The Executive of Wokingham Council is scheduled to meet on Thursday 30 July 2026 to discuss a range of matters, including housing, finance, and environmental initiatives. Key topics on the agenda include the procurement of supported accommodation for young people, updates on the Barkham Solar Farm project, and the Renters' Rights Act.

Supported Accommodation and Floating Support for Young People

The meeting will consider a proposal to procure a single, integrated contract for supported accommodation and floating support services for care-experienced and vulnerable young people. This approach aims to consolidate existing services into a more coherent and strategically managed offering, with the goal of strengthening local provision, improving consistency of practice and safeguarding oversight, and enhancing value for money. The proposed contract would cover 23 supported accommodation places and 26 places within shared transitional housing, with a total value of £3.14 million over five years. This initiative directly supports the Council's priority of increasing access to safe, stable homes for vulnerable residents and strengthening corporate parenting responsibilities.

Housing Adaptations Surveyor/Architect

The Executive will review the appointment of external consultants to facilitate projects for disabled adaptations in domestic properties across all tenures. This service is crucial for enabling disabled Wokingham residents and children with complex needs to remain living independently at home. The role of the appointed architects and surveyors will include design services, project management, and ensuring compliance with the Housing Grants, Construction & Regeneration Act 1996, which mandates the provision of Disabled Facilities Grants. The estimated value of this contract over five years is £581,000.

Wokingham Borough Council Energy Contract

The procurement of the Council's electricity and gas supplies will be discussed. The current contract expires in March 2027, and a procurement decision is needed by September 2026 to allow for forward purchasing in line with market trading cycles. The proposed approach is to continue using the LASER Energy Framework for an initial one-year contract, with an option to extend for a further year. This provides flexibility as the Council transitions to a more complex energy model, incorporating local generation from the Barkham Solar Farm. The annual value of the contract is approximately £3.5 million, with a total potential value of £7 million over two years. This approach is considered the most advantageous in terms of value for money, risk management, and alignment with the Council's Climate Emergency Action Plan.

Barkham Solar Farm

An update on the Barkham Solar Farm project will be provided, focusing on risks and mitigation measures arising from national electricity connection reforms and ongoing contract negotiations. The project, located on council-owned farmland, aims to deliver significant environmental, financial, and strategic benefits, including reducing carbon emissions and increasing the supply of clean, locally generated electricity. The report will detail the current grid connection position, programme status, and the implications of further delays. The Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the relevant Lead Member, is progressing the project in accordance with delegated authority, with updated financial modelling indicating that the scheme remains financially robust and continues to generate returns significantly in excess of the minimum threshold established in 2021.

Renters' Rights Act Update and Housing Civil Penalties Enforcement Policy Adoption

The Executive will be updated on the Renters' Rights Act 2025, which represents a significant reform to the private rented sector. The report will outline the obligations placed on Wokingham Borough Council as a local housing authority and the steps being taken to prepare for implementation. The meeting will also consider three enforcement policy documents: amendments to the Environment and Safety Enforcement Policy 2023, the proposed Private Housing Enforcement Policy (2026), and the proposed Private Housing Civil Penalties Policy (2026). These policies are designed to strengthen tenant protections, improve housing standards, and ensure a more consistent and transparent private rented sector. The Renters' Rights Act introduces an enforcement first approach, meaning councils may proceed directly to a Notice of Intent for breaches without issuing informal warnings.

Capital Budget Monitoring – Quarter 1

This report will provide an update on the progress of the Council's capital programme at the end of the first quarter of the financial year 2026/2027. It will highlight the capital monitoring position as at 30 June 2026. The Council continues to face significant financial challenges, making close review of the capital programme essential to assess funding sources and service requirements. The report will note the current approved budget, forecast spend, and any budget rephasing to future years. The use of £784,000 of S106 developer funding to support an affordable housing scheme within Loddon Homes, alongside a capital loan of up to £1,570,000, will be considered.

Revenue Budget Monitoring Report – Quarter One 2026/27

The Executive will receive an update on the forecast outturn positions for the Council's net revenue expenditure, General Fund Balance, Housing Revenue Account (HRA), and Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for 2026/27. At quarter one, the Council is projecting an overspend of £3.3 million, with notable pressures in Adult Social Care and Children's Services. The report will also address a supplementary estimate of £42,000 for the upgrade of members' allowances and pension contributions, and note that a previously planned saving related to the grounds maintenance contract will no longer be implemented. The Dedicated Schools Grant is forecasting an in-year deficit of £20.4 million, contributing to a cumulative deficit of £73.3 million by March 2027, primarily due to pressures within the High Needs Block.