The Wokingham Borough Council Executive met on Thursday 19 March 2026, approving a new Engagement and Consultation Strategy, the redevelopment of Seymour House for specialist housing, and the relocation of Winnersh Library. The meeting also saw the approval of the Post-16 SEND Hub provider, the UNISON Anti-Racism Charter, and a new contract for Public Health Nursing services.

Wokingham Youth Offer Needs Assessment

The Executive approved the Wokingham Youth Offer Needs Assessment and noted the accompanying draft Youth Offer Action Plan. This comprehensive assessment, developed collaboratively with partners, identifies specific groups of young people who would benefit most from strengthened activities and support, including those eligible for free school meals, young people with SEND, and those not in education, employment, or training (NEET). The action plan outlines eight recommendations to improve youth services across the borough, focusing on increasing availability and visibility, ensuring inclusive environments, enhancing safety and travel, promoting independence and volunteering, strengthening mental health support, and improving digital access to information.

Post-16 SEND Hub Provider Award Approval

Approval was granted for Activate Learning to be appointed as the lead education provider for the Post-16 SEND Hub. This decision, subject to final contractual agreement, will see a contract run from 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2031, with an option to extend for up to two further years. The Hub will be funded through the local place-plus-top-up model, with an estimated total top-up value of approximately £4.1 million over the initial seven-year term from the High Needs Block. This initiative aims to increase in-borough specialist places for young people aged 16-25 with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), reducing reliance on costly out-of-area provision and improving access to vocational and employment pathways.

Engagement and Consultation Strategy

The Executive agreed to the new Engagement and Consultation Strategy, which aims to ensure that all engagement and consultation activities are carried out to a required standard and support good decision-making. The strategy moves beyond statutory requirements to ensure the Council engages with a representative cohort of residents and groups in appropriate ways and at key stages of decision-making. It outlines six principles for engagement: flexibility and proportionality, timely involvement, provision of clear information, ease of participation, meaningful use of findings, and strategic coordination. The strategy also details the tools to be used, including the Engage Wokingham Borough online hub and an Officer Engagement Board, and sets out how progress will be measured.

Re-development of Seymour House for Specialist Housing

Approval was given for the transfer of Seymour House from the General Fund to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for £690,000. This will facilitate its redevelopment into 11 affordable specialist and general needs homes. A capital budget and funding of up to £3,600,000 was also approved for the scheme, which includes £880,000 from S106 commuted sums, Homes England grant, and HRA borrowing. The development aims to address a significant need for supported accommodation for care leavers, individuals with learning disabilities, mental health needs, physical disabilities, and older people, thereby promoting independence and reducing reliance on high-cost external placements. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director for Children, Adults and Health and the Director of Resources and Assets, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to oversee the project's delivery.

Risk Management Policy

The Executive approved the updated Risk Management Policy, as recommended by the Audit Committee. This policy sets out the Council's overarching approach to risk management, aiming to strengthen its ability to achieve its objectives, enhance decision-making through better risk identification and mitigation, and embed a proactive risk management culture. The policy aligns with best practice and supports the Council's strategic need to innovate and deliver outcomes for residents within current financial constraints.

UNISON Anti-Racism Charter

The Executive approved the adoption of the UNISON Anti-Racism Charter. This decision signifies the Council's commitment to actively challenging racism internally and externally, recognising its impact on staff wellbeing, and setting strategic goals to improve racial equality, diversity, and inclusion. The adoption of the charter is the first step in a process that will involve developing and implementing an action plan over the next 12 months to create an anti-racist work culture. This aligns with the Council's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy and its commitment as a Marmot Borough to tackle racism and discrimination.

Housing - Procurement of New Contract to Undertake a Full Stock Condition Survey

The Executive approved the commencement of procurement for a contractor to undertake a full Stock Condition Survey of the Council's housing stock in 2026/27. This survey is essential for understanding current and future investment requirements, ensuring homes are safe and well-maintained, and meeting the regulatory expectations of the Regulator of Social Housing. The procurement, valued between £650,000 and £800,000, will be funded from the Housing Revenue Account capital programme. Authority for contract award was delegated to Matt Pope, Executive Director for Children's, Adults and Housing, in conjunction with Councillor Stephen Conway, Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Housing.

Public Health Nursing Contract Health Visiting and School Nursing

Approval was given to recommission the Healthy Child Programme (HCP) Health Visiting and School Nursing contract for a seven-year period, from 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2034. This recommissioning is necessary as the current contract expires on 31 March 2027. The new contract will be commissioned independently for Wokingham Borough, allowing for greater control and responsiveness to local needs. A competitive and flexible procurement process will begin in June 2026, with the service funded by the ring-fenced Public Health Grant. The new service aims to improve outcomes by focusing on early identification of health, developmental, and emotional needs, and enhancing support for children, young people, and families, aligning with the Best Start in Life Strategy.

Winnersh Library Relocation

The Executive approved the relocation of Winnersh Library from its current site at Forest School. As an interim solution, a micro library will be established at Rainbow Park Community and Children's Centre. The Council will also pursue the relocation of this micro library to Winnersh Community Centre, owned by Winnersh Parish Council, and will engage in a full feasibility assessment for this longer-term option. The current library location within Forest School presents safeguarding risks and limits public access. The phased approach aims to maintain library services in the community while exploring a more permanent solution. The move is expected to enhance library accessibility and support children's development, particularly for families facing disadvantage. The interim solution is estimated to cost £3,000, with an annual saving of £30,000 from the closure of the current library building. Councillor Prue Bray declared a prejudicial interest in this item as a member of Winnersh Parish Council and left the meeting during its consideration.