The Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee met on Wednesday 16 September 2026 to review the council's performance, discuss upcoming challenges, and scrutinise new policies and strategies. Key discussions included the Q1 2026-27 performance report, arrangements for a Corporate Peer Challenge, and the draft Tackling Hardship & Building Resilience Policy. The committee also reviewed the Wokingham Borough Safer Communities Partnership Annual Report and Strategy, considered the Executive Forward Programme, and discussed the committee's work programmes.

Q1 2026-27 Performance Report

The committee scrutinised the corporate performance report for the first quarter of 2026-27. The report indicated sustained performance across most Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) despite significant challenges, including increased demand and the impact of the Local Government Finance Settlement. There were 48 Green KPIs, 15 Amber KPIs, and 4 Red KPIs. Areas flagged as Red included Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Requests, Decent Homes, and Mothers receiving antenatal contact with a health visitor. Actions to address these Red KPIs were outlined, such as targeted communications for ASB hotspots and a stock condition survey for Decent Homes. The report also noted that Public Health data is reported a quarter in arrears due to quality assurance processes.

Corporate Peer Challenge - Overview of Process

The committee received an overview of the upcoming Local Government Association (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge, scheduled for 3-6 November 2026. This peer-led review aims to provide independent challenge and support to the council by examining its leadership, governance, financial management, organisational effectiveness, and capacity for improvement. The process is part of the sector-led improvement framework and assists councils in demonstrating compliance with their Best Value Duty under the Local Government Act 1999. The peer team will consist of experienced councillors and officers from other councils, including a Chief Executive Lead, Political Peers, a Finance Peer, and a Transformation Peer. The findings and recommendations from the challenge will be published and reported to the Executive in early 2027. The committee noted that previous peer challenges had led to a greater focus on pre-scrutiny decision-making and depoliticised scrutiny discussions.

Tackling Hardship & Building Resilience Policy

The committee scrutinised the draft Tackling Hardship and Building Resilience Policy. This policy aims to provide a whole-system, prevention-led response to hardship, recognising that health, wellbeing, and financial security are influenced by broader social, economic, and environmental factors. It aligns with the council's strategic focus on prevention and partnership working, and incorporates the principles of the Marmot approach, which emphasises the building blocks of a healthy life such as safe surroundings, education, good work, accessible transport, and community support. The policy recommends adopting this approach to guide decision-making, service planning, and commissioning, with a strong emphasis on partnership working and early intervention. Delivery will involve a balanced approach across universal action, commissioned services, and strong partnerships. The policy will be embedded within the existing Corporate Prevention and Early Help Programme, with progress reported to the committee. Financial implications are expected to be met from existing budgets.

Wokingham Borough Safer Communities Partnership Annual Report and Strategy

The committee reviewed the Wokingham Borough Safer Communities Partnership (WBSCP) Annual Report for 2025/26 and the draft Strategy for 2026-31. The WBSCP, which became operational on 1 April 2026, integrates the statutory responsibilities of the former Community Safety Partnership and Safeguarding Adults Board. The annual report highlighted a 2.7% decrease in overall crime in Wokingham Borough compared to the previous year, with significant reductions in shoplifting, theft from vehicles, and theft from the person. However, there were slight increases in ASB, Drugs, Robbery, and Shoplifting, though it remains unclear if this is due to increased reporting or criminal activity. The report also detailed successes in tackling prolific shoplifters and encouraging reporting for sexual offences. Challenges included accessing good quality data for strategic needs assessments and a reduction in grant funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner. The draft strategy, developed following extensive public and stakeholder consultation, aims to ensure Wokingham remains one of the safest boroughs by focusing on six key priorities: Antisocial Behaviour and Hate Crime, Safeguarding, Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), Serious Violence and Exploitation, Drug and Alcohol Related Activity, and Online Safety. The committee was asked to approve the strategy, noting that it would then proceed to the Executive and Full Council for final approval.

Consideration of the Current Executive Forward Programme

The committee considered the current Executive Forward Programme, which outlines items scheduled for decision by the Executive. Key items noted for future consideration included the Local Transport Delivery Plan, Optalis Contract renewal, Resident Enquiry System, Children's Sufficiency Strategy, Council Housing Acquisition and Investment Programme, the Wokingham Borough Safer Communities Partnership Strategy, the Sonning Neighbourhood Plan, Health & Safety Annual Report, Tackling Hardship and Building Resilience Policy, Revenue Monitoring, Employment and Skills Strategy, Customer Relationship Management and Telephony Combined Contract, Adult Social Care Local Account, Physical Activity Strategy, Learning Disability Strategy, and Carers Strategy.

O&S Committee Work Programmes

The committee discussed its forward work programme for 2026-27 and those of other Overview and Scrutiny Committees. The Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee's upcoming items include scrutinising the Council Plan Update, Library Strategy, and the Q3 2026/27 Performance Management Report. The Children's Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee's agenda includes updates on Oakbank School, Family Help and Safeguarding, Best Start In Life, Education and SEND, and Schools Causing Concern. The Climate Emergency Overview and Scrutiny Committee will focus on CEAP priorities, renewable energy projects, and flood risk management. The Community and Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee's work programme includes scrutinising the Council Housing Acquisition and Investment Programme, Local Transport Delivery Plan, and the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy. The Action Tracker reports were also noted, summarising progress on previous committee actions.