The Community and Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 7 September 2026 to discuss several key council programmes and strategies. The committee reviewed proposals for a new Council Housing Acquisition and Investment Programme, considered the draft Employment and Skills Strategy, received an update on Flood Risk Management, and scrutinised the Local Transport Delivery Plan.

Council Housing Acquisition and Investment Programme

The committee reviewed proposals for a £24 million Council Housing Acquisition and Investment Programme, designed to increase the supply of affordable, temporary, and specialist housing within Wokingham Borough. Councillor Prue Bray, Deputy Leader, presented the report, which outlined that the programme aims to deliver between 127 and 165 homes through direct property acquisition and investment in the Council's Local Housing Company. The report highlighted significant pressures on affordable housing, homelessness, and temporary accommodation, with 1,319 households currently registered for affordable housing. The committee resolved to support the use of up to £5.5 million of affordable housing commuted sums to deliver approximately 95 additional homes through the Local Housing Company. Members noted that the programme is ambitious and will require four new posts, which are intended to be capitalised, meaning no additional revenue implications. The committee's comments will be fed through to the Executive for consideration.

Employment and Skills Strategy

Councillor Mark Ashwell presented the draft Wokingham Borough Employment and Skills Strategy 2026-2031. The strategy aims to create a coordinated employment and skills system to support residents and businesses, addressing inequalities and barriers to employment, skills development, and career progression. The report highlighted that while Wokingham Borough has a strong economy, not all residents benefit equally, with issues such as rising economic inactivity among young people and employment and pay inequalities for women. The strategy's vision is A fair, inclusive and future-ready labour market where everyone who wants to work is supported to do so, and every employer can access the skills and talent they need to thrive. Key priorities include Work Opportunities for All, Careers and Learning Opportunities for All, Supporting Young People's Ambitions, and Skills for Business Growth, to be delivered through the proposed ACCESS Hub. Members discussed measures to support young people classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training), including job fairs and social media engagement. The committee noted the Government's Jobs Guarantee scheme and the need for more local data on economically inactive young people. Suggestions were made regarding unpaid roles for work experience and using the Council's procurement process for social value opportunities, which officers agreed to consider further. The committee resolved to note the progress in developing the strategy and agreed that their comments and feedback would inform the final version before submission to the Executive.

Flood Risk Management Update

The committee received an update on the work of the Flood Risk & Drainage team during 2025/26. The report detailed the team's duties as Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) and its maintenance of the highway drainage network. The period from September 2025 to March 2026 saw above-average rainfall, which the team managed, alongside progressing strategic flood alleviation projects. While summer 2026 had seen a reduction in drainage enquiries, another wet winter was anticipated. The report provided updates on flood management resources, the condition of the drainage network, capital drainage schemes, planning application responses related to flooding, and the Section 21 Asset Register. Members highlighted the need for regular updates on local projects and works to keep local residents and Town and Parish Councils informed. It was noted that there had been an increase in capital investment to address flooding and drainage issues. The committee resolved to note the update on flood risk reduction and management of highways drainage in the Borough.

Local Transport Delivery Plan

Councillor Adrian Betteridge introduced the Local Transport Delivery Plan, which outlines strategic challenges and opportunities for the Council's Highways and Transport Services. The plan aligns with the Council's Local Transport Plan (LTP) adopted in 2025 and reflects the wider policy framework, including the Council Plan and Climate Emergency Action Plan. The report detailed changes to Department for Transport (DfT) funding arrangements from April 2026, consolidating grants into a single Integrated Transport Fund, providing greater financial certainty. To access this funding, councils must submit a Local Transport Delivery Plan. The Council had submitted a draft plan in March 2026 and the final version was due by 31 October 2026. The committee was asked to provide feedback before the plan was submitted to the Executive. Members discussed the expiry of current highways maintenance contracts with Volker and WSP in 2029 and the need to determine procurement strategies by June 2027. Questions were raised regarding the reduction in passenger numbers at Winnersh Triangle station, which was attributed to reduced activity at the business park. The committee resolved to support the draft Local Transport Delivery Plan for submission to the Executive and noted the other recommendations in the draft Executive report, including the timeline for new Highways Maintenance and Professional Services contracts.

Work Programme and Action Tracker

The committee resolved that its work programme for 2026-27 be noted and that the 1 October meeting should be cancelled, with the first Budget Scrutiny meeting now scheduled for 4 November. The Action Tracker report was also resolved to be noted.