The Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss updates on the work of Healthwatch Wokingham Borough, a report on the Minimum Income Guarantee, and performance reports from Optalis. The meeting also included discussions on the Optalis contract renewal and an update on Wokingham's progress as a Marmot Borough.

Update on Healthwatch Wokingham Borough

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the work of Healthwatch Wokingham Borough, an independent champion for people using health and social care services. The report for this item covered the period from 1 June to 24 August 2026, detailing 31 contacts from residents. Key themes included difficulties accessing primary care, communication issues within hospitals, and experiences with urgent and emergency care. The report also highlighted positive feedback received regarding cardiology services at the Royal Berkshire Hospital and the Bracknell Urgent Care Centre. Healthwatch's ongoing projects, such as the Annual Report Community Roadshow, NHS App User Experience Project, and work on racism in care, were also to be discussed.

Minimum Income Guarantee Report

A report was scheduled for discussion regarding the Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) for individuals receiving council-arranged care and support at home. The proposal was to consult on aligning the age at which the council applies the pension-age MIG with the nationally defined State Pension Age. Currently, Wokingham Borough Council applies the pension-age MIG from age 60, which is more generous than the national guidance and the approach taken by most other local authorities. The report outlined that this discretionary approach has not been reviewed since its implementation and creates ongoing financial pressure for the council. The consultation aimed to understand the likely effects on residents and what practical support or mitigation would be most helpful. The report indicated that up to 92 people currently receiving non-residential care and aged approximately 59-66 could potentially be affected. The proposed change was expected to generate additional income for the council of approximately £250,000 per annum.

Optalis Performance Report

The committee was scheduled to receive a performance report on Optalis, a company jointly owned by Wokingham Borough Council and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, which delivers a wide range of Adult Social Care services. The report highlighted strong outcomes from the Supported Employment Service, with a high capacity to support service users and a consistent number of positive outcomes achieved through employment, volunteering, education, or work retention. The report also detailed the status of various care provisions, including Bluebell House and Hollies care homes, Suffolk Lodge residential care home, and Extra Care Housing schemes. Positive occupancy levels were noted across most services, with ongoing refurbishment and improvement works mentioned for facilities like Hollies and Suffolk Lodge. The report also provided updates on Day Services, Loddon Court respite service, and the START reablement service.

Optalis Contract and Shareholders Agreement Renewal 2027

A report was scheduled for consideration regarding the proposed renewal of the Optalis contract and associated Shareholders Agreement from 3 April 2027 for a period of 10 years. Optalis has been the council's Local Authority Trading Company for 15 years, delivering adult social care services. The renewal aims to support service continuity, workforce stability, local market resilience, and ongoing service improvement. The report outlined that Optalis delivers seven CQC-regulated services, all rated 'Good', alongside three unregulated services, including the Supported Employment Service, which has been ranked nationally for supporting people with learning disabilities to gain employment. Optalis acts as the council's preferred provider and provider of last resort, capable of stabilising situations if an independent sector provider fails. The report presented a business case for a direct award to Optalis, estimating the 10-year cost at approximately £152.0 million plus inflation, compared to estimated market provision costs of between £159.6 million and £174.8 million.

Marmot Update

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on Wokingham Borough's progress as a Marmot Borough. This initiative aims to embed a cultural change across the council to improve the health and wellbeing of residents by addressing the conditions in which people live. The update was to include a reminder of the Marmot principles and concepts, Wokingham Borough Council's approach to embedding these principles, actions taken to date, and insights from the Institute of Health Equity regarding inequalities for children and young people. Key findings highlighted significant inequalities in educational attainment for disadvantaged groups, such as Free School Meal (FSM) eligible pupils and those with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). The update was also to outline next steps for embedding these principles further, including piloting an equality impact assessment approach for all council activity and decisions.

Forward Programme

The committee was to consider the forward programme for the remainder of the municipal year. This included scheduled items for future meetings, such as updates on the South Central Ambulance Service, winter pressures, Adult Social Care (ASC) and Public Health Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), the Coroners Service, Royal Berkshire Hospital (RBH) wait lists, and Healthwatch updates. Discussions were also planned on the 0-19 offer reprocurement, Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and health facilities, and reviews of the Learning Disabilities Strategy and Carers Strategy.