The Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 8 September 2026 to discuss updates on Healthwatch Wokingham Borough, the Minimum Income Guarantee, and the performance and contract renewal of Optalis. The committee also received an update on Wokingham's progress as a Marmot Borough and reviewed its forward programme.

Update on Healthwatch Wokingham Borough

Alice Kunjappy-Clifton, from Healthwatch Wokingham Borough, presented an update on the organisation's work during July and August. Key concerns raised by residents included difficulties in obtaining GP appointments and blood tests, issues with communication within hospital services, lengthy treatment waiting times, and accessibility challenges for disabled residents attending hospital appointments. Positive feedback was also received regarding services such as Bracknell Urgent Care Centre. Healthwatch's upcoming projects include work on the NHS App, support for male carers, and health literacy among Pakistani and Bangladeshi women. The committee discussed the challenges some residents face with digital platforms and the need to address digital exclusion.

The committee resolved to note the update from Healthwatch Wokingham.

Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG)

Matt Pope, Executive Director for Children, Adults, Housing and Health, presented a report on the proposed changes to the Council's Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG). The committee was informed of a proposal to align the age at which the pension-age MIG is applied with the nationally defined State Pension Age (currently 67), increasing it from the current age of 60. This change, in line with national guidance and most other councils, is intended to ensure consistency and address financial pressures. A public consultation on this proposal had commenced on 17 August and would close on 27 September. Councillors raised concerns about the potential impact on individuals' disposable income and requested clearer illustrations of potential financial scenarios within the consultation materials. Officers acknowledged this and agreed to consider adding examples, while emphasising that exact figures could only be determined through individual financial assessments. The committee also discussed potential mitigation measures and lessons learned from other local authorities. It was noted that the statutory guidance does not permit local authorities to assess spouses or civil partners based on their joint resources. The committee resolved to note the proposal, review the consultation and engagement approach, and provide comments as part of the consultation process, to be considered alongside resident and stakeholder feedback, the Equality Impact Assessment and other evidence before recommendations are made to the Executive in due course.

Optalis Performance and Contract Renewal

Helen Woodland, CEO of Optalis, presented an update on the strategic partnership with Optalis, a company jointly owned by Wokingham Borough Council and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, which delivers a range of adult social care services. The committee welcomed the refurbishment and improvement works at Bluebell House and The Hollies, noting Bluebell House's 'Good' Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating. Discussions also addressed a £1 million overspend in 2025/26, primarily attributed to staffing and agency costs, workforce stabilisation, refurbishment works, and lower occupancy during home improvements. Officers advised that recruitment had strengthened, agency use was reducing, and the financial position was expected to improve. The committee also received an update on the Matthewsgreen Community Centre, noting the move to an improved, accessible environment.

The committee then considered the proposed renewal of the Optalis contract and associated Shareholders Agreement for a further ten years, commencing 3 April 2027. Councillors welcomed the proposal, highlighting the continuity, quality, and security it would provide to residents. The report indicated that continuing with Optalis was estimated to be more cost-effective than procuring equivalent services on the open market.

The committee resolved to note the contribution Optalis makes to Adult Social Care in Wokingham, the areas of positive outcomes for residents set out in this report, and the continuing oversight arrangements in place between WBC and Optalis. The committee also resolved to note the proposed renewal of the Optalis contract and associated Shareholders Agreement from 3 April 2027 for a period of 10 years, subject to the Council's governance and approval process.

Wokingham as a Marmot Borough

The committee received a presentation on Wokingham Borough Council's progress in adopting a Marmot approach to public health and reducing inequalities. It was explained that this approach aims to embed consideration of the wider determinants of health throughout the Council's work, aligning with the Council Plan. The eight Marmot principles provide a framework for reducing unfair differences in health outcomes across the life course, with universal action and proportionate support for those with the greatest need. Councillors noted that while Wokingham's overall life expectancy remains above the national average, significant inequalities exist between communities. The Institute of Health Equity's research highlighted issues such as stigma, transport availability, the need for early intervention, and the impact of high living costs. Examples of the approach being embedded include piloting automatic enrolment for free school meals and incorporating Marmot principles into the Local Plan. The committee was assured that disaggregating data would be used to monitor progress and identify hidden inequalities.

The committee resolved to note the update.

Forward Programme

The committee reviewed its forward programme for the remainder of the municipal year. It was noted that a further update on the Minimum Income Guarantee would be presented at the November meeting. The committee resolved to note the forward programme.