this week, though the notes from these meetings have not yet been summarized.

The discussions and decisions from the Health and Care Overview and Scrutiny Panel meeting are crucial for addressing local healthcare needs and ensuring that services are both accessible and efficient, reflecting the council's commitment to improving community health infrastructure.

This week, the Bracknell Forest Council held two notable meetings. The most impactful was the Executive meeting on Tuesday, 23 April 2024, where several significant policy decisions were made.

Key Decisions at the Executive Meeting

1. New Housing Allocation Policy The council approved a new housing allocation policy, which was positively received during its consultation phase. This policy aims to ensure fairness and consistency in housing allocation, addressing complex needs on a case-by-case basis. This is a significant step towards streamlining the allocation process and better meeting the needs of residents.

2. Household Support Fund The continuation of the household support fund was approved, securing funding from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This fund has been instrumental in aiding low-income households during the cost of living crisis. The council highlighted the fund's impact:

   The decision ensures ongoing support for vulnerable groups, providing essential resources like food and heating.

3. Biodiversity Action Plan 2024-2029 The council agreed to put the draft Biodiversity Action Plan out for a four-week public consultation. Developed with input from local environmental groups, this plan aims to enhance biodiversity across multiple habitats. The public consultation is intended to refine the plan further, ensuring it effectively addresses local ecological needs.

4. Social Value Policy A new social value policy was adopted to guide the council’s procurement processes. This policy, supported by a local target matrix, ensures that social value is a core consideration in council contracts. This decision aligns with the council's values and objectives, aiming to foster greater community benefits through council procurement.

The unanimous votes on several issues during this meeting indicate a strong alignment among council members on the strategic direction.

Other Meetings

The Environment and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel meeting on Thursday, 25 April 2024 was also held this week, but the notes from this meeting have not yet been summarized.

The decisions made during this week's Executive meeting are crucial for the community's development and well-being, reflecting a proactive approach by the council to address various local issues comprehensively.